We have good news for you if you play heavy music and are looking for bass guitar equipment. This article will show you the Top 11 Bass Combo Amps For Metal 2023.
A combo amplifier is quite a popular piece of equipment, primarily because it is convenient. It means that the amplifier is combined with speakers. So you don’t have to deal with the head and the cabinet separately. Such units are quite common for rehearsals and small gigs. In addition, they are also used for recording in the studio. And, of course, if they have less power, they are ideal for practicing at home.
Many models of bass combos differ in brands, power, sound, size, and functionality. But don’t worry. This article will help you understand the right solution. We’ve put together various options for you that can be suitable for different situations, from practicing to performing and recording in the studio. But first, let us answer a few important questions.
What Are The Best Bass Amp Settings For Metal?
As an artist, you should realize there’s no rule of thumb regarding bass amp settings for metal. If you listen closely to different bands from different years, you will hear that the bass sound varies everywhere. Sometimes it merges with the guitars, creating a wall of sound. Sometimes it’s clanky and cuts through the mix. However, we can give you some tips on how to get the right bass tone for metal.
If you want your bass to cut through the sound of the guitars, you need to add a high midrange – in the range of 2K to 4K. Keep in mind that this will be most noticeable with new strings. Also, distortion can help make the bass more expressive and “metal-ish.“ So add some grit with the amp itself or with the help of separate pedals.
And first of all, if you are a fan of old-school bass tones, you should know that a sign of such sound is low-mid boosts in the 300-400 hertz range. It makes it mellow. As for the more modern sound, it is characterized by low and high-frequency boosts and a scooped midrange – especially the one that is responsible for the so-called honky sound.
Are Orange Bass Amps Good For Metal?
You can’t generalize whether certain brands of amplifiers are good for metal. Remember that it depends on individual artists and their tastes. So, if you play metal and like the way Orange sounds in your situation, it’s a great fit.
However, in answering this question, it’s worth noting that Orange is a well-known company with a long history. And yes, many metal bass guitarists use their amps. To be more specific, these include Steve Harris from Iron Maiden, Troy Sanders from Mastodon, VMan from Slipknot, and many others.
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Top 11 Bass Combo Amps For Metal 2023
1. Boss Katana KTN210
If you want a modern combo packed with many features, the Boss Katana-210 Bass is for you.
Not so long ago, Boss presented Katana guitar modeling amplifiers, which quickly won musicians’ love. First of all, because of the many features that are very important these days. Over time, the company has done the same for bassists by releasing the Boss Katana Bass line.
Now we will show you the Katana-210 Bass model, which has a power of 160 watts. But don’t think that this is not enough power. This combo uses a Class AB amplifier, allowing this unit to be loud. Let’s try to understand the features of this model.
Key Features:
- Different Voicings
The front panel of this combo has an Amplifier section where you can select different voicings. For example, there are three types of sounds: Vintage, Flat, and Modern. In addition, you’ll have a Shape button that allows you to add boosts to the low-end, high-end, or both. - Add Drive & Compression
Another great feature is the presence of two Input Effects – Drive and Compression. You will see this section on the left side of the front panel. Moreover, you will be able to choose from three different types of compression and apply different types of drive. - EQ With Selectable Frequencies
You also get 4-band EQ with Bass, Low Mid, High Mid, and Treble controls. But the cool thing is that you can choose different frequency regions for the midrange. For example, there are options of 250, 315, and 400 hertz for Low Mid and 800, 1.6K, and 3.15K for High Mid. - Effects And BOSS Tone Studio Editor
What makes this combo modern is the ability to connect it to a computer using the BOSS Tone Studio Editor app, which is available for iOS and Windows. There you can control all the parameters and select various effects. By the way, there are a lot of them. - Balanced Out
If you need to get a DI signal from this combo, you can also do so here. There is a special XLR Balanced Out behind it. You can also choose three types of signals – Post, Pre, and Direct. In addition, there is an FX Loop and Power Amp In. - Practice With Music
It’s also worth noting that this combo will allow you to practice with a playback. You can connect the signal to it via the AUX In port. The bottom line is that a tweeter will allow you to reproduce both the full frequency spectrum of music and add high frequencies in the bass tone. The on/off button is located on the front panel.
Pros:
The Boss Katana-210 is a great modern bass combo, perfect for home practice and rehearsals. It has a drive so that it will be suitable for metal. It has a power of 160 watts and many features, including the ability to select voicings, various effects, EQ, and much more. And the icing on the cake is the ability to control it on a computer using the BOSS Tone Studio Editor.
Cons:
This combo is a bit expensive and costs more than $500. Apart from that, we can’t think of any other nuances that could be considered disadvantages.
2. Fender Rumble 100
The Fender Rumble 100 is a relatively lightweight bass combo that will give you plenty of tonal possibilities.
Probably the most annoying fact about bass equipment is that it usually weighs a lot. Now we will show you an option that might surprise you with its lightness. So you’ll be more motivated to carry it to your rehearsal space. It is the Fender Rumble 100.
As you can guess from the name, this bass combo has 100 watts of power and a Class D amplifier. All in all, the developers have packed enough features that will allow you to shape your bass tone. Let’s talk about it in more detail.
Key Features:
- Choose Your Tone
The great thing about this bass combo is that it has three switches that allow you to control the bass tone. Specifically, Bright will add sparkle to the highs, Contour will make the tone scooped, and modern, and Vintage will add low mids. You can also use them in any combination. - Overdrive Section
This combo can also give you an overdriven bass tone right out of the box. We’re talking about the Overdrive section with a corresponding knob and two knobs, Drive and Level. Accordingly, you can make a hairy sound or add a little grit. - Extended EQ
On top of that, you’ll also be able to sharpen the bass tone with the extended EQ. Specifically, you’ll find the Bass, Low Mid, High Mid, and Treble controls here. This way, you’ll be able to influence the sound if your bass has certain characteristics that need to be improved. - Line Out
On the rear panel of this amplifier, you will find an XLR Line Out. It will be useful if you need a DI bass signal. In addition, you will be able to connect it to a PA system at concerts and will not be limited by the power of this combo. There are also other FX Loop, AUX In, Phones, and Footswitch connectors. - Light Weight
Of course, another feature of this equipment is it is lightweight. To be precise, it is only about 10 kilograms. Yes, this is not too little. Nevertheless, it is much less than most bass gear. So, you can transport the unit to gigs.
Pros:
The Fender Rumble 100 is a high-quality bass combo that will delight you with its weight. Overall, there are a lot of tonal possibilities, such as three tone switches, overdrive, and advanced EQ. Therefore, this amp will be a good option for metal. If 100 watts is too much for you, Fender also offers other models with lower power. So you can practice at home.
Cons:
If the combo is connected to a PA system, the Master control will also affect both the sound from the speakers and the PA signal. Keep this in mind to avoid causing problems with the sound engineer.
3. Orange Crush Bass 100
The Orange Crush Bass 100 is a high-quality combo suitable for both gigs and practice.
The British company Orange is one of the most famous guitar and bass equipment manufacturers. They are known for their products’ simplicity and warm and natural sound. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get an overdriven sound here. That’s what the next item on our list is – the Orange Crush Bass 100.
This 100-watt bass combo has a cool Orange exterior with a black mesh to protect the 15-inch speaker. It also has plenty of tonal options. In addition, the developers even ensured you had a built-in tuner. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.
Key Features:
- Blend & Gain
First, it’s worth noting that this bass has a Gain control that you can use to add clipping. Next to it, there’s another Blend knob, which allows you to mix clean and overdriven signals. It gives you precise control over the sound. - 3-Band EQ
As for the equalizer, it’s pretty straightforward – you have Treble, Middle, and Bass controls. But an interesting feature is that you also have another Freq knob, which will allow you to choose which midrange frequencies to boost or cut. - Balanced Out
This combo also makes it possible to get a DI signal or send it to a PA system. Thanks to Balanced Out, conveniently located next to the other main settings, it is possible. It also has a Ground function to prevent hum issues. - Built-In Tuner
Another great bonus here is the built-in tuner. On the front panel, you can see the power button and all the necessary indicators. It is worth noting that this tuner is quite precise and can handle even low tunings. - Phones Out & AUX In
If you need to practice quietly, you can do it with headphones using a special output, which is also located near the Balanced Out. It has a built-in bass cabinet emulator, so you get a ready-made sound.
Pros:
The Orange Crush Bass 100 is a versatile bass combo that will give you a high-quality sound. You can add grit to your tone and use other interesting features. For example, it has a tuner, headphone output with cabsim, and a balanced output. In addition, this amp has a very clear layout. If the 100-watt power does not suit you, you can also find other models with lower power.
Cons:
Keep in mind that this combo is quite heavy and weighs 24 kilograms. Other than that, we don’t see any other nuances that can be considered disadvantages.
4. Ampeg RB-115
The Ampeg RB-115 is a cool-looking lightweight bass combo packed with features.
If you’re a bass guitarist, you know the Ampeg brand, as it’s one of the most famous bass equipment manufacturers. Now we’re going to talk about a model of the line that was released not so long ago, in 2021, and is called RB, which stands for Rocket Bass. These bass combos have an extremely cool look with a vintage flavor and many different features.
As for the RB-115 model, its power is 200 watts. It also has one 15-inch custom Eminence speaker. You’ll also find 3-band EQ and a few other options to fine-tune the bass tone to your liking. Now let’s take a look at what else is here.
Key Features:
- Two Inputs
This bass combo has two separate inputs – one standard and one -15 dB. It is designed to connect a bass with active electronics and hot output and still have some headroom. By the way, you can connect two instruments to it simultaneously. - Super Grit Technology
Also, this unit has a separate SGT section, which stands for Super Grit Technology. Thanks to it, you can add distortion to your sound and make it more aggressive. Generally, there is a mode button and two Grit and Level controls. - Add Some Highs And Lows
As with many other Ampeg amps, you’ll also have two Ultra Hi and Ultra Low functions. They are self-explanatory and designed to allow you to add extra highs or lows. As for the EQ, it has three controls for Bass, Midrange, and Treble. - Phones Out & AUX In
It’s also worth noting that this combo has a separate Phones Output so that you can practice in silence. It is located on the front panel, along with the other main settings. In addition, there is an AUX In, so you can play along with playback. - Add External Speaker
If you need to connect a separate bass cabinet to this combo, you can also do so here. Behind, you will see the External Speaker output. In addition, there are also connectors for FX Loop, Footswitch, and DI signal. - 15 kg Of Weight
Undoubtedly, another significant feature is that this combo is relatively lightweight. It weighs 15 and a half kilograms. So, transporting it to a rehearsal or concert will not be such a big problem here.
Pros:
If you’re looking for a bass combo that looks stylish and is suitable for both home practice and gigs, then the Ampeg RB-115 is for you. This amp has two inputs, Ultra Lo and Hi functions, and the ability to add grit. In addition, it can be connected to an additional cabinet and be rocked even harder.
Cons:
Some users claim that you can get all 200 watts of this unit only if you connect an additional bass cabinet. With its built-in speaker, it will only produce 100 watts.
5. Harley Benton HB-80B
Harley Benton HB-80B is a good option if you are a beginner and need an affordable bass combo.
Most of you know the Harley Benton brand, a subsidiary of Thomann. It manufactures musical instruments and equipment that you can find at very affordable prices. And now, we will show you one of these units – the Harley Benton HB-80B bass combo.
This unit has a power consumption of 80 watts, but this does not mean it is quiet. On the contrary, it can be used for rehearsals. In addition, it has a Tube Emulating Circuit that will give you a distinctive sound. Let’s take a look at the rest of the features to have a better understanding of this piece of gear.
Key Features:
- 3-Band EQ
This bass combo features a standard 3-Band EQ with Bass, Middle, and Treble controls. But what’s special here is another Frequency control, which allows you to choose which midrange frequencies to boost. The range is from 200 Hz to 2 kHz. - In-Build Compressor
As we all know, dynamics control, i.e., compression, is integral to the ready-made bass tone. And the good news is that this combo has this built-in feature. You can turn it on using the Comp button on the front panel. - Practice With a Playback
Another significant feature of this bass equipment is a separate input for playback training. We are talking about AUX In, located on the front panel. There is also a separate headphone output so you can practice in silence. - Horn Function
This combo has a 12″ Celestion loudspeaker. But in addition to this, you also get a horn tweeter that you can turn on and off using a special button on the front panel. This way, you can get high frequencies for your bass tone or practice with playback. - DI Out & External Speaker
The XLR output on the front panel for the DI signal is here so that you can record your bass directly from the combo. Moreover, there’s also an external speaker output on the rear, should you need to get more power out of your gear.
Pros:
Undoubtedly, the main advantage of the Harley Benton HB-80B is its price, which is approximately $150. You get many features for this money, such as a built-in compressor, headphone output, AUX input, connecting an additional cabinet, and much more. This combo is loud enough to handle rehearsals in medium-sized or small rooms.
Cons:
Some users complain that the combo produces buzz even when the bass is completely muffled. It is also claimed that it can only be pushed up to 80 watts with an external speaker, producing 40 watts on its own. Another flaw may be that this unit is quite heavy and weighs 21 kilograms.
6. Markbass MB58R Mini CMD 121 Pure Combo
The Markbass MB58R Mini CMD 121 Pure Combo will surprise you with its huge power and lightweight.
The next item on our list is the creation of the Italian company Markbass. These bass equipment manufacturers have long won the love of musicians worldwide. First, they use quite innovative approaches in their products to make them as convenient and relevant as possible.
The MB58R Mini CMD 121 Pure Combo’s maximum power output is 500 watts. Despite this, it is very lightweight. But this is not surprising because it is a transistor gear. It also has a 1×12″ neodymium speaker and a Hi-Fi tweeter. However, let’s try to understand its features more.
Key Features:
- Two Tonal Options
Overall, this combo offers two tonal options, Flat and Scooped. You’ll see a switch on the main panel that lets you choose between them. However, there is one more position called FSW. Accordingly, it will allow you to control these functions with a footswitch. - Extended EQ
As for the equalizer of this combo, it can be called extended. That’s because you get four controls. In particular, these are Low, Mid Low, Mid High, and High. Thus, you will have full control over the bass tone. By the way, you can boost and cut all bands by 16 dB. - Old School Feature
In addition to the extended EQ, you’ll also have an additional knob called Old School. It lets you filter the sound and get a round and smooth bass tone. Overall, its range is from 250 to 20,000 hertz. - Line Out & FX Loop
You also have an XLR Line Out if you need to record a bass DI or connect the combo to a PA system. By the way, it has a separate level knob, which is also a great bonus. In addition, the combo has an FX Loop with Post EQ and Pre EQ functions, which are conveniently located on the main panel. - Weigh Less Than 10 kg
Undoubtedly, another important feature is that this combo weighs little. It’s hard to believe, but it weighs less than 10 kilograms, 8.82 kg to be exact. Thus, it makes the unit extremely convenient for transportation.
Pros:
The Markbass MB58R Mini CMD 121 Pure Combo is a powerful bass amp with plenty of tonal features. You’ll have full control over the frequency spectrum of the bass tone thanks to the 4-band EQ and an additional Old School knob. All in all, this bass is packed with many different features, and it’s also extremely lightweight at less than 10 kilograms.
Cons:
By itself, this combo produces 300 watts of power. It can only be expanded to 500 watts with the additional MB58R 121 PURE cabinet. Besides, this unit is quite expensive and costs $900.
7. Warwick BC 10
If you need a small room bass combo for practicing, the Warwick BC 10 is the right choice.
Practicing on loud equipment is not always a good idea, especially if you are a beginner. First of all, it can disturb your neighbors or housemates. Now we’re going to show you an option that’s perfect for practicing at home – the Warwick BC 10, a product from a well-known bass equipment company.
It’s a small bass combo with 10 watts of power and a weight of 6.20 kg. It has a fairly good build quality and promises to delight you with its sound. At first glance, this unit looks quite straightforward, but in fact, it has a lot of various features. Let’s take a look at them.
Key Features:
- Two Inputs
First of all, this combo has two inputs: Active and Passive. As you can understand from the names, they are designed to allow you to connect basses with different types of electronics. In addition, you will be able to play two instruments through it at once. - Three-Band EQ
This combo also has 3-band EQ with Bass, Middle, and Treble controls. Each of them can be boosted or cut by 12 dB. And, of course, there’s also a Volume control right next to it. - AUX In & H/P Out
A great bonus of this equipment is the presence of AUX In, which means you can practice with playback or connect a drum machine. And, of course, if you need to practice in silence, you can also connect headphones. - Noise Free
It is also worth noting that this unit is positioned as noise free. It means that you should get a transparent tone without any distortion. By the way, as for the preamplifier, it is Silent Class A.
Pros:
The Warwick BC 10 is a great small bass combo with plenty of punch and a transparent sound. You can connect two instruments to it simultaneously if you need to practice with your teacher or jam with your friends. It also has a playback input and headphone output. Another undeniable advantage is the price, which is only about $100.
Cons:
This combo does not have a DI out, but it is not surprising because it is equipment for practice. Apart from that, we don’t see any other nuances that could be considered drawbacks.
8. Hartke HD25
The Hartke HD25 is a straightforward practice combo that you can get at an affordable price.
Hartke is a well-known bass equipment manufacturer that has been around since the 80s. The company was the first to create bass cabinets with aluminum drivers instead of paper ones. Later on, their products were appreciated by such famous stars as David Ellefson of Megadeth, Mr. Victor Wooten, and Mark Mendoza of Twisted Sister.
As for the Hartke HD25, this bass combo has a hybrid speaker where paper is combined with aluminum. As you can guess from the name, it has a power output of 25 watts. In general, this model is quite straightforward and well-suited for practice. Let’s talk about it more.
Key Features:
- Hybrid Speaker
This combo has an 8″ hybrid speaker made of aluminum and paper. This combination should provide the roundness and warmth of paper and the metal punch. Thus, you will get a slightly different bass tone than the other equipment. - Minimalistic Controls
Speaking of controls of this amp, there are few of them. You get a 3-band EQ with Bass, Mid, and Treble knobs. And, of course, you also have a Volume control, which is responsible for the overall volume of this combo. - AUX & Phones Connectors
In addition, the creators of this equipment did not leave you without the necessary attributes for practice – AUX Input and Headphones Output. This way, you can play with playback and practice silently without disturbing your neighbors.
Pros:
If you’re looking for a simple combo for your bass practice, the Hartke HD25 is the way to go. It has a minimum of settings and a good sound, thanks to its hybrid speaker. This equipment is not too quiet and can be used for performances in small venues. And, of course, the price, which is about $130, is also very pleasing.
Cons:
Keep in mind that this combo may be too loud for exercising in an apartment – you’ll need to keep the volume at a minimum to avoid disturbing your neighbors. Some users also complain about the limited number of features and controls here.
9. Trace Elliot ELF C110
The Trace Elliot ELF C110 is a powerful combo amplifier that will delight you with its lightweight.
Trace Elliot is a legendary bass equipment company that has existed since 1979. These products’ combination of green and black colors has long been a benchmark. Yes, the company went through quite turbulent years, but now it is again pleasing bassists with its amplifiers, and now we will talk about one of them.
The Trace Elliot ELF C110 is a recent combo that became available in 2019. This amplifier has a 1 x 10″ speaker designed in the United States. Its power is 160 watts, but it can be pushed even more. Also, it has everything you need for a modern bass player. Now let’s move on to the key features.
Key Features:
- 3-Band EQ
As for the equalizer of this amplifier, you get three controls: Bass, Mid, and Treble. The center frequency of the first is 80 Hz, the second is 400 Hz, and the treble is adjustable in the range of 4.2 kHz. Thus, you will have control over the main frequencies of the bass tone. - Gain & Volume
Of course, this combo also has two Gain and Level controls. By the way, it’s worth noting here that the Gain knob is responsible not only for the hotness of the signal but also for compression. Both controls have indicators to tell you if you’ve gone too far with the signal. - Combined Phones/Line Out
Also, on the front panel and the main settings, you will find a 1/4 jack output, which can perform two functions: a line out or headphone output. The corresponding switch between these modes can be found on the rear panel. - DI Out
In addition to all this, the combo also has an XLR DI Out located on the rear panel. The product’s creators assure you that this high-quality DI output will give you a clean signal without any buzz. - Connect An Additional Speaker
Another equally important feature of this product is its output to an additional speaker. Thus, with one more 8-ohm cabinet, you will get a total power of 200 watts and can rock larger venues.
Pros:
The Trace Elliot ELF C110 is a bass combo amp for practice that can be used for gigging. It is quite powerful, plus it will give you the ability to connect an additional cabinet. It is generally packed with features and has a fairly clear sound. Another advantage is that it weighs almost eight and a half kilograms, which makes it easy to transport. And, of course, the price is $500.
Cons:
Some users complain about a rather noisy fan. It can get in the way if you play at low volume. Overall, we don’t see any other drawbacks to this product.
10. GR Bass CUBE 500
The GR Bass CUBE 500 is a very powerful bass combo with many tonal possibilities.
Now we will show you a product by the Italian company GR Bass, which you’ll like if you want to get the most out of your bass equipment. This unit is quite compact, but despite this, it is quite powerful. So it will work well for rehearsals or concerts.
The power of this transistor combo is 500 watts. On board, you will get a 12-inch custom Jensen neodymium woofer speaker. There is also a tweeter, so the total frequency range of the amplifier is from 20 to 20,000 hertz. Let’s take a look at what else is here.
Key Features:
- Extended EQ Possibilities
This combo will give you many options for shaping the bass tone. It has four EQ controls: Low, Mid Low, Mid High, and High. In addition, you can select three frequencies for Mid Low and Mid High, thanks to special switches. - Deep & Bright
If the EQ capabilities aren’t enough, you can go even further with the Deep and Bright switches. As you can guess, the former will give you extra low frequencies, and the latter will give you extra high frequencies. By the way, a Pure button also bypasses the equalizer altogether. - Handy LED Indicators
Another important feature is that you will have a built-in tuner with different tuning modes. These are LED indicators that are located above the main settings. Moreover, there is an LED button that you can use to switch the mode from the tuner to the VU meter. - DI And Phones
This combo allows you to record a DI signal. Moreover, there is also a control that allows you to adjust the level of the DI signal. In addition, you can practice with headphones and adjust the volume level with a dedicated knob.
Pros:
The GR Bass CUBE 500 is a powerful bass combo that will give you many options for shaping your bass tone. It has advanced EQ and additional modes for boosting low or high frequencies. In addition, you can practice in silence with headphones. Overall, this is a good option that can handle rehearsals or live performances.
Cons:
This bass equipment is quite expensive and costs more than $900. We can’t find any other drawbacks, so we advise you to check user reviews online.
11. EBS Magni 502-210
If you want a professional bass combo with loads of power, check out the EBS Magni 502-210.
EBS is a well-known Swedish manufacturer of bass equipment that has been operating since 1988. Over the years, they have managed to win a lot of fans for their products. Many metal and rock music legends include Steve Di Giorgio from Testament and Death, John Campbell from Lamb Of God, Mike D’Antonio from Killswitch Engage, Kyle Konkiel from BaD Wolves, and many others.
As for the EBS Magni 502-210 unit, this amplifier has 500 watts of power and two 10-inch Neodym speakers with a tweeter. So you can be sure that it will be able to rock the air at concerts and rehearsals. In addition, you will definitely like plenty of different features. Let’s take a look at them.
Key Features:
- Add Some Character
This combo has a special Character switch located near the input jack. The filter will give you +7 dB at 40 hertz, -2 dB cut at 800 hertz, and +3 dB boost at 10 kilohertz. Thus, you will get the “big cabinet sound” or the well-known “smiley face EQ.“ - Gain & Compressor
This unit can handle bass even with relatively low signals – there is more than enough gain. You can also use both active and passive electronics. In addition, there’s a built-in compressor designed specifically for bass guitars, so you can easily control the dynamics. - EQ With Midrange Selection
As for the equalizer, it has three controls: Bass, Middle, and Treble. But the cool thing is that you can choose which midrange frequencies to boost or cut using the auxiliary jog dial. The range is from 100 Hz to 6 kHz. By the way, another Bright control will add extra sparkle to your bass tone. - Balanced DI Out
Another important feature is that this combo has an XLR DI output with additional settings. In particular, there is a Post/Pre EQ and Ground switch. The latter can come in handy if you encounter unwanted buzz. - Additional Connectors
In addition to all of this, the Magni 502-210 has plenty of other connectors. In particular, you can connect an additional speaker thanks to the speakon output. Also, there is a line out, headphone output, and FX Loop. The latter will come in handy if you need to connect effect pedals.
Pros:
The EBS Magni 502-210 is a great professional bass combo with two speakers, a tweeter, and many tonal options. In particular, you’ll have EQ with a midrange selection, a Bright control, and a Character switch. It’s also worth noting that the combo weighs about 15 kilograms, and considering the two speakers, it’s light. And this unit looks nice – you’ll find cool artwork on the back.
Cons:
This product is quite expensive and costs about $1180. Apart from that, we can’t think of any other nuances that can be considered disadvantages.
Bonus:
Phil Jones BG-120 Bass Cub Pro Combo
The Phil Jones BG-120 Bass Cub Pro is a compact combo that will surprise you with its sound and features.
We included one interesting unit as a bonus item on our list. It is a creation of Phil Jones, a well-known engineer who once designed one of the most expensive home loudspeaker systems. Phil Jones has a great passion for bass equipment, so that you can see it in the products of the same name.
The Phil Jones BG-120 Bass Cub Pro is compact in size and lightweight, weighing just seven and a half kilograms. Nevertheless, its power is enough for performances in small rooms – 240 watts. It also has two five-inch PJB Neo-Power Chrome-Dome speakers and plenty of settings. Next, we will tell you more about the features.
Key Features:
- For Active And Passive Basses
As for the Input section, you will have a special switch to select the mode according to the bass guitar’s electronics. In particular, there are Active, Passive, and Mute modes. In addition, you’ll find the Clip indicator and the Input Level control. - 5-Band EQ
Unlike most other bass equipment, you’ll find as many as five equalizer controls. In particular, these are Lo-Bass, Hi-Bass, Lo-Mid, Hi-Mid, and Treble. This way, you’ll have more options to shape the bass tone how you want it. - Handy FX Loop
This unit also has an FX loop section. But the trick here is that it is not located on the rear panel, as in most combos, but on the top – next to all the key settings. Moreover, a Mix control allows you to adjust the ratio of dry to wet signals. - AUX In With The Volume
Another cool feature of this combo is the AUX In, which has a separate Volume knob. So you can adjust the volume of your playback on the unit itself. And, of course, the amplifier also has a headphone output so that you can practice in silence. - Connect External Speaker
You can connect it to an additional speaker if you need to get more power out of this combo. You will find the corresponding speaker output on the rear panel. By the way, there are also Line and DI outputs.
Pros:
The Phil Jones BG-120 Bass Cub Pro is a great combo that will delight you with its compactness and power. It has two speakers and is filled with various bells and whistles. For example, you will have as many as five EQ controls, a DI output, and the ability to connect an additional cabinet or practice with a playback. As for the sound, it is clear and round.
Cons:
We can’t find any drawbacks to this product. Therefore, we advise you to look for user reviews online.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of bass combos that can be suitable for metal. To conclude this post, let us give you tips on what products to check out.
If you need equipment for practicing at home, then No. 7 Warwick BC 10 and No. 8 Hartke HD25 are the undisputed options. These units have low power, so that you won’t disturb your neighbors. They are also quite compact and lightweight.
Among the products used for rehearsals, we can single out 1 Boss Katana KTN210, 2 Fender Rumble 100, and 11 EBS Magni 502-210. The latter is very powerful and has many different features on board.
And, of course, if you’re looking for a lightweight unit, you should check out the #4 Ampeg RB-115, #9 Trace Elliot ELF C110, and the bonus item on our list, the Phil Jones BG-120 Bass Cub Pro Combo. The latter also has a compact size and advanced settings.
When choosing a combo, we advise visiting your nearest music store and trying the equipment in person. It is the only way to know if you like it. If you don’t have the opportunity to do so, carefully study the products and user reviews. Good luck with your choice!
Ilarion Ivanenko is a remote mixing and mastering engineer from Ukraine, a musician with more than 15 years of experience. Specializes in rock, metal, progressive and the other genres. He can’t imagine his life without music, as it is the biggest passion in his life