Many beginner bass amp players find it difficult to craft a good tone on their amp. To get a good sound out of a bass amp, one must have a decent grasp on how the various elements of the instrument work.  

Bass Amp Positioning

The positioning of a bass amp is essential since bass frequencies are omnidirectional. When an amp is placed at a wrong place, it results in frequency cancellation. For beginners, it's advisable to avoid putting the amp at the center of a room and instead put it close to a wall. This helps to minimize reflection from the walls behind and extends the distance to the wall directly in front. As a beginner bass amp player, it's a good idea to test each and every band independently. Disable all the other bands so as to familiarize with the specific subtleties of the amp. When playing each band, start with the lowest band and adjust the knob around and listen how the signal changes. This is an effective way to learn the individuality of each band one at a time.  

Input Gain & Output Volume

Another step for a beginner to reach a good bass setting is to adjust the gain control and output volume correctly. These two controls boost t the amp's attack. The function of Gain control is to regulate the preamp output level while the Master determines the amp's output volume. Therefore, it's a good thing to give the set the Gain control correctly before considering the final volume. To get a good sound, the Master has to surpass the gain. Moreover, to achieve the desired distortion, the Gain ought to be pushed above the Master.  

Don't Copy Other Players' Settings

One of the mistakes new amp players make is trying to sound like someone else. It's not possible to play an amp the exact way another player does by copying their settings. It's best to recreate a unique sound by listening to the bands keenly and understanding each particularity. It will be more difficult to better one's amp playing skills when they continuously copy what others do. This because every person understands and plays music in a unique way. For beginners, it's recommended to avoid making extreme cuts to any of the bands. Extremes are not a good thing in playing the amp. Avoid too dull or too brilliant sound which is caused by bad amp settings. Consider the sound of other band mates. The signal should come through without obstructing other instruments with regard to frequency.  

Boost/Cut

The Boost & Cut supplementary filters should be used sparingly. While they can come in handy at times of need, they always tend to be less accurate. They should always be avoided as they bring in an extreme effect. It's also important to factor in the acoustic properties of the venue where the amp is played. The flooring option, the walls, as well the number of people in the venue will determine the ideal amp settings.  

Bass Amp EQ

The primary function of the equalizer is to fill the voids of the instrument a person is using or the manner in which they play it. Therefore, it's recommended to know the amp inside out so as to compensate for the lacking frequencies and eliminate those that are over the top. The amp's knobs should be turned moderately to enhance the sound. It's common for beginners to take some time to learn how to setup a bass amp because bass amp equalizer settings are quite complex. Therefore, novices should never feel discouraged if they take a while to achieve a great sound.  

Final Thoughts ...

The above-mentioned tips can help new bass players find their ultimate sound. Mastering bass amp equalizer settings is an ongoing experience that changes according to the venue, the bands one performs with and the style of music.    

Your Turn to Sound Off!

How many facts did you already know from the five listed above?

Let us know in the comment section below!

   

Other Stories You Might Like ...

[caption id="attachment_7797" align="alignleft" width="150"]active and passive guitar and bass pickups explained Active And Passive Guitar And Bass Pickups Explained[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7533" align="alignleft" width="150"]ba-112 ampeg amp bass Ampeg BA-112 Combo Bass Amp Review[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7108" align="alignleft" width="150"]Genzler Bass Amps Brand Spotlight Brand Spotlight: Genzler Bass Amps[/caption]