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Double Bass AI Ten 2 + acme B1?

james condino

james condino

Spruce dork
Commercial User
Sep 30, 2007
5,443
13,478
asheville, nc
www.condino.com
#1
I'm currently running an ACME B1 series III, 8 ohm cab with a an Acooustic Image Focus 1, series III for my smaller jazz trio type gigs. LOVE the sound, but there are times when we get rowdy and I just need more, so I've been looking for another cab. 8 ohm B1s are scarce on the used market. I demo'd about 20 different cabs last year and the B1 was the best choice for what I am after soundwise.('bummed that I missed the B2 yesterday for $250!) A few people have suggested getting an Acoustic Image ten 2 with the Cabrio setup.

That way I could have a louder, small rig directly coupled to the Focus in an easy to handle package, and use the B1 as an extension when needed for the louder sessions. Does anyone have direct experience with this combination? How is the sound of the ten 2 compared to the B1? My understanding of it is that the two 10s in the ten2 combine for a 4 ohm load and that matcing up the additional 8ohm 10" B1 should couple together fine. My other option is to get another B1 cab; less $, but I'd guess that I would start bringing both of them to every gig once I got a taste for the extra sound. 'More junk to haul during the load in / out. Last year I had an Acme flatwound 112; while the sound was not right for what I needed, the additional output over the B1 made it work very well for a lot more of my gigs. I eventually sold it- too much of a good thing for double bass and my jazz gigs. Better for a reggae or dub band sound.

Thanks for the help!

j.
www.condino.com
www.kaybassrepair.com
 
#2
james condino said:
I'm currently running an ACME B1 series III, 8 ohm cab with a an Acooustic Image Focus 1, series III for my smaller jazz trio type gigs. LOVE the sound, but there are times when we get rowdy and I just need more, so I've been looking for another cab. 8 ohm B1s are scarce on the used market. I demo'd about 20 different cabs last year and the B1 was the best choice for what I am after soundwise.('bummed that I missed the B2 yesterday for $250!) A few people have suggested getting an Acoustic Image ten 2 with the Cabrio setup.

That way I could have a louder, small rig directly coupled to the Focus in an easy to handle package, and use the B1 as an extension when needed for the louder sessions. Does anyone have direct experience with this combination? How is the sound of the ten 2 compared to the B1? My understanding of it is that the two 10s in the ten2 combine for a 4 ohm load and that matcing up the additional 8ohm 10" B1 should couple together fine. My other option is to get another B1 cab; less $, but I'd guess that I would start bringing both of them to every gig once I got a taste for the extra sound. 'More junk to haul during the load in / out. Last year I had an Acme flatwound 112; while the sound was not right for what I needed, the additional output over the B1 made it work very well for a lot more of my gigs. I eventually sold it- too much of a good thing for double bass and my jazz gigs. Better for a reggae or dub band sound.

Thanks for the help!

j.
www.condino.com
www.kaybassrepair.com
Click to expand...


James, I didn't want to quote you but methinks the software demands it.
I've never used a B1 with an AI combo but my first B1 came from Bob Branstetter who used it as an extension for his Coda and claimed they sound similar. I know both Andy and Rick support each other and Rick may have a B1 on hand to give you a recommendation. Why not just call him and ask?
I can tell you that two B1's provide all the volume I will probably ever need and sound more like three than two because a pair has such synergy. I'm actually thinking of trying a series ii Contra again because a B1 is overkill for many of my gigs.
Curious to know what you discover.
 
#3
Having identical cabs (e.g., two B1s) offers a number of advantages over using pairs made up of different cabs. You may find this helpful. As Greg suggested, if you can tap the experience of others who may have combined the cabs you're considering, that could provide valuable information.
 
#6
I spoke with Rick and he has a set of ACMEs and I believe Andy has an Acoustic Image head....funny how that works. The Focus goes down to 2 ohms, so the parts are all compatible, 'just wondering if anyone has actually used them together in this combination. I find a single B1 won't handle several of my smaller gigs ( jazz, but rowdy!), but a pair is almost a too powerful combo and more junk for the load in and walk from the parking garage...

j.
 
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#9
Nope; I paused too long and missed it! Anybody want to split up the $500 set on the Boston Craigslist right now?

You know....Saturday night I was giging on a tiny tiny tiny little stage, half of it already taken up by the house's surplus equipment and junk. During the setup and set breaks, I actually turned the B1 on its side and used the port as a pint holder and was amazed how well it worked!
 

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