Advice on extension speaker

c-ba55 · #1 01-12-2011, 11:22 PM

I play a 5-string Pedulla Rapture (like a jazz) through a Thunderfunk 550 (500 watts) into a Bergantino HT112ER. This is really nice.

It is loud enough on its own, more or less (TF pumps only 300 watts at 8ohm). Keeps up with the band in most rooms. Provides a really sweet solid smooth foundation for the music. I am not going for crisp or punchy or sparkly or shimmery. I am usually in mostly instrumental bands where space is created for the bass (not fighting vs. guitarists or anything) and bass is relied upon to anchor the music and groove - but at the same time expected to be an almost equal counter voice to the soloist.

I'm a little concerned about it's ability to project and fill the room, off-axis, and so on if I play a bigger room with no PA.

I do have an Aguilar GS112 sitting around. Adding that seems to do...actually not much. The efficiency of that cab is not that great (95 dB) and it dampens mids (making apparent volume even lower). At 42 pounds, it hardly seems worth it.

I'd like to sell that (say I could get ~$300) and replace it with something lighter, louder, that can take 250 watts, with better dispersion, and also $300 (used is fine) - that matches the tone of the Berg well enough and doesn't cause crazy phase/polarity issues.

I was thinking
EA Wizzy 10 (17 lb, 102 dB)
GK Neo 112 (33 lb, 98 dB)
LDS 2x8 (??)
Epifani UL2-110 (24 lb, 99dB)

Any opinions on these or others fitting the bill for me?

JimmyM · #2 01-12-2011, 11:36 PM

matching cabs always works, while mixing cabs is always unpredictable. if your one cab is working for you, add another just like it.

c-ba55 · #3 01-13-2011, 09:02 AM

Oh yeah, the obvious Bergantino EX112 (36 lb, 97 dB) or EX112ER (40 lb, 98.5 dB) are also options.

dmrogers · #4 01-13-2011, 09:15 AM

I just picked up a TFB550B and an HT112 cab. Love the combination. I am going to pick up an additional cab for that head and I'm probably going with another HT112 or EX112.

I really like the Berg cab that I have, so it just makes sense to go with another one.

I also have a TFB750A going through 2 GS112's. I love the combination. Of course I am using 2 cabs and I haven't tried them with the 550. I do have to tweak the EQ some depending on the venue, but it really projects and I get a great sound (of course that is subjective).

I'm like JimmyM on this topic, I like to match my cabs. But, I am interested in seeing what type of responses you get.

Rodger Bryan · #5 01-13-2011, 09:22 AM

The HT112ER/ EX112ER combination has been great for my goals (modular, flexible, well-balanced sound that never gets harsh). If I find that I need more top end, I could open up the attenuator on the HT, but I haven't needed it.

c-ba55 · #6 01-13-2011, 10:44 AM

I am only probably going to need the extension a few times a year, so I'd like to go with convenience (cost, weight) over pure awesomeness, while still meeting a certain minimum threshold of acceptability tone-wise. Also, I don't see how another 12 is going to do anything for dispersion (I could very well be wrong).

billfitzmaurice · #7 01-13-2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

matching cabs always works, while mixing cabs is always unpredictable. if your one cab is working for you, add another just like it.

+1. Where dispersion is concerned stack them, aiming the lower cab at that part of the room you think most needs additional midrange coverage, aim the top cab at you.

dmrogers · #8 01-13-2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c-ba55

Also, I don't see how another 12 is going to do anything for dispersion (I could very well be wrong).

But, in order to find out, you need to cab that work together to try.

I found that adding the second GS112 made a big difference. I replaced a Peavey 4x12 with just two GS112's and they fill the room nicely with plenty of room to spare. No comparison to the Peavey cab with twice the amount of drivers.

If it was me (I know, it's not me or my money) I would go with another HT or an EX (or another GS). I think you will be surprised. Oh and as far as cost savings, used Bergs seem to be reasonably priced. You would probably have to add ~$100 from the sale of your GS to buy a good HT or EX.

Joe Smithberger · #9 01-13-2011, 01:46 PM

Maybe a Berg HT110 if you can find one. It's a thick and punchy beast that should be a little better for dispersion. Otherwise get another Berg 112.

c-ba55 · #10 01-13-2011, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

+1. Where dispersion is concerned stack them, aiming the lower cab at that part of the room you think most needs additional midrange coverage, aim the top cab at you.

I had been wondering if that technique was kosher. Great to hear from you Bill, thank you.

murphy · #11 01-13-2011, 07:48 PM

I liked the Berg twelve on top of my HT115

billfitzmaurice · #12 01-14-2011, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c-ba55

I had been wondering if that technique was kosher.

You can even take it to extremes with three or four cabs, and the further off axis the cabs are with respect to each other the better it works.

c-ba55 · #13 01-26-2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmrogers

If it was me (I know, it's not me or my money) I would go with another HT or an EX (or another GS). I think you will be surprised. Oh and as far as cost savings, used Bergs seem to be reasonably priced. You would probably have to add ~$100 from the sale of your GS to buy a good HT or EX.

I did this. Had to kick in exactly $100. Now, instead of a GS112, there's an EX112ER sitting under my desk waiting to be paired with the HT112ER for those larger gigs. The only problem is there's now no bass gear I need to obsess over any more. Everything is all set. Weird feeling.