Running a bass into the PA.

[ShadowOfTheSun]

Hey guys, I've just been asked to play bass in a new band, but I don't own a bass amp. I can borrow one for most gigs, but sometimes I won't be able to.

 

So I was wondering - is it possible to plug my bass and distortion pedal directly into the PA, or is this a big no-no?

[Darkstorm]

Lots of pro and semi pro players go straight to PA. Either with a direct box or via the outputs on their processor of choice which gives ready for recording tone. However useing seperate pedals and going to Pa mixer from the last pedal in your set up is also doable. If, its output is sufficient strength etc to properly drive mixers input and without loss of tone from imperdance mismatch. Best would be try it first and see if it works ok. Otherwise see if you can get either a direct box or processor with headphone out jack. These will drive mixer 1/4 instrument level inputs very well and without tone loss. alternately you might use a line out designed for mixers from a small combo amp which then serves as litte stage monitor for you. Me, I use zoom 2000b line out running stereo to drive mixer inputs. Works great.

[isaac42]

 

Hey guys, I've just been asked to play bass in a new band, but I don't own a bass amp. I can borrow one for most gigs, but sometimes I won't be able to. So I was wondering - is it possible to plug my bass and distortion pedal directly into the PA, or is this a big no-no?

 

 

It's fine, if the PA can handle it.

[moogieotter]

Get a bass amp. Come to the dark side!

[Perfessor]

Sure you can. You may have a different tone than you'd like but it's done all the time.