Anyone Disappointed with a Fearful

[BurningSkies]

I think I fall into this category. Just not my sound, and mostly because of the big low end response. I mostly got one for the weight factor, but could'nt really nail my tone, no matter how many knobs I turned. However, during my whole fEARful experience, I discovered the 3012HO drivers, and pretty much dug the tone I was getting from a 212/horn cab built around those 12's. Again, nothing negative about the fEARful concept, just not for me. Greenboy's designs are the real deal, though, including the no-fEARful designs like the Dually, which I just might have to investigate as I was a big time user of the 215 design for most of my playing days.

I like those lows, because they're extended, but don't seem to get in the way and because that low mid bump isn't there, you don't end up with the 'mud' that comes from some cabinets.

I also wonder about the people talking about the 2k-4k range. The bump there isn't as huge as people make out...but people are so used to NOT having much of any frequency response in that range then its going to stand out to you. Again, if you like traditional bass cabs and don't want to hear this you can either EQ it out or you can use a traditional bass cab. Although I don't feel like you need a 31 band EQ to make this cab work. Plenty of guys are using micros and standard full sized bass heads to power fEARfuls.

Also, if you're playing and haven't taken the time to re-assess your EQ and are EQing for a woofer/tweeter standpoint, of course you're going to have considerations to make. Lots of guys also seem to forget that includes your active bass. If you have a bass with a popular gain only treble control and are used to boosting it healthily and don't take that into account, you're still feeding the cab exaggerated high-mids and highs (Those bass preamps have a wide Q).

 

[KJung]

I like those lows, because they're extended, but don't seem to get in the way and because that low mid bump isn't there, you don't end up with the 'mud' that comes from some cabinets.

I also wonder about the people talking about the 2k-4k range. The bump there isn't as huge as people make out...but people are so used to NOT having much of any frequency response in that range then its going to stand out to you. Again, if you like traditional bass cabs and don't want to hear this you can either EQ it out or you can use a traditional bass cab. Although I don't feel like you need a 31 band EQ to make this cab work. Plenty of guys are using micros and standard full sized bass heads to power fEARfuls.

Also, if you're playing and haven't taken the time to re-assess your EQ and are EQing for a woofer/tweeter standpoint, of course you're going to have considerations to make. Lots of guys also seem to forget that includes your active bass. If you have a bass with a popular gain only treble control and are used to boosting it healthily and don't take that into account, you're still feeding the cab exaggerated high-mids and highs (Those bass preamps have a wide Q).

Nope. Plenty of cabs with nice even response past 2K, and also plenty of mid driver loaded cabs with much different tonality. Again, the stock 18Sound has a unique tone... very clean, and a bit peaky (and a few db up there is screaming, since the ear is very sensitive to that region).

People tend to confuse EQ with tonality.. very different thing, although of course, pure frequency plots are a part.

Again, these cabs, like ANY other cabs, have their own tone profile that will work for some, and not for others. And, other mid driver loaded cabs sound quite different... not better or worse, but quite different.

It is MUCH better to again think of these cabs as a choice, versus an 'overall step up' for other high quality designs and executions.

Of course, if I was primarily a DUB player (which I believe is your performance context), I'd play a 1515/66 with the mid range horn attenuated an additional 3db like you and call it a day. Fantastic!

 

[CL400Peavey]

I like those lows, because they're extended, but don't seem to get in the way and because that low mid bump isn't there, you don't end up with the 'mud' that comes from some cabinets.

Exactly. You really hit the nail on the head with the extended lows with out mud. That is a huge thing for me. My tube head throws out huge low end, its why I fell in love with the head. The fEARful's were the first cab that could really handle all of it. They are also the first cab that I didnt have to dime out my mid knob to get the sound I want. Before at practice I set my bass all the way down, with the cut engaged, and had the mids dimed. This kept stuff from shaking off the walls and let me cut through. Now I set everything at noon, have a little bit of tweaking depending on the day, and im good to go.

 

[dukeorock]

I've been touring Europe with a rented backline for 2 months now (major brand, high quality 115/410)...a friend in Yorkshire brought his fEARful 15/6 to that nights gig.

My backline rig was trying hard to feedback (I play loud upright bass), yet didn't have enough low end...after soundcheck, my buddy delta7fred showed up with his 15/6...I had WAY more lows with zero feedback and the improved clarity was insane...I understand the 'bump' in the 2.5-4k region, but a simple, quick eq tweak and problem solved...took me maybe a minute to dial in the rig...personally, I don't think it's a 'bump' as much as it is that most cabs have a 'dip' there...esp 410 cabs.

The lows are massive...but in such a great way, to my ears

 

[BurningSkies]

Nope. Plenty of cabs with nice even response past 2K, and also plenty of mid driver loaded cabs with much different tonality. Again, the stock 18Sound has a unique tone... very clean, and a bit peaky (and a few db up there is screaming, since the ear is very sensitive to that region).

People tend to confuse EQ with tonality.. very different thing, although of course, pure frequency plots are a part.

Again, these cabs, like ANY other cabs, have their own tone profile that will work for some, and not for others. And, other mid driver loaded cabs sound quite different... not better or worse, but quite different.

It is MUCH better to again think of these cabs as a choice, versus an 'overall step up' for other high quality designs and executions.

Of course, if I was primarily a DUB player (which I believe is your performance context), I'd play a 1515/66 with the mid range horn attenuated an additional 3db like you and call it a day. Fantastic!

You don't really have any idea of my setup.

I don't attenuate my mid (I've got a switch, but it mostly is in the unpadded position) ...and I also have been known to play other types of music (beyond roots, dancehall and dub, I've played rock, soul, punk, hardcore, industrial, a bit of metal, etc.)

...I also use mid and high content in my reggae sound (I don't attenuate my highs from the bass, I do attenuate them from the amp, and I run my Mid control ALL the way up). I also play rounds that are fairly fresh. My Fender style tone stack tends to read 5-10-2, with a goose around 40hz from my OBP-1 for a bit more girth. It isn't 1976 anymore. Besides, guitar and cymbals eat up so much high frequency that having some in my signal doesn't really come through in the mix, but makes all the difference on stage for the other players to be able to hear me.

I've also had the lucky opportunity to share my rig with players of punk, indie, funk, rock, roots...and have heard it in all those contexts.

 

[KJung]

You don't really have any idea of my setup.

I don't attenuate my mid (I've got a switch, but it mostly is in the unpadded position) ...and I also have been known to play other types of music (beyond roots, dancehall and dub, I've played rock, soul, punk, hardcore, industrial, a bit of metal, etc.)

...I also use mid and high content in my reggae sound (I don't attenuate my highs from the bass, I do attenuate them from the amp, and I run my Mid control ALL the way up). I also play rounds that are fairly fresh. My Fender style tone stack tends to read 5-10-2, with a goose around 40hz from my OBP-1 for a bit more girth. It isn't 1976 anymore. Besides, guitar and cymbals eat up so much high frequency that having some in my signal doesn't really come through in the mix, but makes all the difference on stage for the other players to be able to hear me.

I've also had the lucky opportunity to share my rig with players of punk, indie, funk, rock, roots...and have heard it in all those contexts.

Again, it is obvious this particular 15/6 build meets your tone goals nicely. Not surprisingly at all that, like any other cab, many will dig them, many won't.

I can again totally see the tone profile of these cabs fitting your tone goal.

 

[BurningSkies]

Exactly. You really hit the nail on the head with the extended lows with out mud. That is a huge thing for me. My tube head throws out huge low end, its why I fell in love with the head. The fEARful's were the first cab that could really handle all of it. They are also the first cab that I didnt have to dime out my mid knob to get the sound I want. Before at practice I set my bass all the way down, with the cut engaged, and had the mids dimed. This kept stuff from shaking off the walls and let me cut through. Now I set everything at noon, have a little bit of tweaking depending on the day, and im good to go.

I've never been a set to noon kind of guy, work what sound works for your gig... We had fun last night, sit in guitarist who was loving the fEARfuls from across the room, so clean and clear, which is my vibe. I also like punch in the mids so that when you're doing 16th note old school dancehall you're still tight and have definition.

 

[4-string]

I don't own a fEARful, but I guess my Barefaced is close enough.

I got mine mainly to cut weight, but also because I missed some bass response from my previous cab. The Big Twin delivers in spades, but I have no doubts that the very present mids would put some people off. Along with the very deep bass it makes it the wrong cab for some. Fortunately though, I love it.

Nothing wrong with all the praise and love for these cabs, but the best choice for everybody they are not IMO.

 

[gregbackstrom]

I've been reading up on Fearful lately. As my dad is very handy with his hands and I like having stuff that my dad built for me (he modifed my Spector for me, I'm legally blind otherwise I'd attempt it myself) I've been thinking about a build. I've heard all the great stuff but haven't heard much negative stuff. Is there any negative stuff? Please describe what you found negative about it. Any of you switched to something different after using one? Why?

Some guys find their fEARful cabinet(s) to be a perfect solution for all their gigs. So far -- not me.

I have trouble taming and shaping the extended low end of the fEARful for the hotel/resort ballrooms that my band plays in a lot. Our sound checks are short (if we even get one), so there's not much time to tinker before the gig. What sounds good to me on stage apparently doesn't to my FOH sound guys (whose opinions I greatly respect). I'll probably go back to using my Bergantino AE's in these venues to "get my bearings," while I play around with the fEARful cabinet some more at home.

I am excited about using my 1212/6/1 (expertly-built by Anchak Audio Works, BTW) for several of our outdoor company parties, wedding receptions, state fairs and other large-venue events that we play during summer and fall. I think those venues will be perfect for this cab.

My recommendation to you is to find one to listen to and play through, preferably in the environment you intend to play it in. Between the broad low end and the "up-front" mids, they're quite different from other cabinets. You may love them ... ... or not.

YMMV, JMOO, etc. etc.

 

[wcriley]

I find it interesting that more than one person finds the mids to be "up-front" with these cabs.

The Alphas in my 12/6s must be a lot more "polite" than the 18Sound driver in the bigger cabs.

 

[jlepre]

From what I've read about these cabs, isn't the big selling point that they cover a room without the need of FOH? Maybe I'm wrong...

 

[mbelue]

I find it interesting that more than one person finds the mids to be "up-front" with these cabs.

The Alphas in my 12/6s must be a lot more "polite" than the 18Sound driver in the bigger cabs.

12/6 w/Alpha=2 drivers from same manufacturer, complementary response.
X/6 w/18 sound =2 drivers, 2 manufacturers, 2 response curves which require a pad to complement.

I assume the different manufacturers different design goals might have something to do with it.
Which I hope to learn if I can just finish mine....

 

[makohund]

I am excited about using my 1212/6/1 (expertly-built by Anchak Audio Works, BTW) for several of our outdoor company parties, wedding receptions, state fairs and other large-venue events that we play during summer and fall. I think those venues will be perfect for this cab.

Hello, fellow 1212/6/1 bro!

I have trouble taming and shaping the extended low end of the fEARful for the hotel/resort ballrooms that my band plays in a lot. Our sound checks are short (if we even get one), so there's not much time to tinker before the gig. What sounds good to me on stage apparently doesn't to my FOH sound guys (whose opinions I greatly respect). I'll probably go back to using my Bergantino AE's in these venues to "get my bearings," while I play around with the fEARful cabinet some more at home.

What sort of EQ do you have on tap? (I checked your profile and the list of amps/pres was quite large, so I have no idea.)

I'd think to tame it for that scenario, you could just roll it down on the bottom end of things. Leave 120Hz-ish alone for starters, bring down 100Hz a little, 80Hz a good bit more, and go after it pretty aggressively down from there. How to do it depends on what you have available. An active preamp with bass control centered at 40Hz (Like the Aggie OBP's) might get there all by itself. With a graphic, just grab the lower sliders and draw a steep curve with them, starting with the lowest all the way down. With standard controls (and/or parametrics) on a head, it'd depend on where the centers are and what the Q is. I'm lucky enough somebody published freq charts on my head showing all of that, which is pretty helpful. Oddly enough it is the low-mid parametric that gives the easiest tweaking of the lows on mine, besides the graphic. (Center adjusts from 500 all the way down to 50Hz.)

Good luck, hope you get it dialed to your liking.

 

[Jarrett]

I have trouble taming and shaping the extended low end of the fEARful Between the broad low end and the "up-front" mids, they're quite different from other cabinets.

I have no doubts that the very present mids would put some people off. Along with the very deep bass it makes it the wrong cab for some.

They are also the first cab that I didnt have to dime out my mid knob to get the sound I want. Before at practice I set my bass all the way down, with the cut engaged, and had the mids dimed.

I run my Mid control ALL the way up). My Fender style tone stack tends to read 5-10-2, with a goose around 40hz from my OBP-1

This thread has been enlightening for me, making me more and more certain this is not what I am looking for.

 

[makohund]

From what I've read about these cabs, isn't the big selling point that they cover a room without the need of FOH? Maybe I'm wrong...

The bigger ones can, but that doesn't mean the guy running FOH is always going to want to do it that way.

My last gig was like that. I could have easily pounded the place, but they wanted to run DI and carry it mostly in FOH.

No prob... roll off some of the bottom, go easy on the stage volume. Good to go.

Same deal for the guitars. There was a bit of panic as he watched all of the 4x12 cabs rolling in, but that subsided and he was pretty happy after hearing where they set the stage volume. Didn't have to ask anybody to turn down. In fact, listening to the recording, they really should have been a little louder. Even though the Zoom was right in the line of fire.

Anywho, that's a tangent topic... sorry.

 

[makohund]

This thread has been enlightening for me, making me more and more certain this is not what I am looking for.

Could be.

But I run Tech21 stuff in my signal chain (or as the only pre) a lot, and if I'm not careful with the knobs, it's scoop city. No mids at all. Even a P-playin', dead-flats-lovin', treble-all-the-way-down-rollin' kind of guy would be sad, and wonder where all the mids went.

And just turning down the bass knob all the way on my Spector would be enough to make a reggae fan cry.

So it's not quite as hard to tame as it may seem. I sure as heck never ran my mids all the way up, before or after I got it.

But still, you're right... could be.

 

[gregbackstrom]

Hello, fellow 1212/6/1 bro!

What sort of EQ do you have on tap? (I checked your profile and the list of amps/pres was quite large, so I have no idea.)

I'd think to tame it for that scenario, you could just roll it down on the bottom end of things. Leave 120Hz-ish alone for starters, bring down 100Hz a little, 80Hz a good bit more, and go after it pretty aggressively down from there. How to do it depends on what you have available. An active preamp with bass control centered at 40Hz (Like the Aggie OBP's) might get there all by itself. With a graphic, just grab the lower sliders and draw a steep curve with them, starting with the lowest all the way down. With standard controls (and/or parametrics) on a head, it'd depend on where the centers are and what the Q is. I'm lucky enough somebody published freq charts on my head showing all of that, which is pretty helpful. Oddly enough it is the low-mid parametric that gives the easiest tweaking of the lows on mine, besides the graphic. (Center adjusts from 500 all the way down to 50Hz.)

Good luck, hope you get it dialed to your liking.

Hi Mak!

I appreciate your input on my "fEARful journey." Trust me -- I'm not throwing in the towel just yet. In many respects, this is one of the nicest cabs I've owned. But just like I don't always play the same amp or bass, I'm okay if this cab doesn't serve every purpose for me.

I bought a 31 band graphic EQ which has been helpful in tweaking the cab. I also recently padded the 18 Sound mid 3 dB, which improved the overall balance. I'll keep playing, and I'm sure I'll get things optimized over time. (And I'll be sure to try more adjusting in the ranges you referred to. It sounds like we're doing the same thing in the low end.)

It's all good!
Greg

 

[BurningSkies]

This thread has been enlightening for me, making me more and more certain this is not what I am looking for.

The important thing to note, is that my mids all the way up on a Fender style tone stack means no boost, but the mids are flat. Roughly flat on the 'average' Fender tone stack is 2-10-2.

The fEARful isn't a mid scoop cabinet.

Therefore, with my rig set at 5-10-2, I'm running some boost in my bass, and my mid and treble flat.

 

[makohund]

And I'll be sure to try more adjusting in the ranges you referred to. It sounds like we're doing the same thing in the low end.

Not neccessarily, or at least not often. I'm usually not rolling much off on bottom, if at all. The other guys in the band all dig low lows, so it's all just a matter of small tweaks to not overwhelm the room or clash with FOH.

But I'm most often carrying a good chunk of load myself (most often), without much FOH to compete with. And at other times, the house is pumping far enough beyond regular stage volume to not care too much about it. Probably not something that'd work in a ballroom! (That was the case at this last one. I did roll it off, but the degree was pretty tame compared to what I was suggesting for your situation. But yeah... the idea is the same.)

Rock on, man.

 

[Marial]

I like big fat bass. I'm pretty happy with my Ampeg HLF, sounds like I'd be even happier with a fEARFUL since I'd have all that bottom end with less mud...