AudioKinesis Cabs Part VI...

[Marial]

I am shocked! I thought you'd tried everything!

 

[nostatic]

Also, I have been looking at the Audiokenesis website and it doesn't have much to say about what makes the Hathor series different. Can someone comment on that?

I have one of each at this point. The TC112 goes a bit deeper, the H1203 will get a nicer grind and edge and is lighter. I use a single H1203 for almost every gig, and if I need more volume I toss the TC112 underneath.

 

[nutdog]

Sweet. Can you comment on the difference in tone (if any) between the 212 and the 112? I would assume a little ballsier while still being as transparent?

I've had the TC115 4ohm, 212 and currently have 2 1203's. That would be my preference in reverse order but all are fine cabs. IMO, the 115 was darker with bigger bottom. From memory, I believe there was some voice tweaking going on with the 212 that was supposed give it a little more mid bite. The 212 had very tight low end and got very loud but clean as a whistle.

I had the composite 212 but the wooden is not much heavier. Although heavier than the 15 it was easy to move because of the side handles. 36lbs in one had is doable but without another one in the other hand for balance it gets uncomfortable over a longer distance. The 212 needed to be carried with the speakers toward the body or it would want to tilt outward.

Also, I have been looking at the Audiokenesis website and it doesn't have much to say about what makes the Hathor series different. Can someone comment on that?

In addition to a more traditional bass cab voicing and more mids the hathors use a mid driver(s) in a vented chamber as opposed to a horn. The vents are supposed to make it easier to hear from the sides and above without having to tilt the cab.

Some are saying it has less low end than the 112 and that may be so but it has some good low end. I was slamming some low B's and C's for kicks Saturday night with no problem.

I also notice the website only has 115 in 8 Ohms. Do they not offer a 4 OHM 115 anymore? I know they used to because I briefly owned one 3 years ago.

I think they quit making the 4 ohm 15 driver. Duke kept some for spares but isn't making the 4ohm 15 anymore.

IIRC, IMO, IMHO, YMMV...

 

[steve_rolfeca]

The TC112's are very "polite", and work well with clean, bright, aggressive-sounding amps. The flavour of the amp comes through nicely, without any peaks in the cab's response that might make the grind annoying. G-K MB200, 800 and MB Fusion all sound spectacular with the Thunderchild. The TC has a rounder bottom than the Hathor, with just a smidge more low end extension.

The 1203 and other Hathors were originally designed for guys who use distortion, and wanted a cone top end instead of a horn. The midrange push helps with amps or pedal setups that scoop the mids. The lows on the 1203 are tailored to get a sound a little closer to that of a sealed cab.

 

[maisbass]

The TC112's are very "polite", and work well with clean, bright, aggressive-sounding amps. The flavour of the amp comes through nicely, without any peaks in the cab's response that might make the grind annoying. G-K MB200, 800 and MB Fusion all sound spectacular with the Thunderchild. The TC has a rounder bottom than the Hathor, with just a smidge more low end extension.

The 1203 and other Hathors were originally designed for guys who use distortion, and wanted a cone top end instead of a horn. The midrange push helps with amps or pedal setups that scoop the mids. The lows on the 1203 are tailored to get a sound a little closer to that of a sealed cab.

Nicely done!

 

[engedi1]

The TC112's are very "polite", and work well with clean, bright, aggressive-sounding amps. The flavour of the amp comes through nicely, without any peaks in the cab's response that might make the grind annoying. G-K MB200, 800 and MB Fusion all sound spectacular with the Thunderchild.
.

This makes a ton of sense Steve. My amp is a GK 1001 RB II and the TC112 does sound phenomenal. I would like to try an MB800 through it but I am really happy with the tone from the RB, I am just concerned about pushing the TC 112 too hard on a gig without good FOH support, and since mine is 4 ohm, it can't drive two.

 

[tombowlus]

The TC112's are very "polite", and work well with clean, bright, aggressive-sounding amps. The flavour of the amp comes through nicely, without any peaks in the cab's response that might make the grind annoying. G-K MB200, 800 and MB Fusion all sound spectacular with the Thunderchild. The TC has a rounder bottom than the Hathor, with just a smidge more low end extension.

The 1203 and other Hathors were originally designed for guys who use distortion, and wanted a cone top end instead of a horn. The midrange push helps with amps or pedal setups that scoop the mids. The lows on the 1203 are tailored to get a sound a little closer to that of a sealed cab.

Agreed. However, noting that there can be magic in the mix-n-match, and also noting that individual preferences will vary, I want to throw out there that I have: A.) played hard rock with great success through my TC112AF and TC115AF, and B.) gotten some great clean tones out of my Hathor 1203's. So, even though their design goals vary, both the TC's and the Hathors can cover a lot of ground. Each in their own way, of course.

 

[steubig]

re the differences between the tc112 (4ohm) and hathor 1203. i did a little bit of a sonic tour through them using the same recorded program. you can find it here:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]


also, i believe one of the reasons for the hathor begin made was because a few of us wanted something smaller than the tc112 for being able to use public transportation. it's not so much smaller, but it definitively makes things easier.

in general, i find the tc112 tone a little darker and the low end is a little bigger and the high end a little sweeter/prettier. the hathor 1203 has very good low end, just not as big (but look at the size!) and the high end is a little more hi fi. (imho, ymmv, etc.)

i tend to use the tc112 for more standard gigs (not that i play too many really "standard" gigs). i always use the hathors for when i run a stereo setup—both for size/transport issues and because i run a lot of effects and iPad synths through them and the extra high end/mids help that.

the hathors make a van tour even easier.

i think they both handle effects well.

 

[Handyman]

Should anyone want more low end out of a Hathor, there is of course the 1855. Those go REALLY low.

And make your pants flap, too.

 

[steubig]

Should anyone want more low end out of a Hathor, there is of course the 1855. Those go REALLY low.

And make your pants flap, too.

i've tried to come up with a reason to need one . . . (i know, "need"?)

 

[dmrogers]

Agreed. However, noting that there can be magic in the mix-n-match, and also noting that individual preferences will vary, I want to throw out there that I have: A.) played hard rock with great success through my TC112AF and TC115AF, and B.) gotten some great clean tones out of my Hathor 1203's. So, even though their design goals vary, both the TC's and the Hathors can cover a lot of ground. Each in their own way, of course.

Yes, the tone can vary a good deal on the 1203 cabs. When I play through Monique, keeping the EQ the same, I can use the sensitivity and get a clean tone or an aggressive grind. And the 1203 reacts well to either. I get similar results with the TH 500.

Plus, I must point out the switches. Don't forget the additional tone sculpting available with these. With two cabs, you have a lot of options.

 

[Mystic Michael]

Hey Tom,

I think you may be one of the only guys on this thread who has experience with both the Hathor 1203 cabs and the Mesa Boogie Powerhouse PH112 cabs. I know you did a direct comparison at one point (I did a search), but wonder if you could refresh my memory, and perhaps expound just a bit? In terms of comparative SPL output? In terms of comparative frequency response, tone and voicing?

A few months ago, I got a pair of previously-owned Mesa Powerhouse PH112s in a trade, and I love 'em! They're just about the perfect rock cab, and I dig them for that application more than anything I've ever played.

That said, they're also 42 pounds each (not 48 as the Mesa spec sheet says), and while that's not unreasonable for what it does, I had reconstructive spinal surgery a few years ago, and am under permanent doctors' orders to keep the heavy lifting to a minimum from now on. Plus, I live in a NYC apartment, where compactness is king. All the raves about the Hathor 1203 here are starting to give me ideas - such as doing the unthinkable: flipping my PH112s and acquiring a pair of 1203s instead. (I've got a GK MB800, so I'm all set for a very suitable micro amp head.)

What are your thoughts? How much would I be giving up, if anything, by flipping the Powerhouses? How much would I be gaining, if anything, by acquiring the Hathors? Anyone?

MM

 

[Willy B]

Well, I can't give any input on technical stuff but, I own and gig a 1203 (soon to be two). I used it tonight with a GK MB800 and couldn't believe the sound and volume coming from that little box. Makes me happy. It's great for rock too, IMO.
I owned a pair of Scout 12 cabs before the Hathor and could not be happier that I made the switch. That cab is the biggest difference maker in my sound. Probably the most important piece of gear I own. The weight and size are just the icing on the cake.

 

[mam1862]

+1 to Nutdog's comments above regarding the Composite TC212. The cab is clean, loud and super light. As mentioned I do carry with one hand if the distance is short. I did purchase a smaller cab for the small club gigs as the 212 is just too much. I found that a small 8ohm cab is good for the small clubs. Pound for pound the TC212 is the best cab I've ever owned.

 

[Mystic Michael]

Well, I can't give any input on technical stuff but, I own and gig a 1203 (soon to be two). I used it tonight with a GK MB800 and couldn't believe the sound and volume coming from that little box. Makes me happy. It's great for rock too, IMO.
I owned a pair of Scout 12 cabs before the Hathor and could not be happier that I made the switch. That cab is the biggest difference maker in my sound. Probably the most important piece of gear I own. The weight and size are just the icing on the cake.

Good to know, Hans. What I've learned about the Mesa Scout 112s is only by hearsay, namely that the voicing is old school, but in the best possible way: deep, warm, round & phat, but with good definition and clarity.

The Powerhouse 112s sound nice and big, with good booty. But the vibe is more modern, with more edge, more growl, and a more pronounced midrange. Very "electric", as TalkBass member "pickles" has described them.

Based on what I've read here, I'm thinking that the Powerhouse vibe is closer to the 1203 than is the Scout vibe. But how close? That I do not know.

MM

 

[dmrogers]

Hey Tom,

I think you may be one of the only guys on this thread who has experience with both the Hathor 1203 cabs and the Mesa Boogie Powerhouse PH112 cabs. I know you did a direct comparison at one point (I did a search), but wonder if you could refresh my memory, and perhaps expound just a bit? In terms of comparative SPL output? In terms of comparative frequency response, tone and voicing?

A few months ago, I got a pair of previously-owned Mesa Powerhouse PH112s in a trade, and I love 'em! They're just about the perfect rock cab, and I dig them for that application more than anything I've ever played.

That said, they're also 42 pounds each (not 48 as the Mesa spec sheet says), and while that's not unreasonable for what it does, I had reconstructive spinal surgery a few years ago, and am under permanent doctors' orders to keep the heavy lifting to a minimum from now on. Plus, I live in a NYC apartment, where compactness is king. All the raves about the Hathor 1203 here are starting to give me ideas - such as doing the unthinkable: flipping my PH112s and acquiring a pair of 1203s instead. (I've got a GK MB800, so I'm all set for a very suitable micro amp head.)

What are your thoughts? How much would I be giving up, if anything, by flipping the Powerhouses? How much would I be gaining, if anything, by acquiring the Hathors? Anyone?

MM

Although I have no experience with the Mesa cabs, I thought I would throw my 2 cents worth.

Before acquiring the 2 1203 cabs, I played through a couple of Aguilar GS112 cabs. They are nice cabs, especially with Monique. However, I'm not getting any younger and the Audio Kinesis 1203 weight of 24 pounds really caught my eye. Plus the audio uploads from various TB members helped seal the deal.

I honestly don't feel like I am giving up anything with the 1203s. The weight is amazing. The switches offer a degree of tone sculpting. Having a 3" driver instead of a tweeter is really nice. Plus the mid forward nature makes is really easy to get a gig tone that sits nicely in the overall mix.

I have a theory about new gear. When I get a new piece of gear, I take my time becoming familiar with the gear and adapting to it (this part is real important). It took time for me to get used to Monique. Same with the TH 500. Same with the 1203s.

I have played several different backline rigs since owning the 1203s. Nothing compares. Yes, they get the job done. But I am totally happy with the 1203 cabs and their ability to get the tone I am looking for.

I get plenty of power, and lows. But I have never liked super lows.

I guess the only way to know for sure is to gig a pair for a while. One thing for sure, your back will love the reduced weight!

 

[morebassbaby]

For what it's worth, I have had my Hathor 1203 for the better part of a year and am still completely elated. With my TecAmp Puma 900, it slays! Really waiting to see what happens with all of the Birdhaus stuff. Don't know if it's still in the plans to do that or not, but I think that cab will be my next if it happens!

 

[Willy B]

Good to know, Hans. What I've learned about the Mesa Scout 112s is only by hearsay, namely that the voicing is old school, but in the best possible way: deep, warm, round & phat, but with good definition and clarity.

The Powerhouse 112s sound nice and big, with good booty. But the vibe is more modern, with more edge, more growl, and a more pronounced midrange. Very "electric", as TalkBass member "pickles" has described them.

Based on what I've read here, I'm thinking that the Powerhouse vibe is closer to the 1203 than is the Scout vibe. But how close? That I do not know.

MM

You're right, the ph112 is probably close to the 1203. I hope you're able to find out for yourself

For what it's worth, I have had my Hathor 1203 for the better part of a year and am still completely elated. With my TecAmp Puma 900, it slays! Really waiting to see what happens with all of the Birdhaus stuff. Don't know if it's still in the plans to do that or not, but I think that cab will be my next if it happens!

My GAS will reignite if/when the new Hathor 15xx comes out.

 

[tombowlus]

Hey Tom,

I think you may be one of the only guys on this thread who has experience with both the Hathor 1203 cabs and the Mesa Boogie Powerhouse PH112 cabs. I know you did a direct comparison at one point (I did a search), but wonder if you could refresh my memory, and perhaps expound just a bit? In terms of comparative SPL output? In terms of comparative frequency response, tone and voicing?

A few months ago, I got a pair of previously-owned Mesa Powerhouse PH112s in a trade, and I love 'em! They're just about the perfect rock cab, and I dig them for that application more than anything I've ever played.

That said, they're also 42 pounds each (not 48 as the Mesa spec sheet says), and while that's not unreasonable for what it does, I had reconstructive spinal surgery a few years ago, and am under permanent doctors' orders to keep the heavy lifting to a minimum from now on. Plus, I live in a NYC apartment, where compactness is king. All the raves about the Hathor 1203 here are starting to give me ideas - such as doing the unthinkable: flipping my PH112s and acquiring a pair of 1203s instead. (I've got a GK MB800, so I'm all set for a very suitable micro amp head.)

What are your thoughts? How much would I be giving up, if anything, by flipping the Powerhouses? How much would I be gaining, if anything, by acquiring the Hathors? Anyone?

MM

I did not have the PH112's at the same time as the 1203's, so I have not done a direct comparison, but I do have a PH212 and I also still have a pair of prototype Subway 1x12's in my hands, so I can try and compare those cabs to the 1203's. It won't be directly on point, but I should be able to extrapolate a bit.

 

[tombowlus]

Although I have no experience with the Mesa cabs, I thought I would throw my 2 cents worth.

Before acquiring the 2 1203 cabs, I played through a couple of Aguilar GS112 cabs. They are nice cabs, especially with Monique. However, I'm not getting any younger and the Audio Kinesis 1203 weight of 24 pounds really caught my eye. Plus the audio uploads from various TB members helped seal the deal.

I honestly don't feel like I am giving up anything with the 1203s. The weight is amazing. The switches offer a degree of tone sculpting. Having a 3" driver instead of a tweeter is really nice. Plus the mid forward nature makes is really easy to get a gig tone that sits nicely in the overall mix.

I have a theory about new gear. When I get a new piece of gear, I take my time becoming familiar with the gear and adapting to it (this part is real important). It took time for me to get used to Monique. Same with the TH 500. Same with the 1203s.

I have played several different backline rigs since owning the 1203s. Nothing compares. Yes, they get the job done. But I am totally happy with the 1203 cabs and their ability to get the tone I am looking for.

I get plenty of power, and lows. But I have never liked super lows.

I guess the only way to know for sure is to gig a pair for a while. One thing for sure, your back will love the reduced weight!

FWIW, the PH112's are going to be more similar to the 1203's than the GS112's. The GS112 is a famously mid-scooped cab, and the 1203's are anything but. The PH112 is definitely between the two of them.