So, which cab is the right one for me...

grue · #1 05-05-2011, 02:23 PM

OK, here's the deal. I play rock with a tube amp (Mesa 400+), and I like it kinda raw. My clean sound is right on the edge of crunch, and then I have a bunch of fuzz and overdrive.

Until recently, I have been using an Ampeg 810, but it is just too damn big and it's hard not to drown in the bass when playing in small rooms. I wouldn't mind a little more bite, either.

For the sake of space, I started using the cab I have from a Walkabout 12 combo as a standalone cabinet. It sounds amazing, but it can't always deliver the volume I need.

I guess what I'm looking for is something smallish (pref smaller than 410), tube-friendly, and way loud. I'm also not really into multi-way cabs with crossovers, because I like to be able to stick a mic in front of a cab when I play live or record. I don't mind tweeters as long as I can turn them way down without killing the tone. (High crossover?)

I really like the form factor of the stacked 212s, like the Bergie AE212 or the Genz Benz NEOX, and their specs make it seem like they can push a lot of air for their size. I haven't played either one, but these cabs seem like they might be more "modern" than what I'm looking for. On the flip side of the coin, I have tried some vintage-tuned cabs like the Aguilar DB210 and really liked the tone, but I don't think they would have the volume I need.

Anybody got any ideas or input?

Sundogue · #2 05-05-2011, 02:33 PM

Yeah, I got an idea or two (which I'm sure someone will be annoyed with as they tend to be)...

fEARful 15/6Tube. Check out the different kinds here...

fEARful™ enclosures for bass/drums/keys

And then if you want any questions answered, go here...

fEARful

grue · #3 05-05-2011, 04:19 PM

Thanks, man. Fearfuls are cool. I really like the idea of open-source designs, and everyone seems to think they are great-sounding cabs.

I'm trying to avoid cabs with crossovers, though. Mainly because I like to mic the cab when I play, and no nightclub sound tech in the world is going to want to individually mic the woofer and midrange. Just never gonna happen. I'm looking for something full-range or almost full-range (adjustable tweeter).

bwoodman · #4 05-05-2011, 04:25 PM

How about the Mesa cabs? I'm thinkin' if I had a Mesa head, I'd want to go with Mesa cabs since they have a lot of configurations....just thinkin' out loud....I have a Walter Woods Ultra and various different cabs ranging from SWR-style 210 cabs and I just built a fEARful 15/6/1 that I'm about to fire up and test out....

grue · #5 05-06-2011, 08:39 PM

I just might end up doing that. I've always had good luck with Mesa cabs.

Funny enough, I stopped by Rudy's today and tried out the Bergantino AE212. It was an amazing piece of gear, but clearly not right for what I do.

For comparison, I plugged the same head with the same settings into a Powerhouse 112 and it was brilliant. All the Mesa cabs I have played seem really well-voiced for that ballsy, overdriven rock tone.

I wouldn't mind a PH 212, but it's a little bigger than I wanted. The shape of the AE212 is just perfect for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwoodman

How about the Mesa cabs? I'm thinkin' if I had a Mesa head, I'd want to go with Mesa cabs since they have a lot of configurations....just thinkin' out loud....I have a Walter Woods Ultra and various different cabs ranging from SWR-style 210 cabs and I just built a fEARful 15/6/1 that I'm about to fire up and test out....

Sartori · #6 05-06-2011, 08:55 PM

Why not try a Mesa or Berg 4x12? Or two 2x12"s?

rockstarbassist · #7 05-06-2011, 09:10 PM

The 400+ IME sounds best with a nice sealed cab. I know you wanted to downsize a bit but honestly the Berg NV stuff isn't much bigger or heavier than some of the Mesa 212 or 410 cabs.

grue · #8 05-06-2011, 10:26 PM

Hmmm... I do like the punch of a sealed cab, and I think the NV 412 or 610 would be my ideal cab in a lot of ways. Size-wise, they're definitely a huge improvement compared to an old-school 810, but I would like to go smaller if I can. Space is at a premium around here.

BTW, I just ran across the D12-D:
Bag End D12-D

I didn't know Bag End made a 212. It's the perfect form factor, and it seems like it might have the kind of sound I'm looking for. Too bad I would never be able to hear it before I bought it. Anybody have any experience with these?

rockstarbassist · #9 05-06-2011, 11:01 PM

Even if nobody replies directly with Bag-End input in this thread, search for 'em as I know I've looked at that cab before and there's a few threads with some good info on them.