mixed cabs: tempted

scottfeldstein · #1 10-11-2011, 05:00 PM

I know, I know. Matched cabs are the safest, surest bet when using two cabs. I myself have counseled people here on this wisdom many times!

And yet, now I am tempted.

In the middle of building my dream rig: a GK MB500 head and a pair of GK Neo 212-II cabs, I've come up short of cash. I have the head and one cab.

Meanwhile, the only band I've managed to hook up with since my return to music six months ago is a ridiculously loud one. I've been using an Ampeg 810 classic cab in their rehearsal space. Unfortunately, that space is disappearing--and so is the cab.

In another week or two, I could be in a new space, rehearsing with Loud Band, with nothing but a 212 to my name. I need cabinetry quick!

A perusal of used gear at the local GK shows me a GK 410 (or an Epifani 115). The 410 is just $200 and it might help me get over the hump. I could use it with the 212 as needed, leave it in the rehearsal space, and get my second 212 later on when I have money. It doesn't hurt to have extra cabinetry to leave places so you don't have to haul it, right? Right.

I don't have $550 for that second 212. I might scrape together $200 for a stopgap cab.

Should I?

Rick Auricchio · #2 10-11-2011, 05:05 PM

Forget the 15, go with the 410 if you really want something.

cchorney · #3 10-11-2011, 05:08 PM

Try it with your amp and cab. Worst case scenario it sounds weird and you may be able to manage that with equalizer... but you may like the cancellation that occurs. Either way it might get loud (yea that was on purpose) and if you do go with it you can resell it and get a properly matching rig when the money is there.

scottfeldstein · #4 10-11-2011, 08:02 PM

Well, I didn't wait for responses. I went and snatched it up. I did get the store warranty on it, though, so I can take it back within 90 days if I want to.

Big bad, cab, though. I think I'm gonna like having this around. Might even keep it around for solo cab use after I get a second 212. Who knows.

devilock76 · #5 10-11-2011, 08:07 PM

Let us know how the pair works. I know despite common convention my mixed cab setup has been stellar for me. I have a Warwick 2x10 pro on the bottom, and yes it is setup side by side on the 10's and on top of that a genz benz neo-x 112. The combo has been a rock solid setup for me for a year and a half now through MANY gigs, outside, inside, you name it. Volume and tone unlike any past rig and very easy to haul.

Ken

Marko5657 · #6 10-11-2011, 08:18 PM

imo… you should have gotten the deal on the GK 410s at Amazon price matched at M123. (old thread where this was discussed) and gotten two of them.

I have more bass gear than I know what to do with, but I still think about that deal…

But, I sincerely hope that you’re happy with what you got.

charlie monroe · #7 10-11-2011, 08:38 PM

I think you just set a record. Within 3 hours of posting your question, you pulled the trigger. Pretty sure 12's and 10's play together nicely, it's the 4X10's and 1X15's that give everyone indignation swung with the mighty hammer of Thor himself. No idea which GK 410 you got, but I hope it wasn't a BL.

should probably close this thread, or rename it "mixed cabs: impatient"

scottfeldstein · #8 10-11-2011, 09:04 PM

Ha! It's a BLX. But for $199, I don't see how wrong I could go. I did try it out in the store and it sounded pretty tight.

I figure I'll use it standalone (rehearsal) or with my Neo 212 on top (loud gig) for a short while. Eventually I may a) sell it or b) keep it as a standalone cab in my rehearsal space. Either way I won't have to worry about how well it matches with something else. And I probably won't move it much after that--if I even keep it.

Short term, though, I got four extra drivers to add to my 212. That might get me in the neighborhood of the 810 that I'm losing next week. (Which is what prompted this urgent purchase.)

scottfeldstein · #9 10-11-2011, 09:08 PM

Actually, it's the BLX WITHOUT the words "backline" plastered on it and WITH the silver grill. It's just got the little BLX badge on a bottom corner. Does that make it an older one or a newer one? It looks just like this, only tolex instead of carpet and a silver grill instead of a black one.

scottfeldstein · #10 10-11-2011, 09:37 PM

Ok, duh. It isn't a BLX.

It's an MBX 410.

8 ohms, 400w, tolex, silver grill, MBX badge in the lower corner, front ports, speakon and 1/4", piezo tweeter, 74 lbs, 50 Hz to 5 kHz.

rusthoneybass · #11 10-12-2011, 09:20 AM

If it were the logo BLK instead of saying backline it would be the newest model of that series.

scottfeldstein · #12 10-12-2011, 09:36 AM

Well, the MBX 410 isn't the most highly regarded GK cab on the planet, but for $199 I don't see how I could go wrong. I'm in a pinch for cabinetry and I'm kinda broke, so I'd say I did pretty well. It even matches the grill on my Neo 212! And it's the same width, so I think it'll cleat up in a stack.

Tonight I should get a chance to crank it up a bit and see what's what.

Joe Louvar · #13 10-12-2011, 10:00 AM

Scott, I think you should have waited until you could afford a matching 212 thus completing your DREAM rig because deep down inside you know you will never really be happy until you have your dream rig. Anyway, good luck driving the mixed cabinets with only one amp, no crossover, etc - I'm looking forward to reading the results after rehearsal.

scottfeldstein · #14 10-12-2011, 10:09 AM

Hey, nobody said I was abandoning the pair of 212 cabs! I still want to get a lightweight, loud and matching pair of cabs and the Neo 212s are it, as far as I'm concerned.

This purchase was a stopgap. I can't afford a Neo 212 right now. But I need cabs immediately. For $199, what the heck. I can always dump it a year from now for $100 or more. Or just use it as a rehearsal cab.

Crabby · #15 10-12-2011, 08:52 PM

you never know, it might sound killer!

Joe Louvar · #16 10-12-2011, 09:08 PM

That is true. Scott should be getting home soon - it's already after 8pm in CA.

**B-string** · #17 10-12-2011, 10:11 PM

I think the only complains I have heard with the MBX is the tweeter (that can be switched off?).

walterw · #18 10-12-2011, 10:23 PM

i don't think anybody can rationally argue that two mis-matched cabs will sound weaker than one of those cabs by itself, just that matched cabs sounds better than mis-matched cabs.

it should be fine, if for no other reason than it gets one cab up to ear-level.

scottfeldstein · #19 10-12-2011, 10:44 PM

Well, I haven't tried them together yet, but the 410 by itself packs quite a kick in the pants. No regrets so far!

Joe Louvar · #20 10-13-2011, 08:34 AM

How many ohms is the 410?