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AudioKinesis Cabs Part VI...

I took the Hathor 212 to rehearsal tonight to break it in. I ran my SVT through it. I always use by Berg 610 in the practice room with my SVT as it stays there and comes out for gigs. I wanted a cab for my home rig and also for use at gigs when I didn't want to haul the big stuff. I've got the new Darkglass amp that will be paired with the Hathor at home and gigs where I use this new cab.

This cab KILLED! It sounded soooo good! It can get very, very loud but still sound so clear and present. The lows were plenty low and the highs were just right, not harsh at all. I usually run an always on distortion, Darkglass pedals, and they sounded killer with both switches on the back in the up position. I wasn't missing anything at all in terms of volume, tone, and punch compared to the 610. It sounded like a much bigger cab. Can we call this a "super cab"? My bandmates even commented on how great it sounded and said "hey, you could use that at gigs". Well yeah, that's the idea! Our next gig is Dec. 2nd and I'll definitely be using the Hathor.

I'd like to give a big shout out to Duke for designing such an awesome cab! So far it has definitely exceeded my expectations.

IMG_1454.JPG
 
I'd like to give a big shout out to Duke for designing such an awesome cab! So far it has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Thank you Trent for taking the leap of faith and ordering a cab that nobody had heard yet because it hadn't been built yet.
 
Thank you Trent for taking the leap of faith and ordering a cab that nobody had heard yet because it hadn't been built yet.
You're welcome. I'm glad I did. The cab seriously kills! I still can't get over how much volume this thing can handle and how awesome it sounds! My drummer commented again how great the new cab sounded at rehearsal. When do drummers ever say stuff like that?
 
My drummer commented again how great the new cab sounded at rehearsal. When do drummers ever say stuff like that?

My guess is that part of it may be the wide dispersion of the cab... your drummer may be hearing your overtones for the first time!

Seriously, I'm curious as to how much of a difference wider dispersion makes to your fellow bandmates. If you get some indication from them, I'd be very interested.
 
How do like that Bass Block?

I like it quite a bit. I do wish the DI out was pre Master Volume. But other than that it's simple and easy to use (like me!!). It can be used as a standalone amp or as a "poweramp" via that XLR in on the back. Nice thick tone that can get surprisingly tube-y.

I had a Mesa D800 and a Genzler MG800 and they are both just fantastic amps. I already have my preamp covered with a Grace Felix, which is just stupid good. And since I feel the need to use the Felix whenever I can, being that it's kinda 'spensive, the EQ sections on the D800/MG800 were redundant. So the BB800 fits my needs. But honestly, any of these new, killer class D heads that are coming out would work great. It's good to be a bass player nowadays!!

I did use the BB800 w/out the Felix on a low level jazz gig with electric and it sounded great. FYI: I typically don't EQ a lot except cut bass/mud and add some tube-y-ness whenever possible. Maybe add a little mids/upper mids to try and cut through (like last night) when the alcohol starts kicking in with the guitards.

As a side note, the Mid Grind switch on the Hathor is sweet. Instant punch/clarity.
 
I like it quite a bit. I do wish the DI out was pre Master Volume. But other than that it's simple and easy to use (like me!!). It can be used as a standalone amp or as a "poweramp" via that XLR in on the back. Nice thick tone that can get surprisingly tube-y.

I had a Mesa D800 and a Genzler MG800 and they are both just fantastic amps. I already have my preamp covered with a Grace Felix, which is just stupid good. And since I feel the need to use the Felix whenever I can, being that it's kinda 'spensive, the EQ sections on the D800/MG800 were redundant. So the BB800 fits my needs. But honestly, any of these new, killer class D heads that are coming out would work great. It's good to be a bass player nowadays!!

I did use the BB800 w/out the Felix on a low level jazz gig with electric and it sounded great. FYI: I typically don't EQ a lot except cut bass/mud and add some tube-y-ness whenever possible. Maybe add a little mids/upper mids to try and cut through (like last night) when the alcohol starts kicking in with the gui****s.

As a side note, the Mid Grind switch on the Hathor is sweet. Instant punch/clarity.

Side note #2: If I can swing it, a 1505 or 1533 is in my future.
 
I like it quite a bit. I do wish the DI out was pre Master Volume. But other than that it's simple and easy to use (like me!!). It can be used as a standalone amp or as a "poweramp" via that XLR in on the back. Nice thick tone that can get surprisingly tube-y.

I had a Mesa D800 and a Genzler MG800 and they are both just fantastic amps. I already have my preamp covered with a Grace Felix, which is just stupid good. And since I feel the need to use the Felix whenever I can, being that it's kinda 'spensive, the EQ sections on the D800/MG800 were redundant. So the BB800 fits my needs. But honestly, any of these new, killer class D heads that are coming out would work great. It's good to be a bass player nowadays!!

I did use the BB800 w/out the Felix on a low level jazz gig with electric and it sounded great. FYI: I typically don't EQ a lot except cut bass/mud and add some tube-y-ness whenever possible. Maybe add a little mids/upper mids to try and cut through (like last night) when the alcohol starts kicking in with the gui****s.

As a side note, the Mid Grind switch on the Hathor is sweet. Instant punch/clarity.

Very cool. Speaking of mids, for those that like even more of that grind the Hathor 1505 will deliver it! The 1505 mids switch will really bring a P Bass forward in the mix and helps a good fretless just SING! The mids switch down gives that 1503 voicing we all love. Very versatile and amazingly efficient box. I'll have to ask Duke to be sure but I think it has similar efficiency and output as the Hathor 212, and mine weighs 36 lb. Just another option to consider... :)

1505+fretless.jpg
 
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So which Hathor 15 sounds the most like the 1203?

I haven't heard the 1533 but I imagine it would be closest since it's the same 3". Duke says the 1533 goes higher, but that 5" fills a void and definitely speaks with very authoritative mids if that's what you are after. As I mentioned, Duke and I spent some time refining the 1505 so that with the switch down it is the same voicing as the 1503 just not quite as much high end sparkle. I've not missed it and went from the 1203 to the 1505 with no regrets
 
I haven't heard the 1533 but I imagine it would be closest since it's the same 3". Duke says the 1533 goes higher, but that 5" fills a void and definitely speaks with very authoritative mids if that's what you are after. As I mentioned, Duke and I spent some time refining the 1505 so that with the switch down it is the same voicing as the 1503 just not quite as much high end sparkle. I've not missed it and went from the 1203 to the 1505 with no regrets

Thanks!!

So with the 1505 mid switch down it's the same as a 1203 but less highs. With mid switch up it's got more grind/mids than a 1203. Yes? No?
 
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