Can I use a guitar amp head as a power amp?

April 5, 2010

Power amps can get a bit pricey… is it possible for me to use a powerful guitar amp head as a power amp? If I plug in the components (guitar, bass, microphones) into a mixer, then plug the mixer into the amp, then run the amp into a speaker, will that work?
Also, if this configuration is possible, would it also be possible to make it stereo?
Thanks!



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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Ken C April 5, 2010 at 8:02 AM

If your guitar amp has an "effects loop return" or a "power amp in" jack on it, then I would plug the mixer into that.

Plugging into the normal input is not recommended, as the preamp and tone stack on a guitar amp is not optimal for reproducing full range signals (like what you’re wanting to amplify).

To go stereo, you would need a second power amp/guitar amp. No way around that.

Power amps are, as you say "pricey", but they’re built to have a wide frequency response, and usually have a lot more power output than a guitar amp. A 100W guitar amp is pretty large, but that’s a very small PA amp.

It’s not going to be optimal, but it will make noise for you.

Good luck.

Greetings from Austin, TX

Ken

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