AudioKinesis Cabs V!!!!

[Chef]

Man, you'd think no one had ever tried anything that didn't fit their toolbox...

OK, here's something or other for you guys to chew on:
-The TC212 doesn't sound that different from the TC115's or TC112's I've had. So, no big "sonic surprise" there.
-The TC115 is a "form factor" that suits me for small to medium venues; so I can live with the fact that "it's not my personal favorite paintbrush of all time."
-The TC212, while a great cab and inside the TC tone palette, is much bigger.

I have three sets of 2x112 that are more inside my personal preferences.
The TC115's portablility+SPL will keep it in my toolbox,
while the TC212 is going to get left behind.

This speaks nothing bad about the TC212, only that I have personal preference for other cabs in that size range.

So: great box, but, it gets out-boxed by others in my toolkit.
I knew that was going to be a possibility going in, but I like to try stuff.
No one needs to be shocked or surprised by this.
Amused maybe

The amount of gear I flip on an annual basis would fill an 18' box truck most years.

[steve_rolfeca]

Had a successful Toronto GTTG on Saturday. Duke and Mike Arnopol were both well represented by my Thunderchild 112AF, Deb's custom composite TC115 Compact (smaller front-to-back), and Bob's composite TC115 Compact and Crazy 88.

Really liked both TC115 versions. Noticeable increase in volume at the same power level, a little more low end, and also something just a touch more aggressive in the mids.

The TC115 Compact is an impressively easy two-handed carry, for a cab of that size and weight. Still, I can see why Duke chose not to do a top handle.

However, I found that I preferred the TC112AF with my gear. My main bass is a heavy neck-through 5-string with EMG 40P5's, and it puts out more fundamental on the B string than most. My G-K MB800 has relatively little high-passing, and impressive headroom. Paired with the TC115, I found it just a little too much of a good thing. The 112AF sounded/felt just a little tighter than the 15, in a way that I appreciated.

Of course the other plus for the TC112, is that it's a terrific one-hand carry, using the top handle. The Crazy 88 was as good or better from that perspective, and sounded really nice at low volumes. However, it doesn't mate well with high-powered amps with wide voicing down low, and the surroundings were too loud to appreciate it on Saturday.

The Thunderchildren were in impressive company, and held their own extremely well. A pair of Berg 112's (HT's, maybe? I forgot to ask) sounded good, but seemed kind of pointless next to the Thunderchildren. Ditto for a pair of EA Whizzy 12's, a 410, etc.

IMO, the best-sounding conventional cab there, was a Bergantino NV610. Playing through that, and listening to others through it, was interesting. It had all the directivity issues that turn me off 410's and 810's, but it was a beautiful example of conventional bass cab tone, with a tight low end and lovely harmonic complexity in the mids, even at moderate levels. It had the potential to go louder than any of the other cabs in the room, as well. This is important to Fishheadjoe, who plays a lot of clubs without PA support.

I'm still a multi-driver, hi-fi kind of guy, but it made me understand why people have been pressing Duke for cabs like the Hathor and the 15/12. Different strokes for different folks...

[Chef]

Right on....

Originally Posted by steve_rolfeca

......NV610......but it made me understand why people have been pressing Duke for cabs like the Hathor and the 15/12. Different strokes for different folks...

[Jazzdogg]

At a recent San Diego GTG, I was very impressed by the NV610. At this stage in my life a 100# cab isn't likely, but I might find the idea of a vertical stack of two NV210 cabs too compelling to ignore.

I've been extremely happy with my Crazy8 & Crazy88 when used with FDeck's HPF/Pre; they may not play as loudly as an NV410, but I remain pleased as punch with their performance.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by steve_rolfeca

IMO, the best-sounding conventional cab there, was a Bergantino NV610. Playing through that, and listening to others through it, was interesting. It had all the directivity issues that turn me off 410's and 810's, but it was a beautiful example of conventional bass cab tone, with a tight low end and lovely harmonic complexity in the mids, even at moderate levels. It had the potential to go louder than any of the other cabs in the room, as well. This is important to Fishheadjoe, who plays a lot of clubs without PA support.

I'm still a multi-driver, hi-fi kind of guy, but it made me understand why people have been pressing Duke for cabs like the Hathor and the 15/12. Different strokes for different folks...

Amen. I've had many similar experiences at TB GTGs. Interestingly enough, my favorite Berg is the NV425 though -- a multi-driver cab.

And let me also just mention that some of us are actually wishing for something even less "bass cab" like. Judging from my experiences with Thunderchildren, an OEM spec compression driver and custom waveguide filtered by Duke's expertise are the only thing I can envision that would make my 112AF expendable.

[otto B]

I agree the TC212 is like having a TC112 but with the deep lows of the TC115. I love the cab. I had play it at my church 4 time now and I keep getting amazed how I can get the bets of both words in one cab.

[Mike Arnopol]

I agree that the TC112 is more focused in the low end. Which is why I love the 212---better focus--higher volume--stronger lows without "woof". And it feels pretty darn small to me. Can't remember the composite weight--pretty sure it was under 40#

[otto B]

The TC212 is not too heavy, and yes it's small for its size. It would had being awesome to have some small wheels and a handle in the back to have the dual capability to either carry on handles, and the wheels to haul it.

The TC212 is a beast. This cab is much versatile than its brothers TC112 and TC115

[Chef]

It moves really easy with the magnacart....

[otto B]

Originally Posted by Chef

It moves really easy with the magnacart....

That the same cart i have. It just is easier to just tilt the cab and roll. What i need now is cover and i will be good.

[Jazzdogg]

Originally Posted by otto B

That the same cart i have. It just is easier to just tilt the cab and roll. What i need now is cover and i will be good.

I haven't owned any cabs that were tall enough to tilt and roll comfortably since the large cabs I used back in the day (Ampeg, Sunn, Acoustic).

I solved the problem by attaching locking plate casters to my 24" tall 3-way 1x15 (raising the top of the cab to 28"), which enabled me to push it like a utility cart.

On the other hand, my 24" tall 3-way 2x12 came equipped with built-in wheels in a tilt & roll configuration, and I have to stoop uncomfortably to use it that way (I'm 5'9"); for distances greater than a few feet, it's easier to lift & carry or use a hand truck.

For me to tilt & roll comfortably, the handle needs to be at least 32" from the floor when tilted.

As usual, IMO, IME, YMMV, etc.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

I haven't owned any cabs that were tall enough to tilt and roll comfortably since the large cabs I used back in the day (Ampeg, Sunn, Acoustic).

I solved the problem by attaching locking plate casters to my 24" tall 3-way 1x15 (raising the top of the cab to 28"), which enabled me to push it like a utility cart.

On the other hand, my 24" tall 3-way 2x12 came equipped with built-in wheels in a tilt & roll configuration, and I have to stoop uncomfortably to use it that way (I'm 5'9"); for distances greater than a few feet, it's easier to lift & carry or use a hand truck.

For me to tilt & roll comfortably, the handle needs to be at least 32" from the floor when tilted.

As usual, IMO, IME, YMMV, etc.

I know I sound like a broken record regarding the Kart-a-bag Super 600, but that is the only cart I've owned that I'm happy with. It is key for me to have a cart that can easily roll up and down curbs and up and down a few stairs without unloading, and the built in tie down cables totally secure the stand/amp to the top of the cab, and the cab to the cart. Wonderful cart for a 112, 212, or 115 sized cab that isn't too deep (17" or under). I'm a 'one trip wonder' with a cab as large as a 212 in virtually any schlep situation I run into, including walking 5 or 6 blocks down Michigan Ave. in Chicago from a parking space to a gig, etc.

Kind of 'changed my schlepping life'

Tilt and roll is totally useless for me, since I would never put myself into a 'multiple trip' situation, or somehow have to strap multiple bags on, etc. If it doesn't fit on the top of the cab securely when on the cart, it doesn't go to the gig!

[Mike Arnopol]

I like the Magna Cart. I've had the other one that Ken uses. Maybe I prefer the Magna Cart because I'm so cheap!

[Jazzdogg]

Whenever Ken espouses the virtues of his Kart-a-bag Super 600, I look at it online. Despite recommendations from credible folks like Ken, and five-star ratings on Amazon, I can't get past its spindly appearance and high cost; Perhaps seeing one in person will help me overcome my cynicism.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

Whenever Ken espouses the virtues of his Kart-a-bag Super 600, I look at it online. Despite recommendations from credible folks like Ken, and five-star ratings on Amazon, I can't get past its spindly appearance and high cost; Perhaps seeing one in person will help me overcome my cynicism.

Built like a tank. Not cheap . For many, like guys that only play bars in smaller cities, guys who are in bands that do group load-ins, or guys who use really big rigs, definitely not worth it. For freelancers on larger cities who do their own load ins in sometimes difficult venues, there is IMO nothing else like it on the market.

[nostatic]

I had one of the cheap fold-up carts and didn't dig it. I settled on the Rock and Roller R6 multi cart. It stays in my station wagon and I just pull it out, unfold, load it up, then roll to the gig. Single trip every time. At some smaller shows I actually just sit my cab on the cart and run it that way to save space.

[Chef]

We have one of the rock and rollers at work. Heavy duty, and, heavy.
The magnacart is rated for 150lbs, has held up ok, but, isn't as nice as the kart-a-bag, by any means.
It was $18 at costco.

If I needed to haul cab, head, and my miscellaneous ammo box any distance in one trip regularly, I'd have the kart-a-bag; but I'm mostly hauling stuff into smaller clubs from the back door.

Short easy trips.

[steubig]

seriously? the kart-a-bag 800 is the shizzle.

had mine for 18 years now. when you prorate it out, it's incredibly reasonable. i've made a few repairs, still with my initial cost plus repairs, it comes out to maybe $15 a year. and that's not counting all the chiropractor bills it saved me.

holds 300 pounds and has the kick-back legs so you don't have to hold it up when you're moving it. glides along . . . short easy *trip* (first in, first out)

[IntrepidCellist]

I have the Concorde II or III, can't remember. Built like an absolute truck, despite looking spindly. You get what you pay for.

[nutdog]

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

At a recent San Diego GTG, I was very impressed by the NV610. At this stage in my life a 100# cab isn't likely, but I might find the idea of a vertical stack of two NV210 cabs too compelling to ignore.

The SVT210AV is in the neighborhood. The TC15, 88's and fF's are great at what they do, but there is something about that little sealed 410 stack that tickles my... well, it tickles.