Advice on cabs. EA vs Genz Benz Focus

symcbass · #1 12-26-2012, 12:20 PM

Looking to see if anyone has experience of these cabs. I'm moving on my Aguilar GS 412, changing to a modular setup for cabs with my Iamp 800.
I was ready to buy 2 Genz Benz Focus 410's, using one cab for smaller gigs, 2 for large halls etc.
Play a gut strung double bass ( mostly slap & pizz) in a variety of bands, from Django Jazz through Honky Tonk to loud Rockabilly.
However, a pair of series II EA NL 210's have come up locally for a good price.
Just wondered if anyone has experience of the EA's for this kind of setup, bearing in mind my Rockabilly band plays some large halls without PA support for the backline, so I need cabs that can do warm, punchy and loud with nice mids. Any help appreciated.

symcbass · #2 12-26-2012, 12:22 PM

I thought I'd have a better chance of replies on here rather than the double bass section, sorry for any intrusion.

**CL400Peavey** · #3 12-26-2012, 12:29 PM

If you are playing loud upright you should check into the fEARless line of cabs. Mark Robertson if the Legendary Shack Shakers (Dukeorock on TB) has a lot of good things to say about the cabs, as they have a cross over specifically set up for upright bass. May be your cup-o-tea, might not, but they are worth looking in to.

MysticMichael · #4 12-26-2012, 12:40 PM

I can't speak to the SPL capacity of the NL210s. But I do know that they are very, very nice cabs - and that they're transparent and hi-fi enough to work very nicely for upright bass. And since you already own an iAmp 800? Not even any debate, IMHO. Were I in your shoes, I'd snap up that pair of NL210s - immediately!

MM

symcbass · #5 12-26-2012, 12:41 PM

Thanks,
I'm in the process of self building a 15/6/1 at present, but it'll be a while 'till it's done. The cost of having it built for me in the UK by an authorised builder is the only reason I don't have one yet. They look great for what I do, but I think the EA cabs may also be good for my style/sound. Thanks again for your help.

symcbass · #6 12-26-2012, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

I can't speak to the SPL capacity of the NL210s. But I do know that they are very, very nice cabs. And since you already own an iAmp 800? Not even any debate, IMHO. Were I in your shoes, I'd snap up that pair of NL210s - immediately!

MM

They are tempting, as you say especially with the Iamp! cheers.

symcbass · #7 12-27-2012, 05:37 PM

Anyone else have any experience with these cabs?
Thanks.

**CL400Peavey** · #8 12-27-2012, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by symcbass

Anyone else have any experience with these cabs?
Thanks.

I would still get in touch with Mark Robertson (dukeorock). He is a Genz Benz endorser and a authorized Greenboy builder.

bassjnky1 · #9 12-27-2012, 07:15 PM

I can't give you a hands on comparison of the cabs that you are considering, but, I have owned one of the Benz Focus 410's for about 6 months. I actually like it more each time I use it. I have tried a,b'ing it with some of my other cabs and the closest cousin seems to be my Berg HT322. Very tweakable and responds well to my amps eq. Can be very transparent or very warm. Plenty punchy. I am not sure yet if this is going to be half of my modular 810 but I am impressed with it's versatility.

symcbass · #10 12-31-2012, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassjnky1

I can't give you a hands on comparison of the cabs that you are considering, but, I have owned one of the Benz Focus 410's for about 6 months. I actually like it more each time I use it. I have tried a,b'ing it with some of my other cabs and the closest cousin seems to be my Berg HT322. Very tweakable and responds well to my amps eq. Can be very transparent or very warm. Plenty punchy. I am not sure yet if this is going to be half of my modular 810 but I am impressed with it's versatility.

Excellent, thanks.

rimbaud · #11 01-01-2013, 01:47 AM

1- There are many Focus threads, read them, Google is your best friend

:
read here

2- Youtube is also a friend you should consider:
watch here

.......

murphy · #12 01-01-2013, 08:23 AM

I would skip the EA's.
Mine and my friends had too many blown drivers

jjk2007 · #13 01-01-2013, 08:52 AM

I used to own that exact setup. Iamp 800 and the dual NL-210's. I thought that rig had a very precise, clean and clear sound. Got plenty loud but I found myself wanting some of that amp/cab color to my sound so I moved it on. Those 210's feel like your moving air though when transporting them. I haven't kept up on the EA stuff but they have a new driver/horn kit (I believe for the series III) that you can buy, and I thought there was a slight improvement to the cabs that way as compared to the originals.

symcbass · #14 01-04-2013, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphy

I would skip the EA's.
Mine and my friends had too many blown drivers

Thanks for this. I have read this a few times now. Definately out of the picture now.

lazyone2 · #15 01-04-2013, 05:39 PM

I have an original NL-210 and Iamp800 for about 6 years now and never had a problem. I do like my Wizzy 1x12m-line better but the NL can get much louder.

**smperry** · #16 01-04-2013, 05:46 PM

Sounds like they've already been decided against, but for the iAmp 800, the two best cabs for it IMO are the NL210 and the CXL112 in any combination. From the range of sounds desired, NL210s would be a great fit. I'm a former owner of the iAmp 800 and played it through these cabs (and owned CXL112s, only because I couldn't swing a great deal on NL210s).

I don't really know the GB Focus line, so I'm not knocking that at all.

symcbass · #17 01-18-2013, 11:43 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys.