I have not looked at power amps for 5-6 years. All of the usual suspects: crown, qsc, Yamaha have "new" models since I last look. I am currently looking for a power amp for my live bass rig: POD - Power Amp - Cabinet. I'm trying to go light weight. I'd like the power amp to be good for PA if I decided to rearrange things. I'm still shopping for a cabinet, but I'll probably go Schroeder or Bergantino. Whose power amps should I look at?
Comments
For the $$$, the QCS RMX1450 has been a great performer. I use t
For the $$$, the QCS RMX1450 has been a great performer. I use these with my smaller portable rig (PAS coaxials and McGauley subs) and they pump hard and don't drop on me. Tight bass pushing the subs without overheating, clean top end vocal clarity. These replaced a Yamaha P2200 monster (still have it, now it's on my 4410 studio monitors) and some Ashly boat anchors (great amps, as long as you don't have to MOVE them!). Now I don't need a winch to get the amp rack up on the truck!
I have a close friend with the PLX. Its the big one. 1000 watts
I have a close friend with the PLX. Its the big one. 1000 watts plus....Cities need lights.
Its great and hes a bass player. I think hes using the SWR Interstellar Overdrive pre on it now although hes been known to stick the Alembic in front of it now and again.
Its all you'll ever need and it weighs zilch.
The QSC PLX series or Crown XTi series would have plenty of powe
The QSC PLX series or Crown XTi series would have plenty of power to deliver bass and not kill your back or your wallet.
If you're looking for something boutique (lightweight amps and cabs) find someplace you can listen to a [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.philjone…"]Phil Jones Pure Sound[/]="http://www.philjone…"]Phil Jones Pure Sound[/] bass rig. Bring somebody along to scrape your jaw off the floor.
Hi Bob, I toured for 18 years. Similar as you though as I have
Hi Bob,
I toured for 18 years. Similar as you though as I have been out of live work for some time now so I'm not up on whats happening for PA power..
Crown came out on top for bass, low damping factor. They are killer. You can weld with these lol.
Bryston is a another and you could use that Bryston in the studio (good investment). I sold mine and have always regretted this.
QSC are work horses, priced well. The fans are loud but very solid and powerful PA amps. A lot of Rock bands use them here.
Yamaha are reliable, had friends that used them and they loved them. I never because they were too big.That was then...
Carver professional amps are really nice. I used 3 of them for 5 years running front loaded JBL 18's. They were beautiful. They have a limiter for bass so you never blow your expensive speakers and heat sensing fans that kick in when they are in demand. They are quite when you need them for the softer venues. Good damping below 500. I loved them.