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Double Bass AI Focus 2

#21
The distinct advantages of the QSC K8 are it’s size, tone, and construction. With the right preamp and EQ settings
it’s works really well as a onstage monitoring amp for DB. My sense is that it’s feature set and build quality make it
the top of the line in the powered P.A. Speaker market. Just my take.
 
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#22
I wanted to find a travel case to house my focus, preamp pedals, and PSU in one box so I can turn everything on and off with one switch and pack up real easy. I’m pretty pleased with this 12x12x10” case I dug up on eBay for this purpose - it worked out way better than I imagined. All I did was add some rubber feet, 12x12 sound insulating foam on top and bottom, and a couple of strips of cedar on the sides to keep it from bouncing around in transit. Everything is secured and accessible, the excess of the extra long cables wraps neatly around the PSU when in transit. No rattles or sympathetic buzzes when resting on top of cab, amazingly! I know this is super dumb, but it’s silly how satisfied I am with this solution and I thought I’d post in case anyone else is in a similar situation
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#24
I mean, this amp does get relatively hot, and theres no fan, but I don’t suspect the Velcro on top and wood strips on the side is going to make it any worse. I’ll certainty keep an eye on it, but usually I only have it on for less than a couple hrs at time.
 
#27
Jeff Kissell said:
I’ve had Acoustic Image heads go into thermal overload when subjected to direct sunlight. Most likely it will get too hot without enough space around it. Couldn’t you just lift it out?
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the only times i've ever had issues with my a.i. amps shutting down due to heat were when used in direct sunlight. after the second time, i figured out what was happening. since then i keep them in shade when necessary, and it has never happened again ~
 
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#28
yodedude2 said:
the only times i've ever had issues with my a.i. amps shutting down due to heat were when used in direct sunlight. after the second time, i figured out what was happening. since then i keep them in shade when necessary, and it has never happened again ~
Click to expand...
I agree but I’m also mindful of the operating conditions and surrounding the amp with a bunch of insulation seems less than ideal.
 
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#30
Jeff Kissell said:
I’ve had Acoustic Image heads go into thermal overload when subjected to direct sunlight. Most likely it will get too hot without enough space around it. Couldn’t you just lift it out?
Click to expand...

That seems to be an issue with both Acoustic Image and Walter Woods amplifiers. I remember that you cannot place a Walter Woods amp in direct sunlight either.
In the case of the Woods because it releases heat, through the vents in the top and the massive heat sink on the back as well.
 
#33
I’ve done a little work on my macro-amp/pedal idea. Now all the cables plug into the back of the case so the box can operate closed (I’ve got a 3 year old that loves to turn knobs). I really like closing the box and not thinking about knobs anymore - talk about plug and play. Out of sight, out of mind. No thermal overload issues yet, but I might still put in vent holes if I plan on playing with it closed for long periods of time. Added a little Rick in the box in tribute to our fallen hero.

Im debating putting the power switch and indicator light on the outside, too, so you can toggle power when closed, but I’m kind of digging it where it is.

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#35
I have been using a Focus 2R (series III?) with DB and electric for about 20 years. Love it! I mostly use a Crazy8 and Crazy88 made by Mike Arnopol with composite cabs. I can use the HPF to achieve fairly high volume levels without worrying about damaging the speakers.

When grandchildren visit, they love to play with all of the knobs and buttons, which makes me doubly glad the power switch is on the back! ;)
 
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#36
I also have been using a Focus 2R (series III) with a EA CXL112 for six years and think it's a good combo.
I do find it challenging to eq, as even with the mid and high controls at zero I get a pretty bright sound. I wonder if there is something amiss with the amp? I have the tweeter shut off on the cab.

I haven't tried the Focus with my MAS cabs but I have no doubt it would be a stellar match.
 
#37
Eric Hochberg said:
I also have been using a Focus 2R (series III) with a EA CXL112 for six years and think it's a good combo.
I do find it challenging to eq, as even with the mid and high controls at zero I get a pretty bright sound. I wonder if there is something amiss with the amp? I have the tweeter shut off on the cab.

I haven't tried the Focus with my MAS cabs but I have no doubt it would be a stellar match.
Click to expand...

You might want to send it in for service. When I did, it came back sounding great and I received a list of lots of things that they replaced for a nominal fee; stellar service!
 
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