Dual 112 Players

Russell L · #1 04-28-2011, 10:57 AM

Looks like I might be getting ready to become one (see my "Outdoor gig minimum" thread). But, before I do...

Call it a club if we want, but all yas who play through two 112 cabs, or through two 12s in one cab, tell us how it is for you, and why it works for you (or not).

Whatcha got, and how's your mileage?

(Mine's a Markbass CMD 121H combo that I may be ordering a 121H cab for tonight. It'll cover what I'm doing, I think. We're not too loud and there's PA support for most gigs).

bassteban · #2 04-28-2011, 11:04 AM

Here's some info: 2x112-rigs? Show me yours!

NWB · #3 04-28-2011, 12:03 PM

I recently took this path with a Hartke Hydrive 112 and a Berg HT112 pushed by a Shuttle 6.0.

I'll have a much better idea of the performance of this rig tonight at band practice.

It sounds magnificent in the bedroom though. For all that's worth!

Ewo · #4 04-28-2011, 12:14 PM

A Markbass F1 pushing a pair of Aggie GS 112s. Yep, it works for me: it's plenty loud, easy enough to transport, and has a nice round, warm version of the NYC tone.

Got an Aggie Tonehammer 500 head on the way...

iflemm · #5 04-28-2011, 01:23 PM

I have a Hartke LH 500, which is driving to two Hartke HX112 cabinets. The Amp is 500 watts with the 4 ohm load that the two speakers together have. For me, the rig is loud enough, and I'm very happy with the tone that my main bass gets using this setup. At first, I worried that the 12's would not have enough bottom( I always had a least 1 15inch speaker), and I almost ordered a HX115 to go with the 112, but I ended up with the two 12's and I'm happy with the sound- there's plenty of bottom end.

Russell L · #6 04-28-2011, 01:49 PM

Thanks for the link to the other thread, bassteban. I forgot about it. But, hopefully in this thread I'll get more feedback on how it's working out for those who have gone this route.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm liking what I'm hearing.

**IvanMike** · #7 04-28-2011, 02:01 PM

The problem with this discussion will be the same as the problem with any discussion about a specific cab type (or combination).

There are so many variables in speaker design & speaker cabinet design that it's not only impossible to generalize, it's irresponsible. Even when talking about the same brand, more often than not there are significant design differences between their 2x12 cab and their 1x12 cabs that two 1x12 cabs will sound different than their 1x12.

Not trying to rain on your parade, just saying that if you lined up 20 dual 1x12 rigs and all of the 2x12 rigs by the same manufacturers and then listened to all 40 or so rigs you'd hear 40 very different rigs. Some would be quiet, some loud, some anemic, some too bassy, etc.

Russell L · #8 04-28-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IvanMike

The problem with this discussion will be the same as the problem with any discussion about a specific cab type (or combination).

There are so many variables in speaker design & speaker cabinet design that it's not only impossible to generalize, it's irresponsible. Even when talking about the same brand, more often than not there are significant design differences between their 2x12 cab and their 1x12 cabs that two 1x12 cabs will sound different than their 1x12.

Not trying to rain on your parade, just saying that if you lined up 20 dual 1x12 rigs and all of the 2x12 rigs by the same manufacturers and then listened to all 40 or so rigs you'd hear 40 very different rigs. Some would be quiet, some loud, some anemic, some too bassy, etc.

Yes, of course, I know, and you're right. I just thought it might be interesting to hear what folks have to say about what kind of mileage they are getting with their rigs. Not so much to compare, but just share stories. Maybe it was a bad idea.

dmrogers · #9 04-28-2011, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell L

Yes, of course, I know, and you're right. I just thought it might be interesting to hear what folks have to say about what kind of mileage they are getting with their rigs. Not so much to compare, but just share stories. Maybe it was a bad idea.

I agree with IvanMike as far as comparing 2x112 and 2x12 even from the same manufacturer.

HOWEVER, I don't think it is a bad idea at all to ask how our decisions are working out.

I went from a 412 cab to a pair of GS112's and couldn't be happier. Why?

* Lighter (I have a regular church gig, but when we travel, the cabs rule).

* Smaller footprint. Not a big deal but they do take up less stage area.

* Well built cabs.

* Great price. Aguilar has to be in the hunt as far as price per sound/build quality.

* Great sound.

I can push these cabs with my TFB750A and not sweat it. They can handle it.

I will add, I also have a Berg HT112, and want another one (all in good time). The only way I would purchase a cab other than a 112 and gig it would be if I got a ridiculous deal on a high end cab, like: NV610 GS412 etc....But it still wouldn't be my traveling rig. Otherwise, it's a pair of 112s for me!

Bassflute · #10 04-28-2011, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell L

Looks like I might be getting ready to become one (see my "Outdoor gig minimum" thread). But, before I do...

Call it a club if we want, but all yas who play through two 112 cabs, or through two 12s in one cab, tell us how it is for you, and why it works for you (or not).

Whatcha got, and how's your mileage?

(Mine's a Markbass CMD 121H combo that I may be ordering a 121H cab for tonight. It'll cover what I'm doing, I think. We're not too loud and there's PA support for most gigs).

1st two Aguilar GS 112's, then once I figured out why all I was hearing in the band was rumbly low subsonic stuff and zingy tweeter stuff (zero midrange in those cabs), I got a couple of Berg HT112's, which were fabulous, driven by an Eden WT 800b, and then I got the rig I have now, in my sig, which is the sickest thing ever invented by mankind for bass.

Cheers,
Cameron

SJan3 · #11 04-28-2011, 09:52 PM

I disagree about Aggie GS112s having ZERO midrange. I had 2 of them and I thought they were great! I fact, I and others were VERY surprised that they put out so much for 2x112s.
I was using an Aggie AG500SC head with the cabs.

**cheezewiz** · #12 04-28-2011, 09:56 PM

I'm a big 212 or double 112 fan. I currently use a Mesa Bass 400+ with a Mesa Powerhouse 212. I used the Powerhouse with a Mesa M9 previously. My rig prior to that was a GB Shuttle 6 with two 1 12s. To me, 12's split the difference between the punch of 10's, and the classic pillowy goodness of 15s. I play everything from small bar gigs, to weddings, corporate functions, and outdoor festivals, and bigger clubs. Of course I have PA support, but I've never found a 212 to be less than I needed.

**cheezewiz** · #13 04-28-2011, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJan3

I disagree about Aggie GS112s having ZERO midrange. I had 2 of them and I thought they were great! I fact, I and others were VERY surprised that they put out so much for 2x112s.
I was using an Aggie AG500SC head with the cabs.

I like the Aggie GS cabs, but I do think they definitely have a mid scoop. It's not 0 midrange, but a scoop nonetheless.

SJan3 · #14 04-28-2011, 10:10 PM

Granted, a bit of a scoop, but not absent as some imply. And, I still found them to be modern yet Warm sounding. Nice rumble for 12s.

gillento · #15 04-28-2011, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheezewiz

... To me, 12's split the difference between the punch of 10's, and the classic pillowy goodness of 15s. I play everything from small bar gigs, to weddings, corporate functions, and outdoor festivals, and bigger clubs. Of course I have PA support, but I've never found a 212 to be less than I needed.

+1
Having owned a couple of GS112, a GS212, a db112, playing now a db212 (all Aguilar).

Looking forward to getting my 2 Aggie SL112 in about a month's time.

PS: the GS112 "scoop" (or whatever you want to call it) can be remedied very well by fitting DeltaLite 2512II speakers!!!

nitsuj · #16 04-28-2011, 10:37 PM

I pack 2 GK NEO 112s with my GK 700rbII.
I bring one for jazz and other wussy stuff.
I bring both when I bring the pain!
Just kidding, I'm pretty much a wussy myself... but the versatility of the 2 1x12s works great for me.

However...
I'm considering picking up another 8x10, and dumping one 112 (or trading for a Squire CV P). Something about the 810 just speaks to me. Had an Ampeg 810AV/GK 1001RB combo when I was gigging more seriously, and it was tits.

Monkey · #17 04-28-2011, 10:59 PM

I've been using 2 GS112s for a long time now and love my sound. I recently went from using a Sansamp RBI and a Carvin poweramp to a Markbass LMIII, and now my rig is light, fat and powerful.

The GS112s do have a mid scoop, but I swapped the speakers out for DeltaLite 2512IIs, which helped. I just love the low end bloom, and since I'm playing mostly reggae, the sound is great for my needs. I just got a Sansamp VT yesterday and am looking forward to adding a bit of fur to the LMIII sound!

I'm almost 50 now and portability is much more important to me than it was when I started playing out in 1978!

**IvanMike** · #18 04-29-2011, 08:00 AM

nah, it's not a bad idea - just didn't want you to think it would give you a general idea about your rig (what was it again? being older I forget the brand of combo amp you have and the extension cab you're going to get it might help if you post that here as someone might be using it!)

I've used two Bag End s12 cabs on a lot of gigs - not great for a 5 string or being excessively loud, but great for rock with an aggressive tone. Their 212 (d12) sounds exactly the same. I like the sound of epifani and bergantino cabs a lot. Both of those are neat as a dual 1x12 stack, but they are examples of the brands where the 2x12 is an entirely different animal. The epifani 212 is just a monster with super bass response. One of my favorite cabs when I get to play one. The aguilars are definitely shy in the mids. This seems to get less pronounced as you turn them up (although a side by side comparison with most other 12s still reveals this). Of course with a little EQ in the high mids the aggies become a lot more present. The aggies also aren't the loudest 12" cabs around, but they do have a lot of bass response. I wouldn't hesitate to use a pair of those (or about 7 other brands of 12" speaker).

bassteban · #19 04-29-2011, 08:07 AM

IvanMike, care to name those 7 others?

Edit: Also which of them is a good 1x12 if one favors strong mids?

**IvanMike** · #20 04-29-2011, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

IvanMike, care to name those 7 others?

Edit: Also which of them is a good 1x12 if one favors strong mids?

lol - I would have to think and to be honest I haven't heard some in a while. Besides, I haven't made the rounds in a while so there may be lots of newer ones which sound great and I have missed.

Bag end, bergantino & epifiani all have mids for days in their single 12 cabs. All are very present in the midrange - no chances of not being heard.