Combo amplifiers have long been a popular choice for musicians due to their convenience and portability. However, as musicians seek to achieve more volume, tonal flexibility, and unique sonic characteristics, a common question arises: Is it okay to stack combo amps? In this article, we explore the practice of stacking combo amps, its benefits, potential drawbacks, and how to do it safely and effectively.
Understanding Combo Amps
Combo amps are amplifiers that integrate the amplifier head and speaker(s) into a single unit. They are often compact, easy to transport, and ideal for small to medium-sized venues and practice spaces. Combo amps come in various sizes and configurations, including 1×12, 2×12, and 4×12 speaker setups, to suit different musical genres and performance requirements.
Stacking Combo Amps: The Pros
- Increased Volume: Stacking combo amps can significantly boost your overall volume output. This can be advantageous when performing in larger venues or with louder bands.
- Tonal Versatility: Combining two or more combo amps allows for a broader tonal palette. Different amps can be set up with distinct settings or amp models to achieve a diverse range of sounds.
- Redundancy: Stacking combo amps can serve as a backup system. If one amp fails during a performance, you can seamlessly switch to the other, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Unique Sonic Characteristics: Mixing the tonal qualities of different combo amps can yield unique and desirable sonic characteristics that may not be achievable with a single amplifier.
Stacking Combo Amps: The Cons and Considerations
- Weight and Portability: Stacking multiple combo amps can become heavy and cumbersome. It may not be practical for musicians who need to transport their gear frequently.
- Cost: Acquiring multiple combo amps can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for high-quality models. You’ll also need additional cables and gear for the setup.
- Space Requirements: Stacking combo amps takes up more stage or studio space, which may not be feasible in smaller venues or recording studios.
- Sound Alignment: Properly aligning the sound from multiple combo amps can be challenging. Phasing issues and differences in speaker response can create sound inconsistencies.
- Sound Engineer Coordination: In a live sound setting, coordinating the blend of multiple amps can be complex, requiring good communication with the sound engineer.
Stacking Combo Amps Safely and Effectively
If you decide to stack combo amps, here are some tips to do it safely and effectively:
- Matching Amps: Choose combo amps with similar wattage, speaker configurations, and tonal characteristics to minimize potential issues.
- Speaker Phase: Ensure that the speakers in both combo amps are in phase with each other to avoid phasing problems. Use a speaker phase tester or consult the manufacturer’s documentation.
- Use an ABY Switch: An ABY switch allows you to route your guitar signal to one amp, the other, or both simultaneously. This gives you precise control over your sound.
- Experiment and Adjust: Spend time experimenting with the settings and positioning of the combo amps to find the best tonal balance and volume levels.
- Soundcheck: Perform thorough soundchecks with your setup to identify and resolve any issues before a live performance or recording session.
Stacking combo amps can be a viable option for musicians seeking increased volume, tonal versatility, and unique sonic characteristics. However, it comes with challenges related to cost, weight, space, and sound alignment. Careful consideration of your specific needs and circumstances, along with proper setup and testing, will help you determine whether stacking combo amps is the right choice for you and your musical goals.
