• Registered: 2009-03-23
  • Posts: 70

Topic: Amp stands, baffles, PA - Any tips??

Hello all.

Firstly I have a question about amp stands.  What are everyones experiances with them??   I have a Marshall AVT100 Combo.  Mainly play at pubs and a couple of small to medium size clubs.   Would it improve the sound I get?

Secondly, I know Joe uses baffles for his amps and it obviously helps his sound otherwise he wouldn't have them there.  Would baffles help in my situation as I put above?? Weren't sure if they're only needed at huge venues with very loud volumes.  I'm guessing that if I got a stand I wouldn't need a baffle??

I usually don't mic up my amp but have been thinking about it lately so our sound man can get a better balance of the band as we're thinking of all going through the PA.   I use a podxt Live plugged into my amp however I could send a line to the PA aswell.  Would this be better than micing up the amp or not??

Any other tips about this would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

  • Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Re: Amp stands, baffles, PA - Any tips??

I don't know about the stands so much, but the baffles are there to allow high volumes. Valve amps sound far better when the volume is cranked right up. So Joe uses baffles so that the crowd don't have the sound blasting right at them and the amps are mic'd and running through the PA. This simply allows him to get the best sound he can.

  • From: Illinois
  • Registered: 2008-06-15
  • Posts: 52

Re: Amp stands, baffles, PA - Any tips??

everyone has their opinions... my experience with amp stands...  shy awar from them.  i became a huge fan of the plexiglass shield.  i gig with a 64 vibroverb, 40 watts,  majority of the bars around here are small to medium sized, with the amp on 3.5 - 4 i get a good tone, nice overdrive.  5 and closer to 6, it sounds even better but even with the shield people fown @ the volume.   IMO  lower wattage amp + volume up around 6 + plexi shield = good things.   theres my 2 and a hald cents.  keep the amp on the floor and use a shield....

brian - IL

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Amp stands, baffles, PA - Any tips??

I hate having my combo amp on the floor and am considering getting an amp stand as well. Interested to hear thoughts. I wanna get my sound 'off the ground'.

The need for plexiglass is for a different solution. I don't have huge problems with bite or shrill coming through, but I still may consider that too so I can turn it up.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Registered: 2009-03-18
  • Posts: 30

Re: Amp stands, baffles, PA - Any tips??

I have used amp stands at shows but to be honest they take away bottom end. Exsp on nice tall stages. It is great to hear your amp directly but hear lately our front house/monitor guy has been doing a wonderful job (btw,thanks Brandon). They are cheap enough to check out so try it and see what you think. Baffles are f'ing great! worth alot more than they cost.

  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Amp stands, baffles, PA - Any tips??

Where are the best sources for these plexiglass amp shields? I'm using a 4x12 cabinet with a 50W Marshall in live settings, but don't always have a mic. Would the screen muffle the tone coming out to the audience, or is the frequency response preserved?

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Amp stands, baffles, PA - Any tips??

I just got an amp stand, and boy do I like it. I can't depend on sound guys to get my sound through the monitors, and it raises it up high enough to hear my amp through the mix without having to turn it up louder than needed. The other guy in the band uses his for practice, but not for gigs.

You can make a plexiglass shield from parts at home depot or lowes. That's what I'd do. wink

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Bailz
  • Bailz
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  • From: Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-01-05
  • Posts: 60

Re: Amp stands, baffles, PA - Any tips??

When playing live I use a DSL50 and a VM 2266 into a 4x12. We generally play in pubs and clubs. Is this kind of situation a good one to use a baffle in?

Chris

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Amp stands, baffles, PA - Any tips??

some sort of shield will block the beam from hitting your listener's ear directly... which is good for small places. I've even seen 4x12's in coffee shops where they didn't have a shield, and they just turned the cabinet aroud to face the wall and/or put a blanket over it. eek.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool