Best Home Studio Bass Amp [Archive]

gi doc

05-14-2007, 10:44 PM

PB+J

05-15-2007, 08:36 AM

Most of the time when I've been recorded playing bass I go direct

The classic bass amp for recording is the ampeg B-15. Great, great tone, but very old school. SWR was the main choice in the 80s--they have kind of a cold, crispy sound to me but they're great if you like that mid scoop, clean tone.

I'd get an Epifani combo--one of the UL series
http://www.epifani.com/products/combos

I have an epifani ul 110 cab and it's the greatest cab I've ever played through--a tone that manages to be hi-fi without sounding cold or sterile. Epifani heads are great too. They aren't cheap, but you'll get a great sound. If you want a more old school tone, get the 1x15; for more modern sounds get the 2x10 or the compromise, the 1x12

You could also look at Euphonic Audio--they make very highly regarded stuff. I find them kind of over-complicated

brad347

05-15-2007, 08:47 AM

+1 Ampeg B15 Portaflex.

Denyle_Guitars

05-15-2007, 09:30 AM

The B15 is a studio staple but in this case, I'd look elsewhere. It's not versatile and can't be used effectively in a live band situation, even a 30 watt guitar amp will drown out a B15. I'd look at small tube/ss hybrid combos from any decent company, ie, Eden , Epifani, Euphonic and so on.

tedzepplin

05-15-2007, 09:45 AM

For recording I love my Fender Musicmaster bass amp. But at 12 watts - two 6v6 tubes, It won't be loud enough for a drummer louder than a hotel lobby jazz/blues band.
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/7905/musicmasterbass898aa4.jpg
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/2933/musicmasterbass987mk8.jpg

thunderbroom

05-15-2007, 10:31 AM

If money is no object then i don't see why you cant have two or even three amps. The ampeg b15n is a tone monster but not quite loud enough to keep up with anything guitar wise over 15 watts in live situation.

The original swr baby blue with 2x8"s is a great clean clear recording amp with out the swr sizle or scoop.

For live pickup a bergantino ip series cab and a millennia td1 or their all in one recording channel rack. those you could use in the studio as well.

If it was me i'd already have 3 b15's. then i'd also have my divided by 13 TBL200 for live. so i'd only need a modern seinfield intro amp so i'd get a bergantino ip112 and pair it with a passive berg 112

mainsale

05-15-2007, 10:40 AM

another vote for the fabled vintage Ampeg B-15-N. They are loud enough for recording. Heck, back in the 60's lots and lots of bands used them in live club gigs and they did just fine. Get an extension cabinet if you need more volume, like the current Ampeg B-15R/15E.

:BluesBros

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/Mainsale/B-15-NWEB.jpg

agreatheight

05-15-2007, 10:51 AM

I suggest direct recording for bass 9 1/2 times out of 10. Lot's of good high end DIs out there, I use the Avalon U5 - highly recommended. I get lots of compliments with the bass sounds I track (and I am primarily a bass player). I am happy to mic and amp when needed, but unless a player is very attached to their amp sound (rather than their bass sound) it's usually not necessary, and it adds a lot of work on both the front end (set up for tracking) and on the back end (mixing). Amp sound versus bass sound? Think of it this way - if you want to hear a jazz bass, direct will get you there. If you want to hear a pushed tubes adding grind, a mic is a necessity.

Now, as for recording amps for bass, as mentioned the Ampeg B15 (great classic style tones) and the SWR Redhead (awesome clean 80s/modern tones) are good choices, but neither are great choices for live use (both are somewhat low powered). If I had to choose between the two I'd get the SWR for recording; it's probably better for live too. But for recording, I'd also love to get a monster tube head (Ampeg SVT, maybe an Orange or Aguilar) and an 8x10 to get nice overdrive tones. But I digress.

Even with money being no option, I'd still suggest getting a nice DI and also get an amp for live.

Best of luck!

TravisE

05-15-2007, 10:59 AM

The B-15 is THE ONE!

However, I usually use an old 1x10 Gibson tube amp...an Explorer. For home recording, I don't need the volume and you still get a killer tone on tape. In fact, I had a friend call me after he heard a song that I recorded. After I told him that I was using an old EB-0 through that amp he said "do you have any idea the kind of money people are paying to get that tone?". I thought that was a pretty good indication that the tone was decent. :D

John Phillips

05-15-2007, 11:39 AM

Look for an older Trace Elliot (MkV or Series 6 are the best IMO), you don't need a lot of power so even an AH150 (or the equivalent 1x15" combo) will do. They're not very rare, or expensive, but they have an extremely powerful graphic EQ which makes them very versatile (look for one with the 11-band version rather than the 7), and up to Series 6 they had a really nice transformer-balanced DI output which works very well in the studio. They're loud enough and reliable for gigging too, although there is a small known fault with the connector on the back of the preamp - but easily fixed (even at a gig!). I've been using various examples since the mid 90s, and I'll probably always keep one around somewhere if only as a spare or for places I don't really want to take my 155lb, 400W all-tube V8 stack.

They also make a perfectly good small-PA power amp, too :).

Denyle_Guitars

05-15-2007, 12:49 PM

I had an AH200/SM7 years ago. It certainly had a "sound" and I never really bonded with it. I remember the DI being rather flat and noisy but like I said, it was years ago and I had some pretty crappy recording gear back then.

The SWR Baby Blue suggestion is a great one. I'd go so far as to say it's the best bass amp (of it's size) ever made.

If you can gig with a B-15, more power to you. I tried it once and was immediately frustrated. I bought my SWR redhead 2x10 for that very reason. I've tried using the DI on the SWR and found it uninspiring. I'd just assume plug my bass into an API preamp instead.

FWIW, my secret weapon for bass is an EMG "The Box." A little black box filled with all of EMG's various preamps, presumably meant to be a dealer sample device. I don't why I even mention it since you'd be hard pressed to find one.

If you simply must have a B-15 (and you should), you can try a more efficient speaker like an Emi Delta or Kappa Pro. If that doesn't cut it live, you can use the cabinet with a more powerful head. Mount it to a piece of 3/4" plywood cut to fit the flip-top hole.

jokerjkny

05-15-2007, 11:44 PM

i like the B-15 idea, but i'm also partial to george alessandro's take w/ his basset hound. has that B-15 fatness, with a hifi edge.

another idea is the sadowsky SA200. gorgeous heady mix of thick meatie tube fatness w/ again that hifi edge. its gain knob also allows some killer overdriven bass tones.

http://www.alessandro-products.com/amp-basset.html
http://www.sadowsky.com/audio/SA200.html

Thor

05-16-2007, 03:49 AM

Well, if price is really not an issue, a few more hours in the endo suite could get you: http://www.glockenklang.de/en/products/products_bass.htm

http://www.demeteramps.com/

http://www.aguilaramp.com/

Happy hunting, and please make sure to post some pics of the "studio tour" when you are done.

Cheers,

Edward

gi doc

05-16-2007, 06:11 PM

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I guess I've got a little homework to do now. Keep the ideas coming!

Jim S

05-19-2007, 06:49 PM

another idea is the sadowsky SA200. gorgeous heady mix of thick meatie tube fatness w/ again that hifi edge. its gain knob also allows some killer overdriven bass tones.

http://www.sadowsky.com/audio/SA200.html

+ 1

or simply a decent DI.

My Kern IP 777 pre has a Jensen transformer for the DI and the recorded tone is to die for.

Ishouldbeking

05-19-2007, 09:02 PM

I know they're kind of cheesy, but a ton of people are using line 6 bass pods for recording these days. They definitely work better for recording than live use...

jokerjkny

05-19-2007, 10:56 PM

I know they're kind of cheesy, but a ton of people are using line 6 bass pods for recording these days. They definitely work better for recording than live use...

despite alot of gents really loving theirs and admittedly while great for a compressed "pop record" kinda sound, i'm still not sold.

poorboy

04-08-2008, 08:20 PM

Ampeg B-15N.
Just run it thru the house.

testing1two

04-09-2008, 01:08 AM

I love the sound of B-15's but gigging with them is tough as they are heavy and kinda fragile. The reissues don't capture the magic of the old ones IMHO and I'm not sure how cool I am with "modern refinements" (the different power section and the tweeter), but at least they have a built in DI.

Currently, I"m using the Bergantino IP112/HT112 with the Millennia TD-1 preamp. It's a pricey rig, but it's so incredibly honest and really friggin' loud, and it may very well be the best DI I've ever used or even heard. This rig will stay with me forever regardless of many other bass amps I own in this lifetime.

I still like the SWR Super Redhead as well. The DI is clean and quiet and you can always add an extension cab for gigs (I've always liked the 1x15 + 2x10 sound). The SWR sound is very usable IMHO.

I never got to touch one of the Sadowsky SA200's before they went out of production, but I can only imagine the tubey goodness. Also tragic, all Ampeg's are made overseas now and the B-15R is discontinued as well.

Brian Scherzer

04-09-2008, 05:02 PM

I use an EA i500, which has more tone-shaping capability than any bass amp has a right to have. It weighs all of 13 lbs for the 500 watts (4 ohm) it outputs. Another possibility is to use a preamp/DI with a power amp. Alembic makes a nice preamp, though pricey.

skylabfilmpop

04-10-2008, 05:32 AM

I love my 68 guild Thunderbass! It sounds like an SVT at B15 volumes. A decent 50-100watt guitar amp should get you there too, especially if more vintage tones are it for you eg Fender Showman, Blackfaced Bassman, Marshall JMP (no master volume). If you feel like spending some money get one of the divided by 13 bass amps. Fred can probably even wrangle a half power mode in for you to get different setting for Gigs/ studio

cram

04-10-2008, 07:04 AM

+1 Ampeg B15 Portaflex.

we just rehearsed for the first time with the bassist using this. it has a 45degree cut out in the lower back so you can tilt it on edge.. anyway, I picked up the bass before he arrived and had the thing up loud and it sounded great. he didn't even need to have it at that level for our rehearsal. it filled the room nicely.

got it for steal for christmas from GC. across the street at daddy's they had it for $90 more.

Cosmic

04-10-2008, 03:57 PM

Studio and small gigs? Hmmmm....

Try an Eden Wt405. It is small and portable. It has plenty of power for a small gig. As well, the DI on it is excellent. The amp itself uses a gold ear chip found in many high end recording desks.

it think it would be a great studio/small gig amp. In fact, I plan on getting one myself for a back-up to my 800 and to use for a quick grab-and-go head.

armlock11

04-11-2008, 04:00 AM

FWIW I play thru a coupla Ashdowns: at one studio/rehearsal space they have the ABM evo 500 thru a 4-10 cab, and at home i have an Ashdown AMB 300 / 2-10 combo, .. I like the tone and versatility of these amps

dougb415

04-24-2008, 03:18 PM

See my sig for my Eden bass studio gear.

Robal

04-24-2008, 03:28 PM

The original SWR Baby Blue was like a self-powered studio monitor tweaked for bass. It does not use the fizzy piezo driver, but rather a small cone driver for the high end that sounds a lot more natural. The original ones had Bag End speakers. IMHO, it was the best bass combo amp SWR ever made for studio recording and is wonderfull as a keyboard amp too. Not super loud, however, because of the smaller size of the bass speakers. I have a pair with extension cabinets that I will never sell. Not easy to find. The more recent Fender/SWR Baby Blue is not the same animal.

mcuguitar

04-25-2008, 01:27 AM

Baby Blues were awesome little amps in the day...great SWR sound. I wish I had one! I do have a sweet little (ahem) 300 watt Trace Elliot combo in my studio...NO PROBLEMO with headroom.

mcuguitar

04-25-2008, 01:29 AM

Oh yeah...Edens sound so sweet, but they do seem to break down quite often...as long as you know that going in..cool. Early British Ashdown really rocks the house too.

alschnier

04-25-2008, 04:52 AM

ampeg fliptop. best ever. I have an old b18 that never fails.

gtr777

04-25-2008, 11:12 AM

If your just recording check out the RBI by san amp. great tones direct.

stump

04-25-2008, 07:21 PM

Check these out. They sound great and are flexible. The Bass player in my friend's band has one. http://www.genzbenz.com/?fa=detail&mid=2260&sid=610&cid=95

GuitarTone

04-26-2008, 01:58 AM

Home studio bass amp...?

The Pod or the Pod XT Bass.

Alpha Audio Works

04-26-2008, 01:24 PM

I'm more a guitar and keyboard player by heart, but I'm gradually setting up a nice home studio that will include a bass guitar setup. I already have a large amount of boutique guitar gear as well as keyboards, drums, etc. I have a few vintage Fender basses as well as a nice Carvin bass. I'm looking for a very good...very versatile...bass amp mainly for home studio work, but also must be powerful enough to handle small venues over a drum kit. Price is not really an issue. I know very little about bass amps and need some help. Thanks,

The B15 is a VERY good sounding amp! Great finger tone. LOVE my fretless through it. I would NOT call that amp versitile though. If you slap at all you may find that tube amps can clip and compress for a not so typical slap tone. Not to mention the lack of a horn for that shimmering new string 'ting'. You may want to look at the Eden 'gold series' stuff. The WT550 sounds awesome! Very versitile and a lot warmer than SWR stuff. WT550 mates up well with their D112xlt8 for small, loud and full sounding bass rig. Nice DI on the amp too! I found I've gotten some of my best bass tones recorded with a mic on the cab and blended with a direct line from the bass or head. Fun, fun, fun!

Cosmic

04-27-2008, 11:13 AM

Oh yeah...Edens sound so sweet, but they do seem to break down quite often...as long as you know that going in..cool. Early British Ashdown really rocks the house too.

Where do you get that? I have the opposite experience with my Eden. And a lot of pros I have talked to do not have that experience at all. If anything, Eden's are pretty much bullet proof.

Bassomatic

04-29-2008, 09:55 AM

+1 Ampeg B15 Portaflex.

Ditto. It'll add the mid hair your clean DI won't deliver (though I wouldn't use it w/o a good DI supp for deep, clean bass.

Guy from Idaho

04-29-2008, 04:50 PM

Oh yeah...Edens sound so sweet, but they do seem to break down quite often...as long as you know that going in..cool. Early British Ashdown really rocks the house too.

huh?? :confused: I've owned 3 Eden amps over the past ten years or so, never so much as a hiccup from any of 'em. Never heard that anywhere else before either... GFI

bbocaner

04-29-2008, 07:49 PM

Currently, I"m using the Bergantino IP112/HT112 with the Millennia TD-1 preamp. It's a pricey rig, but it's so incredibly honest and really friggin' loud, and it may very well be the best DI I've ever used or even heard. This rig will stay with me forever regardless of many other bass amps I own in this lifetime.

NICE! I love my TD-1, the EQ is awesome. I'll bet it works great with the berg IP.

PUCKBOY99

05-03-2008, 05:58 PM

Well, I've got a Glockenklang Soul head that is just PHENOMINAL...DI & top shelf EQ.....But have you tried or thought about the SansAmp line?

The RPM & RBI are fantastic versatile pieces & the PSA-1, although thought of as more a guitar preamp, has 10 great bass patches built in that can be easily be tweaked.

All 3 are 1U rack pieces & feather light, so no monstrous weighty pieces, but they pack a whallop !!!!

jefesq

08-09-2008, 07:12 PM

Baby Blue on the
http://cgi.ebay.com/Legendary-SWR-Baby-Blue-Combo-Amplifier-with-Manual_W0QQitemZ360076490987QQihZ023QQcategoryZ643 97QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

fendernazi

08-11-2008, 10:39 AM

The Golden Boy

08-11-2008, 02:20 PM

Everyone wants to default to the well known stuff and that is sad. The best amp for bass or keyboards live or in the studio is a Thunderfunk TFB 750. If none of know what that is....you should do yourselves a favor and get educated. A Thunderfunk will blow any amp away in tone, use, and all around being the most electronically quite amp ever made. Check into them and you won't be sorry.

I wouldn't call that "sad." I would call it answering the original poster's question. User specifically asked about an amp for a home studio. While I do like having lots of power on tap- I also understand that there's restraints- noise wise and probably financially.

Also, the TF amp is based around a relatively unsuccessful AMP and Gibson design, and despite the TF love on TB the amp didn't meet my needs for an amp.

TRW

08-16-2008, 10:11 PM

TRW

08-16-2008, 10:13 PM

This isn't out yet but interesting:
http://www.petesplaceaudio.com/b_reddi.html

-T

Kitsapbass

08-17-2008, 07:12 PM

How come there isn't anyone making a new boutique or non-boutique version of a small wattage all-tube bass amp like the B15? Especially when you can get clones of nearly every decent guitar amp known to man...

The'd sell to recording guys I'm sure. I can't find a nice used B15 here in the UK but would like one eventually.

-T

The Alessandro Bassett Hound is an awesome studio amp...only 60 watts though (and it's a head), but it sounds absolutely incredible. As far as I know, that is probably the closest thing to a boutique B-15 head that you can buy off the shelf...

LowWatt

08-17-2008, 09:36 PM

Get a Hiwatt guitar amp. It makes one of the best recorded bass sounds of all time (think John Entwhistle on many a Who album), it's indestructable, it will only go up in value, you can use it with your guitar for brilliant clean tones, and it even sounds bad-assed with a keyboard going into it (particularly if it is a nice analog synth).

James Dawson

08-17-2008, 11:33 PM

I have heard great things about the Amped SVT pre, now discontinued, but have never heard one.

Here's one on ebay (no affiliation with the seller)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ampeg-SVP-PRO-Tube-Bass-Pre-Amp_W0QQitemZ260276303363QQihZ016QQcategoryZ64397Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

TRW

08-18-2008, 10:50 AM

The Alessandro Bassett Hound is an awesome studio amp...only 60 watts though (and it's a head), but it sounds absolutely incredible. As far as I know, that is probably the closest thing to a boutique B-15 head that you can buy off the shelf...

Thanks, looks nice, but a little pricey for me. However I bet it's nice...

Whats with the $50,000 solid gold chassis option? Does anyone really want that?

Fingers crossed for the B-Reddi.

gi doc

10-10-2008, 06:25 AM

Hearing good things about the Markbass LMII and the Bergantino AE410 setup........anyone had any experience with this??

mrface2112

10-10-2008, 10:07 AM

In the studio, it's hard to beat a good bass and a Countryman DI. I've got an '83 PBass (maple board) with EMGs and it records beautifully. The Sansamp RBI is fantastic as well.

If you're a computer guy, you might want to look into the Ampeg SVX plugin--lots of usable sounds in that thing. For some reason that plugin on bass sounds a LOT better than something like Amplitube does on guitar.

cheers,
wade