I'm starting to GAS a little. Seeking guidance from TB.

shadow_FIX · #1 03-26-2010, 03:19 PM

Okay, so here is my list of gear in no particular order:

Markbass LMIII
SWR Workingman 8x10 (00-02 model)
Markbass Traveler 2x10
Eden 1x15
Ampeg SVT4-PRO

When I originally bought the LMIII it was primarily for jazz gigs with the 2x10, and it sounds great for that purpose. Then I realized I actually am starting to like the LMIII more than my SVT based on size difference, better clarity, and no-hassle EQ, and I think it sounds better for my playing.

The Mark sounds GREAT through the SWR fridge. 500W thru 8 drivers is very balanced and powerful. My problem is I do not have a vehicle to get the 8x10 around so I always have to rely on my drummer to make multiple trips with his SUV for both of our gear. I tried to run the MB 2x10 with the Eden 15, but I think at stage volumes in moderately large venues the 2x10 speakers are being overdriven a little if I dig in some.

So I'm thinking of selling the SVT and possibly the SWR in favor of an Epifani UL410, along with a MB Compressore most likely.

Does anyone think I will miss the SVT?
Thoughts on the Epifani?
Could the speaker overdrive issue be resolved by using a compressor to even out the heavier "spikes" in my playing?
Anyone have any better ideas?

Selta · #2 03-26-2010, 03:24 PM

It's not a real SVT. The solid state Ampeg stuff has never been that great sounding to me. Not so much over other SS gear to justify keeping it around if I had better.
At larger venues a 2x10+1x15 should be plenty for stage volume.

The PA should be handling the monitoring and the projection for the crowd... why do you feel that you need to drive on stage volume so high?
If it were me in your scenario (I'm not, and I'm sure my tastes are different than yours) I'd sell it all but the Mark, grab an Avatar 410 and a VT pedal and be done with it. Of course, if you had the money, I'd say sell it all, get a real SVT and the same 410 and be just as done.

shadow_FIX · #3 03-26-2010, 03:32 PM

My volume isn't high, but I seem to overdrive the 2x10's easily, especially in the low register. Could this be too much gain and not enough volume, or is that cab just not able to handle it? I play on a 5-string Stingray.

Selta · #4 03-26-2010, 03:35 PM

Could be how you have it EQ's. Too much lows can 1) sap a lot of power out of your amp and 2) sound odd/bad.

shadow_FIX · #5 03-26-2010, 03:48 PM

I typically give a little low end on my bass and maybe a little on the amp but that's about it. The Mark stays flat for the most part. I will try it for another gig and see if I can't get it to stop...it's funny I'm not clipping on the amp when the 2x10s overdrive and the cab should be able to handle the LMIII's 500w split with the 15 cab.

Brad Johnson · #6 03-26-2010, 04:31 PM

Sounds like the 210 and 115 may not be matching up very well. IME ideally the 15 should be more efficient than the 210 unless you're going to biamp (something I don't recommend). What are the impedances of the cabs in question?

Jaco who? · #7 03-26-2010, 04:34 PM

I don't get on with the SVT4, but a lot do, so it's pointless for me to say what you should do about that, but I really like 2x12 cabs. One is enough for most, and two, loud as I ever need.

shadow_FIX · #8 03-26-2010, 04:45 PM

Both cabs are 8ohm, anything else and the Mark would be quite unhappy with me! The setup was merged from a previous setup...I used to have an Eden 2x10 Metro combo and I bought the 15 to go with it, but I was never completely satisfied with it. Sold the Metro and got the SVT new and got the SWR cheap, and that sounded great but the DI's on the SVT were always noisy. Then got the Markbass stuff for jazz gigs.

I really love how the Mark sounds through the 8x10 but it's pretty impractical because I can't move it myself (small car). Pretty sure a 410 would fit pretty easily though...

shadow_FIX · #9 03-29-2010, 03:36 PM

Would anyone else care to weigh in on the subject? I'm very close to trying to make the 8x10 fit in my car.

PunkSweeper · #10 03-29-2010, 03:42 PM

FWIW, The Solid-State Ampeg 1x15" Combo and a Homebuilt 2x10" extension cab I use literally shake stages at half volume and gain.

JimmyM · #11 03-29-2010, 04:56 PM

i would ditch the eden cab and get a second traveler 102p and stack them vertically. you won't get quite as much sheer volume as an 810, but you'll get more throw from the vertical stack and you'll get a driver up closer to your ear, which imho makes it superior to a square 410. plus any possible phasing issues you may have with the eden cab under the 210 will be a thing of the past.

you could also go the other way and get a second eden 115. i really like my b-15n stack with two cabs.

i would still hang onto the 810, though...you just never know when you need that sheer power, and you might one day get a vehicle big enough to cart it.