Opinions on which cab might best suit my music

SR505bassman · #1 01-15-2012, 02:29 PM

Hi all,

Have read MANY posts about these two amps I am looking at, as well as many others, and it has been helpful in narrowing down what I am looking for and why. Thanks to you all for the great helpful information!

Now I am narrowing down between two 410's that I can get used at a good price (I think). For those of you who have experience with both cabs, I'm wondering which might provide the sound qualities I'm looking for. Maybe neither... let me know your thoughts please!

I play primarily blues, motown, blues-rock, and jazz. I will be using my new Ampeg PF500 head with this.

The two cabs I am looking at are the Ampeg Classic 410 HE (is made in USA, 8 ohms, 500 watts) and the Avatar B410 with the ceramic magnet.

Would these both be great, one over the other, neither? I know I need to listen to them ideally (and will), but I have to travel to do so, and if I can be better informed, I can make better decisions

Thanks in advance!

rodl2005 · #2 01-15-2012, 02:40 PM

The Ampeg is a sealed cab. Avatar-ported. I'd read up on the differences of the 2 first.
Then, I'd get the Ampeg

SR505bassman · #3 01-15-2012, 02:47 PM

Thanks rodl2005. I have read up on differences in ported vs. non-ported. In short, most opinions seem to be that the nonported are punchier and stand out better in the band mix, and the ported give you more rumbly lows that tend to be muddier and get lost more easily in the mix.

Adam Guzzo · #4 01-15-2012, 05:04 PM

I'd go for the ported cab because you can always dial back unneccessary lows if you don't want them. On the other hand, with the non-ported cab you could increase the lows but risk busting the speakers.

JimmyM · #5 01-15-2012, 05:32 PM

Can't say I've ever been in a situation where I needed more lows than a 410he puts out. Some folks like more low end and that's cool and sometimes I do, too, but not having those extreme lows does help to keep it from sounding muddy with the bass drum. Matter of opinion, but I prefer the rolloff.

MysticMichael · #6 01-15-2012, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SR505bassman

I have read up on differences in ported vs. non-ported. In short, most opinions seem to be that the nonported are punchier and stand out better in the band mix, and the ported give you more rumbly lows that tend to be muddier and get lost more easily in the mix.

Then I would submit that those opinions are ill-informed, at best.

A ported cab will indeed provide you with better low end extension, very true. But the notion that the enhanced low end is necessarily "rumbly" or "muddy", or more likely to "get lost in the mix" is simply ridiculous. Among other things, it depends on how dense and busy - or how spare and open - your particular mix happens to be.

A good mix is the product of multiple factors - not the least of which being the skill (or lack thereof) of the person doing the mixing. If he/she is not able to obtain a good mix, it's generally not the fault of the bass cab(s).

MM

JimmyM · #7 01-15-2012, 06:46 PM

I would agree with that, Mystic. I still like the rolled off lows better, though

SR505bassman · #8 01-15-2012, 06:54 PM

Again, I appreciate the input. I am not looking to judge so much what ported vs nonported is about. I'm just hoping for input from those with experience with these two cabs to provide some input as to what I might expect in terms of how well they might provide a sound that is usually associated with blues, motown, jazz, when paired with an Ampeg PF 500 head. I have several options of bass to use, but mostly playing my Squire P with the Fender original '62 pups, my Ibanez SR505 and my VM Jaguar.

If they cost the same, and are both in good condition, which one might I be happiest with in terms of the sounds they provide, all other things being equal.

Thanks again

SR505bassman · #9 01-15-2012, 07:49 PM

Well, the Ampeg sold, so I'm going to check out more 410 options. Will continue reading all the posts here on TB.

Thanks again for everybody's input in a short amount of time. Will be going to test out the Avatar B410 soon I hope.

JimmyM · #10 01-15-2012, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SR505bassman

If they cost the same, and are both in good condition, which one might I be happiest with in terms of the sounds they provide, all other things being equal.

That's the beautiful thing about it...nobody can decide that for you but you.

rodl2005 · #11 01-15-2012, 09:47 PM

+1 That's the best thing & also the hardest to judge without trying both/all the cabs you're interested in WITH a band.
Also, one of the reasons I've had so many cabs........ There are no stores around my area that stock much quality/variety, so, I've had to buy & try. Thankfully via TB I came across Bergantino cabs & found my sound.
I've not played any Avatar cabs, but have heard many great reports.
I have played the Ampeg 410HE & like most Ampeg cabs I've played,I really liked it. Really did remind me of basically half of a SVT 810 frij.
FWIW, the only Ampeg cab I've not liked much is the 410HLF & even it is a good cab, just tuned too low for my needs. The 410HE I liked far more.
I'd consider 2 of the newer Ampeg PF210's myself( &/or the PF115). They sound great & will be a good portable option.
Not so if you're set on a single 410 cab tho.

SR505bassman · #12 01-16-2012, 06:12 PM

Yeah- it would be great to be able to "try before you buy" in the situations that you will be playing in :-)

I really like the PF210HE, but I wonder if it would be powerful enough. What size venue would the 210 or the 410 be able to handle with one guitarist, keys, drummer, vocalist in the band? Any ideas??

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it.

Dustin Teel · #13 01-16-2012, 06:41 PM

Get two PF210HEs. When playing smaller venues, use one cab. When playing larger venues, use them both, and stack them vertically. Based on my experience with the new PF lines, this would sound great. You would also have the advantage of portability over a 410. That, and vertically aligned speakers have better dispersion than a square of speakers.

Good luck on your purchase.

SR505bassman · #14 01-17-2012, 11:28 PM

^ Good thought on the 2 210he's. However, my problem is having a hard time waiting, even though it might be better in the long run. Two 210he's = $800. I can get an Ampeg 410he right now for $250. (another one became available) Don't have the $800 in the budget right now, and would probably take a while to get to where my wife would be comfortable with that size purchase..... decisions, decisions

Anyway, thanks for the input