112 cabinets

Hi Jeff,
recently, I had the same idea. Originally, I purchased the Flite 112 cab to use it as extension for my GK MB 150. Later I decided to A/B the GK and AI through the Flite cab. So I borrowed the Clarus combo (don't exactly remember the type)from a friend and use it as a head through the Flite cab. The result was terrible, unfortunately. To be more specific, the sound was very middle-sounding, with the most terrible kind of middle you can imagine and there was no way to cut it down or to dial some kind of pleasant sound (unless you love completelly sterile and middle rangey sound). Then I run the Flite by the GK used as a head only and the result was much much better - it sounded like a bass (I don't say "my bass only louder", but it was a BASS sound). Because I couldn't believe this could be the truth, I repeated the A/B test two more times, each time in a different venue. The result was always the same. It's hard to believe, but this is my experience. I was using my old great sounding bass with the Realist.
By the way, after reading a great post sent by DRURB I reconsidered using the Flite as an ext for the GK MB 150. It sounded great at some venues but at others I experienced some resonance problems, which after reading the DRURB analysis I can understand. The best ext. for GK MB combo is the GK MBX cab. It looks like toy, but together with the combo sounds unbelievably great. However, the Flite cabinet will sound great with some amp head - not with the AI though, unfortunatelly. But this was only my experience, my ears and my taste...

 

Jeff,
I've used a number of different EA Cabinets with my Walter Woods, so
I can't see why the Whizzy 112 extension cab wouldn't work well in this
situation. Unfortunately it weighs more and costs more, so it may not be an option. The EPI 112 was supposed to have been designed for DB but I've never actually played through one, and once again they are pretty pricey. Then LDS could built you anything you want with a 12" woofer. One of my favorite DB cabinets was the Ampeg SB 12, but that's ancient history at this point.

Ric

 

I have a Flite 1x10 and am quite happy with it. The cab isn't so good if it's not coupled with the floor. Did you raise it by any chance? Mine gets really mid-rangey if I raise it up higher. I use it with a Focus SA and it's fine to me.

 

+1 for the Wizzy cab.

 

+2 for the Wizzy

 

In my experience, most of the Flite cabs are not in the same ballpark as EA, Bergantino, Epifani, etc. I tried them all (with my Walter Woods and DB) at the "factory" (it's really more of a workshop at a guy's house in Connecticut, and he's super-nice and cool to deal with) and the 1x10, 1x12, and 1x15 did not really measure up all that well with higher-end stuff. However, he makes a three way cabinet with a downfiring 10" speaker, a midrange tweeter and a horn that sounds fabulous and both compares well with high-end cabinets when used with a Walter Woods and a DB and which can be cranked really loud when used with BG and a different amp (I used it with an Eden WT400 in a super-loud club date band for a couple of years, and it cut the mustard as a stage amp/monitor). It's larger than the GK combo but not any bigger than a Bergantino or Epifani 1x12, and it's amazingly light (like twenty-some pounds, no trouble carrying it with one hand).

As for the others, I haven't heard the EA or Bergantino stuff but a friend of mine has the Epifani 1x12; his DB + Realist into an Eden head sounds really beautiful through this rig.

 

However, he makes a three way cabinet with a downfiring 10" speaker, a midrange tweeter and a horn that sounds fabulous and both compares well with high-end cabinets when used with a Walter Woods and a DB and which can be cranked really loud when used with BG and a different amp
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I used to own two Flite 2x8 and I really liked those cabinets. You do have to be more careful with them and since intense heat can damage them you really have to have the covers. It's a trade off between lightness and sacrificing a little durability. Kurt is a great guy to deal with, he once mailed me an emergency tweeter to Atlanta, Georgia and didn't even charge me for it.

Ric

 

Probably a little misunderstanding - I don't blame the Flite cabinet, I do blame the AI amp. In my opinion, it's sterile and middley-sounding amp, however controversaly this can sound. The Flite cab may not be the greatest cab, but it sounds deep and mellow...with the GK head, for example.

 

I wouldn't shy away from an HT112, either. The Bergantino tweeter is not harsh at all (IME/IMHO), and I think it adds to the proper level of left hand finger noise (I like a little but not too much; of course, opinions will vary on this). To me, it would come down to the Wizzy or the HT112 (or the CxL-112, if you want even more left hand "presence"). I haven't tried the new Epifani UL-112, but my T-112's have a bit of a midrange scoop that tends to make my upright sound a tad "electric." I found my T-110UL's to be much better for upright. The UL-112 (or T-112UL) is supposed to have more midrange presence, though, so it may be a different story.

Tom.

 

Hmm... that's kinda odd to me too because when I compare my AI Focus SA to an iAmp 500, they're both pretty close. I guess the Clarus could be alot different. The Flite 1x10 has been serving me well and I don't have any intense heat issues here in SF. Thanks for the heads up about all that stuff anyways guys. I hope to try a wizzy at some point too but it's been easy toting my 22 lb 600 watt rig around.

 

Wow! Small world! I was born and raised here, and I'm back after my time at THE Ohio State University, and some years working in Columbus thereafter. So yes, I am sure familiar with Bettsville. What year were you born here? [Feel free to PM me!].

And I am also very appreciative for the wealth of knowledge and friendship shared here on TB. I've learned tons from the people on this site. I'm glad to contribute in some small way myself.

Take care, Tom.

 

I have been using a Flite 112 w/ a Focus II for about 6 months now. I also originally bought it for the GK combo. The Flite sounds great with my mid 50's Pollman (strung with gut strings) and a Realist. I also use a mic with the whole rig. All in all it is light, powerful and is my bass louder. I am curious to try EA cabs and Bergantino 112's. What about the LDS system with the Focus? Anyone using that system (LDS) with a mic as well?

 

I found the Flite cabs to be very boxy sounding. I would go with the Wizzy. Much more definition and a smooth sound.

 

Well I know that Macmrkt did have that setup and posted a very detalied review of the Focus with his LDS 2x8. Now that I have
the Macmrkt LDS 2x8 Series II, I'll let you know, but I'm not playing out with it until this Thursday evening and I haven't got my AMT microphine as yet.

Ric

 

Hey Jeff--you can come check out my Wizzy and 2 Berg HT-112s if you want--send me a PM. Also, let me know if you still have the MB150--which model (E or S) and your price.

I prefer the Wizzy for DB and the Bergs for BG. As you know I have a similar setup (Cleveland, various pickups, GK amp). A guitarist friend came by with his Clarus combo last week, I had a real good time checking it out. AI's internal speakers sounded quite good, but I thought it sounded better into the Wizzy. I'd also consider the Acme B-1 and the Accugroove Tri 110--haven't heard either, but they look interesting.