I have been considering both brands, particularly a single F112 or Big Baby 2, but am now at a stalemate. I recently had the opportunity to try a Vanderkley 212 and 112, but was very disappointed by them. It found them very dull sounding through the same brand amplifier that was connected to it. Were they too clean sounding??? I just sold my EBS Neo112, a cabinet that I really liked apart from some flaws, but I took distance from to try something new.
TL;DR: what do I get (preferably Europe based) if I really liked the EBS Neo112, but want something that can handle a B string, provide some serious tight lows and move some air for that visceral effect of getting slapped in the face when digging in. I would prefer a single 112 for portability and affordability. So far I am leaning towards the Greenboy F112 for the tilt design and 3-way construction.
More info for the keen reader. Here is a mail I sent to Alex from Barefaced to explain:
Hi Alex, If the financial situation allows, I am interested in changing my speaker cabinet set-up. After the EBS Taurus combo, I have always played over the same amp, a GK 700rb-II. This is what I've owned in chronological order:
- EBS Taurus 210 Combo: OK sound, but a bit lacking in bottom and harsh on top. I think this was more an issue because of the integrated amp.
- Peavey TVX410: pretty loud and bassy. Very dry and boring sound.
- EBS Proline 210: sounded alot more "premium". My basses just sounded better, but lows were a bit boomy. Very pleasant, musical highs (and high mids?).
- EBS Neoline 112: sounded less wide than the 210, but still had that "premium" characteristic. Lows were less (read: less than I would like), but also a bit tighter. Still very pleasant highs. This cab really starts to shine at higher volumes.
I have also played, but not owned, several Ampeg cabinets which were nice and gritty, but lacked the refinement and musical touch I like in the EBS's. I have also played my brothers' GK MB112 combo which sounds a bit narrow, but is also very pleasing to the ears. Compared to any other 112 combo's in the stores this one was definitely the best sounding to our ears (compared to Fender, TC, EBS, Ampeg, Markbass, Hartke). I am considering adding either a second Neo112 or selling mine and getting a single other cabinet. What I am missing in my cabinet, but have experienced over others, is that air pressure you can feel when playing tight notes or slapping/popping. There is just something very satisfying about getting smacked in the face by your speaker cabinet, if you catch my drift. Also, the Neo112 is a bit light on bass frequencies. I estimate these two aformentioned things must be related. What I definitely like about the EBS are the pleasant, musical highs. So to summarise, I am interested in a cabinet that really packs a punch (in the face) and moves some air, has pleasant highs, but also growls in the lows. My preferred size is 112, so the Big Baby drew my attention. I like the portability of a 112 compared to a 115, but you can still (generally, naturally not always) benefit from the advantages of a larger cone size compared to a 110. I generally play very allround in a pop choir, but I expect to be in a band again at one point which will most likely be modern metal. Thanks for your advice!
TL;DR: what do I get (preferably Europe based) if I really liked the EBS Neo112, but want something that can handle a B string, provide some serious tight lows and move some air for that visceral effect of getting slapped in the face when digging in. I would prefer a single 112 for portability and affordability. So far I am leaning towards the Greenboy F112 for the tilt design and 3-way construction.
More info for the keen reader. Here is a mail I sent to Alex from Barefaced to explain:
Hi Alex, If the financial situation allows, I am interested in changing my speaker cabinet set-up. After the EBS Taurus combo, I have always played over the same amp, a GK 700rb-II. This is what I've owned in chronological order:
- EBS Taurus 210 Combo: OK sound, but a bit lacking in bottom and harsh on top. I think this was more an issue because of the integrated amp.
- Peavey TVX410: pretty loud and bassy. Very dry and boring sound.
- EBS Proline 210: sounded alot more "premium". My basses just sounded better, but lows were a bit boomy. Very pleasant, musical highs (and high mids?).
- EBS Neoline 112: sounded less wide than the 210, but still had that "premium" characteristic. Lows were less (read: less than I would like), but also a bit tighter. Still very pleasant highs. This cab really starts to shine at higher volumes.
I have also played, but not owned, several Ampeg cabinets which were nice and gritty, but lacked the refinement and musical touch I like in the EBS's. I have also played my brothers' GK MB112 combo which sounds a bit narrow, but is also very pleasing to the ears. Compared to any other 112 combo's in the stores this one was definitely the best sounding to our ears (compared to Fender, TC, EBS, Ampeg, Markbass, Hartke). I am considering adding either a second Neo112 or selling mine and getting a single other cabinet. What I am missing in my cabinet, but have experienced over others, is that air pressure you can feel when playing tight notes or slapping/popping. There is just something very satisfying about getting smacked in the face by your speaker cabinet, if you catch my drift. Also, the Neo112 is a bit light on bass frequencies. I estimate these two aformentioned things must be related. What I definitely like about the EBS are the pleasant, musical highs. So to summarise, I am interested in a cabinet that really packs a punch (in the face) and moves some air, has pleasant highs, but also growls in the lows. My preferred size is 112, so the Big Baby drew my attention. I like the portability of a 112 compared to a 115, but you can still (generally, naturally not always) benefit from the advantages of a larger cone size compared to a 110. I generally play very allround in a pop choir, but I expect to be in a band again at one point which will most likely be modern metal. Thanks for your advice!
. Thanks for the detailled reply. I will delve into your suggestion of adding a filter.
