Not finding what I'm looking for by searching, so I'll ask.

Most of the time when practicing at home I use headphones and my laptop (plugging the bass into an IK Stealthplug). This gets the job done, but from time to time I'd like to play through an amp.

I can -- and have -- set up an L1 for this purpose, but I'd really like to just have a simple practice amp that I don't have to unpack and set up just to noodle around with.

So I was thinking about "creating" a practice amp I can just leave hooked up in the corner of my living room, using pieces I've already got on hand.

I have some spare B1s that don't really get used, a Packlite that only gets used for gigs, and a few different choices of preamp (Tech21 Bass Driver, and a Bass POD xt).

I'm aware of the limited frequency range of the B1 (40 Hz - 3.5 kHz according to the wiki) and the fact that there is no built-in protection for the B1 when not plugged into an L1.

However, my needs and expectations are modest. I wouldn't be playing at high volume so I doubt that protection would be an issue, and I don't really need the sound quality that the full system would give me. I just want to jam along with my iPod.

Any reason why this would not work or why it would be a really bad idea?

TIA.....
Andy

Hi Andy,

No expert here of course, but I don't see any reason not to do this.

I would be more concerned if you were running the B1(s) or something other than a Packlite.

I'm guessing that as long as you are not clipping the input of the PackLite, it is probably going to be fine.

All the best Andy!

Thanks. I'll give it a shot and will report back.

By the way, my current band likes to dress sharp, so I've borrowed some of your "hit man" vibe. Check out some of the pics on my band website (link in my sig).

Checked you out dude.

quote:

Originally posted by Andrew Douglas:
Thanks. I'll give it a shot and will report back.

By the way, my current band likes to dress sharp, so I've borrowed some of your "hit man" vibe. Check out some of the pics on my band website (link in my sig).

You're a sharped dressed man.

Kuhl!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ST,

Okay, just plugged it all in, both with the SansAmp and direct from my bass.

Does it work? Yes.

Is it loud? No.

Will it work if you've got NO other alternatives for a practice amp? Yes.

Does it sound good? Not so much.

I'm not terribly surprised by this result, frankly. Just looking to simplify and make use of gear I already own. This won't cut it.

Next up, once I obtain them, is using a pair of powered studio monitors I've got coming for home recording.

It is said...loud, low, and light (small)...pick 2.

I do like how low the B1's hit though. They are just tuned so perfectly for the system. I have become a fan again and use 2 for most gigs (after trying a custom made sub for a while).

Andy, did I read you right?

"the limited frequency range of the B1 (40 Hz - 3.5 kHz according to the wiki)"

40Hz to 3.5 kHz is WAY more than I thought they handled!

I hope you're right and I'm wrong - as I'm going to purchase a Packlite soon.

Chances are, you ARE right, as I'm mostly wrong about everything....

Don't take my word for it...I'm just reporting what I read in the L1 wiki. Have a look.

Hi Andrew,
I tried the B1 alone as a bass cab connected to a 3rd party bass amp head. My results were similar to yours.

On the other hand, if you are considering an L1 Compact you might be very surprised at how good it sounds as a small bass combo. I was delighted.

quote:

Originally posted by hellboy:
Chances are, you ARE right, as I'm mostly wrong about everything....

I hear ya... I'm married too.