EA WZ112 vs. CXL or Pub280

Humberto · #1 06-23-2008, 10:03 AM

I've scoured the archives and newbie links to previous discussions and can't seem to find an answer - forgive me if this is repetitive, but I need more volume than I'm getting from my Acoustic Image Coda series II...

I'm considering the EA WZ-112 or an older VL210... then there's the EA CXL112 and finally the Pub280.

The Coda I have is 4 ohm 200 watts. Will all of these cabs work with this? I'm new to playing rooms too big for just the coda so I need some guidance from someone with more experience.

Any thoughts on which is the most transparent, least color, most volume?
I'm using the Schertler Dyn-B with the Pre-AIII. I also have a realist I can blend although the Dyn-B sounds so natural and acoustic that I don't think I need the extra boominess of the realist.

robgrow · #2 06-23-2008, 11:01 AM

The cabinets you mentioned are all quite different. If you are considering a Wizzy 12, I'd highly recommend the Wizzy M, which is the same 12-inch, whizzer cone driver in an M-shaped transmission line cabinet. The VL-210 has a very different sound than the Wizzys, is significantly less efficient, and weighs something like 70 lbs. The CxL-112 has its own sound and is very efficient. Your AI Coda should work just fine with a 4 or 8 ohm extension cab. I don't have any direct experience with the Schertler PUB speakers, but it's my understanding they are rather expensive (around $1700 I think).

Humberto · #3 06-23-2008, 12:04 PM

Thanks.... I'll have to look at the M's... I know the 280s are out of my range but.... Which do you feel is the warmer sounding cab - the CXL or the whizzy 112?

robgrow · #4 06-23-2008, 01:41 PM

Of the EA Wizzy 112, the Wizzy M and the CxL-112, I'd pick the Wizzy M.

Humberto · #5 06-23-2008, 01:58 PM

Thanks a lot... anyone else have any experience with these cabs?

bolo · #6 06-23-2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robgrow

The CxL-112 has its own sound and is very efficient.

Can you elaborate please? I've got the regular Wizzy 12 and the M-line, but I've never heard (or seen) a CxL-112. But when Humberto said "Any thoughts on which is the most transparent, least color, most volume?", the CxL-112 certainly seemed to kind of line up well w/ those requirements from what I've read. I think I recall that it's got some kind of a bump around 1KHz. The tweeter is certainly different than the Wizzer cones.

bolo · #7 06-23-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humberto

Thanks a lot... anyone else have any experience with these cabs?

Yes I have experience w/ the M-line. All positive. Works great w/ DB and slab for me. YMMV

Humberto · #8 06-23-2008, 04:13 PM

Thanks Steve. You think I have enough power to run the m-cab through my 200 watt 4 ohm acoustic image? It's about 5 years old and I'm not sure if it's got enough power.

bolo · #9 06-23-2008, 06:55 PM

That's hard to say. I'd tend to say "Yes" but I can't really be sure about your volume needs and your gigging situations.

Were you thinking of running the M-line as an extension cab to your Coda, or pulling the head out of your Coda?

Humberto · #10 06-23-2008, 07:36 PM

I was planning on just running the EA straight from the Coda without the built-in speaker or straight into the PA - what do you think?

I don't have a lot of experience with larger rooms and church or auditorium type settings = so I'm going by how my bass sounds through the coda in a small bar or restaurant. I have to keep an eye on the master volume 'cause the coda has a tendency to feedback with the dyn-b even through the pre amp, or at least that's been my experience. I can't really pump up the volume. Playing with a loud drummer and keyboard/synthesizer I wind up sounding a little distorted when I have to set the master at 11 or 12 o'clock.

Should I be looking at a stronger amp (currently 4 ohm 200 watt) or a better cabinet?

neal davis · #11 06-23-2008, 09:42 PM

I have used all the amps cabs and pickup that you are talking about, I really enjoyed the pub280 with the dynb but for the price I didn't like it enough, I currently use a clarus with either a EA VL110 or CXl 12 both cabs are efficent and clear, there is a bit of a bump on the CXL 12 but it is really nice with my double bass, i recently had my dynb die on me and I'm using a rev solo II pickup on one of my basses to good results and still have my Czech ease with the Realist and an underwood. I was having the same issue you were with the AI combo and I just went for a head and seperate cab and it solved all my problems

good luck.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #12 06-23-2008, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humberto

Should I be looking at a stronger amp (currently 4 ohm 200 watt) or a better cabinet?

I'd look for a more *efficient* cabinet, and if you find one I bet you like the results a lot. Another vote for the Wizzy M. The PUB is great (I used to own one), but it's pricey and weighs as much as a Mercedes M-class. Plus, there's only so much a single 8" driver - even a great one - can do.

Ike Harris · #13 06-23-2008, 09:55 PM

I like the way the AI heads work with the EA cabs, particularly the M Line. Natural sounding on top and full bottom end. Captures my big bass's sound nicely. Has side ports to make sure your partners can hear you too. 4 ohms, so it will put your power to use efficiently. Can't speak to the addition of the combo's speaker since I just use a head, but worth checking out.

Ike

bolo · #14 06-24-2008, 07:12 AM

If you search a bit there are other threads re: using the Wizzy M-line and maybe even the regular 12" Wizzy as an extension cab with the AI Contra / Coda. Usually people report that the increase in overall volume is very, very significant. The EA cabs are more efficient than the 10" driver in the Contra / Coda.

I am not sure you can "turn off" the built-in speakers in your Coda. But you can remove the head I think. Yours is a Series II? There is a thread on how to remove the head and use it with other speakers I think somewhere in this forum too.

If you are having feedback problems with the Dyn-B and your current set up, I am not sure if adding an extension cab will make it better or worse. Sometimes just experimenting with cab placement can help me a lot in addressing feedback issues. And other things like muting the afterlengths, notch filter, phase reversal.

Humberto · #15 06-24-2008, 07:52 AM

Thanks all. I think I'm going to check out the M line. Seems everyone has good things to say about it.

The feedack is only a problem when my placement is off or I get too close - so far the dyn-b has given me less feedback than any other mic I've tried.

I've also considered eventually going for a more powerful head instead of a combo amp. This all started because I'm playing in a church with very high ceilings and the coda just doesn't quite make it - almost, but I still want more out of it.

Thanks again.

bolo · #16 06-24-2008, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humberto

Thanks all. I think I'm going to check out the M line. Seems everyone has good things to say about it.

The feedack is only a problem when my placement is off or I get too close - so far the dyn-b has given me less feedback than any other mic I've tried.

I've also considered eventually going for a more powerful head instead of a combo amp. This all started because I'm playing in a church with very high ceilings and the coda just doesn't quite make it - almost, but I still want more out of it.

Yeah I only have problems w/ feedback from my amp if I am placed in a really bad spot relative to my speaker. I've played with the notch filter and phase reversal, but I always end up turning those off and just moving around to find a good spot for my speaker and then a good spot for me and the bass.

You should enjoy the M-line if you go that route.

Humberto · #17 06-27-2008, 10:08 AM

I just wanted to thank everyone for the input that helped me make a decision. I decided on the Whizzy 10 for its light weight, price, and the endorsements fellow members gave it.

I'm amazed at Bob Gollihur! They gave me the best price and Mark was very helpful on the phone in helping me make a final decision. He said that they had just sold their last one but that he would ship one as soon as he was restocked. Amazingly, I ordered it on Tuesday the 24th and on Thursday afternoon - the 26th - the speaker was waiting for me at home.
Shipping was only $12. via UPS. I couldn't believe how prompt and professional Mark was. The speaker sounds great and I'll post more about it next Monday after I try it out for the first time in Church.

Makes me happy that I went with them!! Thanks Mark, Bob, and to all those who gave me feedback.