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AudioKinesis Cabs Part VI...

Nice! I used to play a place up there like 20 years ago called Club Aurora. I’m sure it’s long since closed.

Yeah, the options and versatility are pretty insane. What are you using for a head?

Currently it’s a Mesa D800+, which I run flat with the HPF at around 9 o’clock. I am curious about other brands, but man... that amp is just so practical, and so functional, and sounds so good.
 
Currently it’s a Mesa D800+, which I run flat with the HPF at around 9 o’clock. I am curious about other brands, but man... that amp is just so practical, and so functional, and sounds so good.

I'm still using my old Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 that I've had since they first came out. I tried the Aguilar AG700, which is likewise a really nice head, but ended up going back to the Genz and sold the Aggie to fund my second 1203. I just got the Shuttle back with a clean bill of health from my repair guy, but I'm kind of keeping my eyes out since the Shuttle is no longer being made and mine probably won't last forever. Haven't checked out the Mesa, but it's on my short list of heads to try.
 
I tried the Aguilar AG700 and I liked it. It was more in the “warm and wooly” realm than the Mesa, which (to my ear) seems to be a cleaner sounding amp with more “slam” if that make sense. I find it much easier to get a really authoritative slap sound out of the Mesa. It is also incredibly useful to have two bands of sweepable mids.

I’m the type of player who prefers to shape tone upstream, and have an amp that just gives me what I put into it with less color. Both heads sounded great with the Hathors, so there really isn’t a right or wrong choice between the two.
 
I don't think the cone that is used in my custom 4-ohm 15" woofer is available anymore, but I'll check on it. If it is, and if things go really well for me, then I could theoretically invest in another production run. But I don't want to pretend like that sequence of events is likely at this point.

Those of you with my 115 and 118 and 212 cabs - how useful are the pocket handles on the sides? Would a different kind of handle work better for you? Or do you even use them?

I'll be out of town for a few days but look forward to any feedback on the handles when I get back.


Hi Duke! I use the pocket handles on my H1506 just as a one hand grab to tilt into the back seat or something. So, yeah useful for sure. Don't think I would prefer a non-recessed handle there but I'm not sure why. I don't stack sideways or lay the cab on it's side ever. I guess that would work.
 
The pocket handles are perfect storage compartments for the larger port plugs. I liked them.
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Those of you with my 115 and 118 and 212 cabs - how useful are the pocket handles on the sides? Would a different kind of handle work better for you? Or do you even use them?

The recessed side pocket handles on the H1855 are a must in my opinion. I grab a handle with one hand, set the cab alongside my leg, and off I go. Yep -- I walk like a pirate with a peg-leg. Arrgh matey! Prepare to have ye ear wax melted! OK - weird digression ended. :laugh:

What other types of handles are you thinking about? Recessed handle that flips out? Strap? The current design is simple and effective.

The only improvement on the side handles would be to have the pocket handle upholstered in leather. :woot::D

Once on stage, since there is no top handle on this beast, I use the open format mid-chamber openings on top/sides to grab the cab and move/position it exactly where I need it to be. Works very well.

PS> The recessed leather strap handle on top of the H1203T is perfection.
 
I don't think the cone that is used in my custom 4-ohm 15" woofer is available anymore, but I'll check on it. If it is, and if things go really well for me, then I could theoretically invest in another production run. But I don't want to pretend like that sequence of events is likely at this point.

Those of you with my 115 and 118 and 212 cabs - how useful are the pocket handles on the sides? Would a different kind of handle work better for you? Or do you even use them?

I'll be out of town for a few days but look forward to any feedback on the handles when I get back.
I liked the pocket handles on the 1533. It was a comfortable two-hand carry, and the top strap was good for a one-hand carry.

For the 212, I found the two-hand carry a bit awkward, I think due to the tall/narrow dimensions. And it's too tall to one-hand using the leather strap.
Carrying that ~46-48 lbs a good distance, the thin edges of the pocket handle would dig-in to the fingers (one hand). So, I found myself switching hands or just hoisting it upon my shoulder. Actually, on top of my shoulder was the most comfortable carry. I think a dish handle with a single bar in the center would be more useful, assuming they aren't too deep to fit.

For some context, ^this was me trying to carry the cab with amp, pedalboard and bass all strapped to my torso after being dropped-off somewhere near downtown during SXSW (or other times where traffic was terrible near the venue and parking was far away).
 
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I don't think the cone that is used in my custom 4-ohm 15" woofer is available anymore, but I'll check on it. If it is, and if things go really well for me, then I could theoretically invest in another production run. But I don't want to pretend like that sequence of events is likely at this point.

Those of you with my 115 and 118 and 212 cabs - how useful are the pocket handles on the sides? Would a different kind of handle work better for you? Or do you even use them?

I'll be out of town for a few days but look forward to any feedback on the handles when I get back.

I think the side handles strike the perfect balance of function and light weight. And light weight is one of the things I absolutely love about my 1505. Also agree that the top handle is a universally-admired thing of beauty
 
I’m not sure I can handle much more of this handle adoration love fest, so just stop it before I fly off the handle..... Could you all please go back to talking about the audacious audio performance and such and let the man get back to work building his unique take on bass specific speaker cabs. We need more of his inspired brand of innovation in the bass world.
I’d really love to see him get caught up so I (as well as others) might have a chance to acquire one these lovely little beasts some day too, preferably before I die.
 
I’m not sure I can handle much more of this handle adoration love fest, so just stop it before I fly off the handle..... Could you all please go back to talking about the audacious audio performance and such and let the man get back to work building his unique take on bass specific speaker cabs. We need more of his inspired brand of innovation in the bass world.
I’d really love to see him get caught up so I (as well as others) might have a chance to acquire one these lovely little beasts some day too, preferably before I die.
Well the man himself did ask.;)