This post was updated on: April 25th 2024
A bass amplifier or a bass amp is a musical electronic device. It helps raise the voice of the low-pitched instruments loud enough for audiences. In this article, you can learn the guide on how to choose the best small bass amp for gigging.
We also provide a list of the top 5 best products for your reference. Let's see.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:25 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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How To Choose The Best Small Bass Amp for Gigging?
Before buying a new bass amp, you should consider three things below.
Power
The first thing you should consider is power. Bass amps require much more power than guitar amps to recreate low frequencies.
However, there are a lot of power suppliers to choose from depending on the purpose of usage. You can have a choice of 10W practice amps at home or 2000W bass amps for the gig at the stadium.
Amplifier Technology: Tube vs. Solid State vs. Hybrid
You should also consider the technology of amplifiers when choosing a bass amp. At the moment, there are three technologies: tube, solid-state, and hybrid.
A tube amp delivers a warmer tone than a solid-state amp. The tube amps produce more heat, tend to be more expensive and heavier in comparison with the solid-state amps.
Additionally, the solid-state amps don’t need to be maintained regularly like the tube amps.
Recently, the bass amp market has a newcomer which is a hybrid amp. This technology combines a preamplifier section of a tube amp with a power stage of a solid-state amp.
The hybrid bass amp delivers a warmer tone than solid-state units while it is in the same weight and size.
Types of Amplifier: Practice vs. Combo vs. Stack
Not only can you depend on power and technology to choose a bass amp, but you can also select one relying on its type.
The first type is a practice amp, the smallest type of bass amps. Almost all beginners will choose this type to practice and play in a small room.
Secondly, a combo amp is suitable for small gigs, studio recording sessions, or rehearsals. The combo amp includes a power amplifier, a preamplifier, a speaker in a single cabinet, and tone controls. This type is popular among bass players because of its portability.
Last but not least, a bass stack is the most powerful type of amplifier. The bass stack often has power ranging from 300W to 2000W or even more.
You can find bass stacks in most large revenues like outdoor music festivals or stadiums.
Top 5 Best Small Bass Amps For Gigging
Aguilar Tone Hammer
The bass amp head from the Aguilar brand uses the technology of solid state which requires less maintenance than the tube amp. The Tone Hammer bass amp head contains a drive control and three bands of EQ.
This bass amp head weighs only 4 lbs which makes it easier for bass players to get back and forth.
Despite its small size, the Aguilar Tone Hammer can still produce enough power for most gigs thanks to its power output of 500 watts into 4 ohms.
In terms of sound, this device has the EQ section promoting the mixture of bass, mid frequency, mid level, and treble. Aguilar's drive control also includes Adaptive Gain Shaping (AGS) circuit.
This Aguilar proprietary feature helps to add EQ and subtle distortion for extra punch.
- 500 watts into 4 ohms, 250 watts into 8 ohms
- Fully adjustable, Drive Control featuring Aguilar’s proprietary AGS(adaptive gain shaping) circuit.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:25 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Markbass Micromark 801
The Micromark packs punch, but is still small enough to produce wherever the Markbass sound, and large enough to provide plenty of bottom end for a fuller sound! The power output of 60W makes it perfect for practice for a beginner or rehearsal.
A single yellow 8" Markbass neodymium speaker is used in the Markbass Micromark 801. Since its first release a few years ago, the original (6') Micromark has been astounding people. But even more sonically amazing is this latest edition!
This instrument equipment combines a preamplifier, a power amplifier, tone controls and a speaker in one unit. As its power at 60 watts, this product is suitable for players in acoustic genres.
It can be a perfect choice for a long haul because of its lightweight and versatile design.
- Super compact with 1 x 8" speaker60W capable of powering additional cabAux in for jamming with audio tracksHeadphone outOptional external tweeterWeighs only 14.55 lb.
- The original (6") Micromark has been astounding people since its first introduction a few years ago
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:25 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Fender Rumble 200 v3
The Rumble 200 weighs so little, neatly presented with black livery, silver grille cloth, and neat metal corners, that it's hard to believe it's really a bass amp! Just how powerful a sound it makes is far more startling.
Both input and master volumes, three preset tone keys, an overdrive section, and a four-band EQ that contains a semi-parametric midsection are included in the control panel.
This lightweight unit is also loaded with a sturdy 15-inch Eminence speaker and a switchable horn. It features a front porting allowing all the sound to be projected forward.
Auxiliary input, speakers, DI link, send and return effects are included in the rear sockets: this solid-state combo looks ready for both your rehearsal and small standalone gig needs.
As an add up to its easy-to-carry characteristic, the consistency and sound projection of it are impressive. If you want portability, along with lush and distinctive tones, this device is made for you.
However, you might have trouble getting the sound played on this V3 200 as a relatively new player. Once again, being so light might make getting back to your weekly gig quick.
- Expore bass tones from classic gritty growl to slap-worthy modern punch with the newly-developed overdrive circuit and switchable contour controls
- A beefy 200 watt class D power amp and ported speaker enclosure, pumps volume and deep bass response but keeps this amp very light in weight - only 34.5 pounds!
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:25 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
TC Electronic BQ500
The TC Electronic BQ500 is ideal for a practical bass player. Despite its lightweight, TC Electronic BQ500 can still produce immensely punchy tones.
The BQ500 micro comes with portability at the forefront, weighing in at 2.3 kg. You can carry it from practice to the workshop and the stage in your bag without any problem. An outstanding 500W within its tough steel housing also makes it so roadworthy.
Despite its handy size, this device offers a great sound range. The BQ500 packs a four-band EQ powered Class-D amplifier technology; bass, lo-mid, hi-mid, and treble.
The Mosfet preamp compressor circuit that sets the dynamic range is pulled in by an additional thrust knob. By emulating actual tube control, this will take your tone to the next level.
For either active or passive pickups, the passive/active switch optimizes the preamp input. Whatever bass you play, you get the best tonal response.
TC Electronic has incorporated some useful features beyond its scale to make this one of the simplest plug-ins and play amplifiers.
For the most stress-free gig settings ever, a DI performance lets you hook the BQ500 up to the front of the building. In the back and speaker emulation, there is also an aux port for plugging headphones in for silent practice.
- 500 Watt portable micro bass head amplifier for stage and studio
- Compact and lightweight design for ultimate portability
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:25 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Ampeg BA-110V2
this model boasts a power output of 40 watts which makes it just right for practice, small gigs and rehearsals.
You can place the BA-110 on its side with the new 60-degree wedge and hear the centered sound of a floor display.
All the controls are now on the front, so with the Scrambler overdrive circuit, you can dial in any tube grit, change the 3band EQ, or switch up quickly. The Ampeg BA-110 bass combination amplifier makes the player-focused design an amp you can rely on.
Amped is the famous bass amp brand for the classic tone. Hence, the BA series also inherits this feature.
This model features a chassis made from steel, bumpy embraced enclosures, and metal corners. These amps, developed for performance and portability, are ready to go wherever you go.
- 40-watts
- 10" Custom10 Speaker
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:25 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
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FAQs
How many watts does a bass amp need to gig?
If you play for small gigs and rehearsals, you should use a bass amp at the minimum wattage of 100W or 150W.
For better sound effects, you should use a 300W or higher voltage for gigs. The bass amp must play along with the guitars and drums in the band. However, it should have enough power to promote the sound.
Is a 200-watt amp enough for bass?
It is hard to say a 200-watt amp enough for bass. You should need information like the situation of usage to give the best answer to this question.
The 200-watt bass amp is powerful enough for rehearsals or small gigs. However, if you want better sound effects, an amp of 300W will be a great choice.
What's the difference between a guitar amp and a bass amp?
There are some points to tell apart a guitar amp from a bass amp. The key differences include the amp properties, the frequency range, the power volume, and the speaker size.
Bass guitars use a lower frequency range than guitars. Thus, bass guitars need a larger speaker size than guitars. bass guitars would often need speakers of 15 inch rather than 8-12 inch speakers for guitars.
Wrapping up
Reading through this article, you can now pick the best small bass amp for gigging. Please follow the buying guide to find the best suitable one for you. After that, don’t forget to share which brand and type of bass amp for gigging.