AI Focus with a Roscoe?

nosajwp · #1 11-12-2007, 10:09 AM

I'm getting an AI Focus series II to go with my SKB-3007 soon, and after reading about the tonal characteristics of the Roscoe and AI amps, I'm wondering if this will be a good combo or not.

What do you guys think?

I've also been looking at EA Iamps, an Eden WT-550, Markbass amps, and the Thunderfunks.

Gard · #2 11-12-2007, 01:17 PM

Can't comment on the AI Focus or Markbass heads, as I haven't heard a Roscoe through one.

The EA is nice, very "clean/modern" sounding, which kinda works with the more thick tone of a Roscoe.

The Thunderfunk was very good, I'd recommend hitting TBer JOME77 up for some opinions, as he plays with that rig, IIRC.

The WT-550 is my main gig head, using it with an Epifani 310UL Series II and an Eden D-210MBX (wedge monitor - which will eventually be replaced with a second Epi 310UL

). I love the head, it's very thick and full, but retains focus and clarity as well. I find it to be an excellent combination with the Epi cab.

Jeff Moote · #3 11-12-2007, 01:56 PM

I'll weigh in for Markbass. I play my Roscoes through a LMII and 2 Bergantino 112s, and it's about the best bass sound I've ever heard. It's all up to personal preference, but for me Roscoe + Markbass + Bergantino is where it's at.

JOME77 · #4 11-12-2007, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gard

The Thunderfunk was very good, I'd recommend hitting TBer JOME77 up for some opinions, as he plays with that rig, IIRC.

The WT-550 is my main gig head, using it with an Epifani 310UL Series II and an Eden D-210MBX (wedge monitor - which will eventually be replaced with a second Epi 310UL

). I love the head, it's very thick and full, but retains focus and clarity as well. I find it to be an excellent combination with the Epi cab.

I can't help you on the subject of the AI Focus either but I'll be happy to share my thoughts on the TFunk and Eden.

The Thunderfunk definitely sounds nice when paired with a Roscoe. What I like the most about the TFunk is they way it can go from a great fretted tone to a nice fretless tone with just a slight twist of the Timbre control (especially with the bridge p/u soloed on the Roscoe).
Great amp for cutting through a live mix too. Thick juicy mids!

I've actually been playing through the Eden WT-550 more lately though. As Gard stated, the Eden is very thick and full sounding and IMO has a better slap tone than the TFunk. I also really like the sparkling highs of the Eden.
After playing through the Eden more lately it really made me aware of how much harsher the Tfunk highs were and how compressed the lows are (as compared to the more open sound of the Eden). Of course those tight and compressed lows are IMO the key that allows the Tfunk to put out so much loud and clean volume.

I guess it depends on the sound that you're going for. Both are great heads

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Moote

I'll weigh in for Markbass. I play my Roscoes through a LMII and 2 Bergantino 112s, and it's about the best bass sound I've ever heard. It's all up to personal preference, but for me Roscoe + Markbass + Bergantino is where it's at.

Yeah, the MBII is another great head that pairs well with the Roscoe. Based on what I've heard about the AI Focus I'd also probably say that it might also compare the closest to the AI amp too (especially in the area of portability).
IMO the MBII actually comes close to the thick juicy mids of the TFUnk combined with more open lows and smoother highs typical of the Eden.

......still, I let the MBII go in favor of keeping the Eden WT550. It just feels and sounds a bit more solid.

benjobass · #5 11-18-2007, 11:57 AM

I play my SKB3006 through an AI head/Bag End 15" cab setup. Sounds great. The AI sound is very 'pure' in the sense that there is very, very little coloration. What the bass sounds like is what comes through. Size to power ratio is great too. This head is absolutely great for carrying to gigs. The Bag End is my only heavy object anymore.

Peace,
Benjamin

Saluki · #6 11-18-2007, 12:56 PM

I am very happy with my Roscoe SKB 3005 thru my LMII. I am in the process of swapping out the Aggie GS112s for Epi 310 to have a little more mid presence. From what I have read Jome is right on with the Thunderfunk/LMII comparisons. In my opinion the LMII is pretty warm for SS and power/weight ratio is awesome.

nosajwp · #7 11-18-2007, 01:38 PM

Well, my AI Focus will be here next week, and that will be paired with a custom slant-front 210 from Dr. Bass. I'm going to be in Myrtle Beach next week for the holiday, and was invited for a shop tour by Marc, so that should be a lot of fun checking their operation out. If this cab works out well, I'll get a straight-front 210 from them to go under it. Cool part is that the cab will only weigh about 40 lbs. with the neo drivers!

JOME77 · #8 11-29-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosajwp

Well, my AI Focus will be here next week, and that will be paired with a custom slant-front 210 from Dr. Bass. I'm going to be in Myrtle Beach next week for the holiday, and was invited for a shop tour by Marc, so that should be a lot of fun checking their operation out. If this cab works out well, I'll get a straight-front 210 from them to go under it. Cool part is that the cab will only weigh about 40 lbs. with the neo drivers!

OK......so how does the AI Focus pair with the Roscoe?