Designing Rig - Input Wanted

Hippos Melas · #1 11-19-2010, 04:23 PM

Here's my situation:

Currently I'm playing in a jazz ensemble at my university. We have a 150w combo that sounds pretty eh, but it keeps up just fine with the ensemble. I plan on buying my own rig so I can bring that to practice and also join a band outside of the school.

I'm looking for a rig that is light weight but throws out a lot of sound. I've test driven several amps: Genz Benz, Markbass, Ampeg, GK, and a few others I can't remember but didn't really like a ton. I've pretty much settled on the Markbass mini CMD 121p for price reasons. That gives me 300w into that combo which is plenty for the jazz band. For pulling all 500w, however, I can't decide on a type of extension cabinet. I like the idea of buying a New York 121 because I don't know if I'll ever "need" the oomph of a 210 or 410.

My question is: should I go with two 12" cabinets or should I pair a 210 with the combo amp (I'm pretty unwilling to haul around a 410)? I played the 102P combo amp by Markbass and it was delicious but a bit outside of my price range for now. I just can't decide if the extra kick from the 210 would be something I might find myself needing when I join a band outside of the school.

Thanks for the input as always!

M0ses · #2 11-19-2010, 04:27 PM

I'd say the one cab will probably be enough! But if it's not, get another 12".

fu22ba55 · #3 11-19-2010, 04:36 PM

I'm a fan of symmetry and redundancy, so I'd also opt for another 12" in this situation (in the event that one craps out, you still have another...) but the deciding factor will be whether you prefer the sound of 10"s to 12"s. See is you like the sound of 1x12 & 2x10s better than 2x12s. Trust your ears, not your eyes.

RickenBoogie · #4 11-19-2010, 04:54 PM

Another 12 would be the best choice. Cab coupling is a very sweet thing.

Hippos Melas · #5 11-20-2010, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fu22ba55

I'm a fan of symmetry and redundancy, so I'd also opt for another 12" in this situation (in the event that one craps out, you still have another...) but the deciding factor will be whether you prefer the sound of 10"s to 12"s. See is you like the sound of 1x12 & 2x10s better than 2x12s. Trust your ears, not your eyes.

I like symmetry too haha, that was part of the equation. Just a touch of OCD going on there.

I've used 210's and 212's and when it comes down to it I don't think I would need them, but I did like the sound of them. I might buy the New York 121 and a 210 just in case I need the 210 later. Thanks for the input!