Poor head + cab matches? Or is it just me?

[radiohead860]

Hey everyone,

I'm facing a bit of a dilemma....

I own two Aguilar GS212s (4 Ohm), mainly because they were great deals and I wanted a cab at home and at my practice space. I've had some major issues throughout the time that I've owned the cabs on being able to dial in the tone I'm looking for (blend of a warm/modern tone).

Scientific Method:

I own two amp heads, both of which are very versatile:

TC Electronic RH450
Mesa M6 Carbine

Even after hours of fiddling with both cabs, both amps, swapping basses, and changing numerous variables (strings, amps, basses, amp settings, etc.), I've pretty much settled on the fact that:

a) The GS212 is not a good 'match' for either amp

b) The GS212s seem to be lacking in the upper mids as a whole, almost like it's a sonic gap that it just does not fulfill.

or

c) I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing when EQ'ing amps, although I'll admit that I've tried just about every setting possible and played with the parametrics on the RH450 for hours.

I've tried the cab in multiple locations with multiple settings, and I was recently able to try the Mesa M6 through an Ampeg 8x10 at my band's first show and was VERY impressed with the tone. Does anyone have any suggestions aside from buying a new cab? I've considered trading in the GS212s for a Mesa 4x10 powerhouse... but is there any one out there that's had similar experiences with GS212's or is it just me?

Thanks!

Chris

[Matt Dean]

The Mesa M6 Carbine paired with a Powerhouse 212 will sound like the voice of god seducing a sex kitten... in other words, this combination is a very good match.

[radiohead860]

Yeah, I'm torn between the 4x10 (which is what I played through when I bought the head) or the 2x12...

[Andy Will]

I.M.O. Your problem is the M6, I sold mine as I found it impossible to dial out the high-mids. The cabs are more than capable of warm/modern. Have had very little experience with TC amp but it wouldn't be my first choice for warm though sure it is capable up to a certain volume.

My main recommendation would be try out some other amps first, particularly Aguilar, the Mesa M-pulse or even Ampeg.

Good luck in your search!

[radiohead860]

While I agree that there is no way to dial out the high-mids on the Mesa, I did use the TC through these cabs as well (independently) and was never happy with the sound. The cab just sounds really "honky" to me, even with the tweeter dialed back.

I just sold one, and if the other goes soon, I'll have the Mesa PH410 this week

Hopefully this post will serve as a reference though for people who might be considering the GS212s, just as a warning. I couldn't find anything out there before I bought them so I ended up doing it 'blindly' (deafly?).