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AudioKinesis Cabs Part VI...

#2,101
Jeff Moote said:
Forgive me if it's already been covered, but has anyone tried running the Hathor 1203 on its side (or two of them as such)? I am just thinking of a lot of scenarios where that could be a better footprint for some amps, but I wasn't sure if dispersion on the mid driver/chambers would be compromised.
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Yes, I have used my 1203's on their sides (stacked) several times. And, I'm still alive to tell it, nothing exploded! :D They actually sounded great and I didn't have a problem hearing them. I did have FOH support each time I stacked them on their sides.

Generally, I stack them vertically. When stacked vertically, and using my Monique rack rig, the rack overhangs. That isn't a problem as it is still stable. I don't have a problem stacking them horizontally if needed, but with our stage setup, vertical stacking is not a problem.

I would say, try it. But if you are gigging without P. A. support I would suggest vertical stacking.

Just my humble opinion.
 
#2,102
Long overdue post here. I've had my paws on a Hathor 1203 for a little while now and I'm very pleased. I haven't had a chance to push it hard in a band setting yet (don't get me started). I've really been enjoying it with my J basses (Nash JB 63 and a Spector Forte4 SS). I've wanted to cut a track for a sample of the mic'd sound, so here's a quick cut I did today:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The signal path:
Nash jazz bass > Tonehammer (AGS about 10 o'clock) > Genz 9.0 flat > 1203

Cab set to both switches up. Mic set biased toward the woofer, just below the mid.

ip respa loquitur
 
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#2,106
monsterthompson said:
Long overdue post here. I've had my paws on a Hathor 1203 for a little while now and I'm very pleased. I haven't had a chance to push it hard in a band setting yet (don't get me started). I've really been enjoying it with my J basses (Nash JB 63 and a Spector Forte4 SS). I've wanted to cut a track for a sample of the mic'd sound, so here's a quick cut I did today:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The signal path:
Nash jazz bass > Tonehammer (AGS about 10 o'clock) > Genz 9.0 flat > 1203

Cab set to both switches up. Mic set biased toward the woofer, just below the mid.

ip respa loquitur
Click to expand...

Surprisingly full sound for that little cab! Even, round but punchy. Cool.
 
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#2,107
I'm looking for opinions on a good head for either the 112 or 115 TC...

In order of importance:

Tonally, I'm looking to take advantage of the clarity and sweetness of the Audiokenesis cabs.

I want something that will take full advantage of what these cabs have to offer; I don't want something that will underpower it... so I guess a 500w amp then?

I'm ideally looking for a mass-produced brand – something that would be stocked at Sam Ash, as then I can use my employee discount there as an instructor.

In terms of features, a well-tuned graphic eq would be ideal but isn't super necessary. Compression options might be nice, but I definitely, definitely don't need them.

I'm aiming to spend under $200, but that could go up to, say, something with a $500 list price if Sam Ash stocked it

Thoughts?
 
#2,109
I'm by no means an amplifier guy, but of the brands in that price ballpark on the Sam Ash site, I have heard and liked Gallien-Krueger and Aguilar. My impression of the Aguilar was that it's more growly than phnord's tone goals (as I understand them), but maybe that was just the particular settings and/or particular model? I think it was the Tone Hammer.

I haven't heard an Eden amp with my cabs, but I've seen the name a time or two in this thread or its predecessors, might that be a possibility?
 
#2,114
Guess I'll be that guy. I had the later version 212, which I believe has goosed mids compared to earlier versions, and found the gk mb800 to be a painful combination. Something in the hi mid range I could not dial or switch out that offended my delicate sensibilities. Obviously others feel differently.

On the other hand, the streamliner was a pleasant surprise with that cab but would have not worked with the earlier version 115 I had. The th500 also sounded great with both although darker in general with the 115. You might read up on the kustom kxb500 as it checks most of your boxes and has been receiving love as of late. I have one but haven't played it enough yet to offer a good opinion.

Full disclosure, I'm strictly amateur, although I get paid occasionally so let's call it semi amateur.
 
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#2,115
Another vote for the GK and yes the mb200 is a very loud 200 watts. In fact I think the whole gkmb line is underrated power wise. They are all very loud. I just used my gk mb200 at a club gig with a pair of Hathor 1203's and I was pleasantly surprised at how loud it really is.

Word to the wise. If you buy the GK, definitely buy it new (which it seems you will be doing from your op). There have been some flying around used that do have some problems. At least new you have the warranty. GK does not transfer warranties.

Good luck!!
 
#2,116
nutdog said:
Guess I'll be that guy. I... ...found the gk mb800 to be a painful combination. Something in the hi mid range I could not dial or switch out...
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While I don't find it painful, the GK MB800 does have a high-mid bump that can't be fully dialed out if you have a passive bass or boost only onboard pre. It only matters if your cab is full range and you don't want those particular mids. When I use a VT Bass pedal with that head, the treble control dials that bump out when I need a reggae-type tone. N.B., this is not with one of Duke's great cabs, it is with my 15/6/1.
 
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#2,117
phnord said:
*Nodnod* All signs are kinda pointing toward the GK MB500...
I will note: I am not limited to just the brands on the website. Basically... any mass-produced amp head I will likely be able to get a significant discount on. Given that, does anyone have any other recommendations, ideally not exceeding $500?
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I think the GK, Eden, and Markbass heads are good. Sadly, the Ampeg pf500 has a reputation for failure, though it has probably long since been corrected. There are also 500 watt micro heads from Aguilar, Fender, Traynor, and even Kustom that have their fans.

My suggestion is try them in the shop when your cab arrives (or with a small good quality PA cab), to get a sense of how each head's voice compares to the other candidates with your instruments.
 
#2,119
Type-55 said:
You get all the recommendations and opinions you want but the only way to evaluate a product is to try it with your bass and cab.
It can be a lot of work but the right combination is worth it.
Click to expand...

Very true. Agreed.

On that note someone mentioned Kustom here. I've read some good reviews on the KBX500 (I think that is the model) and they are very cheap.
 

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