Hello Talkbass, This is my first post so if something is wrong let me know. Anyway I just got into playing bass 2 months ago after playin drums for 3 yrs started at 50yrs old (better late than never) I'm trying to figure out what amp & cab configuration. I've settled on 2x12, so my question is why wouldn't I get this Hartke 500 watt combo 12'' kickback (2 @ around $1000) instead of a 2 single 12'' cabs or 2x12 cab and amp? It looks like a lot of power and 2 separate cabs (easy to carry) for cheap compared to same quality cab and amp for around $2000? Will somebody straighten me out please? Thanks, Redline
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2 112 combo vs 2x12 amp and cab
- Thread starter RedlinrGM
- Start date
Welcome to TB!
The KB12 does not have an effects loop, so the only way to use these two combos at the same time is with a splitter to send your bass signal to both amps. It would be a bit of a balancing act. The KB12 also does not support adding an extension cabinet, so that's not an option. If you don't like the way it sounds, you've got two of them to get rid of.
The comparable Hartke head would be the LX5500, about the same price as a single KB12. As Hartke doesn't make a 212 (plenty of options with other manufacturers) you could get a pair of HD112's (~$449 each) or HL112's (~$650 each). So yeah, separates might cost more. What this modularity gets you is flexibility: you can use a single cabinet instead of both, you can replace either the amp or the cabs depending on your taste. It's also usually much easier to transport separates than one bigger unit: YMMV.
It might help to understand why you've decided that a 212 or 2x112 is the right solution.
The KB12 does not have an effects loop, so the only way to use these two combos at the same time is with a splitter to send your bass signal to both amps. It would be a bit of a balancing act. The KB12 also does not support adding an extension cabinet, so that's not an option. If you don't like the way it sounds, you've got two of them to get rid of.
The comparable Hartke head would be the LX5500, about the same price as a single KB12. As Hartke doesn't make a 212 (plenty of options with other manufacturers) you could get a pair of HD112's (~$449 each) or HL112's (~$650 each). So yeah, separates might cost more. What this modularity gets you is flexibility: you can use a single cabinet instead of both, you can replace either the amp or the cabs depending on your taste. It's also usually much easier to transport separates than one bigger unit: YMMV.
It might help to understand why you've decided that a 212 or 2x112 is the right solution.
The KB12 power is rated @ peak to peak, not rms - it's really a 250 watt amp. "Same quality" is subjective, but I'd consider used GK, Genzler, Mesa, Aguilar, Bergantino, Acoustic Image, Traynor for quality, honest specs and customer service, which seems to be non existent with a lot of less expensive stuff - not just Hartke.
Thank you both, the reason I'm headed in the 2x12 direction is because here on Talk bass a lot of the more experienced players said it was there favorite. I'm sure I will try them all. I didn't know about the peak/rms of the Hartke. I will probably get the Mesa subway 2x12 800 watts and amp to go with it. Thanks again, Redline
I am a fan of separates. Yes the prices are higher than most combo options, but I feel like the quality of the speakers and amps are generally higher in separates vs the value-based "all-in-one" combo options.
There are exceptions, like GKs higher end Legacy and Fusion combos. However you'll see that those are anywhere from like $900-1600, and not really much less than just buying the separates. The ins and outs, (direct out, effects loop, tuner out, etc) are generally much better/plentiful on a quality amp head vs a combo. This doesn't matter much for home practice, but can be a game-changer for gig situations and sending a good signal to FOH.
I also like to mix and match based on the sound I'm going for at a particular gig, or the volume and space requirements/limitations. I've got 4 heads and 5 cabs right now across a few brands and sizes.
Over Easter weekend I went and played at my in-laws' church a few hours away. Very simple, small church with seating for about 150. Since I was traveling I wanted to keep it light. Went with a little 110 and a Warwick Gnome amp. The amp and power, speaker, and instrument cables fit just perfect in the pocket of a Sterling bass bag I had on hand! Easy gig rig with just two items to carry - bass bag and cab.
If you tend to like to experiment and try new things, separates make that easier and more fun as well!
I share the above because I also really like having my 2x112 stack. If I didn't have that 110, I would have just as easily taken along one of the GK112 cabs in the pic. I just really love modular stuff. The options this approach gives me are just great.
Good luck!
There are exceptions, like GKs higher end Legacy and Fusion combos. However you'll see that those are anywhere from like $900-1600, and not really much less than just buying the separates. The ins and outs, (direct out, effects loop, tuner out, etc) are generally much better/plentiful on a quality amp head vs a combo. This doesn't matter much for home practice, but can be a game-changer for gig situations and sending a good signal to FOH.
I also like to mix and match based on the sound I'm going for at a particular gig, or the volume and space requirements/limitations. I've got 4 heads and 5 cabs right now across a few brands and sizes.
Over Easter weekend I went and played at my in-laws' church a few hours away. Very simple, small church with seating for about 150. Since I was traveling I wanted to keep it light. Went with a little 110 and a Warwick Gnome amp. The amp and power, speaker, and instrument cables fit just perfect in the pocket of a Sterling bass bag I had on hand! Easy gig rig with just two items to carry - bass bag and cab.
If you tend to like to experiment and try new things, separates make that easier and more fun as well!
I share the above because I also really like having my 2x112 stack. If I didn't have that 110, I would have just as easily taken along one of the GK112 cabs in the pic. I just really love modular stuff. The options this approach gives me are just great.
Good luck!
I personally think this is smart.
I have the same combo in the KB15 format and it is so good I also though that a pair of them is a very viable set up for power, tone and transportation. Super small for what you have in output and they sound great.
If you haven't bought the first one yet, I recommend you try the KB15 because I tried the whole range at Sam Ash and the 15 was the punchier and clearer amp when using a range of 4 and 5 string basses.
I haven't changed my mind nearly 2 years later and the amp has performed flawlessly and is light to carry.
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