Why is the Epi UL2-110 much less loud than other cabs?

[Chrisk-K]

Compared to my GK NEO112-II and GB 10T, the UL2-110 is much less loud.

I'll illustrate by using a GK MB200 as an example. To get the same volume from the 3 cabs, I need to set the gain knob of the MB200 as follows.

NEO112-II (9 o'clock)
GB 10T (10 o'clock)
UL2-110 (about 12:30!!)

Why is the UL2 less loud? Does anyone know?

[pedulla1]

What's the impedence on the three cabs? Same?

[Rockman]

The thing I've noticed with the UL110 is that it's very deep, as in there are some very low frequencies being amplified that aren't passed through on most other amps. This could be the case. Otherwise check the resistance rating of the cabs

[Chrisk-K]

They are all 8 ohm cabs. I hope my UL2-110 is not defective.

[Rockman]

Originally Posted by Chrisk-K

They are all 8 ohm cabs. I hope my UL2-110 is not defective.

It seems something is weird, I've gotten plenty of volume out of my UL110, but then again I've never compared it to either of those cabs.

[Chrisk-K]

I'll email Epifani. I used the same speak-on cable for the test. The use of active vs. passive basses led to the same result.

[Implosion]

For commercial cabs you can apply the old rule of "low, loud, light -choose any two". Of course the use of neo drivers is messing that up a bit, but in general it's hard to get all three in a single cab.

[jlepre]

Originally Posted by Implosion

For commercial cabs you can apply the old rule of "low, loud, light -choose any two". Of course the use of neo drivers is messing that up a bit, but in general it's hard to get all three in a single cab.

I have to disagree...I was always under the impression the saying was:

Light, Loud, Inexpensive: Choose 2.

JMHO but I've owned MANY cabs in my 30 plus years of playing, INCLUDING Epifani (2) UL-112, and have never thought they were any less LOUD than others. I do agree they might be voiced differently than others, but I have never wanted for lack of volume. Maybe it is their lower voicing that is throwing you off.

[MarTONEbass]

I know that in general Epifani cabs are slightly mid-scooped. This could cause the perceived volume to be lower, especially from a GK cab which are fairly present in the mid range frequencies.

[KJung]

+1 to the above. The Epi110UL is a combination of a relativel low tuning, relaxed mids, and a very small box. So, the SPL is quite low, and it will really start to compress (i.e., not get louder and lose low end) much earlier than the larger 112 box (and the very midrange voiced 110) you are comparing it to.

The 'loud, low, small.... pick two of the three' rule is in full effect with that cab. The little Genz Shuttle 110 is very low end attenuated and mid present, which makes it sound louder at the same volume setting. However, you should hear less low end also versus the Epi

Nice cab for low volume playing, but it will not in any way have the sensitivity nor the maximum volume of a a typically voiced 112. If it did, all the 112 guys would be using 110's

[MarTONEbass]

Ken just +1'ed me...this is sig worthy!

[Chrisk-K]

I think Ken nailed it. It's all about "perceived" volume. I disliked the Epi UL2-110 when I first bought it. I was going to return it. Now I LOVE it. It sounds so clear and tight.