Need some help with Portaflex 500 Cab Choice!

Massimo636 · #1 08-24-2011, 09:04 PM

Hey, guys. I would greatly appreciate some advice on what cabinet I should go for to go with my new Ampeg Portaflex 500. I am currently using a G&K MB115 that just does not put out quite enough volume for my band practices and for an upgrade I looked around and decided on the PF-500 Head. What I have to decide in the interim (they are backordered until 9/9 or so) is what cabinet I want to purchase to go with it. I don't have a ton of money to drop ($250-$450 or so) so I was looking at used Ampeg cabinets and I don't have much experience with bass gear (as I've mostly been a guitarist). I understand that the 410HE does not quite have the low end of the 410HLF, but it is cheaper/lighter and can be paired with another 8ohm cab which will make transporting easier. How much low end would I be losing with the HE over the HLF? Does anyone know how the lows of the HE would compare with the MB115 speaker? I am using a 5-string tuned Drop C (C being the lowest note, CGCFA#, so it's actually up tuned a bit if that slight difference comes into play) Music style is rock/metal. Any advice would be very helpful about those cabs or any other cabs, thanks!

gjbassist · #2 08-24-2011, 09:17 PM

IMO the best match for the PF500 head are the PF-115HE and PF-210HE cabinets. If it were me I would get one of which ever you prefer now and save up for another later. They are around $400 new. I found a lightly used PF-115 at MF for $320 but they are a bit hard to find used. I would try both and see which one you like but it sounds like the 115 might be more to your liking.

JimmyM · #3 08-24-2011, 10:17 PM

I dig sealed cabs a lot and quite honestly don't have any need for the crazy lows of the 410HLF, even when playing a 5-string or using an octaver, so a 410HE is way more up my alley. But some folks love them and can't live without the lows. But either are plenty capable of delivering low end you can feel, so I wouldn't worry too much about it if you go 410HE.

stiles72 · #4 08-25-2011, 07:16 AM

I've been using my PF500 with an Ampeg LGS/Gene Simmons cab loaded with a pair of 15" JBL's and the low end is pretty sick. To my ears, the amp is voiced pretty warm to start with and can even be a bit too soft if you have the compressor turned up from noon on.

By default, I'd go for the PF115 even though it's not ported and might not throw the sub bass that an HLF would. Give it a shot as is...reports are that they sound really good and your 500 has a lot of EQ flexibility to play with. If you feel you need the cab to breathe, you can always experiment with porting by leaving the lid open a little bit. I'm planning to get the 115, and might even make a B15 style ported baffle for shitzengrinz.

Massimo636 · #5 08-25-2011, 07:27 AM

Thanks, guys! I didn't mean to make it sound like I'm low frequency crazy or anything, I just don't have much of a point of reference. Would you say most people find a 410HE as a stand alone cab fine through the whole range and only picky players find it lacking in low end or is it the other way around where most people find they need an HLF? If it isn't a huge deal I'd like the smaller cab as well as the possibility to mix and match over gaining some extra booming lows. I suppose I should be out there checking them out with my ears, which I will probably do, but I just wanted a little guidance from those more experienced also to get an idea what I'm dealing with. Thanks for the advice so far, much appreciated!

JimmyM · #6 08-25-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Massimo636

Thanks, guys! I didn't mean to make it sound like I'm low frequency crazy or anything, I just don't have much of a point of reference. Would you say most people find a 410HE as a stand alone cab fine through the whole range and only picky players find it lacking in low end or is it the other way around where most people find they need an HLF? If it isn't a huge deal I'd like the smaller cab as well as the possibility to mix and match over gaining some extra booming lows. I suppose I should be out there checking them out with my ears, which I will probably do, but I just wanted a little guidance from those more experienced also to get an idea what I'm dealing with. Thanks for the advice so far, much appreciated!

I wouldn't say only picky players use the 410HLF. It has a reason to exist, and its continuing popularity means that its low end strikes a nerve in some folks. I'm just not one of them. I grew up on the sealed 810, and just don't need those lows.