Bass coupling with amp on floor

[MikeNiteRail]

Typically, I use an amp stand. Is there something I can use that will still get me the flat on the floor sound? I use a smallish amp and hear it much better when it is off the groun.

I know FOH things tend to even out as the mic picks up more of the speaker and less of the coupling, but I like the thumb I feel from the coupling (right term?) when I can have the amp on the floor and be tenish feet from the amp.

[lakesider]

Put it on the floor and learn to love it.
You have to literally learn to hear your amp that way.
The plus side is that your amp wont be blowing into any vocal mics and messing up the house sound and the monitors.

[stevel]

Typically, I use an amp stand. Is there something I can use that will still get me the flat on the floor sound? I use a smallish amp and hear it much better when it is off the groun.

I know FOH things tend to even out as the mic picks up more of the speaker and less of the coupling, but I like the thumb I feel from the coupling (right term?) when I can have the amp on the floor and be tenish feet from the amp.

Put it on a wooden box (think "amp riser" like how drummers get a drum riser). Different sizes and construction will give you different resonances though, so a little experimentation would be in order. Empty rack cases would be good starting point.

Steve

[Macaroni]

Put it on the floor and learn to love it.
You have to literally learn to hear your amp that way.

The problem is that it won't sound the same in every venue, due to so many variables, including the stage construction.

You can at least eliminate some of those variables with an Auralex GRAMMA...

http://www.auralex.com/sound_isolation_gramma/sound_isolation_gramma.asp

Then your amp is decoupled from any stage floor resonance, and the major variables will be the room size/shape/etc.

[Bryan T]

Rethink your playing position:

http://thumb11.shutterstock.com.edgesuite.net/display_pic_with_logo/73989/73989,1214086272,1/stock-photo-blonde-babe-in-white-lingerie-kneeling-and-holding-a-blue-guitar-white-background-14031616.jpg

[Guitar Dave T]

I really don't care for the decoupled sound. I've been doing it too long with the amp on the ground and have learned to "hear" it.

For small clubs where stage mix (a lost art) is critical, amps were and still are designed to be placed on the floor.

And even on larger stages where everything is mic'd, the coupled effect is pleasing and helps influence my playing, no matter if I'm the only one who's going to hear it.

[Cpt. Picard]

I imagine you could use a plexi-wall, but slant it out so it could maybe project up to head level?

It would take some tweaking, but if it was tilted enough, there'd be room for the mic, and it might reflect some up to you, and it would still thump at your feet, I imagine...

[MikeNiteRail]

I really don't care for the decoupled sound. I've been doing it too long with the amp on the ground and have learned to "hear" it.

For small clubs where stage mix (a lost art) is critical, amps were and still are designed to be placed on the floor.

And even on larger stages where everything is mic'd, the coupled effect is pleasing and helps influence my playing, no matter if I'm the only one who's going to hear it.

The difficulty I have is when we play a stage that isn't very deep. I am the singer too, so sometimes the amp is between me and the bass drum...and only a foot or so behind me.

[Gnarlly]

Fender "tilt-back" legs are a great solution if you don't mind drilling a couple holes into the side of your amp. I used to use them with a DRRI, and they did a great job of angling the amp towards your ears while maintaining the bass coupling effect.

These days, I just plant the amp squarely on the floor, and get used to hearing less high frequencies. If I am standing about 10' from the cab, it's really not an issue. If standing closer, I might use a little wedge under the front to tilt it up a little bit.

[gainiac]

Get a good wedge. Use it as a sattelite. Now you got a cone aimed at your head and all the coupling you want.

[DeaconBlues]

This is my solution. Simple and effective.


http://www.standback.net/

[FatTeleTom]

+1 on the StandBack. Works great for me.

[mrface2112]

+1 on the StandBack. Works great for me. I'll +1 your +1. I use one with my 10/12 cabinet and it does a great job.


cheers,
wade

[Bstring]

I really don't care for the decoupled sound. I've been doing it too long with the amp on the ground and have learned to "hear" it.

For small clubs where stage mix (a lost art) is critical, amps were and still are designed to be placed on the floor.

And even on larger stages where everything is mic'd, the coupled effect is pleasing and helps influence my playing, no matter if I'm the only one who's going to hear it.

Thank goodness someone else thinks the way I do. I love the way my amp sounds on the floor. I have tried several times with on amp stands, kicked back, on tables/chairs and just didn't like the way it interacted with the guitar up there.

[MikeNiteRail]

So I can tilt the amp back so long as part of the cab is touching the floor and still get the coupling?

I've started putting the amp on the floor further behind me, and that has worked great. However, I have a gig coming up with a stage that puts the amp directly behind me. I am thinking of tilting it back.

[Brim]

I use an Auralex GRAMMA pad with my bass rig. It really helps with the hollow stage my church built. We're going to IEM soon so I won't be needing it much...:)

[Crazyquilt]

Since the OP wants the bass coupling effect, the Standback would not be a good solution to his situation. (I have 2, and use them regularly.) Same with the Gramma.

However, for a small solution which will allow you some flexibility in regards to resonance, you might try an Ampwedge (http://www.ampwedge.com/).

http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/regular/6/5/6/251656.jpg

In my experience, it reduces floor resonance, but does not eliminate it, but it also gives you more direct sound from the speaker(s).

[Guitar Dave T]

So I can tilt the amp back so long as part of the cab is touching the floor and still get the coupling?

I've started putting the amp on the floor further behind me, and that has worked great. However, I have a gig coming up with a stage that puts the amp directly behind me. I am thinking of tilting it back.

You maintain some, but not as much, as you raise the speaker and reduce the amount of area where the cabinet connects with the floor.

[DeaconBlues]

You maintain some, but not as much, as you raise the speaker and reduce the amount of area where the cabinet connects with the floor.

Makes sense. Maybe the wedge would work better for a more "coupled" sound.