Aguilar TH500 and cab combinations

[BillyLebuA]

Hi there

I've been reading talkbass for so long. Finally I got an account and joined the forums.
I researched quite a lot for the past few days about amp and cabs and still found the answers are not assuring to my decision.

Now I own Aguilar TH500 and TC electronic RS112 + RS210 cab.
I know that people say you can crank the TH500 all the way, but I find that when the band gets louder I feel like it's running out of headroom.
I'm wondering if you guys could a give me opinions about these options.

1) Should I change the Cab to 4ohm 2x12? or Do you guys have any advise for other lightweight cabs? (Note that I don't have 1000$ budget for a cab )

- (so far, Cabs I've looked at are MarkBass NY122 [4ohm 212], GK neo 212, Another RS112)



2) I've been looking to trade my TH500 to Mesa Boogie Subway D800, that way I can have 400watts at 8ohm and more headroom when I stack up more cabs. What do you think of this option?

3) Buy a preamp/DI pedal so that I can crank the amp all the way without clipping the FOH and piss the sound guy off.

4)Keep What I have and live with it(lol)


Thank you so much in advance for any

 

[PWV]

I'd say a 4-ohm 212 or 410 would get you there - be on the lookout for Genz Benz cabs. Discontinued product line means you can great deals used here at TB.

 

[BillyLebuA]

I'd say a 4-ohm 212 or 410 would get you there - be on the lookout for Genz Benz cabs. Discontinued product line means you can great deals used here at TB.

Wow thanks for quick post.

 

[KB1UHJ]

I have the New York 122 that i use with a MB500 head, that cab is killer and should give you more volume and punch than your current setup. However a good 410 (whether it be GK, MB, etc.) will probably be louder still. If you are looking for portability and a small footprint though, that 122 wont disappoint

 

[BillyLebuA]

I have the New York 122 that i use with a MB500 head, that cab is killer and should give you more volume and punch than your current setup. However a good 410 (whether it be GK, MB, etc.) will probably be louder still. If you are looking for portability and a small footprint though, that 122 wont disappoint

I heard NY122 are really light. How does it sound on the low end?

Thanks for your input though )

 

[BillyLebuA]

Any thoughts on Mesa D800?

There's thread for it but i want to see how it compares to TH500 tho.
I heard the power amp on TH500 is actually 800watts.

 

[B-string]

Not a fan of MarkBass cabs, but I will share this. Cabs make the sound not watts, 500 watts will drive a 212 or 410 pretty well and if that is not loud enough, you need two 8 ohm cabs not one 4 ohm (unless it is a 412, 610 or 810 cab).

 

[Jeff Scott]

I have owned a Tone Hammer 500 for several years now. Speaker cabinets make a huge difference as some have better (higher) sensitivity than others and will provide higher SPL;, I'd look there first. If you are running out of headroom with the Aguilar, chances are your band is too loud IME.

 

[B-string]

Any thoughts on Mesa D800?

There's thread for it but i want to see how it compares to TH500 tho.
I heard the power amp on TH500 is actually 800watts.

The module model is supposed to be capable of that power, but that does not mean the manufacturer allows you to get it. Aguilar has not been interested in independent testing so you can only take their published specs and not assume ANYTHING else.

 

[BillyLebuA]

I have owned a Tone Hammer 500 for several years now. Speaker cabinets make a huge difference as some have better (higher) sensitivity than others and will provide higher SPL;, I'd look there first. If you are running out of headroom with the Aguilar, chances are your band is too loud IME.

What cab do you prefer?

 

[Jeff Scott]

There are a lot of good ones out there, especially the custom builds by Don Oatman (LDS) and the various Greenboy iterations. I have not owned a standard commercial/consumer type cabinets in many years, now.

 

[BassmusM6674]

I normally use one TH500 thru 2 Aguilar GS112 cabs. I also have used it thru my 4 ohm 8x10 cab and it was LOUD.
I just got a 2nd TH500 to run thru my DB112's for outdoor shows but haven't tried yet.
I agree with B-string, get two decent 8-ohm cabs or maybe one big 4-ohm cab. If that isn't enough u probably are too loud.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Obligatory photo op!

 

[CJL]

+1 on finding a used Genz Benz. I have been running my TH500 through an NEOx 212T for over a year, often without FOH support, and have never run out of juice. Sounds great too.

 

[direwolf333]

I play bars and small clubs with TH500 and a single sl112. I was thinking of getting a Berg CN212 (4 OHM, 700W RMS) or just another sl112. Any recommendations? I know I'll be able to get 15 to 20% off with the holidays around the corner. Not sure if I can get a discount on the Berg. Sorry for the hijack.

 

[LowEndWooly]

I have a TH500 into a GS 412 and it's stupid loud. In my loud band, I keep the gain around noon and the volume absolutely no more than 9:00. I have the mids boosted a bit and the drive knob is up to about 2:00. I use a passive P bass with TI flats.. the drive/gain combo gives me enough dynamics to play soft for pretty clean tone, then dig in for that nasty aggressive hair. SICK tone!

But, since the 412 is way too much cab for it, I'm downsizing to something that I can carry by myself and fit in my hatchback.. getting Don at LDS to build a 12/8/5 wedge cab that I imagine will be perfect.

 

[BassmusM6674]

I play bars and small clubs with TH500 and a single sl112. I was thinking of adding a Berg CN212 or just another sl112. Any recommendations? I know I'll be able to get 15 to 20% off with the holidays around the corner. Not sure if I can get a discount on the Berg. Sorry for the hijack.

Either another SL112 or the Berg will make a huge difference in your volume. I know for me it's night & dDay when I add a 2nd 112. I would get another SL112. Two smaller cabs are easier to haul than one larger cab.

 

[direwolf333]

Either another SL112 or the Berg will make a huge difference in your volume. I know for me it's night & dDay when I add a 2nd 112. I would get another SL112. Two smaller cabs are easier to haul than one larger cab.

Thanks, sounds good. Easy load in/out is a priority for me. That LDS stuff sure looks nice.

Don't forget OP you can get a nice discount over the holidays. Just use the phone and call all the vendors you can think of.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I used to use the Aguilar with this great LDS cab Don made for me that has 2 Eminence 3012LFs and an 18Sound mid driver in it. I never did find just how loud it would max out at.

 

[Latitude94941]

I own a TH500 and agree with the previous posters who said that the amp is not the problem--it should have more than enough power into your 4 Ohm load. Also, in my limited experience, your cabs work well with the head so you should be good there. You're stacking the 210 on top of the 112, correct?

Please let us know the settings you're using on the TH500, your bass(es) and how you run the controls on the basses.

Is there by chance a keyboard player in your band? Or more than two guitars?