Yeah, one of those threads...

[cybersnyder]

I'm downsizing to one cab and it has to fit in the trunk of my new vehicle, 2011 Scion tC. My Acme B2 fits perfectly so I'm using that as the max dimensions, roughly: 16" x 16.5" x 23" and there is more wiggle room on the 23" than the other dimensions.

I currently have a MarkBass Tube800 and I don't dislike it, but I'm not married to it either. 500Watts into 8 ohms, 800 into 4 ohms so that means that I probably need an 8 ohm cab if I keep the amp.

So I'm thinking of three different options currently:

1) Keep the Tube800 and get a DNA 12". The least expensive route but I could also get the DNA and a new amp, so we'll call that option 1a.

2) Sell it all and get a Mesa Walkabout Scout 12"

3) Thunderchild and a new amp, maybe a F1/F500.

My goals are volume and tone with equal tradeoffs. I tend to go more towards a vintagey sound lately, but I sometimes like the high end sizzle when slapping.

Of the options above, I've played the Mesa. I like it but I'm not sure if it will have the volume that I could get with other options.

What are your thoughts / opinions?

Thanks!

[jnewmark]

4) take back the Tc and get the Xb. I get a 215 cab, rack, bass, gig bag, and stand in mine , no sweat !

[Sundogue]

Keep the amp and drive this cab with it....

fEARful 12/6 or 12/6/1

Impedance: 8 Ohm
Dimensions: 16.5"w x 24"h x 15.25"d
Tuning Frequency: ~45-46.5 Hz
TYPICAL WEIGHT: 35-37 pounds

It will blow away the Acme B2 in volume, yet it is a relatively uncolored cab like the Acme. It's another 1" taller, but 3/4" shallower than the Acme. I can't think of a single cab solution better for what you are after. You'd have to build it or have someone build it though.

Just a thought.

[cybersnyder]

Interesting. I didn't know the 12/6/1 was even in the ballpark of that size. See, talkbass rules. Thank you sir.

And for the xB, what and drive a toaster??

Heh.

[Russell L]

How about a Markbass 151P cab? 18.39"W x 23.39"H x 17.05"D. 37.3 lbs. $600. I have used one with my 121H combo (single 12") as an extension at 500w, but could nearly get it as loud and full by itself with the Little Mark II head that's in the combo, at 300w (I just unplugged the 12" to see what the 151P and LMII sounded like together). It doesn't come in 4 ohms, though, only 8.

[silky smoove]

The Thunderchild would be an excellent option for fitting into the backseat of a small car. I listened to Charlie's at the last Seattle GTG, and could not believe the amount of sound coming out of such a small package. Not quite as deep low end extension as the fEarful stuff, but still more than most conventional bass cabs. I've been trying not to buy one ever since.

Combine that with the micro of your choice and you'll have plenty of room in the backseat for a pretty young lady to hold you bass for you!

[cybersnyder]

@Russell : I'm kinda staying away from the Markbass speakers. I play for the Ravens and them there's Steelers' colors. Probably wouldn't go over well on the field.

@silky - The thing going against the Thunderchild is that it's 4 ohms, so that would require a different amp since the Tube 800 would put out 800 watts into the little cab, probable bad things would happen. Not entirely out of the question, but has additional strikes against it. The fEarful 12/6 sounds promising. I'll do some measuring tonight to make sure it fits.

[silky smoove]

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

@silky - The thing going against the Thunderchild is that it's 4 ohms, so that would require a different amp since the Tube 800 would put out 800 watts into the little cab, probable bad things would happen. Not entirely out of the question, but has additional strikes against it. The fEarful 12/6 sounds promising. I'll do some measuring tonight to make sure it fits.

It's not a problem at all, provided you listen for audible distortion/overexcursion. When you push a speaker beyond it's physical limit, it gets ugly very quickly. As long as you're not just blindly hammering away at it you'll be fine.

As a point of reference, look at all the guys running 1,000+ watt power amps into speaker cabinets rated far below that. I'm running a 1,000 watt @ 8ohm head with very little sub low end filtering into an LDS built 15/6/1 with no issue, and I guarantee the 3015LF in that cab can not handle 1,000 watts.

[Sundogue]

Originally Posted by silky smoove

It's not a problem at all, provided you listen for audible distortion/overexcursion. When you push a speaker beyond it's physical limit, it gets ugly very quickly. As long as you're not just blindly hammering away at it you'll be fine.

As a point of reference, look at all the guys running 1,000+ watt power amps into speaker cabinets rated far below that. I'm running a 1,000 watt @ 8ohm head with very little sub low end filtering into an LDS built 15/6/1 with no issue, and I guarantee the 3015LF in that cab can not handle 1,000 watts.

Nope, it can only handle 500 watts continuous before the voice coil will melt, but will handle 900 watts in peaks.

But you make an excellent point. Ya gotta use your ears and listen to what the speakers are doing, because even a low wattage head can put out some nasty peaks beyond it's rating.

[JxBass]

Another vote for the Thunderchild. No reason not to keep, or at least try the MB LMT800 with it. I run either a 900w Streamliner 900 or Shuttle 9.0 through my TC12 and it sounds great. Just keep you eye on the master volume.

[cybersnyder]

Hmmmm... I put down the seats and realized that I could carry a TB153. Maybe I keep the Acme B2 for when I need the rear seats up and get a TB153 for when it's just me and someone else. Might as well use the advantages of a hatchback.

I know the Avatar isn't a true fEarful, but it's easy to buy and I don't think anyone in the crowd will hear the difference.

[Crabby]

I have to say, my Schroeder 1212BMF is the bomb. Its an 800 watt 212 with a horn and weighs in at 36 pounds. Its a tall slim design so the cab gets closer to your ears and its such a breeze to carry around. Its a 4 ohm cab but handles so much power that its a perfect match for any of the current micro heads. I run mine with my Walkabout head or my GK MB-500 and am so impressed with how loud and punchy this cab is. Not the deepest sounding cab out there but its all useable volume. It would fit in pretty much any small car and can easily be carried with one hand.

[cybersnyder]

I've never had the chance to play a Schroeder cabinet but that looks like an interesting possibility. I've always ignored Schroeder because of some posts I've seen that the cabs were made out of particle board and they're all mids, no lows. I'll have to do some more research. Thanks!

EDIT: spoke to Jorg and Schroeders are not made of particle board. That was an experiment done years ago on a few cabs and they are now all made of domestic fir and baltic birch. Designed for the stage with the slight mid hump to help cut through the mix. The 212PL is looking like a strong contender.

[BrianVengeance]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

4) take back the Tc and get the Xb. I get a 215 cab, rack, bass, gig bag, and stand in mine , no sweat !

THIS! That car is one of the most underrated, beyond amazing vehicles ever made. I have fit two half stacks + heads, a 410 + 6sp rack, instruments and merch tub in mine... WITH a passenger.

Wish I had something faster, but that's what the motorcycle is for and I can't beat the gas mileage and haulability of the box (except for maybe an Element).

I'd also second the fEarful or maybe a Berg?

[watspan]

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

I've never had the chance to play a Schroeder cabinet but that looks like an interesting possibility. I've always ignored Schroeder because of some posts I've seen that the cabs were made out of particle board and they're all mids, no lows. I'll have to do some more research. Thanks!

Schroeder 1212L here. You have to judge the Schro in a live mix--stand alone they are ehh? they are designed to cut through and be heard in the live mix--no boom in the room--all useable, hearable bass. IMO, YMMV etc.

[Bassamatic]

I have a Markbass CMD 121P and added a Schroeder 1212L cabinet. Stacked I have 500W, 3 very efficient 12s, it is loud as hell and clean, and it all goes in the trunk of my car. We play outside with this and the master volume is only at 10-11 o'clock. AND - it is light the amp and cab are only around 30 lbs each. One in each hand!

[cybersnyder]

Well, 99% sure it's going to be a Schroeder 212-PL. Spoke with Jorg and I'm convinced.

Thanks for all the suggestions and comments. Everything helped me get to the decision point. Well, except for the guy that told me to get an xB. (Just kidding.)

[silky smoove]

I've owned a few Schroeder cabs (410R, and a pair of 15L+'s), and suggest that you try and give one a listen before committing to purchasing.

I really liked my Schroeder cabs, and Jorg could not have been easier to deal with, but I ended up selling them because of their very specific tone profile. If it works for you, specifically in a live context, you will absolutely love it. If it doesn't work for you in a live context, you won't have much wiggle room with your EQ/tone. I found that they worked incredibly well for my loud hiphop/funk/rock band, but were a bad fit for my mellower projects. I needed a one-cab-fits-all solution, so I got rid of them in favor of an LDS 15/6/1 and have never looked back.

[cybersnyder]

Originally Posted by silky smoove

I've owned a few Schroeder cabs (410R, and a pair of 15L+'s), and suggest that you try and give one a listen before committing to purchasing.

I really liked my Schroeder cabs, and Jorg could not have been easier to deal with, but I ended up selling them because of their very specific tone profile. If it works for you, specifically in a live context, you will absolutely love it. If it doesn't work for you in a live context, you won't have much wiggle room with your EQ/tone. I found that they worked incredibly well for my loud hiphop/funk/rock band, but were a bad fit for my mellower projects. I needed a one-cab-fits-all solution, so I got rid of them in favor of an LDS 15/6/1 and have never looked back.

Cab is ordered. The Punch Line series goes lower than the standard Schroeder cabs and talking to Jorg, he highly recommended the PL-212 for what I was looking for. Should be here in a couple weeks. Slight tradeoff in that I'll have to fold down one seat to put the cab in so I don't get a three seater instead of a four seater. I can live with that.

[Sundogue]

And thus concludes another Talkbass shopping experience.

Congrats!