Evil Undead Posted August 18, 2013 Share Posted August 18, 2013 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted August 18, 2013 Share Posted August 18, 2013 if valve power stage - yes it needs to be plugged in If not, probably not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted August 18, 2013 Share Posted August 18, 2013 ↑↑↑ What he said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted August 18, 2013 Share Posted August 18, 2013 (edited) ^ ^ 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Undead Posted August 18, 2013 Author Share Posted August 18, 2013 [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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted August 18, 2013 Share Posted August 18, 2013 What amp are you using? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted August 18, 2013 Share Posted August 18, 2013 [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Undead Posted August 18, 2013 Author Share Posted August 18, 2013 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) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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