Can You Use a Guitar Amp as a Monitor?
You can surely use the guitar amplifier as a vocal monitor. The first thing you need to do is to set the amplifier to a clearer sound. Once done, you need to set the flattest EQ. There’s no denying the fact that it won’t be the best sound you’d be hearing, but will surely work.
There are several cases when you are left with a spare amp and have no idea what to do with it. In such cases, it is better to utilize it rather than throw it out.
You’ll be able to her vocals clearly, but the sound quality surely depends on the amplifier you are using. Let’s consider you have the classical tube-type guitar amplifier, you won’t be getting a very pleasant sound when you play it at a high volume.
However, if you have a modeling amplifier that is digital, it can give you a much clearer sound and you can use it at high volume, there’s nothing to worry about. It won’t work as a perfect monitor, but it can be a good alternative.
Searching on the internet, I found that people living in the 70s did not really have monitors and that is where people usually came up with such alternatives, but these tricks are certainly effective.
Can You Use Guitar Amp As Computer Speakers?
Aux is needed to use amp as speaker
You can use an aux connection to use a guitar amp as a computer speaker. It is surely a popular option and people all around the world prefer it. All you need to have is an aux, which you can use to connect your computer to the amp.
Firstly, you need to turn off the guitar amp at the socket and then turn on the amp itself. Once done, you need to find the aux input in the amplifier. Plug the aux cable into your amplifier and connect it to the device you are using. Make sure that the jack is 3.5mm.
Here’s the trick, you need to set all the distortion and volume setting to 0 as you won’t be getting clear sound without it.
Moving on, you need to turn on your amplifier but don’t higher the volume right away. Slowly increase the volume to check if you can hear the sound clearly. Don’t burden it with very high volume, try keeping it mild.
As you are using an amp as a computer speaker, the audio won’t be of the best quality, and you need to avoid playing too much bass on it, as it won’t be beneficial for your amplifier. It can literally blow up if you play a high bass volume on it.
Can You Use Guitar Amp as a Cabinet?
You can use a guitar amp as a cabinet by creating a stack setup. However, you need to connect it to the external speaker as it won’t be producing the sound on its own. Again, it won’t be the best sound you’ll be hearing, but it can surely work.
Yet, you need to make sure that you have a sustainable stack setup. Usually, people use it to make the sound louder, there’s no problem in using the guitar amp as a cabinet.
Also Read: Directly Using Speaker As Guitar Amp: Bluetooth & Stereo
Amp Vs Monitor Vs Cabinet Vs Speakers: The Differences
Amplifier often manages the voltage and current of signals
You might have heard all these terms, but sometimes it gets hard to differentiate between them. Well, here are the key differences between all these entities;
1. The Function: Amp Vs Monitor Vs Cabinet Vs Speakers
To understand a device, it is essential to properly understand its function before going into the depth of it.
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Amplifier – An amplifier is designed to manage the voltage, current, and power of a signal. In guitars, it usually strengthens the signals taken from the pickup, and then it produces sound through one or more loudspeakers, it is one of the most effective electronic devices in the music industry.
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Monitor – Musicians use monitors to hear and analyze their own sounds while they are playing. It is widely used during live performances around the world. However, the studio monitor is used to amplify sounds from a computer.
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Cabinet – To output the sound of the guitar, the cabinet is made. It is simply a speaker placed in a wooden box. Guitar cabinets can have an immense impact on the sound you are producing. It would be almost impossible to hear a good sound without a cabinet.
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Speakers – The speaker and amp are usually synced and placed in a wooden cabinet to support the proper functioning of a guitar. It is a loudspeaker used to create a prominent sound
2. The Usage: Amp Vs Monitor Vs Cabinet Vs Speakers
When it comes to usage, a guitar amp is used to produce music on one or more speakers, it works to strengthen the electronic signals. On the other hand, a monitor is used to hear you while playing something.
Moving on to the cabinet, it is basically considered a wooden box with an amplifier and speakers, which are usually more than one.
They are an essential part of the overall journey of producing good sound. The smallest guitar cabinets can accommodate 6.5’’ speakers which are often designed for private practice.
Speakers are used to converting electronic signals into a properly attained sound. Combo amplifier cabinets can have more than 10 or 12 speakers, which are usually used for stadium concerts.
3. Input / Output: Amp Vs Monitor Vs Cabinet Vs Speakers
The modern guitar amplifiers have a ¼ jack which is known for being the input. You connect this jack with a device that inputs the sound into the amplifier and from there you connect the headphones or speakers on the output to hear the sound.
To make the input and output of all these entities clearer, you need to keep in mind that the speaker jacks placed on the back of the cabinet are often the inputs as they are responsible for receiving the signals coming from the amp head. The aux jack is considered the output of the amp which is connected to the speaker for sound.
4. Costs: Amp Vs Monitor Vs Cabinet Vs Speakers
The cost of an amp depends on your use
If you are a beginner, guitar amps can cost you around $50-$200. However, if you are a professional, amplifiers can cost up to several thousand, depending on your use. Solid-state amps are much more-cheaper than tube amps.
A low-cost monitor can have a price tag of about $150, but high-quality monitors can be costly. The price of any entity depends on its quality. When you don’t want to compromise on quality, you have to pay higher prices.
You can get a good guitar cabinet for under a thousand dollars, the price range can vary depending on the size and quality of the cabinet. They come in many different sizes to cater to the demands of the musicians.
You can get guitar speakers for as low as $120, but for professional use, the price is much higher. Good quality speakers are durable for sure.
5. Recommendation: Amp Vs Monitor Vs Cabinet Vs Speakers
Here are a few of my recommendations for beginners:
Recommended Amps
It is one of the finest amps for beginners with an output of 50W along with 5 channels. Boss Katana 50 MKII weighs around 11.6 kg PC interface which makes it easier to use.
Boss is one of the most trustable brands in the music industry. The brand has a tremendous history and Katana 50 MKII is maintaining its legacy.
If you are looking for comparatively decent specs in a lightweight amplifier, Fender Mustang LT50 must be your choice. It has a 50-watt output with one channel and 8.9 kg weight.
For a beginner, it is one of the most versatile amplifiers as it has 20 amp voicing Same as Boss, Fender is also one of the most respectable brands in the music industry. Amplifiers play a very important role in overall sound production. It’s hard to neglect their significance.
Recommended Monitors
It surely falls in a category where both beginners and professionals can use this monitor. It has auxiliary, TRS, and RCS connectivity technology along with 3.5 woven composite drivers. This monitor also has acoustic tuning for you to get good quality sound anywhere anytime.
2. KRK 5’’ Classic Studio Monitor
If you are looking for a monitor with a low resonance enclosure, this is the best option for you. It has flat low-frequency adjustment along with superior low-end extensions. KRK 5’’ comes with a very decent price and exceptional quality.
Recommended Cabinet
This cabinet has a massive power handling capability of 280W and is built using Birch material. The configuration of this cabinet is 4×12. If you are seeking a loud cabinet, this is your best option. It will provide you with a well-rounded tone, but this cabinet is extremely heavy too.
2. EVH 5150 4x12Straight Guitar Cabinet
If you are a rock or metal player, choosing this cabinet might be the best decision you would ever make. Made from Birch material with a capacity of handling 100W power, it can also do classic and modern tones.
A completely versatile piece. It’s perfect if you are looking to amplify your tone. When it comes to the cabinet, you just can’t compromise on the material it is made from.
Recommended Speakers
It is one of the most trustable speakers you could ever buy. It is a very solid speaker used by almost every guitarist around the world. These speakers have better power handling along with fine quality. If you are worried about durability, Celestion Vintage 30 can take away all your worries.
2. Celestion G12
Another Celestion masterpiece is G12. If you are looking for something with a vintage touch, Celestion G12 Gold is your option. It ensures perfect balance with exceptional convenience, making it one of the most used guitar speakers in the world.
Also Read: Guitar Amp Vs Keyboard Amp: Differences & Possible Usages
FAQs
Q: Do I Need an Amp for Monitors?
An external amplifier is needed if your monitor has have passive speakers, but if your monitor has active speakers, there’s no need for an amplifier as they have their own built-in. Identify if your monitors have passive or active speakers before getting an amp.
Q: Can an Amp Be Used as an Interface?
You can use the amp as an audio interface if you have a modern one. The guitar amplifiers with a USB port are easier to use as an audio interface.
You just need to connect the amplifier to the computer using a USB cable and you are done. Just make sure you select the amp on your DAW preference and that your work is completed.
Q: Are Guitar Amps Good Speakers?
Guitar amps are not good speakers. If you use guitar amplifiers as speakers, they will produce unclear muddy sounds due to the fact that amplifiers have limited frequency ranges.
Only a good amp can’t produce clear sound, you need to have good speakers for it. Audio quality will be extremely poor if you use guitar amps as speakers.
Q: Can You Use Studio Monitors for Casual Listening?
Studio monitors can be used for casual listening and the sound will not be different from what you are expecting. You can use studio monitors to get excellent sound quality in your everyday routine.
