Neo Speakers

[elwaupo]

I need to to replace one of my 10" bass speakers in my 2x10" cabinet and I'm thinking of just installing both of the speakers. Are the Neo speakers worth getting? I've never used them and I don't mind spending the money on the but I don't want to waste my time with either.

[uhdinator]

the cubic volume of the cab, port type and size are designed for the speakers in them, if you change models from what is stock it will sound different. could be better, could be worse.

[Grabow]

i had some neo cabinets, found them to be harsh, very little warmth and punch
i prefer a more classic tone
got rid of the Neo's
there are many here who will tell you that there should be no difference in tone between Neo's magnets speakers and traditional magnet speakers
but to my ears, there is

so if you prefer a warm punchy sound
don't bother with the Neo's

[skychief]

Originally Posted by elwaupo

I need to to replace one of my 10" bass speakers in my 2x10" cabinet and I'm thinking of just installing both of the speakers. Are the Neo speakers worth getting? I've never used them and I don't mind spending the money on the but I don't want to waste my time with either.

Actually, unless you were going to replace the 10" driver with the exact replacement driver, you should replace both of them.

Its a bad idea to mix-n-match different brand drivers, even if they're the correct size and impedance.

Also, some cabs are "tuned" for a specific driver, so putting in different drivers may have disappointing results. But in most cases, its negligible.

[eban3]

neo's although lighter mlack the fidelity of a non neo speaker ,my experience anyway......

[Adam Guzzo]

The neo cabinets generally don't sound warmer because the manufacturer is also trying to reduce the size and weight of the cab to make it as lightweight as possible, and with that comes a little "harsher" tones. I think it's the overall design of the lightweight cabs that give them their distinct sound.

[Rebmo]

Which "neo" cabinets? That's like saying all ceramic cabinets sound like........ My HyDrive 115 and 410 are the same size cabinets as the Harke XL 115 and 410 cabinets I just replaced with the "neo" Hydrives. That's almost like saying 4 string basses sound like...... I don't get it. What are you folks saying????

I'm getting a great punchy sound out of the HyDrives. Other Neos I tried sounded different than the HyDrives, just like ceramics. Common let's be more specific here as to not mislead others.

I can get just about any tone in a music store on any equipment, but the real test is projecting that tone in band mix. And even that isn't consistent. Different rooms, size, material, crowd, all affect the sound. I have been very happy with the Hydrives in different venues, but I also know the sound I'm using would not be the sound others are after.

I like a very warm deep low end (not boom)with good clean mid cut through and punch and high end clarity, no growl. I use GK700 and 1000rbII heads and play classic rock, crossover country and alternative pop rock. This fills the right gap for me and allows the kick drum to cut through as well, and the guitar jangle to ride on top without overwhelming volume. I use a G&L L1K which is capable of taking walls down with the low end bass boost so I use the bass cut to tame the beast. I also use a P-bass or Stingray SR-4 2 band/3band and get close to the low end of the L1K.

Bottom line, don't generalize about "neo" cabinets. Explain your equipment, head, bass, sound you are after, which "neo" cabinets you have used, and not just at GC wanking around. Genre of music helps too, otherwise a slap, clasic rock, jazz, country,punk bass players may all be looking for something different and how are we to know what you are after if you don't say?

Not trying to start a flame warm, but how about a little depth to these thread responses.

[Dan Paveley]

Originally Posted by Rebmo

Which "neo" cabinets? That's like saying all ceramic cabinets sound like........ My HyDrive 115 and 410 are the same size cabinets as the Harke XL 115 and 410 cabinets I just replaced with the "neo" Hydrives. That's almost like saying 4 string basses sound like...... I don't get it. What are you folks saying????

I'm getting a great punchy sound out of the HyDrives. Other Neos I tried sounded different than the HyDrives, just like ceramics. Common let's be more specific here as to not mislead others.

I can get just about any tone in a music store on any equipment, but the real test is projecting that tone in band mix. And even that isn't consistent. Different rooms, size, material, crowd, all affect the sound. I have been very happy with the Hydrives in different venues, but I also know the sound I'm using would not be the sound others are after.

I like a very warm deep low end (not boom)with good clean mid cut through and punch and high end clarity, no growl. I use GK700 and 1000rbII heads and play classic rock, crossover country and alternative pop rock. This fills the right gap for me and allows the kick drum to cut through as well, and the guitar jangle to ride on top without overwhelming volume. I use a G&L L1K which is capable of taking walls down with the low end bass boost so I use the bass cut to tame the beast. I also use a P-bass or Stingray SR-4 2 band/3band and get close to the low end of the L1K.

Bottom line, don't generalize about "neo" cabinets. Explain your equipment, head, bass, sound you are after, which "neo" cabinets you have used, and not just at GC wanking around. Genre of music helps too, otherwise a slap, clasic rock, jazz, country,punk bass players may all be looking for something different and how are we to know what you are after if you don't say?

Not trying to start a flame warm, but how about a little depth to these thread responses.

Very well said.