The Lo-Down on AI Combo Amps, Please...

Basicbassist · #1 01-22-2008, 11:24 AM

I've been using the AI "SL" with Raezer's Edge cabs (10" and 12") for years with my Kolstein DB and recently added the AI Focus Series-III (wow). I've had zero problems with these rigs and they sound superb to my ears. Also, I like the flexibility that "head + cab" rigs offer as opposed to "combo" amps. Now, though, I find myself increasingly attracted to the new 20-pound combo amps by AI, the Contra and the Coda R, for their astoundingly small-size and great sound quality.

Can anyone offer constructively critical comments about these AI combo amps that might dissuade me from acquiring one? If the consensus of opinion is uniformly positive out there in internetland as it has been locally here in the NY metro area, there's one in my future. I'd just like to know if there is a "dark side" to these amps.

bolo · #2 01-22-2008, 11:40 AM

Lots of info on this topic already exists. Search a bit. Start w/ "downfiring".

I've read all the new posts in this forum for the last two and a half years (and a lotta older ones). People who have actually used the AI combos (like myself) seem to be split as to whether or not it worked really well for them. Some users think it's absolutely the best setup there is for DB. I can't really say what % liked it vs. not. But it was not "uniformly positive." That's probably true though for just about any piece of gear I guess.

If you research a bit you may observe what I did - that either it seems to work really well for a particular player in their gigging situations or it simply does not. Or it works in some of their gigging situations but not all.

The Series I and II models don't have exactly the same features as the Series III, some sometimes it's important to know exactly which model someone is referring to.

bolo · #3 01-22-2008, 11:44 AM

It's interesting (to me) that you stated you're in the Metro NY area and that the concensus re: the AI combos there is positive.

Silversorcerer · #4 01-24-2008, 12:09 AM

This tread has some criticism, but even on that thread it was mostly positive comments. It's an odd thing to solicit for negative only comments, I think.

Dave Whitla · #5 01-24-2008, 04:58 AM

I think the split in opinion comes mainly from the lack of a direct projected sound next to the player as a result of the downfiring speaker. Now that I'm more used to it I'm very happy with it (Coda Series III), but comments from people listening has been positive from the start.

dar512 · #6 01-24-2008, 08:51 AM

Most comments seem to focus on the volume - just not loud enough. Although, I've seen the occasional "muddy" comment as well.

Bob Branstetter · #7 01-24-2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basicbassist

Can anyone offer constructively critical comments about these AI combo amps that might dissuade me from acquiring one? If the consensus of opinion is uniformly positive out there in internetland as it has been locally here in the NY metro area, there's one in my future. I'd just like to know if there is a "dark side" to these amps.

I used a Series I Contra for about 7 years and have used a Series III Coda for a little over two years. The earlier models did have some problems with volume and muddiness in some situations. The 20 pound Series III models have about twice the power of the Series I and with the addition of the notch/high pass filters, the volume and muddiness problems have been pretty much eliminated as far as I'm concerned. As a jobbing doublebass player, I find the Series III Coda is just about perfect for almost all situations. When I need more volume for a very large room or a loud big band job, I just bring along my Acme B1 extension speaker.

eselow · #8 01-24-2008, 12:17 PM

I own an AI Coda R S-III. I have used the amp for DB, EBG, and to a lesser extent for mandolin, violin, acoustic guitar and voice. I will restrain myself from enthusiastically detailing the extremely long list of positives I could write about this incredible amplifier. Instead per your request here are the negative's I've encountered.

1) The direct out is very hot and the level is only adjustable with the channel preamp volume control. A separate level control for the direct out would be very nice.

2) You can select notch filter OR low cut filter when it would be nice to be able to use both filters simultaineously in difficult rooms.

3) The Amp could benefit from some "at a glance" indicator lamps for:
preamp and power amp clipping
effects circuit engaged
filters engaged

The quality of construction and the fidelity of sound is outstanding. The amp is solid state but sound is not brittle in the least. This is the best amp I've ever owned after 23 years of looking. Feel free to PM me if you want more info.

Basicbassist · #9 01-24-2008, 02:31 PM

Thank you Mr. Branstetter and eselow - your reports on the new AI combo have been invaluable. They verify my observations both regarding its many remarkable qualities as well as its conspicuous lack of serious negatives characteristics.

**Adrian Cho** · #10 01-26-2008, 12:13 AM

Just a reminder that a Clarus SL or Micro 300 with a Wizzy 10 is the same weight or less and in my opinion more convenient to carry than an AI combo.

Bob Branstetter · #11 01-26-2008, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Cho

Just a reminder that a Clarus SL or Micro 300 with a Wizzy 10 is the same weight or less and in my opinion more convenient to carry than an AI combo.

How is carrying two pieces of equipment more convenient than carrying one? I carry my Coda in a padded case with one hand with no difficulty. AI even includes a shoulder strap if you want to go hands free.

salcott · #12 01-26-2008, 12:57 PM

My Clarus SLR fits in the front pocket on my uprite case, and the WZ 110 rolls on a luggage cart. Subway friendly.

**Adrian Cho** · #13 01-26-2008, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Branstetter

How is carrying two pieces of equipment more convenient than carrying one? I carry my Coda in a padded case with one hand with no difficulty. AI even includes a shoulder strap if you want to go hands free.

For me, firstly it's the shape and most importantly the depth. The Coda is 2" deeper than the Wizzy 10. That doesn't sound like much but it's a lot when you have to hold the cabinet away from your body (to prevent it banging into your leg) while you're walking with the bass in the other arm. Secondly, having the two pieces allows me to be more balanced.

I personally find carrying any cabinet off the shoulder (using a shoulder strap) or on the back (using a backpack) to be really awkward and uncomfortable.

Marcus Johnson · #14 01-27-2008, 12:19 PM

I busted out my trusty old Contra I last night. Little bugger sounded fantastic. Very transparent. I came close to selling it a few times, but now I'm glad I didn't. I wouldn't mind trying out a Coda III sometime.

flatback · #15 01-27-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Cho

For me, firstly it's the shape and most importantly the depth. The Coda is 2" deeper than the Wizzy 10. That doesn't sound like much but it's a lot when you have to hold the cabinet away from your body (to prevent it banging into your leg) while you're walking with the bass in the other arm. Secondly, having the two pieces allows me to be more balanced.

I personally find carrying any cabinet off the shoulder (using a shoulder strap) or on the back (using a backpack) to be really awkward and uncomfortable.

I just bought a rolling suitcase from REI at their anual sale for less then $20. In it i can put a wizzy ten, a focus strapped to an Avalon U5, cords, and a book. IT rolls great (big wheels) it has strong handles and it fits along with the bass in the VW Bug. I only take it off the ground when putting it in the car. Works great...

Uncletoad · #16 01-27-2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatback

I just bought a rolling suitcase from REI at their anual sale for less then $20. In it i can put a wizzy ten, a focus strapped to an Avalon U5, cords, and a book. IT rolls great (big wheels) it has strong handles and it fits along with the bass in the VW Bug. I only take it off the ground when putting it in the car. Works great...

I gotta see a pic of this!

Fatso · #17 02-04-2008, 04:33 AM

I a/b'd a few different amps before I bought my series III Contra 3 months ago and really feel spoiled for tone in 95% of situations. People often say they can't tell if their hearing the bass of the amp.

Initially used a Fishman pre with it but now find it unessesary, unless going through a pa - the signal from the AI DI is very hot.

I find it's shape a little awkward to carry but only a little.

I use an Underwood but have heard some players using darker pick ups have had some muddy issues.

clink · #18 02-04-2008, 09:21 AM

After much thought and advice:
AI Cabinet or Wizzzy 10
I bought a Contra EX to go with my Clarus 1 III last week.
Using it on a trio gig last weekend brought several compliments from the other musicians and patrons.
Granted, the volume was down, so I need to use it in more situations before I can give a true opinion.
Regarding the convenience aspect:
The little cabinet is so small and light that I think having a combo would be the best. When carrying a bass, stool and cabinet, even one more thing (head) is a hassle, especially when dealing with doors and stairs.
If this cabinet works I will upgrade to a Coda III and do the mic thing for trio gigs.