Does Acme Low B1, anything better at b string?

JimTMich · #1 08-03-2011, 07:30 PM

I'm thinking of getting an Acme Low B1 because of it's low end frequency response for my 5 string and hi-fi sound. I really don't need much power because I have pa support and if I turn up the crate bx-50 (stage monitor) too loud, the sound guys say they are loosing control.

So I fugured an acme low b1 would be about as good as it gets at home, and at church it would be plenty and might be more audible for the drummer and me.

Anything else to consider before I pull the trigger?

WingKL · #2 08-03-2011, 08:37 PM

Yes, the Acme Low B2

. The Acme's are low efficiency speakers and a single Low B1 may not be able to hang with your band unless you are doing jazz coffee shop gig volumes. I've owned both at the same time. IMO a Low B2 sounds fuller than a Low B1 which is natural since a B2 has twice the woofer. Downside would be the extra cost and size/weight. You can always turn down if it's too loud but you can't do much more if you're already pushing a speaker's limits.

Another option is a BFM Jack 10. It will be as HIFI as you want with EQ. If you hang around TB long enough you may realise that deep bass response doesn't always mean going down to the fundamental frequencies of your B string. At higher volumes you actually may want to cut out the lowest frequencies to maintain your tone and note intelligibility.

My experience with my ex church band is eventually you'll be forced to wear IEMs if the sound team has enough clout and aren't musicians themselves.

Derek Kiernan · #3 08-03-2011, 09:30 PM

The fEARful designs don't have quite the low end extension of the Acme, but perform amazingly well with a low B. Look into the fEARful resources!

steve_rolfeca · #4 08-03-2011, 09:41 PM

+1 on the Acme B2 over the B1.

Another one to look at, is the Flite 110MHD (also known as the 103W). I know Flite doesn't get a lot of love, but the 103W is unique in their lineup. Three way cab, with a decent crossover, a single Beta 10 in a small folded horn box, a cone midrange and a tweeter. The low end extension of this little box is outrageous at low to medium volumes, and it's louder than a single 10 has any right to be.

cybersnyder · #5 08-03-2011, 09:45 PM

How about two B1's?

BassmanPaul · #6 08-04-2011, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

How about two B1's?

I think more expensive than a single B2. I question the validity of any single 2x10 in a gig situation even with PA support. I always use a pair in a vertical stack. Better too much than too little.

Selta · #7 08-04-2011, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

I question the validity of any single 2x10 in a gig situation even with PA support.

Why? Some of us don't need (or even want) any amp on stage at all (prime example... me!). Just because it doesn't work for you doesn't mean it's not valid...

**xed** · #8 08-04-2011, 09:37 AM

I own a B2 and a B1 (both series ii). To my ears they sound exactly the same it's just that the B1 can't reach the volume of the B2 since it has half the speaker area. Sounds wise though I don't think you can tell the difference. Search around on TB here and you find a lot of references to folks being really surprised that the B1 sounds just like the B2. Normally that is not the case but Andy did a great job tweaking it to really sound the same.

57pbass · #9 08-04-2011, 09:41 AM

I have a 4 ohm B 1 .. I would go with the B2.
The B 1 sounds great at low volumes but once it's pushed hard it starts to break up and loses it's fidelity...especially on the B String. Dont know about 2 of them together.

BassmanPaul · #10 08-04-2011, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Salamon

Why? Some of us don't need (or even want) any amp on stage at all (prime example... me!). Just because it doesn't work for you doesn't mean it's not valid...

With respect Ray, I feel that you would be an exception rather than the rule. The vast majority of bass players need an amp to play the gigs they do. In my case, my amp is as much a part of my instrument as my bass is. I just don't sound like me through a PA only. It's kind of a generic version of my playing.

Bluesy Soul · #11 08-04-2011, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek Kiernan

The fEARful designs don't have quite the low end extension of the Acme, but perform amazingly well with a low B. Look into the fEARful resources!

I agree. I own an LDS-built fEarful 15 and it is a great cab; but, IMHO, it doesn't quite match the Acme's low end.

I also own Series II Low-B-1s and Low B-2s, as well as a Flatwound and a Full-Range. I rehearse with a Low B-1 and love it (unbelievable with the G-K MB-200), but I would definitely want to run it through the PA in a gig situation. The 12" Flatwound or Full-Range might be your ticket. Both sound great with a Low B-1 or a Low B-2.

ninepoundjammer · #12 08-04-2011, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

With respect Ray, I feel that you would be an exception rather than the rule. The vast majority of bass players need an amp to play the gigs they do. In my case, my amp is as much a part of my instrument as my bass is. I just don't sound like me through a PA only. It's kind of a generic version of my playing.

I'd never play without an amp by choice, I agree it can be a big part of one's sound. But, most gigs I play I can easily get away with a single high quality 2x10. No problem keeping up with a reasonable drummer and a couple small guitar combos, particularly with PA support.

JimTMich · #13 08-04-2011, 10:17 AM

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the feedback.

That kind of cements the research. B2 is what I'm after. I'm sure I'll build a fEARful some day.

The Flite looks interesting. I did build a laberenth 1x12" once years ago, worked really well.

BassmanPaul · #14 08-04-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninepoundjammer

Imost gigs I play I can easily get away with a single high quality 2x10. No problem keeping up with a reasonable drummer and a couple small guitar combos, particularly with PA support.

Yes "get away with" is the operative term. I prefer to be very conservative with my equipment. I make sure that I have more than the minimum needed to play a gig. Maybe that's why I have never blown a driver in fifty years of playing. A pair of B2s in a vertical stack takes up the same stage area a one so why not?

Selta · #15 08-04-2011, 01:41 PM

Because I can't afford the room on stage with even a rack + 2x10. The rack sits off stage, probably about 30' from me. Having a production of 58 people and working in theatre settings isn't conductive to having a rig there in the way. I may be in the minority, but that doesn't make what I need and do any less valid than the guys with multiple 8x10s. I feel bad for you folks who "must" have an on stage rig for monitoring and likely changing sound guys who don't understand how to get what you want out of the FOH... assuming that the PA is even remotely adequate for what you're doing...