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18's for big metal sound with a 5 string

#2
Nope, but running 18's (EV EKK'S) for 5-string Country bass when we use our own PA.
Plus, most venues w/ PA have multiple 18's either under or to the side of the stage.
 
#4
I'm reminded of a quote from Steve Harris (which I don't remember exactly, so I'll paraphrase). *I tried 18" speakers for a while. I couldn't hear myself onstage but they were knocking people's heads off in the first 10 rows.*
 
#6
Forget the naysayers, I use a BW-1808 in a pseudo-biamp rig for a very intense rock trio (heavier than a good majority of metal bands) and it works great!

The trick is understanding your equipment: you will almost certainly NOT get the hi-mids you need to hang with a metal band (or to even be heard in a mix...) so another cab and some form of biamping is required. Treat the 18 as a sub and your bandmates will love you onstage, especially at smaller venues with little PA support.
 
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#7
Addendum:
Having subs in an onstage bass rig can definitely lead to a clustertruck if everybody's going to FOH, but that's a bridge you can cross when you get to it. If the house sound or band's PA can support the low freqs, I'll leave my cabs at home and DI my way to glory. Two less cabs to carry!
 
#8
Roadstar said:
Anyone running 18's with a 5 string for a giant metal sound?
Click to expand...
so yeah, 18s are mostly useless for anything except actual subs, which means you'd need other speakers on top to actually hear yourself. they're pretty much the opposite of a "giant metal sound".

for that you'd be better off with a big wall of tens.
 
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#10
walterw said:
so yeah, 18s are mostly useless for anything except actual subs, which means you'd need other speakers on top to actually hear yourself. they're pretty much the opposite of a "giant metal sound".

for that you'd be better off with a big wall of tens.
Click to expand...
But, but...

I thought that the size of the speaker only told you how big the hole in the cabinet was...?

Sarcasm off/
 
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#13
Metal sound ?
Depends on the size and the form of the metal , a metal rod tends to sound very high pitch , no need for a 18''.
A metal plate on the other hand can sound full range , also depends if it's steel or aluminium.
 
#15
old spice said:
This has not been my experience. I've used 2 rear-loaded 18's and the Sunn Coliseum head they came with for a long time and heard myself easily.
The cabinet design makes a big difference.
Click to expand...
Roadstar said:
Anyone running 18's with a 5 string for a giant metal sound? I am thinking of going that route and am fishing for what people are using.
Click to expand...

I have run my 2 Bag End S18 b-d at an outdoor gig. They sounded plenty full range with my gear, and I like to cut through a bit.
 

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