Welcome to the twenty-first century. A phone the size of a bar of soap is a more powerful computer than the one we used to travel to the moon. In China, a magnetically-levitated train whisks passengers away at speeds in excess of 250 mph. Electric vehicles are self-driving.
There are decent battery-powered and portable bass amps available. Even given the lead-in, this final one may seem unlikely, but it’s the one we’re most enthusiastic about. Even though there are certain restrictions, there is a lot you can accomplish with these small technological wonders, and we’ll go over everything you need to know.
But if you want to move ahead and see what made our list, here are our top three favorites. If you are interested in these models, keep reading our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review for more information below.
Our Top Pick: Pignose 7-200 HOG-20 Amplifier
Description: Although it is no match for some of the others in this price range, the Hog 20 has a limited set of settings that make it a more adaptable amp than the simple Hog 10.
Features: It consists of a volume and tone rotary knob, as well as a squeal control for on-demand distortion, and is located at the bottom of the amp on a front-facing strip. The power switch, with its bulky feel and distinctive pig snout motif, rounds off the control lineup.
While it lacks some of the integrated effects, modeling, and tuners found in other amps in this category, the Hog 20’s style truly sets it apart. If you are looking for the 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps you can find.
The durable amp is wrapped in a gorgeous antique brown pigskin Tolex that mimics old luggage, and the speaker screen includes the retro-inspired Pignose logo. The Pignose Hog 20 offers plenty of power and tone for a compact, battery-powered amp, with more than enough grunt for everyday practice and modest concerts.
It has a clean and pleasant tone, but the distorted tones are ideal for blues and classic rock. It’s not loud enough for current rock or heavy metal, but it accepts pedals nicely.
While this is an excellent amp for use on the road, it should not be the only one. The Hog 20 is a fantastic starting amp for novices or experienced guitarists searching for a good-looking amp for their living room, thanks to its beautiful appearance, nice tone, easy controls, and low pricing.
Pros
- There are two inputs, one in the front and one in the back.
- When the youngsters are asleep, there is a headphone jack for private listening.
- Dual power sources 115 VAC / 12 VDC, with a battery life of 6 – 10 hours.
Cons
- Can’t be used while charging
Runner Up: Roland Micro-Cube Bass RX
Description: We’re not sure if Roland created the concept of a battery-powered amp in the abstract, but they are the undisputed rulers of this domain. The Roland Micro-Cube is the original battery-powered amp, and it swiftly spawned a whole family of Micro-Cubes, each tailored for a specific purpose.
Features: In our view, the Micro-Cube Bass RX is the greatest tiny bass combo amp overall. This formidable device’s numerous capabilities run circles around your other portable and lightweight bass amp alternatives thanks to its distinctive presentation of four small speakers. It’s hardly surprising that it has a high price tag.
If you are looking for the 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps you can find.
However, it would take less room to discuss what the RX cannot accomplish than it would to enumerate what it can. Because the Roland cube is a modeling amp, it has 8 amp models, a variety of traditional effects (chorus, flanger, reverb, and more), plus a number of useful practice tools (a tuner and a selection of metronome patterns).
We had to be cautious not to overpower a 5-piece acoustic band in a 100-seat setting, given its rated output power of 5W. The Roland Micro Cube RX guitar amplifier is a real overachiever: small, powerful, proud, and in full stereo. You won’t believe how much power and clarity this amp has.
The RX guitar amp creates an immersive, stereo sound that must be heard to be believed, thanks to two specially designed power amps and four speakers. The real stereo engine also enables bass tones that defy cabinet size. Furthermore, the RX has eight COSM® amps, six digital effects, a three-band EQ, and a chromatic tuner.
The Roland Street Cube and most other rechargeable batteries guitar amps sound thinner/tinnier. Because it encompasses the bottom end, the Bass RX Micro Cube is ideal for duets.
When you play alone, the sonic spectrum feels larger than on most guitar amplifiers. Obviously, if you’re looking for a lot of high-end, you’d seek elsewhere. However, if you like mids and bass more than treble, it doesn’t get all that dirty.
Pros
- Small size
- Gets loud
- Portable
Cons
- None
Best for Budget: Blackstar FLY3
Description: If mobility is important to you, try Blackstar’s FLY3, which is fittingly called because it is the flyweight of battery-powered bass amps, weighing less than 2 pounds.
Features: In comparison, that’s just four original Gameboys or around the weight of a quart of chocolate milk.
The FLY3 is one of the most economical portable bass amps on the market, thanks to its lightweight design that is not only easy to carry but also easy on your pocketbook.
If you are looking for the 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps you can find.
But all of that excellent things come at a cost, and the Blackstar FLY3 is also a 3-watt speaker. It’s by far the quietest option on our list, better suited for bedroom practice or an inside acoustic jam session. As long as you understand the FLY3’s function, it’s a fantastic piece of equipment.
Given the limited volume, the built-in compressor is a good feature that allows bassists to optimize their tone and presence while playing. In that vein, the most typical reaction to the Blackstar’s tone is what we would call “pleasant surprise.”
The FLY3 has a distinct characteristic. It comes in a stereo arrangement, allowing you to double your wattage and hence volume. However, you’re now nearing the price of comparable premium systems with even more watts.
Instead of attempting to transform this little man into something it isn’t, embrace it for what it is: a strong battery-powered bass amp that values mobility over virtually everything else
While it has no bearing on the sound, we can’t help but notice that the name “Blackstar” is the same as the 2016 David Bowie album. Even though there is no connection, this small bass amp has a lot of elegance.
Pros
- The portable Drive channel sounds pretty excellent.
- With the extended cab, the built-in delay may be stereo.
Cons
- Not as powerful
Buyer’s Guide for 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps
Before we go into what you should seek in a lightweight bass amp, let’s establish some ground rules. Is your battery-powered bass amp going to thump as powerfully as the 100-pound behemoth on the floor of your favorite recording studio?
Sorry, but it’s quite improbable. For instance, bass frequencies are often associated with bulk and power. The iconic Ampeg B-15, used by James Jamerson and others, for example, weighs 99 pounds.
That was the standard in the world of bass amps less than a decade ago. You shouldn’t expect a portable bass amp to be a tube amp, which is already a difficult thing to grasp for die-hard audiophiles.
As incredible as a portable bass amp is, we must acknowledge that the concept of a battery-powered bass amp has limitations according to our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review.
It’s the rules of physics: when you’re little and battery-powered, you can only hit so hard. But “only so hard” is a lot harder than you may think, and it’s still more than sufficient to reach those deep, low-frequency signals that people truly resonate with.
You may rehearse in your room, play bass at acoustic campfire jams, busk anywhere you choose, and even perform at small to medium-sized venues using the amps on this list. Yes, compact and powerful bass amps are the way of the future.
Proceed With a Quality Practice Amp
Every bassist requires a strong practice amp for the home, studio, or simply warming up backstage. The majority of compact bass amplifiers under 25 watts are pretty similar. With today’s modern technology, even a little bass amp can produce a strong sound that is rich in volume and clarity.
Hartke and Ampeg both make excellent practice amplifiers at reasonable prices. Many well-known bassists, such as Metallica’s Robert Trujillo and Megadeth’s David Ellefson, rely on these brands for live performances as well.
Dimensions and portability
Most experts recommend that a 150-pound person carry no more than 15 pounds in a backpack for extended periods of time. We know gig veterans and roadies are rolling their eyes, but this is at least a start.
The majority of the battery-powered bass amps on our list weigh about 15 pounds, which puts them in the ideal spot of not being too heavy. However, there are choices as tiny as 2 pounds that are very literary pocket bass amps. So think about your gig setup and how much walking you’ll be doing outside of a car.
Wattage
Usually, you’ll need to strike a compromise between power and weight. Sure, there are choices that weigh less than 2 pounds, but they only produce approximately 3 watts. Then there are 30-watt models that weigh around 25 pounds.
For most people, something in the middle is ideal, which is why we recommend the Pignose HOG-20, which weighs 14 pounds and produces 20 watts. That’s enough power for busking and small settings, but not so much weight that it becomes unmanageable.
However, if you only need anything for the house, something less than 10 watts would suffice according to our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review.
Life of the Battery
Battery life, like weight, frequently varies with power. Higher wattage indicates higher power consumption and shorter battery life according to our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review.
Every portable bass amp on our list, on the other hand, has a battery life of at least 5 hours, which is generally more than enough for a modest gig. If you’re willing to bring backup batteries, this problem becomes even less important because you can simply take a break, replace the batteries, and return to the event.
Sound
This is when things become very subjective, and what sounds fantastic to one person may not sound so great to another. To assist you, we’ve included a few YouTube videos that showcase the bass tones and sound you may expect. Soak those in before making your decision.
Tube vs. Solid State
A solid-state amp will probably meet your demands well if you want a high-power bass amp that won’t break the budget. Tube amps are more expensive, and tubes are, as one might think, more delicate.
The key difference is how a solid-state amp overdrives vs a tube amp. Solid-state amplifiers may be powerful, but the distortion created after they reach their maximum volume is not especially melodious.
Meanwhile, tube amplifiers will generate a far more enjoyable overdrive. However, bear in mind that most high-quality solid-state amplifiers are designed with adequate headroom to prevent overdriving, so this is a problem to be aware of.
Is speaker size important?
Is larger always better? No, not always. Modern bass cabinet designs may enhance low-frequency response in a well-designed 4 x 10′′ cabinet and even handle a low B-string (which generates frequencies even lower than a 42Hz E-string), which was previously inconceivable.
A bigger 15′′ speaker will still move a room with a lot of low-end rumbles, thus 1 x 15′′ combination amps and cabinets are still popular for smaller performances and practice rigs.
What works best for you? It is, after all, subjective. Many accomplished bass players, on the other hand, rely on superb cabinet design and spend less time worrying about the size of the speaker itself.
When in doubt, you can rely on us to deliver trustworthy, accurate information that will enable you to make an informed decision about what is best for your requirements.
Cabinet for Speakers
To correctly replicate bass frequencies, the speaker diameter must be quite big and travel in and out a great distance. The amount of movement necessary to create low frequencies is too much for a conventional guitar speaker.
One of the reasons why a bass cabinet must be sealed or ported is for this reason. To keep the speaker under control at low frequencies, the air inside the box must be pushed back somewhat according to our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review.
Size of the Speaker
Most people believe that bigger is better when it comes to bass. This is not always the case. Some people enjoy the sound of many smaller speakers in one cabinet, while others prefer the sound of one or two bigger speakers in a cabinet.
A bass cabinet with several smaller speakers produces a tighter, more accurate sound. A bigger speaker produces a heavier, sometimes “mushy” sound.
Speakers' Count
There are several speaker cabinet configurations to choose from. The 4 x 10′′, 1 x 15′′, 1 x 18′′, and 8 x 10′′ are some of the most popular bass amps.
Some bassists combine a 1 x 15′′ cabinet with a 4 x 10′′ cabinet for big venues, using a crossover to transmit lower frequencies to the 15′′ speaker for fullness and depth, and low mids and up to the 4 x 10′′ for clarity and punch.
Power of the Amplifier
A 100-watt amp is a plenty for practice. However, because low frequencies require a lot of power to move huge heavy speakers back and forth, consider an amp with a power range of 200 to 400 watts.
Channels available
With dual channels, you may effortlessly swap between two separate EQ and effects chains. If internal overdrive is needed, having two gain knobs to manage both distortion level and loudness is beneficial.
The EQ will be either a simple three-knob tone control or a more advanced parametric or graphic EQ. This is true for both combination and individual heads according to our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review.
Portability
Bass amplifiers are often heavier than guitar amplifiers. It’s a good idea to make sure your bass combination or cabinet has durable handles and wheels for transportation according to our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review.
Tone controls
Most bass amps let you adjust the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies to get a pleasant sound. Some versions include more advanced settings, like parametric equalizers, which divide the amp’s output into several frequency bands for finer, more delicate tone sculpting.
Some contain a bright switch that may be activated to improve the clarity of your sound. Shape and contour circuits are examples of specialized tone controls. There are also bass heads with EQ settings tailored to replicate various retro bass sounds or to complement specific song genres.
Several channels
Many amplifiers feature two or more channels. They are frequently labeled as clean and overdrive, and provide output to match the desired tone. Some versions offer separate tone settings for each channel, letting you switch between significantly contrasting sounds in the middle of a performance.
Two or three channels also allow you to bi- or tri-amp your speakers, which means that each speaker is powered by a distinct channel. Speaker cabinets with several speaker sizes are frequently powered in this manner. They employ an active crossover network, which divides the amp’s output into frequencies tuned to each speaker.
Gain control
Most amplifiers let you adjust the amount of overdrive in the preamp stage. Finding the gain “sweet spot” might aid in the production of a pleasant overdriven sound according to our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review.
Controls for resonance and damping: These assist fine-tune the amp’s output to the speakers you’re using. They can assist your speakers to generate a tighter, more concentrated sound.
Direct output
Located on the back panel of the amp, it allows the amp to be connected directly to a mixer or recording gear, often through an XLR output. To adjust the output for specific needs, several of these outputs have a pre-post EQ switch and an output level control.
Switchable impedance
These switches often enable you to choose between 4- and 8-ohm output to match the speakers to which you’re connected. A few versions additionally provide a 16-ohm option according to our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review.
Multiple speaker jacks
Because not all speakers and cables are made equal, having a variety on the rear panel of your amplifier might be beneficial. There are 14″ TRS, XLR, and Neutrik Speakon connections available.
The goal here is to ensure that the amp you’re thinking about will easily connect to your speakers and other devices according to our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review.
Passive/active input
This choice is vital if you play different basses with passive and active pickups according to our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review.
XLR balanced inputs
Found on a few amps, this feature allows acoustic double bass players to mic their instrument and then route the output of the mic via the amp.
Conclusion: 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps [2022 Review]
You should now have a decent understanding of the many types of bass amplification gear available, as well as what to look for while buying. Reading professional internet evaluations of different bass amp gear might help you get the best setup for your needs. We hope you liked our 3 Battery Powered Bass Amps review and it was helpful.