Need GK cab advice!!!

lambrusco · #1 09-20-2010, 04:39 PM

So I have a GK1001rb with a 410rbh and a 115rbh and I'm giving some thought to tradding in the cabs for a couple of GK Neo 212's. I rarely use both rbh cabs at one time, and both are heavy and don't fit especially well in my car.

Am I completely nuts for thinking of doing this? I use the 410 for most of my gigging....and don't get me wrong it sounds great...but its heavy going up stairs and getting it into my vehicle. I know the 212's are smaller and lighter.

Anyone have any advice on the sound of the GK neo 212's? Would 2 212's sound comparable to my rbh410 through my 1001?

RickenBoogie · #2 09-20-2010, 04:51 PM

I'd do that swap in a heartbeat, as a 410/15 rig is less than desireable, and 2x 212's is not only more portable, but will kick out the jams alot harder too.

rpsands · #3 09-20-2010, 04:53 PM

While I like the Neo GK cabs, I prefer the 4x10 over the 2x12. I know that's weird but I do

The 410RBH is a special cabinet. It sounds better than any other GK cab by a country mile in my opinion, but the 410 Neo comes closest to copping its vibe (again, my opinion).

Slowgypsy · #4 09-20-2010, 05:04 PM

I own/use the GK Neo 212's, as well as the 112's. I can absolutely recommend 212's, and yes, they will be lighter than the 410 cab you already have... but... they are a similar physical size. If it's difficult loading in the cabs you already have because of size, this switch isn't going to help much. But they are lighter and (I think) sound great. Although I must say that I use my (2) Neo 112's about 95% of the time. Just my $.02

Wes Whitmore · #5 09-20-2010, 07:57 PM

I really like the 410RBH. It's a lot harder to move than a 212. It weighs almost 2x as much, has the slanted corners, is hard to get your arms around. 4 Cast Frame 10s. You own it though, and that was like a $900 cab when it was new...

lambrusco · #6 09-21-2010, 10:03 AM

Thanks for the advice! I originally got the rbh cabs for a steal at my local small shop dealer. Much less than list price. So i'm not heart broken over prices. They've more than served their purpose and I've gotten my money's worth probably 10 times over with them.

I'm mostly concerned with volume output and tone. I know the speakers, ports and obviously cab design are different. Will I get the great GK thump and growl with the Neo's? Will I be maxing out volume to compare with the rbh?

How about the durability of the Neo's? The casters on the rbh are their only flaw. I ended up building custom dolly's for them. I gig with them regularly and the casters didn't last long before the bearings fell out. Is it the same case with the Neo's?

NicJimBass · #7 09-21-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambrusco

Thanks for the advice! I originally got the rbh cabs for a steal at my local small shop dealer. Much less than list price. So i'm not heart broken over prices. They've more than served their purpose and I've gotten my money's worth probably 10 times over with them.

I'm mostly concerned with volume output and tone. I know the speakers, ports and obviously cab design are different. Will I get the great GK thump and growl with the Neo's? Will I be maxing out volume to compare with the rbh?

How about the durability of the Neo's? The casters on the rbh are their only flaw. I ended up building custom dolly's for them. I gig with them regularly and the casters didn't last long before the bearings fell out. Is it the same case with the Neo's?

I'll preface this by saying that I'm a GK guy through and through, and have owned a lot of different GK amps and cabs. Currently using a 700RB/210 combo, which, size wise is exactly what I need, but is still a bit heavy for my taste. Was using a couple Neo 212's up until I got the combo. The 212's are amazing cabs, IMO. I had a Neo 410 and a 212 together for a while, so i was able to A/B them... to me, the 212 won out. it's smaller, lighter and (to my ear) just as loud as the 410, and I preferred the tone the 212 put out. With 2, forgetaboutit, it's a brutal pairing, and can get uber-loud! When i had the 212/410 pairing, using a Fusion 550, I actually pushed it once at my church... just completely went for it.. it rattled my core and shook the entire building... it was loud enough for an arena concert!!! So i highly doubt you'll be lacking any volume, especially with 2 cabs. I had a 410RBH for a while, and while it sounded good, wasn't really my thing, and it was soooooo heavy. The 212's are my perfect cabinet.

birminghambass · #8 09-21-2010, 10:12 AM

The Neo 212 will sound a lot different from the RBH 410. I've owned every GK neo cab (except the 412) and have played thru the RBH stuff a few times. My favorite combo is the 210 neo on the 115 neoII (the bigger one). I do like the 12s but they seem a little mid shy and boomy.
I much prefer the punch of the RBH series but opted for the portability of ther neo's.

Geddyfleaharris · #9 09-21-2010, 10:21 AM

Went from either 2 RBH cabs (I had 2-410s and 2-115s at one point) to a Neo 410 with a Neo 212. Don't regret the move at all. I just got tired of the weight. Love the Neo sound. I use either a Fusion 550 or a 2001RB. The rig kicks major butt.

Things to know:

RBH cabs are definately a tougher cab. My Neos have more dings and little dents after 6 months than the RBHs did after 3 years.

The Neos are brighter sounding to my ears. I find myself running in full range and dialing down the treble and high mids a bit.

The Neo 410 and 212 is not a perfectly locked stack like a 410/115 RBH is. It's ok but the corners aren;t locked together. The cabs are slightly different in size. If I had to do it again I would probably go for 2 x 212. Skip the 410.

Bottom line.......I have no regrets at all about switching to Neos. I have sold all my RBH cabs except one of the 410s.

Bassdirty · #10 09-21-2010, 10:21 AM

I know the neo 210s sound pretty darn good. (I usually play a 410)...so I'd say the 12s gotta be good too.

Wes Whitmore · #11 09-21-2010, 11:09 AM

The RBH cabs are heavier because they use .75" ply compared to .5" with the Neo, and cast frame ceramic drivers.

I think all of those removable casters are probably about the same quality. If you don't remove them, just upgrade them to something more substantial, and bigger as well if they start falling apart.
The RBH are carpet, and carpet is much more durable than vinyl. I use a sweater defuzzer to keep them looking nice. Carpet doesn't really scuff. Vinyl looks really good new.

They don't sound exactly the same, so only you can tell if you like one better than the other.
Wes

Thumpking · #12 09-29-2010, 01:02 PM

I am wondering about the speakers between the neo and RBH series. I see where someone stated that GK makes a99% of their speakers, which I had no idea about. Is the RBH better than the Neo speaker-wise? I am more concerned with sound quality than ruggedness, weight, or price.

Anyone? Thanks.

Windreaper · #13 09-29-2010, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumpking

I am wondering about the speakers between the neo and RBH series. I see where someone stated that GK makes a99% of their speakers, which I had no idea about. Is the RBH better than the Neo speaker-wise? I am more concerned with sound quality than ruggedness, weight, or price.

Anyone? Thanks.

As far as I know, they're Eminence OEM drivers (as with most manufacturers). The RBH speakers are ceramic cast frame speakers and sound pretty good. The speaker in my 115RBH is quite similar to Eminence Delta Pro 15, if you ask me (will, however, swap for a Kappalite 3015 if I manage to blow the Paragon).

Mola Ram · #14 09-29-2010, 01:30 PM

I have a similar set up (RBX instead of RBH) and I've recently been thinking about a switch to 2 Neo 212's as well.

Money is totally an issue with that but I really like the idea of having two cabs that come in at about 50 pounds each.

SnakeStone77 · #15 09-29-2010, 01:50 PM

I have 2 of the GK neo 212's and I love 'em! They're light, versatile and can handle a lot of power. I gig for a living, playing with 4 different guys/groups, and they serve well so far (one year into it). Unfortunately, I usually (95% of the time) find myself needing to use only one of 'em!