AudioKinesis Cabs Part VI...

[RColie]

Not sure how to search for this so I'll ask: has Duke ever recommended particular amplifiers for particular cabinets? Have members here found particular amplifiers work especially well with particular cabinets?

I don't recall Duke recommending a particular amp with a particular cabinet. I have TC112v4s, and have found the Genzler MG800 to be superb in providing a clean, punchy sound. I've also used the Mesa Subway D800+ which gave an excellent and slightly more colored but great result as well.

And to @Al Kraft, thanks for contacting Duke and letting us know he's facing a big challenge but doing OK.

Bob

 

[coolhang]

I’m the proud owner of both a TC112 and TC115 bass cabs ver2.
I’ve been using two great amp setups with these cabs over the past 10 years:
My Genz/Benz Streamliner or my rack-rigged Demeter VTBP-201S Tube Bass Preamplifier w/ Stewart World 1.2 power amp.
Both rigs have worked out very well for me, playing classic rock, traditional country, and original music fusion/jazz settings. Sweet!

 

[JimmyM]

Duke just sent me an email. He is still in Louisiana helping his parents with health issues and things have been further complicated by the coronavirus as he tries to help them sell their home and move to assisted living.

He is anxious to get back home and resume building cool gear for all of us, but is consumed with doing what responsible kids do for their elderly parents. He mentioned to me that if anyone felt they needed a refund and/or wanted to cancel their order he understands and has processed a few already.

The bottom line here is that Duke didn't run off to never be heard from again and expects (really hopes) to be back soon. Having experienced this myself, I know how all consuming caring for elderly parents can be and in my case my parents were local and I didn't have the COVID-19 complications on top of that.

Duke is a very honorable guy, but I don't blame him...family and safety comes first. Please give him my love next time you speak to him!

 

[Al Kraft]

Not sure how to search for this so I'll ask: has Duke ever recommended particular amplifiers for particular cabinets? Have members here found particular amplifiers work especially well with particular cabinets?

I don't recall him ever suggesting particular pairings. My own experience is that his cabs work well with every amp I've ever used them with and that seems to be backed up by what I've read on TB. I do think his cabs tend to be a little on the lower sensitivity side of the general population, so having an amp with some healthy output (I would say around 300-400 Watts) might help you get the most out of the cab and still have clean head room left.

 

[Frank77]

Duke just sent me an email. He is still in Louisiana helping his parents with health issues and things have been further complicated by the coronavirus as he tries to help them sell their home and move to assisted living.

He is anxious to get back home and resume building cool gear for all of us, but is consumed with doing what responsible kids do for their elderly parents. He mentioned to me that if anyone felt they needed a refund and/or wanted to cancel their order he understands and has processed a few already.

The bottom line here is that Duke didn't run off to never be heard from again and expects (really hopes) to be back soon. Having experienced this myself, I know how all consuming caring for elderly parents can be and in my case my parents were local and I didn't have the COVID-19 complications on top of that.

Thanks for the update, Al.

 

[McFarlin]

Not sure how to search for this so I'll ask: has Duke ever recommended particular amplifiers for particular cabinets? Have members here found particular amplifiers work especially well with particular cabinets?

For the Hathor and Changeling line, here's an old quote from Duke about the 212 vs. the 1505 (or 1533, 1506):
The two have similar maximum sound pressure levels, but the 212 takes twice as much power to get there. In return, you get a more solid low end, deeper & more impact, with the 212 (two motors instead of just one = more impact).

I can tell you from experience with a Changeling 212, Hathor 1203 and a Hathor 1533, this^ is accurate.

I found the 575W from my Ashdown ABM500 to be plenty for the 212, but I prefer the voicing of my WD-800 with this cab. In a loud rock band, I rarely need to push the WD gain and master past 11 or 12 o'clock.

I think the Hathor cabs work nicely with a wide range of amps.

Even though I mostly disliked the amp, the midrange e.q. points on the Ampeg PF-50T are a great match with 1203.

The Demeter VTBP sounds fantastic through a 1203.

A lot of folks like the Quilter Bass Block with Hathor cabs. It's a good amp.

 

[LastJaguar]

Thanks all who posted about amps and Duke’s cabinets.

 

[bassically_eli]

I'm using a Warwick LWA 500 with my TC112AF v1, but I only recently acquired the TC so haven't had the chance to use it on a real gig. That said, I'm confident that the LWA is a great compliment to the TC. Like the TC, it is very HiFi with a very neutral voice--or perhaps I should say no voicing. The LWA also has a great power section, imho. It's a Pascal something or other, and is very responsive and certainly sounds like a true 500 Watts to me. Side note, the LWA really deserves a lot more love, both on TB and in the real world.

BTW, my gigs--the ones I had up until a few months ago, that is--are probably 75% upright, 25% electric. But that's always subject to change for me.

 

[Frank77]

A lot of folks like the Quilter Bass Block with Hathor cabs. It's a good amp.

Yup. I have a Bass Block 800 and I can confirm this to be true. I've tried it with a Hathor 1203 (borrowed from a fellow TBer for a test drive, which made me e-mail Duke the very next day to order my own cab), and now own a Changeling 112 (tall version) - it sounds great with both. The simplicity of this amp's EQ combined with the voicing options on Duke's cabs is truly a fantastic match, IMO. Plus, the "no frills, no thrills" semi-industrial look of the amp matches the looks of the AK cabs, too. It's the ultimate "sleeper" rig.

 

[Ken Lloyd]

Honorable mentions:

Arkham Sound Beast of Both Worlds
Genz Benz Streamliner
Genz Benz Shuttle 9.2
GK MB500 Fusion
Tecamp Puma
Mesa Subway D-800+

Big Plus One on the Mesa D800. Perfect for two AK cabs. Loud as heck, though still clean and musical and rich.

 

[Al Kraft]

Big Plus One on the Mesa D800. Perfect for two AK cabs. Loud as heck, though still clean and musical and rich.

All the SW heads sound great through my C112T, and I really like my GK MB800 through that cab as well.

 

[MIMike]

I recently acquired a C-112, and though I haven’t gigged it yet, it sounds great with my MB500F...in my garage!

 

[Al Kraft]

I recently acquired a C-112, and though I haven’t gigged it yet, it sounds great with my MB500F...in my garage!

View attachment 3899848 View attachment 3899849

Wait till you hear it on a gig!

Those GK MB/MBF heads are a great pairing with Hathor and Changeling cabs IMO.

 

[MIMike]

Wait till you hear it on a gig!

Those GK MB/MBF heads are a great pairing with Hathor and Changeling cabs IMO.

I can’t wait...don’t care what band it is or what genre it is; surf, jazz, electric or upright, the AK is making the trip.

 

[fourstr00]

I’ve been using a Carvin 250 microbass with a 1203 for pub work until Covid. Micro rig of doom. The audience literally can’t find it on stage.

 

[Ken Lloyd]

I recently acquired a C-112, and though I haven’t gigged it yet, it sounds great with my MB500F...in my garage!

View attachment 3899848 View attachment 3899849

I recently acquired a C-112, and though I haven’t gigged it yet, it sounds great with my MB500F...in my garage!

Your rig looks like my rig in single cab mode. The H1203T (not shown) Loves 5 string.

 

[MIMike]

similar pic here. My H1203T (shown here is a C 112) loves 5 string!


Looks like my rig in single cab mode. The H1203T (not shown) Loves 5 string.

Nice. If I was gigging more, I would probably seek out a Mesa at some point.
I have, however, since getting the Changling, been cured of my GAS (hope I don’t get kicked off the forum for that post).

 

[Al Kraft]

I just heard from Duke again and he will try to check in with a post shortly. He truly appreciates the concern, understanding, and best wishes from all.

 

[Frank77]

Nice. If I was gigging more, I would probably seek out a Mesa at some point.
I have, however, since getting the Changling, been cured of my GAS (hope I don’t get kicked off the forum for that post).

I guess I'll post a (bad) picture of mine, too. Here's my kit of choice (from our last gig, seems like forever ago).

And don't worry about GAS, you may THINK it goes away, but it never really does. So, question for those who own multiple AK cabs, what would be a good match to pair with a C112T (besides another identical cab)? C112? A H1203(T)? Is there any bad combination if you stick to the Hathor or Changeling family w/ 12'' drivers? Asking for a friend...

 

[MarkA]

Duke just sent me an email. He is still in Louisiana helping his parents with health issues and things have been further complicated by the coronavirus as he tries to help them sell their home and move to assisted living.

He is anxious to get back home and resume building cool gear for all of us, but is consumed with doing what responsible kids do for their elderly parents. He mentioned to me that if anyone felt they needed a refund and/or wanted to cancel their order he understands and has processed a few already.

The bottom line here is that Duke didn't run off to never be heard from again and expects (really hopes) to be back soon. Having experienced this myself, I know how all consuming caring for elderly parents can be and in my case my parents were local and I didn't have the COVID-19 complications on top of that.

Many thanks, Al, for checking in with Duke. Much appreciated. Glad to hear that he's well, even if in the midst of difficult circumstances. Best wishes to him and to his family.