Raising the rig - advice?

VroomVroom · #1 12-10-2010, 09:35 AM

Hi Folks,

I'm finding it harder and harder to hear myself on a number of live gigs, particularly louder environments where there's not a lot of room onstage. The obvious solution seems to be to raise the rig closer to ear level, but I'm having a hard time finding a 'classy' way to accomplish this. I really don't want to go with milk crate(s), as a lot of the gigs I do call for a more formal stage presence.

Most of my gigs are with a Bergantino HT112ER, and a smaller percentage calls for the AE212. I'm grateful in advance for any thoughts, advice, experiences, etc...

mdiddium · #2 12-10-2010, 09:38 AM

You could still do the milk crates, but cover them with a nice black sheet or something similar before putting your rig on top.

It's cheap and looks decent.

SteveC · #3 12-10-2010, 09:45 AM

There are all kinds of amp stands. Maybe something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Musicians-Gear...m/B0018TG8HQ/2

Formal, adjustable, fairly inexpensive.

dDaddybass · #4 12-10-2010, 09:49 AM

Jerry, I've wondered the same thing. I played a Berg 112 at RM last week. While being great cab, I can see where the angle would be a help. There should be away of elavating and tilting a cab without loosing the sound quality. Perhaps a very strudy, foldable platform of some kind that would help couple the cab with the floor?

VroomVroom · #5 12-10-2010, 09:52 AM

Thanks, folks. Should've qualified...I'm not really into the amp stand thing. I park a Shuttle 9.0 on top of the cab. Whatever I do, the rig needs to remain perpendicular to the floor.

I'm still a little iffy on the milk crate thing...lipstick on a pig, you know?

I suppose the optimal solution is to bring a second 112, but that's not really feasible from an economic perspective.

I was hoping to find a flight case or something similar that could house the cab, and then support the cab onstage. Other than a custom order, I haven't found anything suitable.

Thanks again...

KJung · #6 12-10-2010, 09:56 AM

Dump the HT112ER (at least on louder gigs). The AE212 is pretty much the same footprint, and only a little heavier, and I assume you don't have any trouble hearing that. The increased height and the more present upper mid response makes that cab a dream to hear if you have to stand right on top of it.

If you do have any issue, just screw in a tilt back stand on the bottom (basically just a high quality spring loaded handle). It won't tilt it enough to give you a problem with your head, but will move those mids just a touch more in line with your ears.

Edit: That tilt back handle would do wonders for your HT112ER... cost you $5, two minutes with an electric screwdriver, and nothing extra to carry. Works WONDERFULLY. It's all about getting those directional mids to your ear, especially if you enjoy a bit of scooped tone profile in your sound.

dDaddybass · #7 12-10-2010, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

Dump the HT112ER (at least on louder gigs). The AE212 is pretty much the same footprint, and only a little heavier, and I assume you don't have any trouble hearing that. The increased height and the more present upper mid response makes that cab a dream to hear if you have to stand right on top of it.

If you do have any issue, just screw in a tilt back stand on the bottom (basically just a high quality spring loaded handle). It won't tilt it enough to give you a problem with your head, but will move those mids just a touch more in line with your ears.

Edit: That tilt back handle would do wonders for your HT112ER... cost you $5, two minutes with an electric screwdriver, and nothing extra to carry. Works WONDERFULLY. It's all about getting those directional mids to your ear, especially if you enjoy a bit of scooped tone profile in your sound.

+1. And no more than a 9.0 weighs, a couple of strips of velcro would hold it in place on the cab.

xjeremiahx · #8 12-10-2010, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

Thanks, folks. Should've qualified...I'm not really into the amp stand thing. I park a Shuttle 9.0 on top of the cab. Whatever I do, the rig needs to remain perpendicular to the floor.

I'm still a little iffy on the milk crate thing...lipstick on a pig, you know?

I suppose the optimal solution is to bring a second 112, but that's not really feasible from an economic perspective.

I was hoping to find a flight case or something similar that could house the cab, and then support the cab onstage. Other than a custom order, I haven't found anything suitable.

Thanks again...

Using the cab case works really well, I've seen a lot of people do it, but like you said, it might have to be a custom order, but they work really well.

You could realistically build a small box for relatively cheap. Couple sheets of plywood, reinforce the corners(if you want), spray paint it black and you're all set. Materials shouldn't be that bad if it's just for a 112 cab.

Just my $.02

sandman51 · #9 12-10-2010, 10:45 AM

I use a Yamaha heavy duty keyboard stand to raise an Aguliar GS410 cab with the amp on top. It's one of those X shaped stands that folds flat and is height adjustable. It's rated up to 100 lbs and has worked great for me.

Sandy.

Winnb · #10 12-10-2010, 10:46 AM

Is there anyway the other musicians could turn down?

VroomVroom · #11 12-10-2010, 11:21 AM

Thanks, folks! I appreciate the input.

Overall stage volume is fine...I just risk being too loud if I turn up more. Not always an issue, I'd just like to ensure it's never an issue.

craig.p · #12 12-10-2010, 11:24 AM

The problem with using a case under a cab is that the case acts as a bass trap.

Have you thought of using a pair of folding sawhorses for the 2x12 cab? Stanley makes a black pair that would look pretty unobtrusive on stage.

James Hart · #13 12-10-2010, 11:43 AM

I use this for my 2x12 cab http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...nd-?sku=450089

**nostatic** · #14 12-10-2010, 11:49 AM

Precisely the reason I keep pondering a second AE210 for stacking vertically.

That said I'm close to tossing a deposit on a Thunderchild so evidently I'm still searching for the smallest loud solution

fractal0243 · #15 12-10-2010, 11:53 AM

I've tried lifting my cab up off the floor for the same reason, but it seems to me it takes away from the sound out front. It seems to lose some low end.

Do you have monitors? Any way you could get some bass through the monitor mix?

Sometimes I'll actually put my cabinet behind the drummer, or somewhere else so that it's far enough away for me to hear what I'm playing.

curtis r · #16 12-10-2010, 12:21 PM

i have the same cab and i use the cover folded in half tucked under the front of it my head say put just fine. this just give a little angle it seems to help

Kwesi · #17 12-10-2010, 01:31 PM

I was in your exact same situation and currently, I use one of these:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30135026

Yes, it's an Ikea table, lol

. I've been using it for months and I have yet to have any problems with holding up my Bergantino AE410 and Markbass F500. It matches the color of the AE cabs and looks quite classy to me. I was in the same boat as you in not wanting to use milk crates or something similarly tacky looking. And considering that the AE212 and HT112 are both slimmer than the AE410 (hangs over the edges a tad) it should look great with your setup.

This Christmas though, I'm thinking about picking up on of these http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...nd-?sku=450089. Adjustable height from 24", independent leg height (good for uneven ground), and mobility have me thinking that this would be a better option

.

I'm not sure if anyone's addressed it yet but I've noticed vary little difference in tone from when it was on the floor. Perhaps a little bit of mid-bass lost but nothing that the bass control (onboard or on amp) couldn't fix with a little twist.

Edit: Looks like James got to it before me, lol.

VroomVroom · #18 12-10-2010, 01:32 PM

I don't want to suggest that overall volume is the main issue. More a function of the risk of me being too loud when the confines are tight. Gimme' enough room so I can stand 4-5' (or more) in front of the cab, and life is good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Hart

I use this for my 2x12 cab http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...nd-?sku=450089

Thanks, James. That seems like it might be ideal...looking into the specs now...looks like the 18.5" Berg would just fit on there.

Edit
Thanks to Kwesi, too!

Mo'Phat · #19 12-10-2010, 03:42 PM

Classy, and your amp won't slide off the back:

approx. 400 lbs.

SteveC · #20 12-13-2010, 01:20 PM

I struggle with this all the time. I am tempted by a GB Uber Quad cab, but it sits so low on the floor. My gigs are OFTEN on small stages where I can't get 5 feet out so I can hear my amp. I currently use a Shuttle combo that has a tilt back handle, but even then I don't always hear as well as I'd like.

I don't care for amp stands either, but other than an IEM system, I don't know what else to try.

Apparently Line 6 is coming out with an IEM system that is supposed to be pretty good so maybe my bands will make the move.