Bi-Amping

[sgarensamick]

My bass player keeps asking me what it is? I don't have a clue, by chance would you? Thanks.

[michael]

Bi-amping is a method of achieving greater power and clarity from an amplified instrument. Bass instruments really come alive with this technique, but unless you are already using an amplifier with a bi-amping feature, it becomes very complex.

Simply stated, the signal is split via a crossover network either from post-preamp or post-power amp (the devices are NOT interchangeable). The split signals, typically highs, mids and lows are then routed to either separate power amplifiers (in the case of post preamp) and then to separate speaker cabinets efficient to those frequencies, OR the signals are post-power amp and then routed to those speaker cabinets.

There are problems: crosstalk and phase inversion can provide fodder for hair pullling and other forms of self-immolation. Expense is another. This is not a cheap design, unless it IS a cheap design. All you have to do is hear the difference once in a high quality bi-amp system and an inexpensive one. Night and day.

Have your bass player visit a well stocked music store (go with him) and get a salesman to let you test drive an Ampeg SVT4 Pro. Make sure you tell the salesperson you want to hear it straight and then bi-amped. Stand back for the latter. It's an incredible experience.

[michael]

Here is a link for more information than you probably want: sound.westhost.com/bi-amp.htm

[sgarensamick]

Right now he is using a digital Ampeg cube amp, and keeps speaking of his interest in the SVT4Pro...but then again he is interested in Engle, and a slew of others.

We will have to shoot out one day and do just as you suggested. Again, I never have b-amped, nor known what it is. In fact I never heard of it until he brought it up to me. (His name is Michael as well LOL).

So I will copy and paste your response in an email and send it to him. Mike is one who likes straight answers and not sales pitches. He has his Ampeg blow a while back and was impressed with the folks at Ampeg taking the time to answer his questions, as I am sure he will be with your stright talk as well.

Thanks again my friend,

Steve

[michael]

You're welcome! Thanks for your participation on these boards.

All the best to you and yours,

Michael Earhart

[sgarensamick]

Same to you Michael. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays. I am sure I will have more to contribute/ask in the future. Mike will probably be asking me more things I can't answer for him. LOL

Steve