Anybody Have or Try the new Hartke HX112

rockiezz · #1 03-24-2011, 07:35 PM

Hay gang I've been pondering new cabs for some time and I saw an ad today on Facebook and it sparked my interest in the new Hartke HyDrive HX112 cabs. Seems like a great idea, a switch to get the most out of your cabs single cab 4-ohm, double them up and pick 8-ohm to equal the 4-ohm load. Brilliant! Now how do they sound, do they hold up to every weekend use? Heavy (30.4-lbs) I don't think so. So if you got a review please shout it out! Thanks in advance.

Jeff Scott · #2 03-24-2011, 09:21 PM

I tried one this past Saturday at Sam Ash using a GK 700RB-II and my USA G&L JB-2. The cab was sitting on a shelf display about 5' off the ground and still had a nice full tone with great definition in the mids and high end. If I were looking for a couple of 1-12 cabs this would definitely be on my short list.

I can't believe I am saying this, I was never a fan of Hartke cabs in the past!

MysticMichael · #3 03-25-2011, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockiezz

Now how do they sound, do they hold up to every weekend use? Heavy (30.4-lbs) I don't think so. So if you got a review please shout it out! Thanks in advance.

There are a handful of reviews/impressions that have already been posted here - if you care to take a look at them.

After being a Hartke skeptic for many years, I've finally broken down and bought a lightly-used HX112 from another TB member, to arrive early next week. In fact, I'll probably get a second one as well, then use both of them with my GK MB-500 micro head.

From all the buzz about the HyDrives, these should make an ideal micro-stack rig for rock gigs in small-to-midsized venues: deep, clean, punchy and bright!

MM

NWB · #4 03-25-2011, 11:09 AM

I recently bought one and will likely get another one today.

I used it last night at band rehearsal with my GB Shuttle 6.0.

It sounded about as good as a cab can in our rather boomy practice room. It has a very nice low-end without giving up the all-important mids.

I was pushing it near its limits to keep up with the drummer, but I think pair would do the job nicely.

It's very easy to carry too!

BurningSkies · #5 03-25-2011, 11:23 AM

Did Larry buy his switching technology from Accugroove?

rockiezz · #6 03-25-2011, 01:51 PM

I went out today to Sam Ash and played on of these HX112 cab's, wow did it sound good, very impressed. I have to get over the fact that it is made a bit cheaply, thinner cabinet wood, cheap (but shiny) metal work (corners and handle), Made in China... but with all that still a firm feeling and sounding cabinet. I would of liked to hear two of them stacked. Well Sam Ash is open till 9:00 tonight and I haveto go past it on my way to the gig so.... maybe!

BurningSkies · #7 03-25-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockiezz

I went out today to Sam Ash and played on of these HX112 cab's, wow did it sound good, very impressed. I have to get over the fact that it is made a bit cheaply, thinner cabinet wood, cheap (but shiny) metal work (corners and handle), Made in China... but with all that still a firm feeling and sounding cabinet. I would of liked to hear two of them stacked. Well Sam Ash is open till 9:00 tonight and I haveto go past it on my way to the gig so.... maybe!

You know, that some of the current crop of high performance, high tech, great sounding bass cabs are built of lighter/thinner wood. It's not a quality issue when properly built and braced, its a portability issue.

Eric Moesle · #8 03-25-2011, 02:27 PM

I almost picked one of these up, but I was turned off by two things.

1. The front grill is a bit ridiculous with all the 'carved in" writing on it. I can understand the Hartke logo being big, but the "Hydrive 112" thing in the corner us HUGE and covers part of the speaker. There's also LOTS of solid metal around the edges of the grill.

2. The cheaply "chromed" silver handle has me worried how it will look over time, and the tolex appeared thin and I'm worried what it would look like after a few gigs: shredded. I know rat-fur carpet gets a bad rap here, but I'd rather have that, and would MUCH rather have a Duratex or LineX-like coating.

I know this is nit-picking, but other than these few details it is an awfully nice cabinet. I'd still consider buying two and replacing the grills, peeling off the tolex and slapping a coat of Duratex on them.

staurosjohn · #9 03-25-2011, 09:32 PM

Purchased a new one from Zzounds (like the 4 payment plan)... currently use it as an ext. for my Markbass CMD 121P. Have been using it for a month- now... adds a fantastic, rich, low-end to the Markbass. Might get a GK MB200 micro- head to use as a back-up. I use it w/o the horn... The Markbass has enough punch to keep it bright. As far as durability- that will take time to tell... so far so good!

knappymer · #10 03-26-2011, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Moesle

I almost picked one of these up, but I was turned off by two things.

1. The front grill is a bit ridiculous with all the 'carved in" writing on it. I can understand the Hartke logo being big, but the "Hydrive 112" thing in the corner us HUGE and covers part of the speaker. There's also LOTS of solid metal around the edges of the grill.

2. The cheaply "chromed" silver handle has me worried how it will look over time, and the tolex appeared thin and I'm worried what it would look like after a few gigs: shredded. I know rat-fur carpet gets a bad rap here, but I'd rather have that, and would MUCH rather have a Duratex or LineX-like coating.

I know this is nit-picking, but other than these few details it is an awfully nice cabinet. I'd still consider buying two and replacing the grills, peeling off the tolex and slapping a coat of Duratex on them.

To each their own, but I believe the "cheap" chrome you are referring to is aluminum... 'Cause that's what the handles are made of.

NWB · #11 03-26-2011, 02:04 PM

Last night I expected to destroy my Hydrive 112.

A bit of a story, but I sort of backed myself into a near-impossible situation for the cab. I was going to play a show for a friend's birthday party at a bar in Seattle. He promised to cover any speaker damages if I agreed to offer my amp for backline for the following band as well.

I had recently sold my 410 and sold my 2x10 last night before the show. I was expecting to pick up another Hydrive 112 for that night, but the store was sold out. (I do have one on order though)

Since I agreed to supply the bass backline, I went into it expecting to blow up the single Hydrive 112. I was using my Shuttle 6.0 and had the cab set at 4-ohms. I was pushing it very hard to be heard over the heavy-handed drummer, but it stood up to the abuse.

The main act came on and the bass player was really laying into it and lighting the Shuttle's clip light steadily.

All the time, I was thinking the magic smoke would soon be spewing from the cab. Nothing of the sort! It sounded great at a level that I'd expect to annihilate a 112.

That cab was pushed far beyond anything I'd ever expect for something its size and it held up like a champ. Amazing!

This cab is feakin' awesome!

I can't wait for my second one to come in.

acleex38 · #12 03-27-2011, 05:06 PM

I'm finding my little HX112 is darker and boomier than my big Ampeg SVT15e (same head and bass) - I'm wondering if that's more a "lots of lows" or "scooped high-mids" on the Hartke, or if it's that the Ampeg 1x15 is just that bright in comparison.

Has anyone else found the Hartke unexpectedly dark? I found it more with my GK MB200, but it's still the case using my GB Shuttle 3.0.

(y'all like my use of nice vague, hard to define tonal terminology?)