[SaxMandu]

Anyone have suggestions for a small amplifier that I could hook a microphone up to for some amplification in those playing situations (mostly jazz gigs) where I might need it? I would also like to be able to use it for small outside gigs. I was thinking about something like this:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CubeMon30/

Thoughts or other options?

 

[NissanVintageSax]

I use a Behringer 90watt keyboard/PA amp. It has 3 digital channels, limited sound effects, mono (the 125 watt has stereo capability, and 4 channels), and doesn't sound bad. Relatively easy on the check book too . This setup should get me by for a while. I use a Shure57 and an AKG clip on bell mic. I can hook up both mics (one to the XLR, the other, w/a 1/4" adapter to the 1/4" input), and the keyboard at the same time , and still have one channel open if I needed it (both mics would be run off the same channel in that case. Not ideal, but rarely used anyway).

I paid just over $220 for mine.

If you plan on anything outside, get the most amps you can afford! I would have got the next model up, had I had the money (but, 90 watts is still going to work well for me on 90% of where I play).

 

[MartinMusicMan]

Depends on what you can afford. I'm on a keyboard forum. All those guys really like the QSC 10 powered speaker. So do DJ's I know. They're expensive, but the best there is out there. If I had the bread, I'd get 2.

 

[hakukani]

If you want small and light, a Roland CM30 is good.

Of course, I'm of the belief that there's no need to amplify a sax in a jazz setting, unless you need to distribute the sound of the ensemble to another location. In that case, I'd just mic everyone.

 

[NissanVintageSax]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navi...XGB&ZYXSEM=0&gclid=CMb-xsnJ1KgCFU5qKgod0WqTEQ

Those QSC speakers aren't cheap!

Like I said, for my use the Behringer works. I just use it for keyboard amplification, and the rare outdoor gig, where I need just a tad more volume and balance w/the trio . I think that's what the OP is after too. Nothin fancy, or too pricey. Just somethin that works .

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Behringer-ULTRATONE-K1800FX-Keyboard-Amp-PA-System-103643268-i1169233.gc

And here's the model just 2 steps above mine. I paid more per amp than what that's selling for! But, I bought mine locally, and they usually do cost more than on-line.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Behringer-ULTRATONE-K900FX-Keyboard-Amp-PA-System-103643185-i1171331.gc

This is the amp I have. I think I paid about $15 more for mine though . But, if it messes up, I have a store front to take it too .

 

[SaxMandu]

Thanks for your replies. MMM, those are some serious speakers and look great, but I think they are overkill for what I am looking for at the moment.

Hak, I agree with you. I would much prefer no amplification, when possible. However, sometimes I find myself in situations where it's just a very simple setup, there is no main PA, the bass and guitar/keyboard are amped and the venue is just too loud (although I guess you could say that in those situations, nobody is listening to the music anyway so why bother ).

NVS, thanks for the links. I like the rolling transporter too -- it's almost as much as the amp!

 

[NissanVintageSax]

You don't "need" the transporter They're just trying to sell you more stuff. It's a relatively light weight amp (a Roland of the same size would need the transporter! They are much heavier!).

 

[Frank D]

A keyboard playing friend of mine had the Behringer 1800 and it sounded great. The built in efx and mixer are really nice too. As far as the carrier goes, you'll probably want something to help haul it around, it's as heavy as an anvil. You can get a good hand truck at Costco for about $25.

One other word of advice, don't cheap out if you're going to get an amp. A cheap rig will sound cheap and you'll either wind up not using it, or else buying something better. If you're going to take the plunge, get something good. Rolands are cheap, but I think the Behringer gives you better value for your $

 

[ericdano]

Keyboard amp, like the Roland KC line. A KC-50 is a good little amp.

 

[SaxMandu]

Thanks again. Frank, thanks for the advice. I have learned it really doesn't pay to cheap out on most things -- it only winds up costing in the end. The difficulty is buying something good but not buying more than you (will ever) need.
If I were looking at this as something solely for indoor use (and maybe an occasional outdoor thing in a very isolated area (like the terrace of a restaurant)), how much power do you think I should be looking at?

 

[ManEast]

Hi

I have to put in a good word for the Bose L1 compact. This sounds like a dream. It can go behind / just to one side of the player, so you get the same Stunning sound. You guy's outside of the U.K. get to buy this at a good price...But the down side for us is the cost.

( £899.00 )

If you did one gig with the Bose...you would want one fast.:bluewink:

Also take a look at the Allen and Heath Zed10 Multipurpose Compact Mixer.

 

[NissanVintageSax]

90 to 180 Watts. Up to 400 would be good, as then the volume wouldn't have to turned up very high, but I think you'd still only be using about 1/2 those watts anyway, making wasted weight and space.

Like I aid, I chose the 90 watts, cause it was convenient, light weight, semi-compact, and a huge sound for the output. Meets my needs most of the time . And if I do upgrade later, still makes a great monitor .

 

[NissanVintageSax]

Hi

I have to put in a good word for the Bose L1 compact. This sounds like a dream. It can go behind / just to one side of the player, so you get the same Stunning sound. You guy's outside of the U.K. get to buy this at a good price...But the down side for us is the cost.

( £899.00 )

If you did one gig with the Bose...you would want one fast.:bluewink:

Bose makes great top of the line CONSUMER grade home theatre stuff, but they are not that great at professional equipment. These systems can sound thin and lacking in most venues!

 

[ManEast]

Hi NVS

Thin, No,no,no. Finess yes. If your a rocker this may not cut it. But for a Jazz musician, it is just perfect. This system is about quality not quantity.
Your sax will have that same sparkley clear sound as you get with Bose home HiFi.

I actualy find the sound from the Bose L1 compact...Inspiring!

http://www.bose.com/controller?url=...le_amplification_systems/l1_compact/index.jsp

 

[DD]

I have used a Fender Sidekick 35 or a Peavey KB 100 for small to medium rooms during the last 25 years or so.
For big stuff I've got the Yamaha 12/4 into SP 2s and or PR 15s.
The Bose is workable, but not as portable friendly and much more expensive. Doesn't have to be big bucks to do the job.

 

[toughtenor]

Try to do it without amps first. Really. If some of your band members need an amp to be heard at all ( electric bass/ guitar or piano) try to keep the volume as low as their acoustic predecesors ( upright bass , acoustic (think Freddie Green) guitar and acoutstic upright piano ( or grandpiano) . That way your saxophone will fit in just fine since it is quite loud anyway.
You can play fairly large rooms thaty way.
if it really is a noisy club just take the same sweet soft podium level and mike the whole thing. every instrument and use a simple, small PA system. ( one amp two speakers on stands and a simple mixer)

 

[MartinMusicMan]

If my suggestion for a QSC was too much, I'd still strongly recommend a powered speaker. There are some 8" ones that will work fine for your needs, like the Yamaha MSR100. There are even more 10" powered speakers, like the Mackie MSR350v2 and the JBL EON510. It's important to put the speaker up on a stand.

A keyboard amp is the other choice, but I'd stay away from Behringer gear based on what I read on keyboard forums. I think most keyboard players are using powered speakers now anyway, like the QSC, Mackie, and JBLs. If you do use a small keyboard amp (or any amp), you should put it up on an amp stand or at least tilt it back if it has legs to do that. Believe me, it makes a difference.

 

[Fader]

The roland AC 60 is perfect for almost all applications and also has some rudimentary effects and a second channel, is stand mountable and comes in a case with a strap and pockets for mics and other stuff. I love mine so much i bought a second one that lives in my car.

 

[hakukani]

Bose makes great top of the line CONSUMER grade home theatre stuff, but they are not that great at professional equipment. These systems can sound thin and lacking in most venues!

Nope, Bose doesn't even make good consumer systems. Bose is all marketing. Even the systems that sound sort of ok, if thin, (like the L1) are terribly overpriced.

http://www.hometheaterblog.com/hometheater/2006/03/what-about-bose-part-1/

 

[toughtenor]

Nope, Bose doesn't even make good consumer systems. Bose is all marketing. Even the systems that sound sort of ok, if thin, (like the L1) are terribly overpriced.

http://www.hometheaterblog.com/hometheater/2006/03/what-about-bose-part-1/

I agree. I never liked them too. (and I am dutch, every week I drive by their factory..)