Lighter rig confusion

ptg · #1 07-01-2011, 08:29 PM

Hi!

I apologize in advance as I'm sure this has been covered but I really am confused.

I am currently playing through a G&K 700RB-II and a G&K 410SBX cab.

I'm tired of the heavy cab. Every time I play a big venue I go direct anyway, so it's overkill. And I never seem to have it higher than 2 or 3 on the smaller gigs.

I went to GC and Sam Ash today and this is what was offered up to $1,500:

Ampeg Portaflex (which I did not play but haven't heard great things about)

Mark Bass Mini CMD 121P and CMD151 (one 12" and the other is a 15" both 300 watt at 8 ohms)

Mesa Walkabout Scout (300 watts at 4 ohms)

The Mark Bass was okay, the Scout a little warmer but can I use either one as a main rig for small to medium gigs and then go direct with them for larger ones? I've read a few posts here and there and see that quite often people are running them with a second cab which, for me, is too much money. I also saw the CMD102P on the Mark Bass site, but with 2-10" @ 300 watts 8 ohms, would that be underpowered as well?

Other option: Should I keep the G&K head and buy a smaller cab? It has more power but will I just defeat the purpose by running it into, say 2-10's instead of 4?

Any input would be appreciated including other brands/configurations, etc.

Thanks so much!!!

seanm · #2 07-01-2011, 08:33 PM

No problem with running the G&K into a smaller cab. If you like the 700RB, I would just try getting a lighter cab first.

Can you rent a cab at your local music store? Renting is a great way to try out a new idea without blowing a lot of money.

dhsierra1 · #3 07-01-2011, 08:50 PM

agreed w/the above, keep the 700RB as it's pretty darned light. Look into maybe a couple of neo 1- 12 cabs or 2-10s, there's a bunch out there, starting w/GK.

Try stacking 1-12s vertically, anyway, the 4-10 config isn't the best going. I'd rather schlep 2 1-12s or 2 2-10s than a single 4-10 any day but that's me, my crummy back, and a rather small car.

Jazzdogg · #4 07-01-2011, 09:11 PM

ptg, what kind of sound do you seek? Some amp/speaker combinations are better at satisfying specific tonal goals than others.

seansbrew · #5 07-01-2011, 09:24 PM

I agree with Sean, go to a lighter cab. My GB neo 212 weighs 50 lbs. and is big enough for 96 % of my gigging situations. I am in a nine piece band and use my cab at practice with no P.A. support.

I recently got rid of almost all of my heavy gear. Now I can bring all my gear into the club in one trip. Total weight of my rig is 57 lbs.

I did keep my 6x10 just in case I play a large outdoor gig. Other than that I wont need it.

enricogaletta · #6 07-01-2011, 11:12 PM

Honestly if I was you I will keep the idea to keep the head and just buy a light and small cab, right now the are a lot of models available, and all sound pretty good, are small, light to carry and with great power.
There are a lot of 2x10 and 1X10 o 1x12 solutions out there, check out Aguilar, EBS, Eden, and also the GK make now a Neodymium 1x12, just check out, because the possibilites that you have on the market to make a great but compact system head-cab are a lot and, in my opionion head-cab is sound musch better than a single combo, excepet the case when you can extend your combo.
Cheers. Enrico
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wraub · #7 07-01-2011, 11:30 PM

I am currently using an SWR GrandPrix preamp, a Peavey DPC 750 power amp, and an Avatar SB112 cab.

400 watts mono at 4 Ohms into the 1x12 cab. Could also do 350 watts per side at 8 Ohms.
Pretty loud, nice and clear, solid bottom end. Total cost around $600.00.
Total weight around 50 lbs or so.

YMMV.

wraub

Low Budget Bass

steveksux · #8 07-01-2011, 11:40 PM

Think about getting a couple of 2x10 neo cabs and stacking them for a vertical 4x1 array. The speakers will be lighter, easier to carry and transport split into 2 lighter cabs.

Randy

ptg · #9 07-02-2011, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

ptg, what kind of sound do you seek? Some amp/speaker combinations are better at satisfying specific tonal goals than others.

I'm an old guy - old type of player. I don't slap or tap. 70% of my stuff is played through a MusicMan Stingray fretless (4-string). So a full rich warm sound is where I'm usually headed.

Thanks, everyone, for the input! I'm going to call GC today and see what other cabs he has in stock. I'm thinking of maybe getting 2 each 2-10 cabs? Then I can use 1 or 2 depending upon the venue as some of you have suggested. But I'll have to see and hear what's available...

bassgod0dmw · #10 07-02-2011, 06:37 AM

I also say keep the GK and get a lighter cab(s)

seansbrew · #11 07-02-2011, 08:01 AM

Also, keep the one cab solution in mind as well. The 212 I am using is extremely loud and clear and warm. It easily takes the place of the 4x10 i previously used. Try one in addition to the 2x10 cabs. They have a different voicing and have more bottom end.

ptg · #12 07-02-2011, 11:55 AM

Well, I called around and unfortunately both of the GC stores near me only had the 410 neo on the floor and Sam Ash has that and the 1-15" cab.

2-12" does sound good but there is no place to try it. Maybe I'll go down there and see what they sound like...

Thanks!!

IGNORE THE ABOVE - ARGGGHHH!!!

After recalling the stores and checking the G&K website, Sam Ash has MBE cabs, not Neo cabs. From what I've heard, the MBE cabs do not support the bi-amp feature of the 700RBII head. So, that leaves the Neo 2-12" or 1-15" both of which nobody near me stocks.

Now what do I do?

bassgod0dmw · #13 07-02-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptg

From what I've heard, the MBE cabs do not support the bi-amp feature of the 700RBII head. So, that leaves the Neo 2-12" or 1-15" both of which nobody near me stocks.

Now what do I do?

Do you use the bi-amp feature?

I never have, so that wouldn't be a big deal to me.

ptg · #14 07-02-2011, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

Do you use the bi-amp feature?

I never have, so that wouldn't be a big deal to me.

I do use it but, to be honest with you, I find the difference is minimal. I'm one of those guys who wants to use it because it's there. But, you're right that I can probably live without it.

Maybe I'll go down to Ash tomorrow although I'd like to hear the 2-12" and all they have is the 4-10 and the 1-15". Also, the 700 head is, I believe 4 ohms and the cabs come in 4 and 8. So, I don't know which flavor they have in stock....

cableguy · #15 07-02-2011, 01:25 PM

I think you should sell me the head. buy a GK micro head and a couple 1-12 cabs. Deal done.

ptg · #16 07-03-2011, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cableguy

I think you should sell me the head. buy a GK micro head and a couple 1-12 cabs. Deal done.

LOL Cable guy! :-)

Okay, so given the power ratings and weights, etc., I think I've narrowed it down to either the Neo212-II, the 212MBE or the 410MBE.

The only one available to try locally is the 410MBE. (Ash has the 1-15 MBE but that may not be the best option.)

So hopefully my last question is: Has anyone played both the MBE and Neo cabs? How much, if any, loss comes with the less weight of the MBE cabs? I know you can't go bi-amp with them but are there any appreciable differences?

Thanks so much to you all!!!

lomo · #17 07-03-2011, 07:31 AM

I also vote to keep the head. Sounds like a pair of 12s would do you fine, be modular and easy to haul. Lots of grweat 12s out there to try, including the GK Neo2-112.....amazing buy at 349!!!