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Advice on Getting Some Rumble

N

Neo5

May 23, 2007
8
0
#1
I was after some advice from fellow bassists, I have been experimenting with my sound for some time now. I currently own an ampeg classic Svt & 8x10 cab. I have experimented Through the years with various amps and cabs but I have only used 10" speakers and none of these have ever given me some great rumble. The other day I was at rehersal and I couldn't be stuffed carrying my ampeg and huge cabinet so I took my little Warick 30watt amp which has a great sweeping mid. I plugged from the line out of my little amp and into the PA (which rehersal owners frown upon, but I did it aways).

The PA had 2 wall mounted 15" speakers on opposing walls and I couldn't believe the great sound I got. Fantastic chest thumping rumble that I have never experienced on stage or rehersal before. I have two questions that I'd appreciate your thoughts on?

1/. Did I get that sound because of the 2 x15" speakers? as opossed to 10" speakers, or
2/. Do you think it was due to 2 opposing speakers? or a combination of both questions?

Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated. :bassist:
 
#2
Ok, since no one else has answered you here I'll wade in. What exactly do you mean by "rumble".

Also, the type of speakers in the PA make a bit diff. Are they subs? 15" mains? If subs, the yes you will get a TON more "rumble". That huge bass sound you get in big concerts cannot be acheived by players cabinets alone. A decent set up subs will punch you in the chest.
 
#4
Thanks you guys, by rumble, I mean(it's hard to describe), , but the low end that seems to fill out the music and the room with depth. And the resonant shake feeling you get in your chest with bass tones. The speakers were wall mounted mains (in a rehersal studio), 2 X EVP 15” Wharfedale Speakers, I don't know the specs unfortunately but It was supprising to get that feel from those speakers. I have never been able to acheive this "rumble sound" with my std. 10" (8x10) bass rig? Do you think it's because of the 15" speakers or is it the fact that the 2 speakers are opposing? or a combination of both opposing & 15" speakers? If I can get that sound with 15" speakers, I might have to invest in a 15" cabinet setup? Do you guys acheive this "rumble" and if you do, What are your setups & thoughts?
 
#5
Neo5 said:
If I can get that sound with 15" speakers, I might have to invest in a 15" cabinet setup? Do you guys acheive this "rumble" and if you do, What are your setups & thoughts?
Click to expand...

See if you can talk the owner of the 15s to let you plug your bass head into one. If you get the sound you are looking for, maybe you should ask him where he purchased them and add one or two to your stage configuration.

V
 
#7
try some Gallien Krueger 'neo' 15 cabs. 2 of them together sound great and are 'quicker' responding than most 10's anyway. They're also quite compact for easy transport.
You might find an old 2x15" cab with 2 'EVM 15B speakers. That would have less high end, though. The 15L speakers are brighter.
not a fan of the JBL's.
I am also a big fan of using pa gear for a full range sound and have done so for many years, but a lot of guys on this site seem to think that's a bad idea.
 
#8
Thanks Vail Bass for the reply. I reckon 15's are definitely the way to go. I thinks it's because you get that Lo Frequency depth which bass "should" have and you can't get that from 10's. 10's counter argument appears to be that 10's respond quicker? I have decided to DIY build an omni15 http://www.billfitzmaurice.com/Omni15.html. I have just about finished the cab. Really wasn't very hard, you just need the time factor. Cant wait to hear it!!
 
#9
I have a pair of Acme B2II's that have plenty of LF depth. ...and I've never carried a 2x15 or 1x18 without the help of a hand-truck or drummer. The Acme's require more power to make up for their low efficiency, but there's definitely ample low end. To get the full frequency response from a cabinet that small is pretty incredible ...and my back thanks me too!

FWIW. I used to think my Acoustic 370 amp and 18" folded-horn cab was pretty cool ....actually, I still do, just can't find a roadie with a truck who works for nothing. :D

Neo5 said:
Thanks Vail Bass for the reply. I reckon 15's are definitely the way to go. I thinks it's because you get that Lo Frequency depth which bass "should" have and you can't get that from 10's. 10's counter argument appears to be that 10's respond quicker? I have decided to DIY build an omni15 http://www.billfitzmaurice.com/Omni15.html. I have just about finished the cab. Really wasn't very hard, you just need the time factor. Cant wait to hear it!!
Click to expand...
 
#10
The B2's sound pretty good, but for me living in Australia are a bit too pricey for unfortunately. Our dollar against the US is not real good at the moment. The cheaper option was to go an Omni15. The weight and size isn't tooooo bad, at around 70 pounds (30kg's). It would be good to see a test comparison between 10's and 15's for low frequency? and also a reflex test for response?
 

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