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Ampeg SVT/810 vs GK MBF800/F212

10cc

10cc

Inactive
Oct 28, 2013
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6,622
#1
Well since @Dave Hill is too busy, I'll take the lead. He got himself the latter of the two mentioned above. We sat them side by side for comparison and I must say that the latter stood up to the big boy and even slapped him around a little. Just as full, just as loud (GK/F212 seemed to be begging for more drive), a hell of a lot more clarity and much more options in the tone dept.

What about all those missing tubes one might ask. Could not tell a difference. In fact the break up the GK was putting off sounded better than the Ampeg. I know some might not believe this is possible (I was one) but damn if it isn't. The smaller rig filled up the room just the same but better.

I could get the GK to sound like the SVT easily but the SVT couldn't touch the sounds conjured up in the GK.
 
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#2
I've been a long time skeptic.
But, the GK MBF800/F212 really does keep up with, if not better the SVT. With punch and definition.
This little rig gets freakishly loud and amazingly keeps its composure.
Sorry to the SVT for the maybe somewhat unfair comparison, but it's the gold standard of bass.
After 30 something years my days of carrying heavy sht is over.
This little rig slams.
I know, late to the party, right?
 
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#7
There is a SVT 350 and a SVT 810 cab at the rehearsal studio we frequent. I gave it a try one night. Sounded ok but not my thing. My 2 410 cabs sounded fuller and deeper. And that was when I was pushing them with my Fender Rumble 350 head. Next week I get to really try out my new GK mb800. Pretty sure it will be the SVT killer. Well... for me anyway.
 
#8
make sure to run the gk into the ampeg 810 as well. The 2x12 will put out roughly the same overall and be clearer but, the ampeg will have a bit more impact and fullness. I've done the comparison myself. I loved both, but the 2x12 went up stairs and through snow alot easier!
 
#9
Am I the only one that thinks the fridge is WAY easier to move than the little cabs like 212 and 410? I end up putting casters on all the little cabs I have so I don't have to carry them/find a cart. Also it's tremendously easy to put it in my 2012 focus hatchback, or jeep cherokee.

Also, the gk might sound better, but can you lean on it while your playing like a wall? Or put a bass hanger on it? These are the important questions
 
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#10
kringle77 said:
make sure to run the gk into the ampeg 810 as well. The 2x12 will put out roughly the same overall and be clearer but, the ampeg will have a bit more impact and fullness. I've done the comparison myself. I loved both, but the 2x12 went up stairs and through snow alot easier!
Click to expand...

My top cab is a GK SKB 410 with all new Eminence 810 drivers. basically making it a 600w cab. My bottom cab is a new Ampeg PF410HLF. They sing together. The top cab projects a lot of the mids and highs while the Ampeg throws a lot of lows mixed with some mids. Together they make a wall of thump. And that was just with the Rumble 350 head. Dang it I'm going crazy waiting to crank my new head with this stack.
 
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#11
Bluzeman90 said:
Am I the only one that thinks the fridge is WAY easier to move than the little cabs like 212 and 410? I end up putting casters on all the little cabs I have so I don't have to carry them/find a cart. Also it's tremendously easy to put it in my 2012 focus hatchback, or jeep cherokee.

Also, the gk might sound better, but can you lean on it while your playing like a wall? Or put a bass hanger on it? These are the important questions
Click to expand...

My GK cab is a bit heavy and does have caster(that I removed). The Ampeg on the other hand is way lighter. I keep the casters on the Ampeg(for now) and put the GK on top. Funny the lighter cab is rated at 800 watts while the heavier GK is only rated at 600. Both cabs have tweeters. But I have used fridge size cabs before. GK 4412h. For those who don't know they had 4 12s and 2 10s in them. I had 2 of them. Sorry no more of that. It's much easier and (I think) better sounding with the separate cabs.
 
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#12
Bluzeman90 said:
Am I the only one that thinks the fridge is WAY easier to move than the little cabs like 212 and 410? I end up putting casters on all the little cabs I have so I don't have to carry them/find a cart. Also it's tremendously easy to put it in my 2012 focus hatchback, or jeep cherokee.

Also, the gk might sound better, but can you lean on it while your playing like a wall? Or put a bass hanger on it? These are the important questions
Click to expand...

The F212 has built in tilt back wheels and handle. It really is an amazing little cab. Undoubtedly puts forth the best low end I've ever heard from a bass rig. The low B on my Fbass is absolutely thunderous. I'd bet an F112 could cover most typical bar/festival gigs.

Hopefully more bassists will get a chance to hear these as they get more popular.
 
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#13
Dave Hill said:
The F212 has built in tilt back wheels and handle. It really is an amazing little cab. Undoubtedly puts forth the best low end I've ever heard from a bass rig. The low B on my Fbass is absolutely thunderous. I'd bet an F112 could cover most typical bar/festival gigs.

Hopefully more bassists will get a chance to hear these as they get more popular.
Click to expand...
I'd love to try one, just haven't seen one as St. Louis don't have crap for bass gear. The tilt back design with rails for loading into vehicles, etc is the best design I've seen.

But the real question is, can you lean on it!?!
 
#18
Bluzeman90 said:
Am I the only one that thinks the fridge is WAY easier to move than the little cabs like 212 and 410? I end up putting casters on all the little cabs I have so I don't have to carry them/find a cart. Also it's tremendously easy to put it in my 2012 focus hatchback, or jeep cherokee.

Also, the gk might sound better, but can you lean on it while your playing like a wall? Or put a bass hanger on it? These are the important questions
Click to expand...
Bass hangs on your shoulders. If your leaning your dreaming.

Also by the time you tilt the 810 back to roll, you'd already be out the door with this cabinet.
 
#19
kringle77 said:
make sure to run the gk into the ampeg 810 as well. The 2x12 will put out roughly the same overall and be clearer but, the ampeg will have a bit more impact and fullness. I've done the comparison myself. I loved both, but the 2x12 went up stairs and through snow alot easier!
Click to expand...
Did that too. Not the case. The MBF definitely had more impact and every bit of the fullness. My 800rb into my Ampeg 810 sounds better than my Classic SVT. That's the truth.
 
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#20
10cc said:
Bass hangs on your shoulders. If your leaning your dreaming.

Also by the time you tilt the 810 back to roll, you'd already be out the door with this cabinet.
Click to expand...

We should start bass races, fastest set up and tear down. I haven't tried the 212, but I'd like to. Unfortunately that's too much scratch to put down on a cabinet for me now. Hell, my current rig took a lot of sacrifice to obtain and that was my dream rig as a young boy. If anyone in the StL area has one I'd love to try it or come see you use it live. Other than that I just have to take everyone's word for it
 

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