Ashdown VS212 - perfect stranger

Triad · #1 08-29-2011, 08:28 AM

Hello guys... being a builder obviously doesn't make me buy many musical related items for personal use... but I wanted to share my latest acquisition (more or less). I was in the market for a good cab, 2x configuration to use it vertical for better dispersion and to be honest I didn't want to mess with woofers/plywood/crossovers again 'cause it's really too hot down here and I'm too busy

I always liked Ashdown stuff for its "built like a tank" look and feel and was curious about their new line of cabs, called "VS" and made to be used with their new hybrid heads.
I'm probably getting old but nowadays I'm more into pick&distorsion rather than slap and tap so I wasn't necessarily looking for an ultra-bright cab. And I must say I discovered I really like the high end of woofers with boosted highs.
Anyway, I see a store that has the VS212 for a good price and think "What the heck? In the worst case I'll lose maybe 50 bucks if I end up not liking it" so I pick up the phone and order the beast. It's not very light (30kg) and not very small (2x12"+reflex) and I found NOTHING about it (no specs, no reviews) but I took a risk for once. The shop shipped it today, should show up tomorrow. It's 300w/8ohm and 2 of them would certainly look and sound killer! I actually use a G&K MB200 head and of course my custom basses. Will be glad to lay down a review as soon as I have a chance to play it for a while (after a couple of hours at 30hz to make things better). Yes, if I end up with a cab that (almost certainly) sounds worse than the custom one I've put together last year I'll probably be biting my hands. But you know, with this economy I thought that buying something new could not do any harm.

For the same money I could get an ABM410H... hope I won't regret it!

crguti · #2 08-29-2011, 08:36 AM

I have never seen an Ashdown 2x12 cab... I cannot find it in their webpage.

open.eadg · #3 08-29-2011, 11:10 AM

Here goes... Looks like a very nice cab IMO!

Ashdown Engineering | Bass Amplification

OE

Triad · #4 08-29-2011, 11:36 AM

Yes, looks pretty nice! Not very light but I can lift it. And I'm sure I won't need to move it very often. I'll have to see how are the highs without a tweeter.

LuvMusic · #5 08-29-2011, 11:42 AM

I'll be very interested in your review. I've been thinking about either this cab or the 15in version to use with my Little Bastard. Thanks and Cheers!

Subbed!

Triad · #6 08-29-2011, 11:44 AM

Well, I've found a very good price on this one and wasn't too interested in a single 15". The 212 is probably the best bet for volume, dispersion, weight, price.
EDIT: if you look at the dimensions you'll notice that they share the same chassis with a different baffle. Only 2kg of difference and a few bucks.

LuvMusic · #7 08-29-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triad

Well, I've found a very good price on this one and wasn't too interested in a single 15". The 212 is probably the best bet for volume, dispersion, weight, price.
EDIT: if you look at the dimensions you'll notice that they share the same chassis with a different baffle. Only 2kg of difference and a few bucks.

I'm sure your right about the performance of the 212 versus 115! Also noticed they share the same chassis. I was looking for that Ampeg B15 type of sound. But overall the 212 would probably give me more "bang for my pound!"

Thanks for the reply!

Cheers!

Triad · #8 08-30-2011, 10:51 AM

Got it! I'm actually breaking the woofers in with a 35hz signal. Pretty heavy (31kg), very very nice looking, looks like it's built to last. I really like the fact they've put rubber feet to use it in vertical. Plugged the bass in (MB200) and the sound is nice. Of course is NOT a bright cab at all... but I could connect an external tweeter if I needed one.
I've A/Bed it with my Eminence 12" (Beta LT) and while this cab is darker sounding it's obviously bigger sounding due to the reflex and the (probably) bigger XMAX of the woofers.
The fact it's 8Ohm makes possible to stack two vertically to have a rig that looks and sounds good but I don't think I'll buy a second one, what the heck.

I'd be curious to A/B it with an ABM410. I'll try to review the cab as soon as the cones suspension got softer.

fingerbun · #9 02-20-2012, 04:38 AM

Hi, any reviews of the cab?

Triad · #10 02-20-2012, 04:55 AM

Hello! Yes, I ended up selling it because I suddenly had 3 cabs around

but I can certainly write a short review.
The cabinet is made with plywood (not MDF or something like that), you already know about the weight and measurements.
The sound? I'd say it's a cab with a specific tone. Very good for Rock etc. but not too good if you want something "refined" or vaguely "transparent". I never tried the ABM210 but I'd like to since they cost the same down here but the ABM has a tweeter.
I think that particular "taste" given by the cab makes it something you should try before you buy, but the Q/P ratio is good and the cab certainly can please many players. I bet with a "grindy" amp it could really be something.

fingerbun · #11 02-27-2012, 02:49 AM

Well, to close out in case anyone else goes searching.....I went in and ABed a 15 inch VS cab against an Ampeg Portaflex 15 on the weekend. Rickenbacker bass, Walkabout head.

The VS cab was ok, but it just didn't sing like the Portaflex. On the other hand it was about a third cheaper (though the Portaflex is about a third less weight).