trying to get more bottom end, help?

LumberJack · #1 10-17-2011, 09:56 PM

Hello,

New to talkbass, very happy to be a part and looking forward to getting some experienced advice. I've primarily been a jazz upright player, but recently have been hired to work for a funk/fusion group where I only play bass guitar and I'm starting to realize the complications of a larger rig.
For the bass guitar gigs I've always used a hartke cabinet with four 10'' speakers. It's always served me well, but this new group taps into an electronic vibe and this has been a problem as to where I am just not getting enough low-end (the techno-y low-low-end, the frequencies that rattle that foundation of the building, if anyone understands these notes, it would be you fine folks). My low 'B' string (and the lower notes of the 'E' string) just does not have the authority it needs, and I believe the solution is adding a 15'' sub cabinet to my rig.
Before I spend the money, I was wondering if it would be possible to use a 15'' ampeg combo that I already own, it's the one I've always used for my upright. My head has the extra output, as well as a DI-out with its own volume knob. I'm interested to try it, but do not want to destroy a perfectly good combo. Any thoughts or advice would be GREATLY appreciated. I'm tired of sacrificing definition for low-end mud.

Thanks again, everyone

JimmyM · #2 10-17-2011, 09:58 PM

You'll destroy your combo using it for that purpose. And a 115 cab is not necessarily a sub unless it's built to be a sub. If I were you, I'd look for an Ampeg 410HLF. Lowest lows of any bass cab I've heard.

T-Bird · #3 10-17-2011, 10:10 PM

Hi.

^What Jimmy said.

For the kind of low end I think about with Funk, I'd be looking at a powered PA subwoofer rather than a bass cab/rig though.

Regards
Sam

SactoBass · #4 10-17-2011, 10:25 PM

Lumberjack:

First of all, welcome to Talkbass!

I want to echo what JimmyM said. Don't make the mistake of thinking that the larger the diameter of a speaker, the more low end it will put out. Spend some time on Talkbass, and you will find out why that is.

If you are looking for cabs that can put out the lows, I suggest you do a Talkbass search on the following items. Doing lots of reading on these will help you.

fEarful
Audiokinesis Thunderchild
Acme Fullrange (or Acme Flatwound)

Cab shopping is fun, so have fun! But be sure to do your homework, otherwise you will end up spending excessive money trying different cabs that don't perform to your expectations.

JimmyM · #5 10-17-2011, 10:31 PM

I'm a huge fan and friend of Duke and his Audiokinesis cabs, but I don't think big lows are his intention with the Thunderchild. He seems to feel his niche is enough lows but not insanely low.

SactoBass · #6 10-17-2011, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I'm a huge fan and friend of Duke and his Audiokinesis cabs, but I don't think big lows are his intention with the Thunderchild. He seems to feel his niche is enough lows but not insanely low.

+1

If the OP wants super lows but not tons of volume, then the Acmes are worth looking into. And if the OP wants big volume with with big lows, then the fEarfuls are worth looking into. I just listed the TC because it puts out better lows than many other cabs, and in a nice sized package!

Gearhead17 · #7 10-17-2011, 10:34 PM

The techno style low end is not going to come out too well with the typical bass cab. Bass cabs are designed for a full-range tone - not just low end.

T-Bird - Just as he said, a PA style subwoofer would be the way to go. A dedicated sub is designed to recreate low end and only low end.

Here is something to consider: Mackie Thump TH-18s Powered Subwoofer: Shop Pro Audio & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

rpsands · #8 10-17-2011, 10:41 PM

A fEarful 15/6/1.

billfitzmaurice · #9 10-18-2011, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LumberJack

I've always used a hartke cabinet with four 10'' speakers....I believe the solution is adding a 15'' sub cabinet to my rig.

Most 1x15s don't go lower than most 4x10s, and they aren't as loud either. If it's a matter of stage volume add another identical 4x10. If it's a matter of pushing the room, that's the job of the PA, not the backline.

LumberJack · #10 10-18-2011, 05:23 PM

holy geez, this is great info. Thank you guys so much, I'm going back on the road tomorrow and I convinced the group to get a powered sub for the PA. I'm super pumped to try it out.
Good to know that this resource is available to me, thanks again.