I'd like to hear some real world reviews from gigging double bass players using this amp.
Anyone?
- Steve
Anyone?
- Steve
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Double Bass Anyone using the new Genzler Magellan 350 Combo?
- Thread starter bassfiddlesteve
- Start date
I don't have any experience with Genzler's newest offering but I use a Magellan 800 and BA112s for my electric bass rig. It is an absolutely fantastic setup.
I've used this rig in a pinch for DB/doubling situations. Running my Shen through an F-deck into the Magellan yielded a very usable sound. I was quite impressed with the clarity of the Bass Array cabs as well.
I am sold on the AI preamp section and while I get great results with my Flex system, I could see myself being very happy with a Clarus going into one of Jeff's BA cabs.
I've used this rig in a pinch for DB/doubling situations. Running my Shen through an F-deck into the Magellan yielded a very usable sound. I was quite impressed with the clarity of the Bass Array cabs as well.
I am sold on the AI preamp section and while I get great results with my Flex system, I could see myself being very happy with a Clarus going into one of Jeff's BA cabs.
The new Clarus S4+ might be a very nice match to the Genzler box.
I've got the Genzler 350 combo and also have the BA12-3 cabinet. I've written some about these on the BG side under the Genzler thread. In short, I find the Genzler gear to be very natural sounding on upright. The combo is easy to transport, especially if you get the carry bag, which I have. I plug straight into the head and don't find a need for an external preamp. Band members and audience members, including other bassists, have made several positive comments about the sound. I'm very happy with the setup.
Just the cabinet design may be the ultimate for DB amps.
It has a lot of potential.
Line array's scale all the way up to huge FOH systems.
It has a lot of potential.
Line array's scale all the way up to huge FOH systems.
What kind of pickup are you using on your upright? Many Piezo pickups need a 4.7 or 10 megohm buffer pre to make it work the best. Some pickups (and players) are less picky.
The 1 megohm input should work fine with the Bassmax. Not so well with my FullCircle. It likes 4.7 the most. I'm thinking of sending my AI Clarus S4+ in to have one of the 2 channels have a 4.7 or 10 megohm input. It has (I believe 1 megohm)
My older Focus RIII has 10 megohm inputs.
On another thread someone pointed out that the new Trace Elliot ELF micro head has a 10meg ohm input. Maybe this will be a nice new option for double bass players. The matching cabinet (27lb 2x8) looks nice too.
- Steve
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Great looking head. 130 watts @8ohms of class D power isn't much headroom at all. Maybe good for the very quietest Jazz or theater pit gigs. I use a little 10 megohm buffer with my 60 P bass. makes a huge difference.
I've got the 10-2 cab arriving on Monday and I'll gig it that evening so I'll be able to report on how it sounds. It won't be a case of good or bad (surely not) it is but how it suits my bass/pickup/amp combination, allied to the room acoustics (not over-good) and my playing style and expectations. So it'll be a complex mix. I won't be getting the combo because I'm already a great Puma 500 fan but I'm attracted to the cab because it's said to be quite 'quick' with a good midrange. I've got it on appro so I can return it if it doesn't suit. And suitability will be the key. Incidentally I never believe a makers details that label any particular product as being 'also suitable for double bass' It usually means its small and light, which is nice but not essential.
My 10-2 cab arrived yesterday in time for me to gig it in the evening. Trouble was the pub manager asked us to play outside on the terrace and without the room acoustics I couldn't give the cab a fair test. But initial impressions are very encouraging. There's a lot of bottom there if you want it plus some useful mid coming off the Lifeline. So although I had this cab on seven days approval I'll keep it.
Just two practical observations, the cab is not tall but goes back some way for a tenner. Footprint is 15" x 15.5".
And the connector panel is quite close to the floor for some reason, meaning that I couldn't use my down-pointing right angled Speakon connector. But that's just a minor irritation. I'm very much looking forward to my next inside gig with it.
There's great consternation in my speaker cab cupboard with the inmates wondering who's for the chop.
Just two practical observations, the cab is not tall but goes back some way for a tenner. Footprint is 15" x 15.5".
And the connector panel is quite close to the floor for some reason, meaning that I couldn't use my down-pointing right angled Speakon connector. But that's just a minor irritation. I'm very much looking forward to my next inside gig with it.
There's great consternation in my speaker cab cupboard with the inmates wondering who's for the chop.
FWIW the Genz shuttle 3.0, which I believe has a 1 meg input, is one of the best upright amps I've used, Full Circle straight into the amp. I remember Agedhorse (GB engineer) talking here about how input impedance is only one part of the equation when dealing with piezos. Never used the Magellan though.
A further update on my new 10-2 cab: it's good, very good indeed. It'll handle lows while giving a lot of clarity to the mid range. I had only just plugged in and fired up last night when the keyboard player from the other side of the drums said what a great sound I had.
I'm now wondering whether to get a second cab to make a stack for the louder gigs and then get rid of all my other stuff. It's that good!
I'm now wondering whether to get a second cab to make a stack for the louder gigs and then get rid of all my other stuff. It's that good!
It's great. I have the combo. Sounds good plugged straight in from the lifeline or with a preamp. A big step up in quality and volume from the shuttle combo
I haven't done an a/b comparison yet. I tend to use a 12", the Super Midget, for the bigger louder gigs at which it excels and a 10" now the Genzler for the more intimate gigs. Time will tell, but I just love the way the Genzler pairs with the Lifeline.
I haven't got too many bigger gigs in my book right now but I'm seriously considering getting a second Genzler to stack when the next big gig comes up - it's that good.
Genzler has a video demo of the Magellan 350 combo with a Full Circle equipped upright bass. It doesn't sound bad, but not great either. It doesn't exactly make be want to replace my current combo which to my ears is more natural sounding.
- Steve
- Steve
I wish they wouldn't mic the cab so close. The cool thing about the array cabinet is how even it sounds throughout the room.
