Possible stupid question

[Evil Undead]

If I want to use my amp head as a DI only, or just as a headphone amp, do I need to have a cab plugged in anyway?

[LukeFRC]

if valve power stage - yes it needs to be plugged in
If not, probably not.

[JapanAxe]

↑↑↑ What he said.

[discreet]

^ ^ What they said ^ ^ Yes, most SS amps can be run without a cab plugged in.

Or I should say most amps with a SS power section can.

Edited August 18, 2013 by discreet

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1376845812' post='2179861']
if valve power stage - yes it needs to be plugged in
If not, probably not.
[/quote]

Ohhhh... now here's where I sound really dumb.

What's valve power stage?

[icastle]

What amp are you using?

[LukeFRC]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1376846708' post='2179881']
Ohhhh... now here's where I sound really dumb.

What's valve power stage?
[/quote]

An amp (generally) has two stages in it - a pre amp stage which amps up the signal from the instrument - then the signal goes through eq and any other gubbins and into a power amp that amps it up to the 3000w or whatever that your speaker cabs need.

The preamp stage is what the gain knob controls - how much signal goes into this - while the volume knob controls the power amp stage.

Solid state power amps can sometimes have valves in the preamp (Eden being the first example in my head) but don't need to be plugged into a cab to work.
A valve powerstage (old Ampeg SVT, Fender Bassman etc) needs the resistance of a cab plugged in otherwise things go pop. If your amp has a valve power stage look for some really big valves and a local chiropractor - otherwise you'll probably be fine.

[Evil Undead]

Ah, cool. Not sure I understood much of that, but my amp head is small and fits in my gig bag - probably be ok then thanks!

Off to an open mic tonight, couldn't decide whether to take my cab or just the head (can't find my DI)