Avatar 410 Neo vs. SWR Bigfoot?

[shaolinwhat]

I am looking to get more volume, and hopefully a bit tighter, cleaner sound. My SWR Bigfoot usually does the job, but I feel like my sound could benefit from switching to a 4 ohm Avatar 410 Neo. Any input from those with experience? FYI I play a GK 400RB with an MXR M-80, most often with a MIJ P-Bass.

[Tim1]

I would never get rid of my Bigfoot, even though it does not get a lot of use these days as I have switched to Bergs. IMO it is one of the best 212s around and a great second hand buy. I have not heard the Avatar, but would imagine the four tens would move more air for you although I have owned a 400RB and would have thought that to be a nice match with the Bigfoot - my 400RB ran out of grunt quite easily when pushed and you might have that issue with the Avatar. Which makes me think - have you considered a more powerful amp with the Bigfoot? I used to run two Bigfoots with an Ampeg SVT2 and it was one of the best sounds I have ever had (sob!).

[vinxbass]

I've played gigs thru the Avatar B410 and it's one hell of a cab for tight, punchy lows and clear sounding low mids. Excellent for slap. The bass I played thru it with was an American Standard Jazz V, if that means anything to you.

As far as why I didn't buy one is because I've got the Carvin BRX10.4 and BRX10.2 neo cabs which are unsung heros of a cabinets for the sound and price.

[shaolinwhat]

Don't get me wrong, it is a GREAT match for the 400RB, and in most cases it provides plenty of volume, but my current project is much heavier than my others and therefore the guitars are much louder.

I've heard opinions equally from both sides, those who say a more powerful head is the solution, and those who say more speakers will do the trick. At this point I think I will stick with the great (though not necessarily deafening) setup I have now, and maybe mess with my settings to cut through better. Mainly because once I get to the gig, it won't be an issue when PA support comes into play anyhow.

If I win the lottery, I'll probably invest in a 115/410 setup and a more powerful head, but for now I won't fix it cause it's sure not broke!

[shoot-r]

Originally Posted by shaolinwhat

I am looking to get more volume, and hopefully a bit tighter, cleaner sound. My SWR Bigfoot usually does the job, but I feel like my sound could benefit from switching to a 4 ohm Avatar 410 Neo. Any input from those with experience? FYI I play a GK 400RB with an MXR M-80, most often with a MIJ P-Bass.

(Speaker Configuration).......Cone Surface Area (Approx.)
2x12................................160 square inches
3x10................................165 square inches
4x10................................220 square inches
With all parameters being equal, four 10's should sound "bigger" and move more air than two 12's.
I was using a Eden 212 cabinet and recently switched to "two" Avatar Neo 210 cabinets that are being used as a vertical stacked 410 set-up.
I'm with a loud, 6 pcs., country/rock group and was having trouble cutting through on stage with my 212.
The 212 was giving the band a nice low-end pillow but not enough definition and speed for my tastes.
The vertical stacked 410 rig will give you the height benifits of a 810 cab, (speakers higher and up closer to your ears), but with a small foot-print on stage, better mids dispersion, less phase problems, and better projection than a standard 410 cabinet.
Plus, with a "two" 210 rig you can use one cab for rehearsals/small gigs, both cabs when you need more volume and coverage.