Anyone else just plug into the PA?

[adam2180]

I am new to DB though I have been playing and performing for years. I have always played acoustic instruments and have never used amps. I (and whoever I am playing with) just use a decent pre-amp and plug directly into the PA. Is this the norm with DB as well?

Edited February 3, 2013 by adam2180

[fatback]

Plenty folks are very happy with that, although obviously the PA needs to be able to handle bass. We tend to have just a vocal PA that can manage guitar ok but would struggle with bass I think.

Monitoring is the big question though. It's nice to have control over that with your own backline.

[adam2180]

Monitors are never a problem, as we almost never use them. If we have too use them its as little as possible.

[spencer.b]

Did a gig tonight with no amp , it was a theatre and I plugged in my dpa 4099b had a wedge stood on its end behind and it sounded great so better than a pick up and amp

[alexpea]

I've started to do this a lot more. Just using my bass and preamp. I think it sounds better but sometimes it can be a struggle with monitoring. I like not having to lug my amp around though so if I know the PA has monitors then I usually leave my amp at home.