Promethean combo with a 1x15

JoeCJazz · #1 10-27-2010, 12:44 PM

Hi all, I just recently picked up an active Jazz Bass and I'm looking to outfit it with a nice rig. I've been looking into running the 110 Ibanez Promethean combo with a 1x15 cab as an extension (I'm selling instruments to hopefully get the $$ for an Orange 115

). I live in a small apartment and the Promethean would more than sufficient for home while I can leave the 15" at my band's practice space. Do you all think this setup would be adequate for a bar gig? Any larger gigs I'm sure to have PA support but I want to have enough power with the option of portability.

PaulNYC · #2 10-27-2010, 12:48 PM

what about getting the 10" extension cab? there'd be less problems.

JoeCJazz · #3 10-27-2010, 03:21 PM

I want a little more power than a 2x10, but I really like the modular idea of the Promethean. Would the difference in sound be worth getting a 1x15 or should I go ahead and look at something larger?

StuartV · #4 10-27-2010, 03:57 PM

Are you saying that, for gigs, you want to use the 1x10 AND a 1x15 together? Or just use the 115 with the Promethean head for gigs?

1x15 will move only slightly more air than a 2x10. 177 sq inches versus 157 sq inches.

I used my Promethean head with an Aguilar GS210 and a GS115 (8 ohms each) at a small bar gig last Friday. It was way overkill. I think the Promethean with a good 4 ohm 210 would have been plenty.

In your case, why not leave the 1x10 at home, get a 410 for your practice space, and just take the head and the 410 to your gigs? Would a decent 410 be that much more expensive than the 115 you want? If so, the 115 by itself + the head would probably give you all you are asking for. Get a 4 ohm and run it with the head at 500W.

I don't know that I would really consider getting an 8 ohm 115 and running it combined with the 110. That probably wouldn't sound as good as just using a 4 ohm 115 by itself.

JoeCJazz · #5 10-27-2010, 05:41 PM

So the 1x10 and the 1x15 together would sound wonky huh? I thought maybe since the Orange doesn't have a tweeter the 1x10 would help with highs. Oh well, no sense in getting the combo if I won't be using it for gigs (even though it's so darn cute :-P)

I drive a small car so I'm trying to get a ton of sound in a small package. Can you recommend a 4x10 cab that's super compact? I kinda like the idea of getting one 1x15 and a head, that was my backup plan. If I get it at 8 oms I can always add a second 1x15 or a 2x10 later if I want.

JoeCJazz · #6 10-27-2010, 05:50 PM

Also any thoughts about the Promethean 2x10 combo?

RickenBoogie · #7 10-27-2010, 05:51 PM

If you haven't bought the Promethean yet, probably best you don't. First, you cannot assume that a 15 will provide more "bottom" than a 10, 12 or anything else. It just isn't true. The answers you've gotten are spot on, if you've got a 1x10, the best match will always be another 1x10. BUT, if a 2x10 isn't enough volume, maybe you want something bigger. I'd be looking at 2x12 combo's, (if it's a combo you really want), or small powerful heads, and neo loaded 2x12 cabs. Lots to look at, and *listen* to, before making a decision based on looks or size alone.

nasr20de · #8 10-27-2010, 06:10 PM

I believe the combo he is referring to is the p5210 which is a head and a cab combined. Which he can then remove the head and use different cabs as well.

JoeCJazz · #9 10-27-2010, 06:18 PM

Thanks for the responses everyone:

Boogie, can you elaborate on why I shouldn't get the Promethean? Even if I don't get the combo I'm still interested in the head, I heard one the other day and it had a nice fat tone.

nasr20de · #10 10-27-2010, 06:34 PM

There is a whole mega-thread about them loaded with great info. Also there is a video reveiw of the 1x10 combo done by donovan that you might want to check out. I'm on my phone so I'll try to post the link when I get a chance tonight.

honestjohnny · #11 10-27-2010, 06:51 PM

The problem with either of these combos is that you are limited to 2 10's @ 4 ohms, 500 watts with either the 110 combo and 110 extension or the 210 combo where you cannot add another cab. Probably not enough for most gigs without a DI and PA. Consensus here on TB is 115, 212, 410 minimum for gigs, with a few exceptions of 310's and some 3-way cabs. The 110 combo might work with a 115 extension; might not. There are phase issues and other acoustical engineering concerns that say this is a bad idea. You might not be able to hear them. Biggest concern is that both the 115 and 110 will be receiving the full range of signal and the same amount of power. This can be bad or good. It's up to you.

If I were in your situation and HAD to have the Promethean head, I'd look for a pair of 8 ohm 210's from another company or 2 of the Promethean 115's.

But there's better gear out there for not much more money. You just have to do some research. Good luck!

JoeCJazz · #12 10-27-2010, 07:16 PM

Thanks again guys this has been really helpful for a n00b like me, bass is my second instrument (trumpet forever!) but I'm getting good at it, and now that I have a nice bass I need an amp to match it.

@Johnny - two 2x10s or 2 Promethean 1x15s would be sweet but I'm trying to keep the total cost of this ~$1,000. Do you think one Orange 115 cab at 400w/8ohm would be a good idea? (Doesn't have to be paired with the Promethean head) I can always buy another one when I have another $600 to spare.

nasr20de · #13 10-27-2010, 07:43 PM

I didn't know the 210 ibanez combo is a 4ohm cab. I figured it was a 8ohm like the 1x10. It seems silly of ibanez to make a nice combo like the 5210 and make it have a 4ohm cab. Sorry for my misinformation joeC. I will be quite now.

JoeCJazz · #14 10-27-2010, 07:57 PM

Agreed nasr I wish it were 8ohm.

honestjohnny · #15 10-28-2010, 04:01 AM

I hear you on the sub $1K, unfortunately, that's nearly impossible if you want new, light, and loud gear. Check the used market, especially here on TB. Also read the fEarful forums and check out BFM and LDS cabs. I prefer a separate power and pre amps. so I'm not much help with heads. Good luck!

FYI, spend more $$ on your cab than your head.

PaulNYC · #16 10-28-2010, 06:23 AM

ditto buying used. I got my amp used and am very pleased with it. The cab I built and it is fantastic.

smogg · #17 10-28-2010, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeCJazz

Hi all, I just recently picked up an active Jazz Bass and I'm looking to outfit it with a nice rig. I've been looking into running the 110 Ibanez Promethean combo with a 1x15 cab as an extension (I'm selling instruments to hopefully get the $$ for an Orange 115

). I live in a small apartment and the Promethean would more than sufficient for home while I can leave the 15" at my band's practice space. Do you all think this setup would be adequate for a bar gig? Any larger gigs I'm sure to have PA support but I want to have enough power with the option of portability.

I've been using a Promethean head going on 13 months straight and have no gas for a different amp. At home I mostly use it with headphones. Live I pair it with a GB NeoX 212T (4ohm cab) and it just kills.

That said, I am a big fan of matching speakers/cabs. IMHO your best bet is get the head since you know you like it, then go try a bunch of cabs and trust your ears. If you really want 15's and 2 of the Orange's are out of your price range you might look into a pair of the GK neo 115-III cabs. But don't limit yourself, you may as well check out 10's & 12's while your at it. Then just go with the set up that suits your needs, tastes, and budget.

As others have pointed out, you can definitely get more bang for your buck going with quality used cabs. But again I do recommend staying with matched cabs or a one cab solution.

hope this helps,
smogg

klaus486 · #18 10-28-2010, 07:24 PM

That is the exact rig I run. The Promethean 1x10 combo on top of an old school Carvin 1x15 loaded with a Peaevy 400 watt 8 ohm speaker. Sounds fantabulous! Truth is it's too much rig for me & I'm gonna sell the 1x15 to score the P110c 1x10 extension cab but not for sound/tone reasons! Just weight bulk etc... Otherwise the Promethean is the single most satisfying bass amp I've ever owned.