Getting Avatar 212 - Ceramic or Neo?

Bass FreeLee · #1 04-21-2011, 01:09 PM

So i have decided to go with a Avatar 2x12 cab- but not sure if should go for the Ceramic version or the Neo version?!

I'm not worried about weight/ power handling/ price, going off of purely tone here-
does anyone have experience between the two? -
Any input? -suggestions?
Known tonal diff.?

RedLeg · #2 04-21-2011, 03:29 PM

I switched to neo and I am a fan. Lighter and no discernable difference in sound.

rpsands · #3 04-21-2011, 03:50 PM

Get the 153 dude. Thank me later.

OlSkewl56 · #4 04-21-2011, 04:40 PM

2 Neo 212's and I love my set up.

THORRR · #5 04-21-2011, 04:44 PM

NEO NEO NEO NEO NEO

shawshank72 · #6 04-21-2011, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

Get the 153 dude. Thank me later.

+1

kaiser_sosea · #7 04-21-2011, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

Get the 153 dude. Thank me later.

+1

Bass FreeLee · #8 04-22-2011, 10:02 AM

Hmm.. i use overdrive from time to time and found it sounds best on 12's , with tens its a bit thin and mildly honky in the high mids, with a 15 its too muffled and gargle-ly,

will the 153 do overdrive well?

rpsands · #9 04-22-2011, 10:05 AM

I use a VT deluxe with a fEarful 15/6 on a constant basis and it sounds incredible with any level of overdrive, to me.

I can't speak to the 153, but just based on its size and the woofer I doubt it will sound like your normal 15 with overdrive.

The problem I find with most 15s with overdrive is that they're stuffed into too small of a box for the woofer and the huge midbass hump that results from that makes OD sound a bit muddy. It's not the size of the cone so much as the size of the box.

Anyway, hope that helps.

hyp.spec · #10 04-22-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedLeg

I switched to neo and I am a fan. Lighter and no discernable difference in sound.

I disagree.

I've had both the Neo and Ceramic ones and I preferred the Ceramic speakers. They sounded a lot fuller and warmer to me.

Fendbassfan · #11 04-22-2011, 10:14 AM

Go with the Neo. I ordered the Avatar Neo B212 on the last day to beat the $40 price increase and got it yesterday and practiced with our band using a Bassman 50 watt head. It was surprising loud and sounded great (way better than my SVT-15E. Even though it was 56 pounds it's awkward to carry so casters will be going on it.

JoeVictim · #12 04-22-2011, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass FreeLee

Hmm.. i use overdrive from time to time and found it sounds best on 12's , with tens its a bit thin and mildly honky in the high mids, with a 15 its too muffled and gargle-ly,

will the 153 do overdrive well?

Horns hate a distortion signal. I would not recommend it. I had a Omni 15 with 8" mid and 15" and adding grind to it almost blew the mid. I will say the Omni is one of the best designs for bass cabs. I love it as long as I need a clean signal.

rpsands · #13 04-22-2011, 10:41 AM

All of the Avatar cabs have horns.

JoeVictim · #14 04-22-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

All of the Avatar cabs have horns.

Yeah, I noticed. That would be the first thing I do, disconnect the horn.

Bass FreeLee · #15 04-23-2011, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyp.spec

I disagree.

I've had both the Neo and Ceramic ones and I preferred the Ceramic speakers. They sounded a lot fuller and warmer to me.

Ya this is kinda what i had as a thought in the back of my head- when i compared- but it was with 2 diff. 4x10 cabs -
so i am leaning towards the ceramics now

And i don't use horn my self -- jus 4x12's- the same as a guitard

thanks for all the input fellas!

hyp.spec · #16 04-23-2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass FreeLee

Ya this is kinda what i had as a thought in the back of my head- when i compared- but it was with 2 diff. 4x10 cabs -
so i am leaning towards the ceramics now

And i don't use horn my self -- jus 4x12's- the same as a guitard

thanks for all the input fellas!

And also, depending on what head you're running the Ceramics may indeed be a better option... I blew the neo speakers with a GK 1001rb-II, but I just cannot seem to blow the Ceramic ones. They just keep on pumping.

628829mg · #17 05-05-2011, 05:08 PM

I just snagged a used B212 70 lb. Ceramic 4 ohm cab at GC for 199. - 15% coupon = 169. + tax; It sounds prefect with my MarkBass little Mark III. I would have prefered the neo for portability concerns. If I dont tweak my knee or back it should be perfect. I like the fact that the ceramic is 1000 watts. I dont have to worry about blowing drivers with this one. If this works out I will sell one or both of my 1x12 avatar cabs; Avatar SB112 8 ohm cabs.

Russell L · #18 05-05-2011, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THORRR

NEO NEO NEO NEO NEO

hyp.spec · #19 05-05-2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 628829mg

I just snagged a used B212 70 lb. Ceramic 4 ohm cab at GC for 199. - 15% coupon = 169. + tax; It sounds prefect with my MarkBass little Mark III. I would have prefered the neo for portability concerns. If I dont tweak my knee or back it should be perfect. I like the fact that the ceramic is 1000 watts. I dont have to worry about blowing drivers with this one. If this works out I will sell one or both of my 1x12 avatar cabs; Avatar SB112 8 ohm cabs.

Killer combo. Look at my profile pic

My name is Mudd · #20 05-05-2011, 08:47 PM

Ceramic FTW!