Using Amplifi With Bass

[derums]

I have heard that the Amplifi is a FR system, will using a bass through the amp damage it in any way? If not,

 

 what are the disadvantages or advantages of using a bass guitar with it?

 

thanks line 6. keep up the amazing work

 

 

[sandman27959]

Technically any guitar amp will work with a bass, but with differing sets of limitations and outcomes. I've plugged my p-bass into my Amplifi 75, and it sounds OK for living room practicing, but I'd never attempt to crank it up to even rehearsal volume because it's not made to do that. Wrong tool for the job.

 

Bass frequencies require a transducer (speaker or speakers) that can handle low frequency notes in order to sound good at a reasonable volume. Bass amps have speakers designed to regularly handle these extended lower frequencies. Most guitar amps aren't required to reproduce extended low frequency notes on a regular basis, so they're not designed to reproduce these lower notes at high volume with good tone. I'm certain that the high and mid frequency drivers in the Amplifi are crossed-over so that damaging bass frequencies are filtered out, so playing at low volume won't damage them. It's why PA tweeters don't blow out even though a bass is played through them - same thing - crossover points.

 

The short answer is yes, an Amplifi will make any instrument that's plugged into it louder, but not always with the best sound quality. If you crank the volume and over-extend the speakers with bass frequencies they're not designed for, you can also damage the speaker (8" or 12"). So you're OK the play in the bedroom, but don't crank it at a gig with a bass plugged in. It wasn't designed for this, and a proper bass amp will do a much better job. Hope this helps.

[bertjoe]

I think the best option for those of us that might be looking for one amp that can handle guitar and bass sounds and practice or small gig levels could possibly be the new Ashdown AAA Line of amps (I am not in any way affiliated with Ashdown and/or any of its subsidiaries or partners). As described on the Ashdown website,

 

"The new range of Ashdown All Access amplifiers all include AppTek sockets that connect the user’s smartphone or tablet to the amp, to further expand the available tones and FX as well as enabling players to record and practice using the fantastic array of free and purchasable apps which are available. The AppTek socket is not limited to certain devices and specific apps.  It’s a simple feature that allows the amp to be used as an interface for your apps and bass, by plugging the user’s bass in and connecting the supplied AppTek cable to the device and amp. The user will be able to use the on board FX on the device as well as amp simulations, which means endless tonal possibilities are available at your beckoned call."

 

I believe this line of amps will work well with a bass or guitar, specifically the Vintage 12. With the added bonus of the AppTek you have the ability to use AmpKit, JamUp, PocketAmp, etc. Also, you could add one of the bluetooth pedals to the app and have access to turning the effects on and off in the apps. To top it off, the amp has a great bass sound.

[joebutterfield]

You can connect a Bass guitar to Amplifi, however there are currently no Bass models available. Try using the Tube Preamp or Sparkle clean models from the Clean Amp category. I would also add compression and reconfigure the eq settings to match what you want from your bass. Just demoed this for an end user a couple weeks back with great results.

 

@line6jbutter

[calvinliew18]

Is amplifi 150 better than 75 for bass guitar? I noticed that there are some bass effects in amplifi app. Can both amps really reach the low bass frequencies since it's full range system? Will the amp speakers be damaged? Interested to get it since I'm using it for acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass as well. What is the USB port used for? Can USB be used to record with any daw? Is the input Jack stereo or mono? Thanks

[LeeLBrown]

Hi Guys,

I just bought the Amplifi FX100.  Cool concept!  Im playing bass in a few bands, and wanted to experiment with the FX.  Question.  One group is going the Capital Cities song - Safe and Sound.  I dont know for sure but I think it was recorded on synth. 

 

Are there any bass models for the FX100?  I do have bass amps, etc so using this with my bass shouldnt be a problem, I would think...  If so, does anyone have any suggestions how (fairly quickly) to get a cool synth sound on a bass using the FX100?  I was thinking distortion followed by env filter (but I know the EF sound will depend greatly on signal from dist) as well as LFO.  But again, Im not the greatest with effects.

 

Thanks,

Lee

[Doramas]

It should be pretty straight forward with the interface based on the app, you have then 8 effects per program so, load a few presets with the keyword "Synth" (If that is what you are after) since you already have your amp, you want to use as a stompbox mainly, remove from the settings the guitar amps simulation (Or perhaps you get something out of the box already sounding close to what you were looking for) and work from there.

 

I would buy one as soon as you guys add bass amp models, pretty much disappointed that they were not already on, I mainly want to use it as a DI straight to PA and stage monitors... OMG what light weight gear for easy gigs.

[pavlovcic]

JS - Right there with you. As soon as they add bass models, I am buying one. Unless someone else beats Line 6 to the punch. 

[Matt_Brown]

You can connect a Bass guitar to Amplifi, however there are currently no Bass models available. Try using the Tube Preamp or Sparkle clean models from the Clean Amp category. I would also add compression and reconfigure the eq settings to match what you want from your bass. Just demoed this for an end user a couple weeks back with great results.

 

@line6jbutter

Anyone know if it's OK to use a bass guitar (for practice) through an Amplifi 30. I guess the same principles apply (FRFR) but I wouldn't want to break my baby because I'm too lazy to get off my sofa to go where the big amps are kept!

[eneb]

I am also interested in one of this Amplifi amps (30 or 75w) for home practice.

But I would like to use it also with bass guitar.

Is Line 6 developing and adding bass guitar amps and effects for next software versions??? Yes please!!!

Blackstar offers it with the ID:CORE BEAM amp. (I know there are only 2 adjustable presets for bass)

In my opinion Line 6 should move in this sense...

 

Other dub in my mind......

Everybody knows a good classic valve or transistors amp has work for long years period. (no internet, no bluetooth, no wifi, no big data cloud...only needs the classic power source)

What will happen in few years  if Line 6 changes strategy, and ends Amplifi software maintenance? (It is only one small example in this internet continuous revolution...)

I think this type of products have few years expire date :(.