The Bass Amp System
There are basically two different systems: 1. The Combo 2. Separate Amp and Speaker.
The Bass Combo
The Bass Combo is a very compact and convenient system. It is relatively small and easy to transport as the amp and the speaker are in one unit. You can use it for practicing at home and rehearsals and on gigs which are not too loud or big. The combo is reasonably cheap but does not have a high power output.
Separate Amp and Speaker Box(es)
There are two types of amps: the transistor and the valve amp.
The transistor amp is more neutral without distortion. The valve has a more dynamic and warmer sound and is also more expensive. The maintenance of a transistor amp is practically nothing, whereas the valve amp needs to have the valves replaced from time to time.
The power of the amp is also quite important to help get a clean strong dynamic sound. The more Watts the better because you don’t need to drive your amp very hard. This gives a better sound. A 100W amp is the minimum you should use and, when on stage, 200W or more. Again the biggest problem will be the cost involved.
The Speakers
There are basically four sizes of bass speakers - 1O inch, 12 inch, 15 inch and 18 inch. Some speaker units have just one speaker. Probably the most popular all round bass speaker is the 15 inch. It delivers the whole range of the bass sound spectrum.
However some speaker units contain several speakers and a crossover which divides the sound into lows and highs (like on a stereo system). They are bigger and heavier to transport.
Another way is to have different speaker cabinets for more versatility, e.g., one 15 inch cabinet and another one with two or four 10 inch speakers (for the top end sounds).
The 18 inch speaker is for super low bass sound and needs a very big cabinet. It is only suitable in conjunction with other speakers, big high power amps and for big gigs.
