Bass Amps

Impedance is something that can make or break your amp- literally! Even a general understanding of it can be a real lifesaver. This article will cover the basics of impedance and how it applies to your bass heads and speaker cabinets, specifically with matching them together.

Even the most experienced musicians forget essential parts of their rig from time to time. A drummer I know forgot his drum sticks at an out of town gig, and I myself have showed up to play at a local show having forgotten to bring my bass amp head (I had to use a DI that night)! It’s something that happens to the best of us. Fortunately, if there are other bands on the lineup or a helpful soundman, they may be obliged to help you out lending you the item you forgot, especially if it is something like a cable.

If you aren’t getting the bass sound you want, you may immediately consider investing in some new pedals, a new bass, or even a new amp. But before you do that, spend some time adjusting your equalization. Understanding how each of your amp’s equalization controls affects your bass tone can help you achieve a sound that sits perfectly in any stage or studio (and it’s free)!

Compression is an often-overlooked effect that can make your bass sound better than ever if you use it correctly. Understanding how it works will be of great use on stage and in the studio!

A good solid footswitch is the unsung hero of a guitar or bass rig. While it may not be part of the glamorous backdrop of glowing power tubes and pilot lights upstage, adding a footswitch to your rig will help you take full advantage of the versatility of your Carvin Audio amplifier.

Many of today's bass amplifiers, including Carvin Audio's B Series, come with the added flexibility of a PRE/POST EQ option. While often overlooked, this simple switch can make a notable difference in how your bass rig sounds onstage.

When the time comes for your band to hit the road for a couple of weeks or months, you’ve all worked on sounding your best. You’ve put in the time at practice, working on the set and making sure everything goes smoothly. You’ve turned knobs on your equipment and tried different settings, making sure that everything is dialed in. Hopefully, you’ve also made sure that all your equipment not only works as it should, but will hold up to the rigors of the road (and fit in the van!) It can be difficult to find gear that meets all these requirements, and if you’re a bass player, chances are you’ve sat there and pondered which cabinet could fit the bill.

Ask any bassist what the worst part about playing bass is, and chances are most will tell you that it’s moving their bass rig around. That, or being underappreciated. But let’s face it, bass amps and speakers have a reputation for being heavy, cumbersome, and a mission to move.

Music is all about expression, from the style of music you play to which gear you choose to play it. Even what you wear and how you or your band’s stage setup looks contributes to your overall identity as a musician and performer and helps the audience connect with you. This is important because while live music fans want to be entertained, many also want to feel that the musicians playing the music they are listening to are interesting, funny, or unique in some way. A good live show is not only entertaining and fun, but caters to both sight and sound. People say they are going to go see a band play a show, not that they are going to go listen to a band!

Once you’ve finally acquired that perfect power amp, bass amp, wireless system, or power conditioner, the next step is to invest in a quality road case to get it to and from the gig in one piece. Compared to studio equipment, stage equipment is subject to constant bumps and scratches as it is moved around, so it is essential to have a case that’s right for the job. Not only will the proper road case protect your investment, but it will allow you to house and transport your equipment a lot more easily and make you look and feel more professional doing so.

Knowing how to properly set your bass amp’s gain staging is critical to achieving the best possible bass sound for your style and your band. With a little practice and a good ear, you can dial in a sweet bass sound with any amp, on any stage.