I have been searching for a bass cab that is loud enough to play with my 4 piece folk punk band, and still handle the lows of a DADG Tuning of a fender Jazz Bass with Model
Js, and a Traynor YBA 3 Custom Special head.
I have used other cabinets with success but they have always been to large. So far i have only liked the Ampeg 8x10 and 410HLF..
Recently i picked up an Avatar 2x12 Neo, and a Mesa 1x15 Powerhouse 400Watt version.
My goal was to get a cab that handles well in a band situation and can also be played at home in the living room without being to loud.
At low volumes the Mesa wins hands down, its so much more musical as some here put it. Its articulate and defined and overdrives really well with a nice tight sound to it. However, at practice today those qualities did not shine through, the cab seemed to be really trebly, and clanky even with the horn off. When pushed (it had to be, to be heard) the speaker distorted on the low D string and would fart out when i dig in (which is common since i play really hard). I was hoping to keep this cab but alas, it cant hold its own alone. Now it will have to be sold.
The Avatar, at low volumes seems very mid scooped and damp when compared to the mesa, it sounds as if its tuned really low and can be boomy without EQing. However, when used with the band at live volumes and EQing in mids it really sounded smooth. It shines turned up. It handled the Low D string so much better, very little distortion if any. It seems to lack highs a bit but doesn't sound as clanky as the Mesa did.
I also need new strings so that will kill the high end and brightness issues with the Avatar, however will make things worse with the Mesa.
Sorry of the long post, i thought i would share some experiences with these two popular cabs incase someone is looking into them.
In the End, with a loud band the Avatar takes it, the Mesa wins for lower volumes (or I can see it paired with another cab sounding so good).
Cheers
