Combo Amps Versus Head And Cabinet
Combo Amps Versus Head And Cabinet
In the world of bass equipment, few devices can differentiate a musician like their amplifier setup. From massive, mega-watt beasts able to flood an auditorium to small arrangements for a studio gig, today's bass musician has a wide array of options to choose from. Perhaps the biggest question is this: combo or separate?
With a combo amp, the electronics and speaker are contained in one unit, whereas separate arrangements consist of a head and cabinet. The head contains all of the electronics necessary for distortion, amplification, and processing, while the cabinet contains the speaker(s).
For those who play in large or open areas and need the power, then a separate setup is necessary. With a separate arrangement, one can configure it in accordance with the venue for best results.
Separate Head and Cabinet: Pros
- Allows the musician to mix and match depending on the situation. In some cases, specialized head units are offered with features unavailable in any combo unit.
- Easier Maintenance - Combo unit repairs are difficult due to proprietary manufacturer builds, and can therefore be expensive. With a separate head and cabinet, making repairs is easy as the devices aren't permanently attached.
- Weight - The cabinet and head can be lifted separately
Separate Head and Cabinet: Cons
- Price - Separate head and cabinet units can be expensive
- Fragile - The head can be damaged easier as it is not contained in a combo-type enclosure
For studio gigs or practice, the combo unit is the veritable Swiss Army knife of today's bass player. Unlike a separate amp, the electronics and speaker(s) are enclosed in a common box.
Combo Unit: Pros
- Price - Combo units are usually cheaper than buying the components separately
- Transport - The contained setup allows for easier loading and unloading
- Sound Quality - In most cases, the same as a separate head cabinet arrangement
- Wattage - Depending on the combo unit, the power can be the same as a separate arrangement
Combo Unit: Cons
- Upgrades - Unable to swap out electronics and speakers, must purchase a new combo in the event of an upgrade
- Range - With a separate head and cabinet arrangement, extra speakers can be added in to compensate for range fluctuations, but a combo amp is limited to the stock configuration
Regardless of which route you choose to go. You can find the best deal on a bass amp of your choice at The Bass Amp