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I would prefer not to go 4 ohms if the cab may require an occasional second cab. But if another cab can be added in series or not needed at all than its a moot point. MAS is my current focus but I am still open. I will definetly take a look at AudioKinesis
Mike:
Thanks for that explanation.
Of course I do, and I appreciate that your cabs probably sound great. Other certainly seem to think so.
Of course, there's room in the market for all approaches and I for one am glad you do what you do. While they may not be for me, I don't really want to dissuade others from looking at your wares; Just adding my thoughts to the mix. Because I'm not into it doesn't mean other shouldn't be. Hey, 6 string basses are a waste on me as well.
Be well!
Thanks for that explanation.
Of course I do, and I appreciate that your cabs probably sound great. Other certainly seem to think so.
Of course, there's room in the market for all approaches and I for one am glad you do what you do. While they may not be for me, I don't really want to dissuade others from looking at your wares; Just adding my thoughts to the mix. Because I'm not into it doesn't mean other shouldn't be. Hey, 6 string basses are a waste on me as well.
Be well!
Hey, thanks for indulging my ramblings. The last thing I want to do is instigate any sort of tribal conflict over cab designs. I don't pretend that what I like is the only way or even the best way for everyone in every situation. As for the cabs sounding great, that mostly depends on how I'm playing that night.Mike:
Thanks for that explanation.
Of course I do, and I appreciate that your cabs probably sound great. Other certainly seem to think so.
Of course, there's room in the market for all approaches and I for one am glad you do what you do. While they may not be for me, I don't really want to dissuade others from looking at your wares; Just adding my thoughts to the mix. Because I'm not into it doesn't mean other shouldn't be. Hey, 6 string basses are a waste on me as well.
Be well!
Just to be clear, since (I think!) you called me Mike and referred to "your wares," I am not the "MA" in MAS cabs -- that would be Mike Arnopol. I just happen to use them and share the same initials.
Among other 2x12s out there, Duke's Hathor 2x12 looks like a sweet configuration. I dig that his cabs are designed so that you can easily plug some or all of the ports. If I wasn't playing my 112, I would take a hard look at that.
Though the OP has indicated that price and time-crunch aren't such issues now, if I needed to run out to the nearest Guitar Center and pick up a reasonably-priced cab tonight that I'd feel comfortable using for awhile, it would probably be a GK Neo 212-ii. I haven't played that cab, but I have spent a little time with the 210, 410, and 112. Of all of those, the 112 seemed to me the most clear and articulate, with more present mids and a tighter low end than the other cabs (210 in particular struck me as somewhat boomy). If the 212 is voiced similarly, I think it would be a decent pick for about $600. For reference, the SVT 212 AV (which I haven't played, but would be a different sonic flavor) is about $700, and the smaller Markbass 2x12 about $800.
A MAS-112 is about $1000 -- more if you start adding options.
If one is willing to look at used cabs, other possibilities open up.
A MAS-112 is about $1000 -- more if you start adding options.
If one is willing to look at used cabs, other possibilities open up.
I did think you were MAS. Since you said that, they suck.
Just kidding, What I said before stands, there's room for everything in the market. Even old curmudgeons like myself can find likewise old and cranky equipment. Get off my lawn!
Why I oughtta... I'm glad we cleared up the case of mistaken identity. As for old and cranky equipment, I am still somewhat stubbornly playing large, transformer-based amps, even as I try what I can of the latest and greatest of the compact switching amps. I've found a few that I dig, but nothing yet that's compelled me to forego the heavy iron completely -- close, but not quite. Not yet, anyway.I did think you were MAS. Since you said that, they suck.
Get off my lawn!
As I said, I haven't played one, but those who have say it has something of that sealed Ampeg cab vibe in a ported cab. I'd be curious to see if it can get the sealed cab bounce along with the tone.
I use exclusively class D amps, but the best amp I've played in a long time was at a local jam, it was an Aguilar 751 - no lightweight there. I do think the class A/B stuff sounds better.
In the GK 212, I didn't find that at all. Someone on TB described 12's in general as "being neither fish nor fowl," and I thought that was an apt description of the NEO 212.
The best 12's I've heard in awhile - and I have two of them - are the Rumble 112s. They sound full, which most 12s do not.
But I have been very interested in the Ampeg 212, just can't get much info about them.
Only 212 I have ever had is my Berg CN 212. If you are looking for a tight, efficient cab that moves a lot of air, and wont break your back to move... cant imagine there is a better product. I have used it for rock and country gigs the past two years and it is has been bullet proof and I love it. My new gig is a funk/soul gig and I really prefer 10's for that and have opted for an Aggy DB210 but the Berg is sticking around.
Does anyone know if MAS is even in business? I submitted a few inquiries on the website last week. and have heard nothing back.
Mike is a very busy guy and only gets to email and computer based things once in a while. The best way to contact him is to call.
I talked to Mike a few days ago -- I'd left him a couple of messages the week before. It took a little while, but he did get back to me. Sometimes he'll call in reply to an email, but he doesn't seem to correspond via email that often. When I have gotten hold of him, he's usually been in the middle of driving to a gig or building a cab. Once he cut me off and said, "Sorry, the elevator's arrived at my floor and I've gotta set up and soundcheck in a few minutes," and then I heard a ding, elevator doors opening, and people shuffling off. But, yeah, busy guy -- easier to get hold of sometimes than others. Very much still in business as far as I know -- when I talked to him it was about a new cab design he's been testing, so I assume so.
I love my Ampegs - so much so that I sold my Bergantinos. Jim makes fantastic cabs and I used them for a decade or so. But I like the classic Ampeg tone and find that (IME anyway) comes primarily through their cabs. They just have a certain warmth to them. You wouldn't expect a ported 212 to sound like a sealed 810, but the resemblence is remarkable. I typically gig two of them and it's a pretty good proxy for a fridge - but with a lot more flexibility. They are relatively light and priced well. They only come in 4ohm (I think), so you'd need a 2ohm capable head to use two - which can be a drawback for some. I also find the tolex isn't particularly sturdy as they seem to get scuffed up faster than my other cabs have. Happy to provide more info on them if that would help - just let me know what questions you may have.
[QUOTE="They only come in 4ohm (I think), so you'd need a 2ohm capable head to use two - which can be a drawback for some. [/QUOTE]
Yes, went down that road, its ironical that the SVT Pro series wont go to 2 but there amps and 4ohm cabs only have a parallel option. Personal prefence is to buy US made as well.
Yes, went down that road, its ironical that the SVT Pro series wont go to 2 but there amps and 4ohm cabs only have a parallel option. Personal prefence is to buy US made as well.
I get what you're saying. I've had four MAS rigs -- two new and two used -- but I didn't buy either of the new ones through the website, so I can't say how closely it's monitored or maintained. I can say that I've been happy with the cabs I've had and happy with the service and support with the used and new ones alike. You have to feel comfortable with the process, though -- it's your money, after all.
Would Ampeg do an 8 Ohm cab if you asked?
EDIT: Per your comment, where is the SVT 212AV made?
Yes, I was admittedly premature with my remark, (I tried to get some patience once but couldnt wait). Mike called me directly and was extremely helpful in providing a lot of detail about the cabs. In retrospect it was hypocritical of me to admire the high end boutique (if I may use the term) builders but not appreciate the time and effort it takes and that a lot of these guys have to wear a lot of hats. I dont expect the personal attention from Corporation X that I got from Mike, (as well as Duke/AudioKinesis, Jeff/Genzler), anytime soon. Lesson learned and hats off to these guys.
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Cool. Glad you got a reply. I've corresponded with all of those guys and all were helpful and gave me the sense that they cared about and believed in what they were doing.
