Thinking about Fearful 1212/6

[popgadget]

I am presently using an Ampeg 410HLF (or PR410HLF) with a Shuttle9.0. I really like the low end extension, but would like a more natural sound, but most importantly something much lighter. I have been following threads on the Art of Noise composite builds and am seriously thinking I need one.
The big question is how would the output compare to what I am using now? I often play clubs without PA support, I can cover them with what I have now. If I take the leap to Fearfull, will I be trading quantity for quality so to speak?
I have used 10"s in some multiple from 2-8 ever since I got rid of my Acoustic 360 decades ago, so I have no real experience with 12"s or 15"s, I always (and perhaps incorrectly) attributed a good tight thump to the smaller drivers.
At any rate the ability to even keep the same sound, and hopefully improve with such a drastic weight saving is intriguing. I welcome the input from those with experience.

[wcriley]

I'm not familiar with the Ampeg cab or the Shuttle, so I can't compare the sound. But my experience has been that the fERAful cabs put out pretty much whatever is put into them.

What I CAN say is that a single 12/6 has held its own in any situation I've used it in.
I supplied my two 12/6 cabs as the bass backline at a benefit gig a few months ago. Two of the bands were WAY loud and the 12/6 stack was just coasting along.

[lomo]

The 121266 will be louder and lower than your cab, and clearer.

[Bassguy1]

I've got a 1212/6/1 made by Robby at Art of Noise. Great cabinet...great sound. Its so light I can pick it up with one hand...no joke. PM me for more specific details if you want.

[makohund]

I have one, built by Ron Anchak. I chose it specifically because I need the kind of volume you describe (need to handle some clubs and other settings with no PA) while fitting in the trunk of my vehicle. (Else I would gone 1516/66.)


You won't be disappointed. I play hard rock/metal mostly, often beside way more guitar amplification than some people think is sane.

No PA? No problem. Haven't even had to really push it, there's been plenty left in the tank in those scenarios. I'd say it's a lot closer to ye olde 810 in capability than that 410.

[Joe Louvar]

Originally Posted by popgadget

I am presently using an Ampeg 410HLF (or PR410HLF) with a Shuttle9.0. I really like the low end extension, but would like a more natural sound, but most importantly something much lighter. I have been following threads on the Art of Noise composite builds and am seriously thinking I need one.
The big question is how would the output compare to what I am using now? I often play clubs without PA support, I can cover them with what I have now. If I take the leap to Fearfull, will I be trading quantity for quality so to speak?
I have used 10"s in some multiple from 2-8 ever since I got rid of my Acoustic 360 decades ago, so I have no real experience with 12"s or 15"s, I always (and perhaps incorrectly) attributed a good tight thump to the smaller drivers.
At any rate the ability to even keep the same sound, and hopefully improve with such a drastic weight saving is intriguing. I welcome the input from those with experience.

Without being able to actually compare the two cabinets side-by-side that is a really hard question to answer honestly - the only thing I can suggest is finding someone near you who has a 1212/6 that will let you come over with your rig and compare the two or buy a 1212/6 and afterwards sell the cab you like the least. Good luck.

[makohund]

The volume question is an easy one... the 1212/6 vs that 410 = no contest.

As for sound and character, you can get a really close guess without trying one. Listen to your amp in some decent headphones, studio monitors, or other such "minimal coloration" gear that has good low end reponse. It'll sound pretty much like that, but much louder.

Of course an A/B trial is ideal, but it may not be practical. Note that the fEARfuls sound the same, so if you do have an opportunity to try out one of the other configurations, that's fine. It'll be the same, just with different size/weight/volume.

[popgadget]

That is good advice if it's accurate. The Ampeg doesn't sound anywhere near as flat and accurate as the di output through studio monitors. If the Fearful will sound like the studio monitors, and be louder than the 410, I would be extremely satisfied. Is there any downside to the compsite builds, other than cost?

[cableguy]

I have the 12/6-12/sub and it can get really loud. I have only put 5-600 watts to it and it can handle more. No I haven't played in a loud metal band with it but I think it could hang well if your 4x10 can. With my fEARful I've also noticed I can hear myself better without being as loud because it's so clear. Mine is not composite but still weighs less than anything else I have ever used.

[canadian*eh]

Originally Posted by popgadget

Is there any downside to the compsite builds, other than cost?

yeah you get Flabby Arms and a weak Back from not having to pack Big heavy Cabs Other then that NO!! From what i have seen and read about Robbys Cabs from Art And sound...Is that they are very very well build and no less strong then a traditional 1/2 ply wood cab!! Other then price...if you can afford it go for it!! I have 2 my self on the way(1515/6/1 and 15/6/1) being made by Dekker here in canada they Are being made from 1/2 plywood But still the 1515/66/1 is only like 85lbs....that almost lighter then my 410!!! Welcome to the Club Man...your Day of Commercial Cab GAS are Now At a end

[will33]

Originally Posted by popgadget

That is good advice if it's accurate. The Ampeg doesn't sound anywhere near as flat and accurate as the di output through studio monitors. If the Fearful will sound like the studio monitors, and be louder than the 410, I would be extremely satisfied. Is there any downside to the compsite builds, other than cost?

The fearful will be wwaaayyy closer to the studio monitor sound than the HLF. If that's what you want, it's the way to go.

I was going to mention, if the HLF fits your band mix well, you'll need to dial some of the middle/upper mid response out of the fearful to get closer to that type of tone profile but that may not apply if your looking for more of those sounds than you have now.

As stated, in terms of output/carrying a room, you'll have no problems there with the 9.0 and a 4ohm load in the lows.

[makohund]

Originally Posted by popgadget

That is good advice if it's accurate. The Ampeg doesn't sound anywhere near as flat and accurate as the di output through studio monitors.

No speakers will sound exactly alike, and a fEARful isn't quite a studio monitor. But it's probably as close to one as can be found in bass cab land, and close enough that when mine showed up, it didn't just meet the expectations I'd set in that very fashion... it exceeded them.

I feed mine 1500W of Carvin BX1500, and it laps it up. I'm definitely packing more than it needs, and would be hesitant to crank it all the way, but I haven't approached its limits yet. The last two "no PA" gigs it did... the bassist in one other band was using an SVT 7 Pro and 810 cab. Another had an all tube SVT, a 610HLF, and a 15E (very odd if you ask me). I carried the place just as well as they did both times, easily.

900ish watts at 4 ohms from your amp would push it quite nicely, I think.

[johnk_10]

i had an SVT410HLF (and a an SVT610HLF) for years before i sold them. IME, a 1212/6 is capable of going ALOT louder & cleaner than either of those two ampeg cabs, and with less 'coloration', when set flat. my 1212/6 is just about as loud as my ampeg 810.

[popgadget]

How about the lows? The 410HLF has better lows frequency extension than the 810, I imagine from what I'm hearing that the 1212/6 has even better lows. Is that correct?

[BurningSkies]

That would be a reasonable statement.

[johnk_10]

the 410HLF has a sound of its own. i don't think a 12126 is anywhere near as tubby sounding, but you can adjust it with eq if you're going for that.