I'm about to start auditioning for bands

mathewcanhaz · #1 01-26-2011, 11:42 AM

I am running a GK m200 through a 2x10 GK cab that can deal with 250 watts. Is this going to be loud enough for rehearsals and small gigs? should I look into getting the m500?

BigOldHarry · #2 01-26-2011, 11:54 AM

yes.

Not big enough for big gigs / crazy loud bands, however. The head isn't your issue - it's the 2x10 cab. That head will power a SWR 4x10 (I've seen it).

RickenBoogie · #3 01-26-2011, 11:57 AM

+1, if anything, you'd need more spkrs.

rockstarbassist · #4 01-26-2011, 11:58 AM

Get a/the gig first, then you can upgrade the cab.

mathewcanhaz · #5 01-26-2011, 11:58 AM

so I need a more powerful cab if I end up in a loud band. So any suggestions on what Cab I should be looking at.

Thanks for the quick reply

AciDBatH666 · #6 01-26-2011, 11:59 AM

250 watts is decent for a band setting. I was doing that with my current project with my SWR Workingmans 4004. It's 400w at 4ohms, and 260w @ 8 ohms. I jam with them with my 4x10 8ohm cab and I cut thru even with only 260 watts. I have to push it, but I make it thru the mix. We're talking about competing with a metal drummer and 2 high gain half stack guitarists.

So like BigOldHarry said, your wattage is ok. I'd personally go with more, but that 2X10 isn't gonna push thru if you're playing with a loud group of guys. If they were playing thru combo amps maybe, but not bigger setups.

rockstarbassist · #7 01-26-2011, 11:59 AM

If you like GK cabs, just get a 410 version of your 210.

mathewcanhaz · #8 01-26-2011, 12:01 PM

Well I like how my setup sounds with the GK cab but, ive never really experimented with cabs before. are there cabs that you guys think just destroys my 2x10 or the 4x10 version in quality and tone?

BigOldHarry · #9 01-26-2011, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mathewcanhaz

so I need a more powerful cab if I end up in a loud band. So any suggestions on what Cab I should be looking at.

Thanks for the quick reply

It really depends on the band. Where I saw the GK micro head powering a 4x10 was a casino dance band that had a PA. A big-hair metal band? Nah, you'll just more horses, period. Small club band? Get a 4x10.

Me, I use two 2x10s - so maybe you can get another 2x10 to mix & match.

mathewcanhaz · #10 01-26-2011, 12:07 PM

I have really been looking into Mark Bass because I love their heads so much. Do you have any experiences with their cabs, are they nicer then the GK

klokker · #11 01-26-2011, 12:33 PM

I agree, I'd stick with what you have until you're in a band. See how your 2x10 works in the mix. It should be more than fine for rehearsals etc. if you EQ it right. I have a 250 watt 1x15 that was my first amp; I still use it for rehearsals and its more than enough for small bar gigs (with our PA).

J42 · #12 01-26-2011, 12:54 PM

If you get a 4x10 and keep your 2x10 you'll be able to have a 2, 4 or 6 speaker rig and you will be ready for just about anything.

The Markbass cabs are nice and light and have a really articulate and tight sound, some like it, some don't. They are expensive.

Bring your head and your cab to audition an extra cab and see how they sound together.

An addition 2x10 will probably be enough. This is nice because then you never need to lug a 4x10.

Waiting till you're in a band is somewhat good advice, but it could potentially keep you from getting the gig if your rig doesn't cut it at the audition. This would probably only happen if the band you are auditioning for has a very loud drummer.

craig.p · #13 01-26-2011, 01:20 PM

For what it's worth, I audition with a TINY 1x15 all-in-one (Carvin MB15) that fits into the front seat of my small truck. No exceptions. That's plenty for the other folks to decide whether or not they can use me, and the other way around, too. An audition is not a rehearsal. If there are volume problems, I tell the others to turn (the hell) down, or I tell them to tighten up the physical layout so they can converge on the amp, i.e. so the amp is closer to their ears. Distance to ears is a huge factor in how well you can be heard, but not many people think to put that to work for them.

mathewcanhaz · #14 01-26-2011, 01:57 PM

thanks a bunch guys. I never would have thought i needed a better cab.

rockstarbassist · #15 01-26-2011, 02:03 PM

YOu may not- you may just need another one.

mathewcanhaz · #16 01-26-2011, 02:28 PM

now im sure im wrong but i thought my head put out 250 watts or so and thats what my cab can handle wouldnt putting in another cab kind of lessen the amount of power each speakers getting?

J42 · #17 01-26-2011, 02:46 PM

I will amend my recomendation to say that if you needed to use both the 2x10 and a 4x10 that you would want to get more power at that point.

A 4x10 or an additional 2x10 should be plenty for any audition with your current head.

impactwrench · #18 01-26-2011, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mathewcanhaz

now im sure im wrong but i thought my head put out 250 watts or so and thats what my cab can handle wouldnt putting in another cab kind of lessen the amount of power each speakers getting?

do you have the mb200 (you wrote m200)? if so its 200 watts at 4 ohms, or 160 at 8 ohms. you can run 2 8 ohm cabs with it. you can do it with 2 2x10s but 200 watts into 4x10s would be about the minimum, depending on what kind of gigs you play. if you outgrow that then you can get an mb500.