Has anyone played the Schroeder BMF 412?

Sparkdog · #1 08-10-2010, 12:55 PM

I found a thread on this topic but nobody who has actually played one responded (lots of posts by guys saying "I used a Schroeder 112 once"...not exactly relevant

I have a chance to buy a used one at a really nice price from a local seller but I would like to hear thoughts from folks who have owned and gigged one.

Specs are great, easily the lightest 412 around, but what does it sound like?

I'm interested in a 412 because I'm doing outdoor gigs with rock and blues bands this summer and finding that my Carvin B1500/410 neo rig is breathing pretty hard sometimes when it gets loud. I feel like I need a little more air pushing off the stage. I'm a fan of 810's and I know that would get it done, but would prefer something a little smaller and lighter.

I also want a one cab solution...not interested in a pair of 212's or similar...so 412 or 610 seems like a nice compromise.

I'm done with lifting 410's, I would rather roll a mini fridge any day!

Curious to hear your feedback. Thanks guys.

VTHacker · #2 08-10-2010, 02:00 PM

What if I played a 112... on two consecutive days?

Sparkdog · #3 08-10-2010, 02:18 PM

Then I think the equation looks something like this:

1/4 the speakers x 2 = 1/2 assed input

Freddy-G. · #4 08-10-2010, 03:07 PM

Since the cab is local, I'd recommend that you go hear it for yourself. Schroeders are known to have a low mid bump that some players don't like.

But since you are playing outdoor gigs, I can't imagine that the BMF 412 wouldn't a great solution for you. Rated at 1600 watts RMS, and with 104 db SPL, that cab is going to move a significant amount of air onstage.

For comparison, I own and gig a Schroeder 1515+L, and the little 52 lb. monster is a powerhouse! I've played medium sized rooms with it, and without FOH support, it supplied more than enough volume.

Maybe someone that has a BMF 412 will chime in.

rpsands · #5 08-10-2010, 03:18 PM

The low mid tweakiness is probably largely the slanted baffle cabs, from what I can tell.

Sparkdog · #6 08-10-2010, 04:01 PM

Well, I'll definitely get a chance to play it...cause it's here!

Turns out the seller doesn't need something this powerful and wanted to find a much smaller rig. Yours truly happens to have a Carvin BX500 and 210 neo cab for sale, so we traded even up. He just drove over to my office and made the swap.

I figure even it turns out it's not my cup of tea I can always sell it.

This is a serious looking cab, it's built like a tank but at 65 pounds I was able to load it in my van MUCH easier than my 80 pound 410. Size is nice too, 36H x 24W x 16D. Tall enough that I should hear it better than a 410, but not so much that I get the stink eye from the bartender as I load in

That's what I'm hoping anyway.

Freddy-G. · #7 08-10-2010, 06:18 PM

Good for you, man! Now all we need is a review!

dukeisdog · #8 08-10-2010, 06:22 PM

And pictures.

Sparkdog · #9 08-10-2010, 08:24 PM

Pictures and review...check!

Just have to get a rehearsal or jam to play it at, I have a neighbor problem and can't play amplified bass at home at all.

Sparkdog · #10 08-10-2010, 09:18 PM

Curious development...when I got the cab home and unloaded it I heard something rattling around inside. I took off the front grill and a little white ceramic block fell out.

It's about 2 inches long, appears to have a wire inside, and has a part number on it that reads 10W47RJ

What is that, and is it something that needs to be reattached or repaired?

Freddy-G. · #11 08-11-2010, 06:51 AM

Email or call Jorg Schroeder. The phone number and email address is on his website.

gastric · #12 08-11-2010, 08:46 AM

If it looks like this it's probably a resistor from your crossover. You should take care of that prior to using it.

rpsands · #13 08-11-2010, 10:11 AM

Rather, the seller should ask for a warranty repair from Jorg, if he's the original buyer.

Sparkdog · #14 08-11-2010, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gastric

If it looks like this it's probably a resistor from your crossover. You should take care of that prior to using it.

It looks exactly like that, and I sent an email to Jorg last night. He responded this morning and confirmed that it's part of the crossover.

I'm going to email the seller and ask if it's still under warranty.

BUT...if I turn off the tweeter with the trim knob on the back is it OK to crank up the cab? I'm not a big tweeter guy so I might not even need it, but I don't want to damage the cab.

Also, anyone know where Schroeder is located? They have a 626 area code which is Pasadena...not far from me...so if that's the case I'll just drive it over there and get her checked out.

Thanks guys...man I love Talkbass! It's like a support group for all us bassaholics!

rpsands · #15 08-11-2010, 12:02 PM

Be safe and don't mess with it until you've got it fixed.

Sliderbass · #16 08-11-2010, 12:11 PM

He stands behind his stuff!

I have that cabinet and for me, its been great. My first one was damaged in shipping (THANKS FED-EX)and Jorg took care of everything. All I did was put it back in the box.

Love the sound and its loud & light. I run it with either a DB-750 or an Ashdown BTA-400. Its amazing with the Ashdown! Full and deep as well as bright on top. Plenty of mids as well. Very easy to move despite its size.

Sparkdog · #17 08-11-2010, 12:24 PM

Hey Sliderbass,

Thanks for the info. Do you use the tweeter on yours? If it's got nice top end I'm thinking I may not even have to mess with the horn.

I did call Jorg but couldn't get through. He emailed back and said they're cutting cabs and it's LOUD in the shop so they can't hear the phone.

He also said it's fine to use the cab as-is, won't blow the horn, but the tweeter may not work properly. He can replace it, but it means driving 3 hours roundtrip to take it to him.

I may want to do that regardless, but the drive is far enough to give me pause if I don't need the tweeter (driving anywhere in Southern California is an exercise in frustration)

ptidwell · #18 08-11-2010, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparkdog

Also, anyone know where Schroeder is located? They have a 626 area code which is Pasadena...not far from me...so if that's the case I'll just drive it over there and get her checked out.

Thanks guys...man I love Talkbass! It's like a support group for all us bassaholics!

Jord lives in Hacienda Heights. You should call him to see if he can accommodate the repair at his location.

rpsands · #19 08-11-2010, 12:27 PM

I'd be more worried about damaging your amp with a short in the crossover or something. I recall reading that a disconnected tweeter in a full crossover can cause issues with amps.

Jorg's setup might be high pass only though, in which case you're probably safe, I'd think.

Sliderbass · #20 08-13-2010, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparkdog

Hey Sliderbass,

Thanks for the info. Do you use the tweeter on yours? If it's got nice top end I'm thinking I may not even have to mess with the horn.

I did call Jorg but couldn't get through. He emailed back and said they're cutting cabs and it's LOUD in the shop so they can't hear the phone.

He also said it's fine to use the cab as-is, won't blow the horn, but the tweeter may not work properly. He can replace it, but it means driving 3 hours roundtrip to take it to him.

I may want to do that regardless, but the drive is far enough to give me pause if I don't need the tweeter (driving anywhere in Southern California is an exercise in frustration)

I typically run the tweet between noon(halfway) and three(3/4 up)o'clock depending on the room and which amp I'm driving it with. It also depends on how I feel at the gig. If I want ears to bleed when I pop & slap, I'll turn the tweet up. My drummer cringes when I do that but that's part of the fun!

I would make the trip if you can set-aside the time. I've had the pleasure of driving in that area. No fun for sure but if I lived that close, I would go just to meet Jorg and see the shop.