Retarded Amp Head Questions

[wtfuhz]

Hey guys, I just ordered an Egnater Renegade amp head. This is my first amp head and I have a few questions regarding live setups.

During live shows, I hear that some bands run their heads directly to the mixer to lower stage volume. Obviously doing this with just a speaker out will blow some stuff up, which leads me to the question, how do they do that? Would a direct box be of use?

Also, the Egnater that i purchased has an out called "Record Line Out." Could that out be used to safely hook it up to a mixer for live use?
Here's the guitarcenter link to some pictures just so you can see what I'm talking about: Egnater Renegade 65W Tube Guitar Amp Head | GuitarCenter

I know that using a cab would be the "normal" thing to do, but honestly I don't have the funds to go all out on a cab right now. Plus, the lower stage volume is quite tempting. Keep in mind this is my first amp head, so go easy on me

 

[Greg_L]

I know that using a cab would be the "normal" thing to do,

Congrats on the new gear. Yeah, besides being normal, you have to use a cab or a simulated speaker load with tube amps. I don't think the line out counts as a load. You could use a DI between the head and a cab, but you'll still need the load. A power soak could work, but then you might as well buy a cab. What's wrong with stage volume anyway? If volume is an issue, why did you get a 65 watt amp? You know that 65 watts of tube amp is enough to blow your face off, right? And who buys a head but no cab? There's no need to complicate things. Get a cab. The amp has a master volume. Use it.

 

[wtfuhz]

Yeah, I kinda figured I'd end up just getting a cab. For now it'll have to be on the low-budget side. Any suggestions for a used or new cab below 300? Looking for something a little warmer sounding since the head is pretty bright sounding

 

[Greg_L]

Yeah, I kinda figured I'd end up just getting a cab. For now it'll have to be on the low-budget side. Any suggestions for a used or new cab below 300? Looking for something a little warmer sounding since the head is pretty bright sounding

How do you know the head is "bright" sounding?

Anyway, check your local classifieds (craigslist) for cabs. Good 2x12 or 4x12 cabs can be had for 300 or less. You just gotta look. I found a damn near mint Marshall 1960a for 275 last year. I'm always seeing 4x12's in the 300-400 range. With the right speaker you could even use a 1x12. Bottom line - you gotta have a cab. You'll potentially, probably, destroy that head if you try to use it without a speaker load.

 

[wtfuhz]

Wouldn't want to risk my amp head because of my cheap ghetto rigs. I'll probably be good with a 2x12 of some sort. Damn... that Marshall would be fantastic to find at that price around these parts

 

[c7sus]

I picked up a MusicMan 115-RH folded horn for $125. There are literally tons of great deals on Craigslist every day of the week.

 

[Greg_L]

Wouldn't want to risk my amp head because of my cheap ghetto rigs. I'll probably be good with a 2x12 of some sort. Damn... that Marshall would be fantastic to find at that price around these parts

Don't focus on the brand name. I see Crate, Randall, Ampeg, and homemade cabs on CL constantly. You just gotta look. Speakers matter too, but get a cab first then you can fine tune it to your liking.

 

[wtfuhz]

I know i shouldn't focus on name brands, especially at my price range... but which would you recommend most? I hear crates are a little on the crappy side.

 

[Greg_L]

I know i shouldn't focus on name brands, especially at my price range... but which would you recommend most? I hear crates are a little on the crappy side.

They are, but a crappy cab is better than no cab, and you have to use a cab. I don't know where you live, but pick the biggest city nearest to you, and search their craigslist ads. You may have to drive a ways. You do what you have to do. Just type in "cab" and get after it. It might take a few days or weeks to find something, but you will. Or check around local music shops that have used gear. You can get a decent cab for 300 bucks. It won't be a shiny new Marshall, Orange, or Mesa cab, but it will be something usable.

 

[wtfuhz]

a crappy cab is better than no cab

Very true. Let the hunt begin then. Also, just curious for future reference, do you think this amp will be able to push 2 4x12's? Hopefully I'll eventually be playing shows that big

 

[Greg_L]

Very true. Let the hunt begin then. Also, just curious for future reference, do you think this amp will be able to push 2 4x12's? Hopefully I'll eventually be playing shows that big

Lol. Yes it will be able to run a dual 4x12 full stack. Keep in mind though that you will probably never actually need a full stack. Do they look cool? Fuck yes they do. But a 65 watt head and one 4x12 will be PLENTY loud enough for any bar/club/music venue. It's gonna get mic'd anyway if you ever get to that point. Those bands you see with 10-20 cabs on stage....usually only one of them even has speakers in it. The rest are just for looks. Besides, you don't wanna be lugging two 4x12's around. That will get old fast. If you're in a one guitar band, it can be a good idea to run two cabs and have one of them over on the bass side. Your amp can do that no problem.

 

[Steenamaroo]

This is me contributing.

 

[Greg_L]

Lol. Yes, exactly.

 

[wtfuhz]

Hahaha seems legit ^ and thanks for the help. Potentially saved my amp from a sad, sad fate

 

[Greg_L]

Hahaha seems legit ^ and thanks for the help. Potentially saved my amp from a sad, sad fate

Yes, please don't try to use it without a cab. That's tube amp 101. If you wanna run straight into a PA, use a Pod or some other sim/processor thing. If you wanna be a badass, use your amp....with a cab.

 

[ecc83]

A 100W load box (which would actually stand 500W for 5 secs!) would cost about £30/$50 to build.

For a few quid more you could have a 1/10 power tap and a transformer balanced line out.
Pretty much beer into water 'tronics.

Dave.

 

[ido1957]

My JCM 900 has a recording compensated out which can be used in standby mode - so without a cab. BUT the OD channel is fizzy.