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AudioKinesis Cabs V!!!!
- Thread starter Chef
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I've only recently even heard of these things but from the clips, they sound awesome, they look amazing. I want one/some. It's cool that its an Idaho company too, even though they are way on the other side of the state. The home speaker connection thing is nice as well.
I haven't read through all the threads, and only about 5 pages of this one but I have a question. Are there two builders or versions of Thunderchild's out there? It looks like one is wood and I've seen talk if a compact composite. Do I have that right? Why the change and what is the difference?
I've also seen reference to the Audio Friendly option no longer being available. Is that true? It shows as an option.
What is the deal with the adjustable ports? I'm new to this whole thing, but I haven't seen that elsewhere yet. I can't wrap my mind around what they do and what the benefits are.
Finally, what's up with the Hathor cabs? I saw kringle's video on them but I don't see any info on the AK website.
Sorry for all the questions, but I'm all curious.
I haven't read through all the threads, and only about 5 pages of this one but I have a question. Are there two builders or versions of Thunderchild's out there? It looks like one is wood and I've seen talk if a compact composite. Do I have that right? Why the change and what is the difference?
I've also seen reference to the Audio Friendly option no longer being available. Is that true? It shows as an option.
What is the deal with the adjustable ports? I'm new to this whole thing, but I haven't seen that elsewhere yet. I can't wrap my mind around what they do and what the benefits are.
Finally, what's up with the Hathor cabs? I saw kringle's video on them but I don't see any info on the AK website.
Sorry for all the questions, but I'm all curious.
You make a very good point that on a thread of this length someone among us who has followed it, should make a summary. My vote would be Ken Jung if he has the time - he's very good at describing sound and has the familiarity.
I can tell you, yes there is both a wood and composite version. The composite is lighter and more expensive.
Sorry, I'm at work and can't spare more time. Others will chip in.
I can tell you, yes there is both a wood and composite version. The composite is lighter and more expensive.
Sorry, I'm at work and can't spare more time. Others will chip in.
Here I am!Great cabs. First, I know nothing about the Hathor, so I'll leave that to someone else.
Regarding your other questions, there is one line of Thunderchild cabs that come in two versions. The 'standard' wood models are made by the designer. Builder Mike Arnopol makes the identical cabs in very lightweight composite versions using the same design and components. Both versions sound identical to my ear.
The current models are the TC112, TC112AF, and TC212 in the Thunderchild line. The 'AF' stands for 'acoustic friendly' and adds a rear firing tweeter for guys who use these cabs for DB in low volume situations and it supposedly adds a bit of 'air' and open-ness to the tonality of these cabs. (edit: I believe there is a 'new' TC112 coming out also, I assume to eventually replace the TC112 (which uses a proprietary driver).
The TC212 replaced the TC115, and like the TC112 is 4ohms.
Great cabs if you like the sort of 'studio monitor on stage' sort of vibe... clean, even, and quite loud!
The Hathor is designed for those who want a more traditional sounding bass cab (i.e., like a one way 10 loaded sort of thing), but again, not my thing and haven't heard one.
Finally, the port plugs allow the cab to basically be changed to a 'sealed' design, which changes the tuning of the cab and tightens the low end. Primarily a benefit for DB players, but also nice (I guess) in boomy rooms or for those who like a bit less full low end. I've never felt the need to use them.
Seeee. I told ya he was good.
I'd just add that the reason the TC115 was discontinued was due to an increase in minimum requirements of the custom speaker design.
Regarding the ports, I recently found a use for them I hadn't expected. In a rehearsal the drummer was complaining about volume. (I typically play at a very tasteful volume so this got me thinking.) When I got a chance I tested what I was hearing in front of my cabinet to what he was hearing back in the corner of the odd shaped rehearsal room. He was getting a boom I was not hearing. Since he was sort of behind me, I plugged in the ports and the boominess went away. He was happier with the sound he was hearing and that was the end of volume comments and harmony was restored.
I'd just add that the reason the TC115 was discontinued was due to an increase in minimum requirements of the custom speaker design.
Regarding the ports, I recently found a use for them I hadn't expected. In a rehearsal the drummer was complaining about volume. (I typically play at a very tasteful volume so this got me thinking.) When I got a chance I tested what I was hearing in front of my cabinet to what he was hearing back in the corner of the odd shaped rehearsal room. He was getting a boom I was not hearing. Since he was sort of behind me, I plugged in the ports and the boominess went away. He was happier with the sound he was hearing and that was the end of volume comments and harmony was restored.
- Nov 24, 2008
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- Disclosures
- Owner & designer, AudioKinesis; Auth. mfg, Big E (Home Audio only)
Thanks for responding, PDGood and KJung.
Blackjax, great to hear from a fellow Idahoan... though just so you know, I'm a transplant from New Orleans. Hence the funny-looking name.
Currently Mike Arnopol is offering the TC212 in composite; the 115s are on discontinued (hopefully only temporarily) due to rising price of neo magnets and higher minimum quantities required for ordering custom OEM woofers. The "hump" is a lot harder to get over now.
Coming soon is the 8-ohm TC112, with stock Kappalite 3012LF woofers, so continued supply shouldn't be a problem. And I have a fair number of my custom 4-ohm 3012LF variants still in stock, along with a supply of recone kits.
Sorry about the Hathor cab not being up on my website yet, but shoot me an e-mail or private message with whatever questions you may have.
Duke, I know you have a full plate, but it might make good business sense to take some summary type comments like Ken's (and others) and add them to the first post of the first page. And then keep updating that post on the state of your cabinets as time goes by. That way anyone who is late to the party but interested doesn't have to make his way through 43 pages to find the basics.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Thanks for the replies. KJung already helped me out with some amp stuff, no surprise that he's once again helping people figure out what is what.
Duke, half my family is from Louisiana and I'm mostly of French descent myself so I love the funny spelling. I'm up in Coeur d'Alene as it is.
Are you doing the building now in your shop or is Mike Arnopol doing the building? Or is he just doing the composite stuff?
It's cool on the Hathor info, I was just looking for more info about them. I'd seen discussion about them and then the video.
Good luck to ya in everything ya do. I hope to pick up a couple of TC112's at some point.
Duke, half my family is from Louisiana and I'm mostly of French descent myself so I love the funny spelling. I'm up in Coeur d'Alene as it is.
Are you doing the building now in your shop or is Mike Arnopol doing the building? Or is he just doing the composite stuff?
It's cool on the Hathor info, I was just looking for more info about them. I'd seen discussion about them and then the video.
Good luck to ya in everything ya do. I hope to pick up a couple of TC112's at some point.
Just took delivery of Kringle's Hathor. I've been totally out of the loop on Duke's stuff outside of the Thunderchild somehow and didn't even know that he was doing something like this until I saw his for sale thread.
I've been using a Barefaced Bass Compact for the last year and have been really happy with it. Easily gets the volume I need and has a pleasing roll off in the highs and of course its an easy schlep. But lately I found I could use a bit more up top (high mids and treble) and wouldn't mind some better dispersion characteristics for my ears on stage. I often use distortion and the TC's never seemed like a good match for my needs. I have the amplifier power to make this a one cab solution for me so I'm looking forward to giving this a full workout. Will report back!
I've been using a Barefaced Bass Compact for the last year and have been really happy with it. Easily gets the volume I need and has a pleasing roll off in the highs and of course its an easy schlep. But lately I found I could use a bit more up top (high mids and treble) and wouldn't mind some better dispersion characteristics for my ears on stage. I often use distortion and the TC's never seemed like a good match for my needs. I have the amplifier power to make this a one cab solution for me so I'm looking forward to giving this a full workout. Will report back!
Just a little Bedroom playing. Hopefully will get to let it air out with the big amp on Saturday.
Just a little Bedroom playing. Hopefully will get to let it air out with the big amp on Saturday.
what's the long green thing on the floor?
Its a Pocket Piano GR. Basically a little synth that I like to make strange noises with from time to time.[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
So I took the Hathor along with my pedalboard to my practice space for a little A/B session with my Barefaced Bass Compact. First thing I noticed is that the Hathor and the Compact have essentially the same external measurements. I'll be able to use the same box to ship out the Compact!
Since I think they use the same woofer, its probably not a surprise, but I think the Hathor has a little less internal volume than the Compact because the Hathor uses a portion of that volume for the somewhat open air Midrange "Chamber"
As I mentioned earlier, I use distortion fairly regularly and the Compact has a pleasing treble rolloff that lends itself well to this application and has for a year now. That said, I'm doing a little synth stuff and overall I'd like some more upper mids and a little more treble in my life. Overall the lows and low mids have essentially the same profile in both cabs thanks to the similar drivers and enclosure volume, so I already knew I would be okay with the Hathor in that regard.
The midrange drivers add a really neat dimension to my usual sound, especially when I start using my modulation and time based effects. After playing with the switches, I eventually settled on running the woofer full range with the mid switch down for a little less output from the two 4" drivers.
In the end I basically have my core sound with some extra sparkle and definition but without getting the harshness I've found running distortion through a tweeter. The only things I've sacrificed are 8 lbs and for me what I consider less convenient handles. With something this light, I'd actually prefer the single strap on the Compact which works to make for an easy one hand carry.
I should also be able to hear myself a little better in the band as the midrange drivers will give me a little bit better dispersion.
I took some pics of the cab, because I don't think there are much available other than Kringle's video. I had no idea that the midranges were built in to the cab in this way. I also really like how the back panel was done up.
New rig in all its glory:
And of course I had to stack them both up at least once, afterall, the Demeter has the horsepower, only a communist wouldn't do so...it was massive sounding.
Since I think they use the same woofer, its probably not a surprise, but I think the Hathor has a little less internal volume than the Compact because the Hathor uses a portion of that volume for the somewhat open air Midrange "Chamber"
As I mentioned earlier, I use distortion fairly regularly and the Compact has a pleasing treble rolloff that lends itself well to this application and has for a year now. That said, I'm doing a little synth stuff and overall I'd like some more upper mids and a little more treble in my life. Overall the lows and low mids have essentially the same profile in both cabs thanks to the similar drivers and enclosure volume, so I already knew I would be okay with the Hathor in that regard.
The midrange drivers add a really neat dimension to my usual sound, especially when I start using my modulation and time based effects. After playing with the switches, I eventually settled on running the woofer full range with the mid switch down for a little less output from the two 4" drivers.
In the end I basically have my core sound with some extra sparkle and definition but without getting the harshness I've found running distortion through a tweeter. The only things I've sacrificed are 8 lbs and for me what I consider less convenient handles. With something this light, I'd actually prefer the single strap on the Compact which works to make for an easy one hand carry.
I should also be able to hear myself a little better in the band as the midrange drivers will give me a little bit better dispersion.
I took some pics of the cab, because I don't think there are much available other than Kringle's video. I had no idea that the midranges were built in to the cab in this way. I also really like how the back panel was done up.
New rig in all its glory:
And of course I had to stack them both up at least once, afterall, the Demeter has the horsepower, only a communist wouldn't do so...it was massive sounding.
Hey, Im glad that you are liking the Hathor. It uses the faital pro 15pr400 where the compact uses the eminence 3015. They should have a different sound but, Im betting they are tuned very similar. I personally would run them as a pair and get the most out of both.
Won't be running them as a pair. As is, the Compact had enough volume to carry my gig with ease, the Hathor seems to have similar volume capabilities, so I should be all good with the Hathor.
One of my kids poked a stick into the horn on my Thunderchild 112AF, and dislodged the screen. I also had a midrange distortion on the gig last Friday, that didn't sound like it was horn-related.
Thanks to DIY instructions from Duke, I was able to fix the horn, good as new, no parts needed.
After taking the woofer out to see what was causing the distortion, I finally realized that the problem was just the Little Cab That Could driving my surroundings into a resonant frenzy (with the help of my G-K MB800- that thing is a hammer!). Still, it sure was nice to see how well-built these little boxes are inside.
Meanwhile, I've got to remember to take a screw gun to my next gig at that venue, so I can tie the stage together a bit better. It's pretty cool when a sub-$1,000, sub-40lb compact cab can tear a place up like that...
Thanks to DIY instructions from Duke, I was able to fix the horn, good as new, no parts needed.
After taking the woofer out to see what was causing the distortion, I finally realized that the problem was just the Little Cab That Could driving my surroundings into a resonant frenzy (with the help of my G-K MB800- that thing is a hammer!). Still, it sure was nice to see how well-built these little boxes are inside.
Meanwhile, I've got to remember to take a screw gun to my next gig at that venue, so I can tie the stage together a bit better. It's pretty cool when a sub-$1,000, sub-40lb compact cab can tear a place up like that...
So I have been wading through lots and lots of threads trying to decide on a smallish head to power my new-to-me TC112AF.
My basses are currently a Landing 30T with custom AERO single coils, a Lakland Skyline Hollowbody with Darkstars, and a Guild B30e ABG.
I tend to gravitate towards the old school, vintage, tube warmth, flats/tapes/pressure wound side of things. Based on my brief experience with a Streamliner 600 (was traded perhaps too soon) I'm thinking about trying the Streamliner head again.
My question is 600 or 900? I remember reading on this briefly, but I can't find it again. I recall reading that the 600 is the safer (read:idiot proof) option as the TC can handle all the power ... And that in high volume situations I could risk damaging the TC with a 900 b/c I won't hear sounds of distress. Is that right?
And some folks like the sound of the new GB heads "hitting the rails?"
Any compelling reason to opt for the 900? More clean headroom? I'm assuming it will sound bigger at lower volumes? More heft? Is that right?
Anything else I should consider?
I'm leaning towards the 600 to prevent possibly damaging the cab, but thought I should ask you folks for any insight or angles I might be missing here.
Thanks!
My basses are currently a Landing 30T with custom AERO single coils, a Lakland Skyline Hollowbody with Darkstars, and a Guild B30e ABG.
I tend to gravitate towards the old school, vintage, tube warmth, flats/tapes/pressure wound side of things. Based on my brief experience with a Streamliner 600 (was traded perhaps too soon) I'm thinking about trying the Streamliner head again.
My question is 600 or 900? I remember reading on this briefly, but I can't find it again. I recall reading that the 600 is the safer (read:idiot proof) option as the TC can handle all the power ... And that in high volume situations I could risk damaging the TC with a 900 b/c I won't hear sounds of distress. Is that right?
And some folks like the sound of the new GB heads "hitting the rails?"
Any compelling reason to opt for the 900? More clean headroom? I'm assuming it will sound bigger at lower volumes? More heft? Is that right?
Anything else I should consider?
I'm leaning towards the 600 to prevent possibly damaging the cab, but thought I should ask you folks for any insight or angles I might be missing here.
Thanks!
I recall that Ken Jung does not recommend the streamliner for this cab. Too much of a good thing (frequency wise)
Yeah, I remember reading that. But I think my tonal goals may be different, and I've read where others dig the pairing. I'm not trying to cut through a dense mix right now.
I'll probably need to audition several heads to see which floats my boat. I'm really wondering more about pros/cons of running a higher powered head thru the TC.
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