Which GK Head and Cab???

grass132456 · #1 09-29-2011, 12:45 PM

Hey guys,

I am a not so pro bassist that is looking for a more powerful amp. I have the Rumble 75 currently and I sometimes do worship for 200 people. So last time I did worship using the Rumble, I had to turn it up to 75% of the volume, and my active bass 75% of its volume. By that time, the sound wasn't the best.

So now, I and deciding to buy a new head + cab that will not cost too much. I am looking at the GK's and for the head, I have two that seems pretty decent. Should I spend more money and get the MB500 or just stick with the Backline 600. If I get the MB, Then I probably would have to pair that up with the MB115 due to limited amount of cash. Or should I get the Backline 600 and pair that up with either then MB115 or the Neo115. Is the Neo worth getting over the MB115 because it's $200 for some Neo speakers and 100 watts difference. I don't want to spend an extra $200 on something that will not make a big difference.

Another two newby question

If I have 2 cabs, and each of them are 8 ohms, then if I connect them both to the same head, will the head run at 4 ohms? Because isn't the physics like the ohms = Sqrt (A+B)? Also, does wattage kind of go like this? A 1000 watt head is 2x more powerful than a 100 watt amp? Like something is 2x more powerful if the wattage is 10x as much?

Thanks for helping a nooby bassist out :P

Hopkins · #2 09-29-2011, 12:51 PM

I would suggest looking for a used 700rbII paired with the Neo.

And yes 99% of the time two 8 ohm cabs makes 4 ohms, unless you get a weird one that is wired in series. I think the rule of thumb is it takes 10 times the watts to double the volume.

grass132456 · #3 09-29-2011, 12:57 PM

The 700RBII is too costly for me, I think :O

Muttleybass · #4 09-29-2011, 01:05 PM

Love the Neos. A Neo 410 or 212 would most likely be all you'd need. Pair that with a 700rbII, or a Fusion 550 (I've even seen 1001rb's for $400) and you'll have a killer amp. Can't speak for the MB heads, but lots of guys love'em.

I wouldn't go with the Backline series. I've heard they've had issues and they're the entry level line. I didn't care for the MBE cabs. Yes, there is a difference.

And yes, two 8 ohm cabs make 4 ohms and your head will provide you with it's rated wattage. Or you could just get a 4 ohm cab. For wattage in your situation, I'd bet 300 watts is all you'll ever really need. Unless you start playing arenas or outdoor festivals. Even then, you'll probably be going thru the PA.

bassgod0dmw · #5 09-29-2011, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grass132456

The 700RBII is too costly for me, I think :O

Used, they are pretty inexpensive. I would also keep a lookout for an 800RB or the 400RB on the used market. Any of the 3 would be great. If you're deadset on getting new stuff, I'd go with the MB series over the Backline. Keep in mind you'll get more for your money on the used market, and TB has a very good classifieds section.

As for cabs, more speakers would be better...a 4X10 for example. Without knowing your budget it's tough to really recommend something.

On a side note, why are you only using the volume on your bass at 75%? Crank that thing all the way up!

scottfeldstein · #6 09-29-2011, 01:13 PM

I've heard things about the Backline series, too. I've never used one, but ... one does hear things.

I myself own an MB500. Great little amp. I've powered a 2x10 with it and I've powered an 8x10 with it. If I had it to buy over again I'd probably still buy it. (And I say "probably" only because I might pony up for the Fusion model with the tube preamp.)

I also like my Neo 212 cab. Your mileage may vary on that. My goals were to build a 2 cab rig that's light and loud. I think when I get the second 212, I'll have achieved it.

dls59 · #7 09-29-2011, 04:21 PM

Used 400RB.

louloomis · #8 09-29-2011, 06:04 PM

Used 400RB and a 2x10 RBH cabinet - both used. I cannot think of a better sounding, better value combination - nothing is going to come close.

LL

grass132456 · #9 09-29-2011, 07:16 PM

And clue where do you get some used equipment? Because I always buy new, but used seem pretty cheap.

dhsierra1 · #10 09-29-2011, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louloomis

Used 400RB and a 2x10 RBH cabinet - both used. I cannot think of a better sounding, better value combination - nothing is going to come close.

LL

big +1, or go w/2-12s.

Look at the TB classifieds for used, pretty safe place.

grass132456 · #11 09-29-2011, 07:29 PM

I just realized, I can get really cheap new stuff when it is black Friday right? Does it apply online like order it over GC or do I have to be in-store?

wave rider · #12 09-29-2011, 07:36 PM

I have heard good things about the Backline 600 head, other backline products not so much. Maybe one of the folks can remember the store that had great GK prices for talkbass folk (you have to email for pricing...), you might not have to wait for Black Friday...

=wr=

Vic Winters · #13 09-29-2011, 08:09 PM

There's nothing wrong with the BL600. It is voiced a bit differently than the MB and RB heads though.

**B-string** · #14 09-29-2011, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wave rider

I have heard good things about the Backline 600 head, other backline products not so much. Maybe one of the folks can remember the store that had great GK prices for talkbass folk (you have to email for pricing...), you might not have to wait for Black Friday...

=wr=

RMCAudio.com?

grass132456 · #15 09-30-2011, 12:50 PM

Another question, if the amp says 500 watts, it is most likely that it blasts 500 watts on a 4 ohm resistance right? Like the MB500. But if I connect that to two cabs, it will play it's full 500 watts if it is 4 ohms right? If it plays its 500 watts, is it 500 watts to both cabs or 500 watts to each?

GrinningMouth88 · #16 09-30-2011, 01:06 PM

500 watts to both cabs, so 250 to each

Muttleybass · #17 09-30-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grass132456

Another question, if the amp says 500 watts, it is most likely that it blasts 500 watts on a 4 ohm resistance right?

Right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by grass132456

But if I connect that to two cabs, it will play it's full 500 watts if it is 4 ohms right?

Right,

Quote:

Originally Posted by grass132456

If it plays its 500 watts, is it 500 watts to both cabs or 500 watts to each?

Combined. 2 - 8 ohm 250w cabs = 500w @ 4 ohms.

Wattage you add together. Ohms you split in half. (well, just a bit more than half, for the purists)

cableguy · #18 09-30-2011, 01:19 PM

Used I paid $325 for my 700RB-II. It has a great DI that the older 400RBs do not. Not sure where you live but the TB classifieds or CL are a good place to start. If you don't need to move it an older 2x15 or 4x10 cab would work well and be fairly cheap.

grass132456 · #19 09-30-2011, 08:28 PM

Another noob question :P
So if i was going to get the MB500, which cab(s) should I get?
I can only afford either a Neo115 or a 115MBX with a 210MBX?
Which would be louder? Better sound?
And do the 115MBX and 210MBX have ports so that you can connect both of them to the head, like that 1 head 2 cab thing?

scottfeldstein · #20 09-30-2011, 08:33 PM

A lot depends on what you mean by "better sound," but I would lean toward the Neo line. How loud do you need to be? How loud with one cab? How loud with two?

The MB500 has two speaker outs, so you can connect two cabs directly to the head.