AudioKinesis Cabs V!!!!

[lomo]

and the composite TC115 Compact is actually a touch lighter than the TC112 (which is only available in 'wood').

It's wonderful and amazing how the discussions of cab weight have evolved. Consider that the TC15, even in wood, weighs as much as an average, good quality neo 112 (like a Berg or Neox). The small super cabs in composite feel like lunchboxes that contain a PB & J sandwich and an EMPTY soda can

 

[engedi1]

For me, the weight is THE selling point of these cabs. Minor points, like tone, power handling, projection are pretty cool too of course...

 

[KJung]

For me, the weight is THE selling point of these cabs. Minor points, like tone, power handling, projection are pretty cool too of course...

Seriously, most cab and amp purchases I've made over the last 25 years or so was to 'get my tone from smaller and lighter gear without compromise'.

I would still be relatively happy playing out of my old SWR900/Goliath III rig, or my Bag End 15 stack with my old WT400. Those rigs STILL sound great IMO. But through the years, thinks got even better sounding and smaller and lighter.


Amazing that I can do a full, loud dance gig with true low end and volume enough to keep up with a moderately loud drummer and multi-piece group with a rig that weighs under 40 pounds and fits in a compact car trunk

 

[basswest]

Seriously, most cab and amp purchases I've made over the last 25 years or so was to 'get my tone from smaller and lighter gear without compromise'.

I would still be relatively happy playing out of my old SWR900/Goliath III rig, or my Bag End 15 stack with my old WT400. Those rigs STILL sound great IMO. But through the years, thinks got even better sounding and smaller and lighter.


Amazing that I can do a full, loud dance gig with true low end and volume enough to keep up with a moderately loud drummer and multi-piece group with a rig that weighs under 40 pounds and fits in a compact car trunk

Exactly my sentiments. Almost exactly my previously owned gear! While I can still see the romance in owning and standing in front of big/classic bass rigs, a certain reality becomes increasingly clear: you don't really need them from a sonic standpoint. But at 53, I still haul a 70 pound head around.

 

[Passinwind]

Thank you Steve, these are pretty small theaters, probably the 112 is plenty most of the time. But I'm thinking the compact 115 for the SPL potential and I hear its got nicer mids and highs.

If I were playing a lot of pit gigs I would definitely get the "acoustic-friendly" variant either way.

 

[Chef]

^^^yessir.

 

[KJung]

^^^yessir.

+2 Good point!

 

[dukeorock]

I can't think of a single good reason NOT to go with the AF version, even if you rarely need it, you'll be glad on those times you do

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I can't think of a single good reason NOT to go with the AF version, even if you rarely need it, you'll be glad on those times you do

Mike Arnopol told me the AF can be heard at low volumes, but that he can't tell the difference at gig volumes. He said he tested it by putting tape over the AF tweeter at a gig and heard no difference. Based on that information, I elected to save the weight and money by going without the AF option. Besides, if I don't need the gig volume of the TC115, I'll be bringing a smaller cab.

 

[Chef]

"what gig?"

 

[KJung]

Mike Arnopol told me the AF can be heard at low volumes, but that he can't tell the difference at gig volumes. He said he tested it by putting tape over the AF tweeter at a gig and heard no difference. Based on that information, I elected to save the weight and money by going without the AF option. Besides, if I don't need the gig volume of the TC115, I'll be bringing a smaller cab.

I came to the same conclusion. However, for DB in quiet settings (like playing in a pit), it would probably be pretty nice, if subtle.

 

[Passinwind]

I came to the same conclusion. However, for DB in quiet settings (like playing in a pit), it would probably be pretty nice, if subtle.

Personally, I think the main benefit might be in what the audience and other band members hear. As usual, just depends though...pretty sure both you and Mike play much louder gigs than I generally do. In any case, I love what it does for my EUB at home.

 

[Chef]

exactly
not all gigs require 'max volume'

 

[KJung]

If I were playing a lot of pit gigs I would definitely get the "acoustic-friendly" variant either way.

+1 I think Duke's name of 'acoustic friendly' is a good guideline for if it is worth spending the extra money and little bit of extra weight. Not necessarily 'acoustic only', but more a little bit of extra presence at low volumes where close/near field monitoring is key. Nice to have the option.

 

[Mark Sacchetti]

Just spent an hour with the tc 112af after receiving it. Using an MB F1 amp and cycled through a BassLab Soul V, a Rob Allen 5 strung E to C, and a Ken Lawrence fretless 4. All I can say is WOW!! Will move on to the upright and Azola eub after walking the pug. Clear and articulate with a low end presence. I'm digging it!!!

 

[Mike Arnopol]

exactly
not all gigs require 'max volume'

I'm not talking max volume. In my experience the AF version was audible on gigs where it was a medium to low volume but there had to be a hard surface behind it for it to bounce off of. I played one gig where it was DB medium volume and my amp was 6" from a hard wall. The sound was glorious and the rear tweet was noticeable. Most of my gigs have some sort of cloth on the back wall which renders it inaudible. Or where I'm more than 6 feet from a rear wall. My point is---if you have a gig where you are close to a hard surface rear wall---get the AF---it's worth it.

Unfortunately I had one gig out of at least a hundred where it made a big difference. On that one gig it did sound wonderful.

 

[Mike Arnopol]

Personally, I think the main benefit might be in what the audience and other band members hear. As usual, just depends though...pretty sure both you and Mike play much louder gigs than I generally do. In any case, I love what it does for my EUB at home.

Unfortunately, I never play through an amp at home. To be honest, I never practice EB at home and if it's DB I ain't usin' an amp. I never found the Bach cello suites to sound good through an amp---that's about all I practice at home.

 

[Bassist30]

To me if you do buy it without the AF you will still love it. I think when you advertise an added AF you feel its the better one and you may find the need to get it. Although its really not better just something added for those who feel the style or volume of music they play they would need the AF model. Not per se the better model.

 

[Mike Arnopol]

The only down side to the AF version is a few extra bucks and about a pound. For me---I know what gigs I'l be playing and it's not for me. As Charlie said--it would be a great idea in a pit. Or if the drummer is behind you. Or if it's medium to low volumes and your not too far from a hard surface.

So I guess if your poppin' for a Thunderchild it might be useful for some. I'll tell you---if I had a steady where the situations were just right it really sounds beautiful. Especially on DB.

 

[KJung]

I had the TC115 Compact Composite CRANKING on Saturday. Large band, LOUD music (lots of 80's/90's rock/pop stuff). P Bass and Aguilar TH500. Large room (interesting gig, some people with more money than sense rented out the entire Rams Dome for a wedding..... unreal)

We were playing in a pretty large 'party room' (about 400 people, great PA but no front of house for the bass), raised wooden stage, large band (multiple singers, etc.). Man, the TC115 took all of that TH500 big low end. Nice 'bass you could feel' but not flubby. The PBass (Nordy VP5) with TC115 and Aguilar was more 'fat and warm' than particularly full range and articulate... that big driver, combined with the dark, chewy Aguilar voicing and the rather polite, smooth, even top end of the Thunderchild kind of gave my P with nickels more of a flatwound tone, but that was perfect for this gig, and that is why I own the Aguilar (I have other heads for the sizzly or modern or whatever thing).

You can really hear that low end capability of Duke's voicing and that big driver. Not sub bass or floppy, but just MUCH deeper 'feeling' than most other cabs I've owned.

Really nice in every way... tone, footprint on stage, look/aesthetics on stage, near field monitoring, and from what I was told, an impressive 'throw' of low end out at least to the edge of the dance floo. Nice!