My Dream Combo... Finally!

portaflexer · #1 03-18-2009, 09:56 PM

Well... I don't if anyone else feels this way, but for years I have tried to find the perfect combo. Something that is powerful, light, loud, portable, looks good, versatile, affordable, and high quality. Something you could use for jam sessions, small gigs, and practice, but still play a medium sized gig if you had to. I have had a lot of trouble finding something like this.

About a month ago, I had an idea... and I worked with Don at Low Down Sound to make my idea a reality. Well... here's what we ended up with: 100% made in the USA, 500 W of Carvin power (at 4 ohms), TUBE PREAMP, 2 Legend 10's, a Selenium horn, Just over 50 lbs, black tolex, pop-out casters, and a helluva lotta volume! Here's the best part... both LDS and Carvin make great products for reasonable prices. I have less than $850 wrapped up in the combo.

This thing is illogically loud. I can't believe that much sounds comes out of such a small box. I think this little amp could conquer just about any gig you throw at it. Thanks to Don at LDS for all the phone calls, emails, and exchanged sketches. I'm thrilled with the results and had to post some pics.

adamrobertt · #2 03-18-2009, 10:00 PM

Wow, that's a cool idea. Looks nice.

Thundar · #3 03-18-2009, 10:00 PM

That is too freakin sweet!

sanfan · #4 03-18-2009, 10:01 PM

What brand of speakers did you load it up with?

portaflexer · #5 03-18-2009, 10:01 PM

Thanks fellas. I've only had it for a couple days now... but I am blown away so far!

Scott McArron · #6 03-18-2009, 10:03 PM

that's pretty cool! Does that little amp slot fit any 2-space amp or does the carvin have custom ears? I like the idea of a cab that you can plug any typical 2 space amp into. Well done! Let us know how it sounds on the gig.

portaflexer · #7 03-18-2009, 10:06 PM

Yes sir! Standard 2U rack mount. It will fit any 2U rack head up to 12" deep. I did that on purpose. That way I can swap it out down the line if I need to. It has both speakon and 1/4" too, so I can even look at vintage stuff. Oh... and for the record... the Thunderfunk TFB series will fit. I measured it.

Blues Cat · #8 03-18-2009, 10:45 PM

Now that's cool and different. Kind of an SWR blk Beauty design but way more flexible.

Stumbo · #9 03-18-2009, 10:58 PM

Let us know how it goes at rehearsal and your next gig.

#10 03-18-2009, 11:02 PM

Really nice! Looks like you put some real thought into it! Good luck with it!

SundanceChile · #11 03-18-2009, 11:08 PM

Well I think I know what my next big purchase will be.

Congrats!

John Bigboote · #12 03-18-2009, 11:10 PM

There's no dancing around it -- that looks like an awesome little combo!

-jb

nortonrider · #13 03-18-2009, 11:16 PM

If it sounds half as good as it looks, you got yourself a very nice combo!

JSK5String · #14 03-18-2009, 11:18 PM

Quoting everyone on the thread, yes, that looks awesome. Let us know how it sounds in action!

I pulled a similar stunt with my combo. I bought a GK backline 2x10 and swapped out the stock speakers for a pair of Eminence CA2010's w/ neodyme mags. That dropped the ohm load on the amp from 8 to 4 so I'm running at 300 watts instead of 180, and the amp is now ten pounds lighter because of the neodyme magnets. I've used it at three gigs so far and it sounds awesome. Easily keeps up w/ my lead player's Mesa Stilleto and only weighs about as much as his head does.

ttmnky · #15 03-18-2009, 11:22 PM

That is simply beautiful.

I've been looking into upgrading my combo (SWR LA15), and wanted your exact specifications.

Does the Carvin allow another extension cab to be paired up? If so, that would be amazing.

500watts in 50lbs... mindblowing...

Chinguschild · #16 03-19-2009, 12:22 AM

Looks great. How does venting work for the head?

Wes Whitmore · #17 03-19-2009, 06:15 AM

Looks good. Now you need a cover to keep it looking that way! Luckily with that head, you can run an extension cab if you need it too. I like it.
Wes

BillyB_from_LZ · #18 03-19-2009, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chinguschild

Looks great. How does venting work for the head?

If the amp gets too hot, all of the electrolytic capacitors vent...

Actually, it appears as though the bottom back of the cabinet is open (note the exposed Speakon connector). Air can flow through the amp as intended. Although...I don't recall (in the BX500) whether the air flows in and out of the back of the amp or in the back and out the front. However Carvin does house the chassis in their combo amps, just not vertically.

jnewmark · #19 03-19-2009, 06:24 AM

I'm wondering how the vertical position of the head will effect the way the fan operates?

portaflexer · #20 03-19-2009, 06:39 AM

Thanks for all the compliments guys. I should get the chance to try it out with my drummer this weekend. I'll give a full report then. For now, I'll try to answer all the questions.

It's loaded with 2 Eminence Legend 10's and a selenium (not sure of the manufacturer) horn.

Yes, the venting does flow front to back and does have plenty of room. This was a concern and I asked Carvin about it. To make the cab more versatile, Don put the removable panel on the back (held on by 4 screws). That way, if you had a side/top venting head, you could remove the panel to allow for better cooling, and still not affect the rack rails.

This is a 4 ohm cab and don't plan on using it with an extension cab. However, the Carvin is 2 ohm stable if I ever change my mind.

Don could've easily made this a standard 8 ohm cab and then it would be more versatile. I just figured, if I'm going to haul multiple things, why not just bring by big rig? I wanted it to be something self-contained and portable.

Oh... and I'll ask Don about a cover. That would be the icing on the cake.