Need some bass cab suggestions for a detuned metaller

rsf1977 · #1 09-19-2010, 11:55 PM

Ok, we have had an Ampeg 4x10 that has been plagued with issues so we are just getting rid of it. Our bass player who is formerly a cello player doesn't know much about gear. So I, the guitarist, am trying to come up with a few options to present since I know the electronic gear world much better then he does.

So here's the jist of it. We play a mix of Post-Metal, Metal, Metalcore, and we tune low. He tunes down to drop-A (A-E-A-D-G). I'm looking for something that can faithfully handle that low A string. And something that can carry a room at a large bar with some mass. He's using an Ampeg SVT-3 head but only as a preamp it goes into a Carvin DCML1540 poweramp because he needed more juice. I don't think size and weight are an issue at this point. And probably looking for something under $1000. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks guys.

ghostsontheroad · #2 09-20-2010, 12:03 AM

Old Ampeg 8x10s are amazing but super heavy...The Aguilar DB410 seriously pushes air, or there's always ORANGE!

rpsands · #3 09-20-2010, 12:08 AM

Drop A requires custom cabinets to do well in my opinion. Very few commercial cabs are capable of appreciable output at 50-60 hz (the main area you are going to be looking at). Those few that are not -6db by 50hz are severely displacement limited.

Get someone on the forum to build him a fEarful 1515/66. Ditch the Carvin DCM1540L and get something bridgeable at 4 ohms, or just run the SVT-3 straight in, should be fine.

Acme'd be a good second pick, but much heavier for the sensitivity of the fEarful. A Bill Fitzmaurice Omni 15 would be legit too -- SpeakerHardware.com's Leland builds them and does nice work.

Plstrns · #4 09-20-2010, 12:33 AM

These. LOW, LOUD, MAGICAL for A0 tuning.

http://www.talkbass.com/wiki/index.p..._12/6_%26_15/6

Check the wiki, or search fEarful here.

Since they can put to use really big power, I suggest adding a 1200-1800W power amp (per cab) and a Digital Speaker Processor along with your existing head. Skip building a passive x-over and run it bi-amped. I skipped installing the horn also, because they sound terrible with distortion IMO.

Or, build the cab with a crossover, and feed it the power you have. But, poweramps are cheap these days and a DSP can be as little as $170 new (EBAY).

Well, I guess RPSANDS beat me to it while I was making a drink...

rpsands · #5 09-20-2010, 12:34 AM

Holy crap Plstrns :P Is that two 1515/66's?

Plstrns · #6 09-20-2010, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

Holy crap Plstrns :P Is that two 1515/66's?

YEP

Should add this for the OP;

I built these with powered hand saws and a router. If you have access to a table saw it's a really good idea as cutting seems to be 3/4 the labor. I posted in the fearful thread ( I think anyway) about the parts count. It's a tremendous parts count!!, so without cabinet building experience (I had none) it's a week's job for what I did (much is for glue drying time). I added sliding rails, and tilt/ roll handles/wheels with aluminum angle along the rear bottom. As well as using hurricane nuts for the speakers and sliding rails.

I used screws instead of clamps although I did use some tie down straps as clamps a few times as I glued and cut in stages.

rpsands · #7 09-20-2010, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plstrns

YEP

That is ridiculous

will33 · #8 09-20-2010, 12:52 AM

One of 'em would carry it all the time and be overkill more often than not for me.

rsf1977 · #9 09-20-2010, 12:53 AM

is a 15" speaker the way to go for this low tuning? I don't know much about bass cabs and speakers.

will33 · #10 09-20-2010, 12:57 AM

In this case, the 15's being used are some of the best for low stuff, doesn't mean all 15's are by any stretch.

rsf1977 · #11 09-20-2010, 12:59 AM

ah ok, thanks.

how much would a fEarful 1515/66 typically cost?

rpsands · #12 09-20-2010, 01:01 AM

You could expect around 900 bucks or so to have one custom built, ish, from what I've heard.

You could actually biamp with the 1540L and use an electronic crossover easily enough and save money by not using a passive crossover.

rsf1977 · #13 09-20-2010, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghostsontheroad

Old Ampeg 8x10s are amazing but super heavy...The Aguilar DB410 seriously pushes air, or there's always ORANGE!

Yea it seems like the 8x10 cures most things lol. A staple. I don't know much about The Aguilar DB410 or there's always ORANGE bass cabs? Anyone else think these will work well?

Plstrns · #14 09-20-2010, 01:08 AM

Without a horn or a crossover, with really great prices- trust me on that. Cutting my own wood (not including the scraps I created) They ran ~$900 per complete.

rpsands · #15 09-20-2010, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plstrns

Without a horn or a crossover, with really great prices- trust me on that. Cutting my own wood (not including the scraps I created) They ran ~$900 per complete.

I count 150 per driver x 4 = 600, wood = 50, jack plate and misc stuff 60-70, duratex 50, probably around 770 -- For a guy like Don @ LDS the price of 3015LF's/6nd410's is probably significantly less (guessing 100 per driver or so).

baron665 · #16 09-20-2010, 01:26 AM

I hear these are good for going Low.http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....net?sku=481783
but for $1000, I would get this setup
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....net?sku=580260 and this http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....orn?sku=486200

Plstrns · #17 09-20-2010, 01:26 AM

Count the slide rails @ (If I remember) $54, the casters @ $40ish or more with the angle, misc. stuff was higher because of all the hurricane nuts/ caster associated hardware (40 hurricane nuts per etc...). The wood was more than $50 here, GLUE I used a lot of, paint- internal sealant and ports, sealant around the casters and pass through, foam tape, batting, sand paper etc ...the coating is $60ish- so prices can vary a few dollars. It's worth it all in spades from a former 5 string 2X 810E Ampeg player.

RP, it's not really over the top for some of us.

I may be overdone now, but I've played with a touring band that featured 2 guitarist with full stacks +X 2 for some gigs. Nothing is worse than not enough, sig that because it sucks.

AlexanderB · #18 09-20-2010, 03:45 AM

Or get a single, modern PA-stack; dual 18" + single 15" + 2" or 2x12" top. (EV, JBL, Community, RCF etc.) Active crossover or maybe a processor + a good, medium to high power PA amp (2X750W - 2X2000W).

/Alexander

Plstrns · #19 09-20-2010, 06:12 AM

No, no you are way the fucIC off

AlexanderB · #20 09-20-2010, 06:31 AM

Plstrns said:

Quote:

No, no you are way the fucIC off

Why so rude - got no manners?

Such a rig sure is louder, deeper, cleaner and no bigger than two dual Kappalite 3015 boxes. And there is no DIY involved - just plug in, set up and play.

If you do not care for the looks - that is another thing.

/Alexander