Desktop amps, anyone?

bloodswords

bloodswords

New member
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Greetings, Duncanites. :headbang:

Just checking how many of us here have faith in desktop amps? Regardless of the brand name, do you think it's worth having one for days when you feel like, say, playing outdoors?

Before the Blackstar Fly 3 came about, I totally despise these things because cost-wise, the littlest practice unit lists for a tad more than a novelty desktop amp which sounds terrible for the most part. Maybe you have one which you think we should check out- please share (with pics if possible). Thanks loads.
 
Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

Size-wise, compared to anything else that I use, my IDcore20 practice amp belongs to that category. I keep it on the desk anyway.

I tend to carry it everywhere in the car and practice whenever I have some free time. This little one sounds ridiculously good for its class I think, is really light and due to its linear stereo speakers, any audio sounds great through them using the stereo line in. I am planning to create some decent video about it some time.
 
Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

I use an Emery Superbaby. For desktop, using a Weber MASS plugged into a personal monitor system. For bedroom use, plugged into a 1 x 12 Randall Celestion cab.

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Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

I've got a roland cubelite it sounds good for what it is, a low volume practice amp.
This means it still sounds better than any valve amp I know of at conversation level volume.
 
Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

I had one because I was traveling a lot for jazz band gigs as well as various summer opportunities in high school. I don't have it anymore though mostly because I'm doing a lot less traveling and I needed some cash.
 
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Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

Not only do I have a desktop amp, but a desktop Gibson Flying V as well.

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Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

Kamanda~SD said:
I tried to like them, rather play unplugged.

The little yamaha's arn't bad, I was referring more to the 'belt clip' size.
Click to expand...
You might be surprised with the sound you can get out of one.
I mic'd my MS-2 with a 57 and got a surprisingly good tone. I was HOPING for something trashy! :)
My considerably larger Peavy Back Stage, however, is pants.
 
Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

I've used a Pignose since 1989. Does that count???

I love that little thing as much as the day I got it.
 
Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

Anyone have luck using an interface into GarageBand/other software with a small PA/monitor/any other sort of speaker? I just purchased a tiny 4.5 in. Galaxy micro powered PA to attempt this; right now my desk amp is GarageBand/earbuds.
 
Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

Silence Kid said:
Anyone have luck using an interface into GarageBand/other software with a small PA/monitor/any other sort of speaker? I just purchased a tiny 4.5 in. Galaxy micro powered PA to attempt this; right now my desk amp is GarageBand/earbuds.
Click to expand...
Latency can be an issue.
 
Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

I just scored a little Epi Studio Acoustic 15C at the flea-market. This was originally part of an acoustic "starter" pack, but the amp is sweet. 15-watts, with an 8" speaker and a dedicated XLR input channel. Silky sweet clean, and takes pedals well. And a not-too-bad built in chorus.

The other cool thing about this is the cab is surprisingly sturdy. Kind of a faux tweed. If I ever get tired of the SS, I could always put a liitle Doug Hammond Firefly, or AX84 P1 project in here.

EPI 15C-01.jpg

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EPI 15C-04.jpg

The last photo is closest to it's real color.
 
Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

TwilightOdyssey said:
You might be surprised with the sound you can get out of one.
I mic'd my MS-2 with a 57 and got a surprisingly good tone. I was HOPING for something trashy! :)
My considerably larger Peavy Back Stage, however, is pants.
Click to expand...

the store I worked at had about 8 different models, I've done my time haha
 
Re: Desktop amps, anyone?

Kamanda~SD said:
I haven't heard an amp that size that sounds even close to good
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To me they're just supposed to be a practice amp for when you're away from home. And if that means you spend $50 on a little ****box amp to keep your fingers nimble, I'm kind of okay with them not sounding great as long as they allow me to hear what I'm playing a little better.
 
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