Small vs. big amps - where to use them?

Bensnake · Post by **Bensnake** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 8:48 pm

People often seem to think that small lunchbox amps are more suitable for home use while the full sized heads primarely are for live gigs. I take the opposite view. Live, where you can mic the amp up and have a good stage sound, you really don't need a beast of an amp. The sound engineer is often happy when you don't try to blow him (and your band mates) away with 120dB from your amp. Of course there's something special having your amp at rehearsal volume even on stage but not really necessary IMO.

Same thing goes with cabs. A 212 is often more than enough and those of you who have baxed a 412 around for a while know exactly what I'm talking about though it's a cool thing to have in your man cave and/or the rehearsal studio (as long as you don't have to move it...

).

So, what say you? And please vote.

Ronnie Robinson · Post by **Ronnie Robinson** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:13 pm

I think it depends on the size of venue and IF the guitars are miked or not.

It also depends on the head room you need from your amp, but yes a valve amp pumping sounds better than a valve amp ticking over

Bensnake · Post by **Bensnake** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:50 pm

Of course you're right. Then there's the "coolness factor"... It always looks awesome with a fat rig on stage...

Ronnie Robinson · Post by **Ronnie Robinson** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 10:13 pm

Yep your right, a big rig looks really cool! , sexy and makes you look like your a serious 'muso'!

Turning up with a toaster doesn't quite look the same!

Spaceboy1 · Post by **Spaceboy1** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 10:13 pm

I always bring a large amplifier, because I often play in basements, living rooms, warehouses, etc. I play hardcore punk and indie rock, close-knit DIY communities that don't always book at venues with adequate house systems. I don't work to please the sound engineer, I'm there to perform, and they are there to translate my performance to the audience no matter what I've decided to roll in with.

On the other hand, my Tiny Terror is my most played and recorded amplifier, and if I'm doing a one-off show at a larger venue, I'll gladly bring it along because it's so portable.

Bensnake · Post by **Bensnake** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 10:16 pm

Spaceboy1 wrote:I always bring a large amplifier, because I often play in basements, living rooms, warehouses, etc. I play hardcore punk and indie rock, close-knit DIY communities that don't always book at venues with adequate house systems. I don't work to please the sound engineer, I'm there to perform, and they are there to translate my performance to the audience no matter what I've decided to roll in with.

On the other hand, my Tiny Terror is my most played and recorded amplifier, and if I'm doing a one-off show at a larger venue, I'll gladly bring it along because it's so portable.

So big amps all the way then...

Edit; didn't see your last sentence.

Les Paul Lover · Post by **Les Paul Lover** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 11:46 pm

It varies really. I practice with both my AD15 and my RV50.
Must say I usually practice with my band on the AD15, as it's more controlable in my kitchen (our practice space until kid #2 needs his/her bedroom. (bedroom above kitchen)

I play with both my RV50 and AD15 at home though, and both are equally good outside. The RV50 sounds REALLY good at any volume from singing along volume, such an easy amp to work with.

And with reverb on board, all I really need is a boost and perhaps a fuzz. With the AD15 I seem to be needing 100s of pedals.......

misterfolkertsma · Post by **misterfolkertsma** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 12:37 am

Strange, I can't seem to cast a vote. But for me the situation has been turning into amps for rehearsals and live, and just the iPad at home. Lately the only reason to turn on an amp at home has been to record something.

And when live, I love a big backline. I 'only' own a combo and a 2x12, but eventually looking to add to the backline and bi-amp with a higher-wattage amp. In my dreams it looks like... a 1x12 combo sitting on a 1x15 cab + a head sitting on a 2x12 and 1x15. Yeah I know it's a bit rediculous. OFCOURSE I wouldn't show up to a small pub-gig with all that, but still more than say a toaster on top of a 1x12.

Post by **bclaire** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 1:11 am

What do you consider a "small" amp? I was going to take the survey but for me a "small" amp is my AD30TC and a "big" amp is my AD140TC as a half stack or full stack. As much as I like amps like the Tiny Terror's and AD15's, I don't really consider them when I think of live sound....

ironlung40 · Post by **ironlung40** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 1:51 am

I saw a guy play an epiphone valve jr 5 watter on a stage along side an OD120 the band was Defense Wins Championships and the venue was the Exit/In in Nashville TN....

That changed my opinion of how big an amp needed to be as the little 5 watter sounded good....

But for me, I need headroom as I like to clean up my playing with my guitar volume and not loose a terrible amount of volume...the smallest amp I would play out would be a 30 watter for that reason alone...I don't need bell clean but I need to feel it a bit with some range....if not for that I would only ever play my TT...that amp is as much fun to transport as it is to play....

I should get a dual terror.

S&m freddy · Post by **S&m freddy** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 2:50 am

I play the 'toilet' circuit as a covers band most weekends.... there is never a house PA or miked up back line...so it's a big rig for live and and small rig for band rehearsals for me

Gladmarr · Post by **Gladmarr** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 5:25 am

I say big amps all the way, but I have the luxury of living next to a methlab, so I don't get any guff from the neighbors when I crank up. Also, any sound guy who whines about not being able to deal with your amp is a baby and a rank amateur. I'm not showing up to a serious gig with this thing and expecting to be taken seriously.

....seriously.

Bensnake · Post by **Bensnake** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 7:02 am

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 9:44 am

....need a " medium sized" option!!!...cause I really don't consider the rv50 as large and it's def. not going in the same category as a lunchbox....same goes with my 212!!!

At home now a days it's usually just orange through a computer program and headphones seeing that the only time left over for practice is when everyone's gone too bed.

Bensnake · Post by **Bensnake** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 10:41 am

Too many options...

I thought maybe 30W or less and a "compact" sized 212 or smaller should be considered as small amp/cab. So your RV50/PPC212 belong among the big.