I want more bottom end!

[RivalBass]

So I currently have a Gallien-Krueger GLX 410 cab played through a GK 700RB-II amp head. The mids and highs are solid, but the overall tone can use more bottom end. I like to play punchy rock, folk, and jazz music.

Here are the specs of the head and cab respectively:

GK 700RB-II:

POWER <1% THD
LF 480W @ 4 ohm; 320W @ 8 ohm, 1 kHz
HF 50W @ 8 ohm, 5kHz
17-1/2"W x 3-1/2"H x 8"D
16-1/2 lbs

GLX 410:
Configuration: 4 x 10" Paragon Goldline loudspeakers.
Power (RMS): 400W
Power (Program): 800W
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 100dB
Max SPL: 126dB
Frequency Response: 30Hz to 7kHz
Porting: Front slot ported
Dimensions: 23.5"W x 26.5"H x 18.5"D
Weight: 93 lb.

Given the specs of the 700rb-ii can it handle the following?:
-- Adding a 210 or 115..how will it affect the sound?
-- Sell the cabinet at a loss and buy a different 410? OR different mix of smaller cabs? (on a budget)

Also, is the 700RB-II already maxed out at 8ohms with the GLX 410?
I'm new to the power handling conversation, so any advice will be appreciated.

P.S.- The alternative motive in adding another cabinet is to have a more portable way to play smaller gigs/acoustic practice. The GK GLX410 is heavy and difficult to move.

[caden000]

adding a 15" cab isn't going to add more low end. a good 4x10 should produce more bottom than a 15. if you do add one, what you'll end up with is a volume issue, the 4x10 will be louder and you likely wont even notice the 15.

[seamonkey]

Agreed - another of the same 4x10
or MaxxBass ($150 as of today)
Waves | Hardware | MaxxBass 107
Much lighter

[RivalBass]

Originally Posted by caden000

adding a 15" cab isn't going to add more low end. a good 4x10 should produce more bottom than a 15. if you do add one, what you'll end up with is a volume issue, the 4x10 will be louder and you likely wont even notice the 15.

Welp, glad I asked. What would you recommend I do to get a more versatile sound for rock and/or jazz? I figure adding more 10s would just output more volume, which I don't necessarily need. Again, I am looking for versatility and portability for those days I don't need a 410, but can still be used to add on valuable sound as I get bigger gigs.

[Bass_Pounder]

Goldlines are crap - new cab time

[Muckaluck]

What kind of bass/strings/setup are you using? Jazz basses with zingy roundwounds that have the bridge pickup very close to the strings will reach into the higher frequencies but not into the deeper register.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Muckaluck

What kind of bass/strings/setup are you using? Jazz basses with zingy roundwounds that have the bridge pickup very close to the strings will reach into the higher frequencies but not into the deeper register.

JBass aren't as deep as PBass, let alone Sting Rays or any bucker, but that doesn't mean you can't go deep with them. That's why amps have EQ. Turning up the bass EQ should be all the OP needs to do to get the bottom end he wants. If that results in the cab farting out under the strain it's either add another 4x10 or get a better one.

[RivalBass]

Originally Posted by Muckaluck

What kind of bass/strings/setup are you using? Jazz basses with zingy roundwounds that have the bridge pickup very close to the strings will reach into the higher frequencies but not into the deeper register.

I play a G&L L-2000 Tribute w/ EB hybridslinky roundwounds. sometimes a Peavey J bass with flatwounds.

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

Goldlines are crap - new cab time

The sound isn't bad, its just the weight. I am interested in selling the GLX and getting a different 410 or a different cab mix.

Originally Posted by seamonkey

Agreed - another of the same 4x10
or MaxxBass ($150 as of today)
Waves | Hardware | MaxxBass 107
Much lighter

So is adding the MaxxBass107 to my rig going to give me more volume control? Or is it there to set limits when adding more cabs so my amp can handle it?

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by RivalBass

The sound isn't bad, its just the weight.

I know nobody likes to admit they made a bad purchase, but you would not be posting that you cannot get enough low end if "THE SOUND ISN'T BAD"

If it was really only about the weight - you would be posting about how you love the the tone of your cab, but are looking for a lighter alternative with the same sound - that is clearly not the case.

There is a reason some cabs are cheaper prices then others, and it's not because the manufacturer is looking to do anyone a 'favor"

[mam1862]

Went thru the same problem. The cure is an Avatar TB153! I went thru a Hartke 410xl, GK Neo 410, two GK Neo 112's and a combination of the two. I couldn't get that low end I was looking for. I was using the 700rb-ii and the MB Fusion. Sold everything and got the TB153 and I love it. I bought the 8ohm version in case I would like to add another cab. I don't think I will ever need to add the second cab. This thing fills the room and you can feel it. Go for it.

[Tunaman]

I really like my GK Neo 115... with the Streamliner 900 have tons of low end.

[RivalBass]

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

I know nobody likes to admit they made a bad purchase, but you would not be posting that you cannot get enough low end if "THE SOUND ISN'T BAD"

If it was really only about the weight - you would be posting about how you love the the tone of your cab, but are looking for a lighter alternative with the same sound - that is clearly not the case.

There is a reason some cabs are cheaper prices then others, and it's not because the manufacturer is looking to do anyone a 'favor"

LOL. As a reminder, people post questions on here for constructive responses, but thanks for that. I know the cab isn't the best available, but you're right, it was a budget purchase. For what it's worth the sound isn't bad, its just not great, and we all have to use what we can afford.

Now I'm asking for help on what to do next...either sell it at a loss or add to it for marginally better sound. Again, on a budget. I like the enthusiasm, but simply saying, buy all new stuff isn't teaching me anything.

So far it sounds like my options are:
1) add another 410.
2) add a 210 or 115 for portability/smaller room scenarios.
3) sell the 410 and get a different 410 (NEO/MBE?)

Larger question, will the GK 700RB-II handle the above?

[aqsw]

Originally Posted by RivalBass

LOL. As a reminder, people post questions on here for constructive responses, but thanks for that. I know the cab isn't the best available, but you're right, it was a budget purchase. For what it's worth the sound isn't bad, its just not great, and we all have to use what we can afford.

Now I'm asking for help on what to do next...either sell it at a loss or add to it for marginally better sound. Again, on a budget. I like the enthusiasm, but simply saying, buy all new stuff isn't teaching me anything.

So far it sounds like my options are:
1) add another 410.
2) add a 210 or 115 for portability/smaller room scenarios.
3) sell the 410 and get a different 410 (NEO/MBE?)

Larger question, will the GK 700RB-II handle the above?

Sell them all, and get a Mesa PH412. All problems solved, except for your back!

Truthfully though, I would get a 210 or 212 with a 115. Preferably same make and matching ohms.
This should be good enough for any outside venue without PA, and way more than enough for any indoor venue without PA.

[MuzikMan]

You probably shouldn't add a cab just to change the tone. Usually cabs are added to increase volume. If your current cab isn't doing what you want it is time to replace it with something that will. Since you would like to have a smaller cab as part of the package might I suggest two matching 2x10 cabs?

[RickenBoogie]

+1 I think your weak link, and possibly the whole problem, is the cab you're using. i'd sell it, and buy a good quality 2x12, which would solve 2 problems, lack of low end and weight. Buy a quality used cab, since retail new is always a waste. The second you walk out the door, it's lost 50% of it's value. Buying used eliminates that worry, and allows your money to go farther.

[seamonkey]

Originally Posted by RivalBass

So is adding the MaxxBass107 to my rig going to give me more volume control? Or is it there to set limits when adding more cabs so my amp can handle it?

It's for your speakers actually. Your amp can handle lows fine, your cabinets may not be.

MaxxBass selectively adds harmonics to make you ears hear lower notes than your cabinet can produce.
It lets you high pass the lows.
It actually cuts the bass, and allows your to redirect more power to push more overall volume but still sound lower than without MaxxBass.

[StrangerDanger]

Eat McDonalds everyday. Your bottom end will be HUGE!

[top028]

I am surprised that no body suggested adding a cab and using the bi-amping function built into the amp. Do you know anyone that has a cheepie sub you can try out? 480 watts should be more than enough to move some serious air. Adding my bag end 15 to a friends GK 800rb rig with his GK 4x10 made a world of a difference when the frequency was dialed in, and loud!!!

[anonymous02282011]

I think GK amps flip the phase so that speakers move in when making sound instead of pushing out. At least that was the case with my 400RB back in the day.

You can do a simple battery test for polarity.

If the drivers are moving in (instead of out), you can simply make a speaker cable that flips the phase. This would give you some girth.

[tsunami1052]