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Cheap, portable amp with line out/DI for feedback


MagentaGiant23
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I play bass regularly in my church among other settings.
I've been a bass player for about 5-6 years now, and am loving it. I bought my first bass for £10 in a local newspaper ad and immediately couldn't stop playing. My only bass amp I've ever owned however, was given to me for free, a B.B. blaster BB10b, which while does the basic job of making me louder, is terrible.

I need a new amp, of similar size, not too loud, because fundamentally it's a bedroom practice amp. I'm a student so budget is hugely important. It's not fixed, but under £100 is preferable. If it's worth it then I'll save up longer though. The size also matters because I'll travel with it to various bits and will take it on the train with me.

The amp must have a direct input or line out function so that the amp can be plugged straight into PA. My main playing outside of practice happens in my church. Currently I go in through a DI box. When playing though, my tones can become very muddled with the other musicians and with other voices and I can barely hear myself. The idea is that an amp with DI or line out can still go into the PA to be put through the main speakers, but can serve as a dedicated bass feedback monitor. Currently only the one general feedback monitor exists for all band members

Help and suggestions?

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I would suggest a used Hartke Kickback 12 - they are small, relatively light, have a DI out, and can be found for under £100 used.

I had one for over a year and it worked great for rehearsals and small gigs (particularly with a little PA support).

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The Hartke is a great option , but i'm going to let the cat among the pigeons and suggest this , [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bass-Amp-Behringer-Ultrabass-BX1200-/111829904101?hash=item1a0994eae5:g:2SgAAOSw8-tWUK-F"]http://www.ebay.co.u...SgAAOSw8-tWUK-F[/url] .

This is Behringers somewhat naughty copy of the hartke kickback design ... it didn't last ,long as I imagine they got themselves sued , I've owned one for 10 years and they sound just as good as the Hartke its pretending to be ... very punchy and clean . Mines been my living room practice amp that doubles as a powered floor monitor for live use.

They are relatively unknown and often go stupidly cheap on ebay and are rated for 120 watt 's, which is plenty for what you are going to need and as my long suffering better half would say. Way way louder than it should be for a terrace house ....

Small gig usable especially with its DI and Preamp Bypass even has a useful headphone jack for midnight noodling .
Just don't expect it to compete with an 4 X10 and head which its not ... the downside is ... its a bit weighty.

full spec's here [url="http://origin.behringer.com/EN/Products/BX1200.aspx"]http://origin.behrin...cts/BX1200.aspx[/url]

P.S please SOMEONE buy it to save me from driving to slough and getting another ... im sorely tempted on that advert.

edit ..." spelling cleanup "

Edited by synthaside
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[quote name='synthaside' timestamp='1448277542' post='2914041']
The Hartke is a great option , but i'm going to let the cat among the pigeons and suggest this , [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bass-Amp-Behringer-Ultrabass-BX1200-/111829904101?hash=item1a0994eae5:g:2SgAAOSw8-tWUK-F"]http://www.ebay.co.u...SgAAOSw8-tWUK-F[/url] .
[/quote]

Ha, I actually owned one exactly like that several years ago, I agree they are pretty decent for the price despite the reputation. I bought mine new, and the first one failed after a few weeks, but the replacement lasted several years of jamming and even abuse as an occasional stage monitor before I sold it (for about £50 IIRC).

The Hartke is about the same size, and a similar weight, which is either pretty light for a very cheap combo, or heavy (compared to expensive neo cabs/combos) depending on your perspective. Compared to the old Peavey combos I'd used before both were pretty portable.

Strangely, the Hartke model has a little more headroom IME, despite the same power rating.

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[quote name='synthaside' timestamp='1448277542' post='2914041']


P.S please SOMEONE buy it to save me from driving to slough and getting another ... im sorely tempted on that advert.

[/quote]

I'm quite tempted myself, Slough isn't too far away and I could use a back-up amp....

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