Hartke 410XL

[crazyrobotman]

I could use some help. I am considering buying a Hartke 410XL. I have a Hartke 2000 head and currently use a SWR Big Ben 1x18. I want something with a little more mids and better response. The Big Ben is nice but I feel it's lacking something. I play hard driving rock and roll and use a Rickenbacker 4003 with a Big Muff pedal.
Any advice would be helpful as the price for the 410xl is right and I don't want to miss out on this.

Thanks,
CRM

[metlman72]

I use a Hartke vx410 with great results. It is paired with a HA3500 head. I have to say I like the idea of the 118 though. That thing must move some air. I am not a big fan of the the aluminum cones on Hartke's newer cabinets. I don't think they are bad, it's just not my sound. Go for it, if the deal is that good. If it turns out you don't care for it just sell it off.

[danomite64]

I had an XL 4-10 and there was not a lot of mid-range to it at all, very scooped sounding.

This thread should be in the amps forum, BTW.

[jaywa]

Get it. It will give you "punch" and definition for days. I've had one since the mid 90s and even though it's pretty much retired now I will never let it go.

Just three things:

1) It's a heavy beast... a whisker under 100 lbs IIRC. Rollers are advisable.

2) Try not to let the drivers get really cold and then pound a lot of sound through them before they've warmed up. They don't like that at all.

3) XL series yes. Transporter, no.

[GODSBASSMAN]

Like mine and can dial in mid range from the amp EQ just fine.

[Sparky Mark]

Put mids in and you'll get mids out. Had mine since 95 until a couple of years back and still miss it sometimes....but not the weight. If your strong enough to schlep this into venues then don't hesitate, they have great bottom end too and that internal organ moving punch. I used a 3500 with mine (still have that) but 200w may not drive the 1 x 18 plus this 410 so well.

[figuredbass]

Originally Posted by jaywa

Get it. It will give you "punch" and definition for days. I've had one since the mid 90s and even though it's pretty much retired now I will never let it go.

Just three things:

1) It's a heavy beast... a whisker under 100 lbs IIRC. Rollers are advisable.

2) Try not to let the drivers get really cold and then pound a lot of sound through them before they've warmed up. They don't like that at all.

3) XL series yes. Transporter, no.

+1

[CLPalacio]

I love mine. Intense punch. Though, after a while I found myself supplementing the low end with a non-metal cone 115 to add some warmth.

[blackba]

nice cabs, but heavy. My friend has one and we did have a rattling speaker that was kind of annoying.

[Rockin Mike]

The all-aluminum cones sound a little weird to me, but I'm a big fan of the hybrid paper/metal cones. I have a couple of Hartke HX112s for my light duty/backup rig.

[UncleJimmy]

I've had a 4.5 XL for years. It's my favorite cab. Lot's of low, nice and warm, can get really punchy if you want it. As others have said it's a monster in terms of bulk and weight. Mine doesn't leave my house these days because it's just too big and heavy ( I got a few Hydrives to replace it). I say get it. I'm glad I have mine!

[madmatt]

I use a 210XL with a Hartke HA2500 against two guitarists and a drum machine and the 210XL gets it done easily.
I go like this: P-Bass --> VT pedal (character at 2 o'clock) --> HA2500 --> 210XL.
I rarely have to turn the volume past 10 o'clock.