My former band is reuniting, and I need gear. I'm probably going to go with the Darkglass Microtubes 500 amp, and I can't decide what cabinet to pair it with. Been checking out the Ampeg Portoflex 4x10 800w, and the DG 2x12 1000w. I'm basically overwhelmed at this point, having looked through so many options and forums on what to get. My old rig was the Ampeg 8x10 and SVT-350, but now in my 40's my back has no interest in carting that around. The band is primarily death metal, so something that has good bottom end is ideal, but not muddy. Most likely shows that we play will be in venues and mixed at the board. I want something that sounds good/great that I can feel, and is on the lighter side, portability-wise. Any advice is welcomed, especially if you have the above mentioned gear and how it works for you. Thanks!
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Back in the band. Need a new rig.
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They're pricy, but man a pair of Mesa Subway 115s or the 4 ohm 215 would absolutely slay, especially given your tone goals, imho.
With a 500w head, I think no matter what you do you'll want to make sure you're presenting a 4 ohm load to get the most out of the amp.
With a 500w head, I think no matter what you do you'll want to make sure you're presenting a 4 ohm load to get the most out of the amp.
I have looked at Mesa a little bit. Keep hearing good things. I'll put them in as a contender.
Right on. I think the best bang for your buck would be this 4 ohm 212 Mesa/Boogie Subway 2x12 - 2x12" 800-watt 4-ohm Bass Cabinet
If you're getting the Darkglass amp get the Darkglass 212 cab. its light, has a ton of power handling and isn't that bad of a price compared to some of the other high end 212s and looks awesome (complete DG stack).
Before you pull the trigger please read the following TB thread. I've seen similar complaints on other vendor websites.
Darkglass Microtubes 500v2 Nightmare
Nowadays there are so many great choices. Mesa, Genzler, Gallien Krueger, Peavey, Fender, Ampeg, all make 500 watt heads and NEO 212 bass cabs. I've been using Gallien Krueger for years and it's dead reliable. I hear great things about Mesa Boogie, they have outstanding lightweight cabinets (so does GK) that will knock your socks off.
If you really want reliability and a powerful light setup try one of the brands above and buy a Darkglass pedal. Best of both worlds. Make sure you buy from a dealer that backs their products 100%.
Darkglass Microtubes 500v2 Nightmare
Nowadays there are so many great choices. Mesa, Genzler, Gallien Krueger, Peavey, Fender, Ampeg, all make 500 watt heads and NEO 212 bass cabs. I've been using Gallien Krueger for years and it's dead reliable. I hear great things about Mesa Boogie, they have outstanding lightweight cabinets (so does GK) that will knock your socks off.
If you really want reliability and a powerful light setup try one of the brands above and buy a Darkglass pedal. Best of both worlds. Make sure you buy from a dealer that backs their products 100%.
I'm going to contradict myself in what I said above. The Darkglass amp head and 212 lightweight cab looks like a match made in heaven if the unit arrives working well. The 212 cab is light and from what I've read very musical and powerful. And I gather part of death metal is you need to mix in some distortion, so the Darkglass head will do that well. After reading more about the setup it does look attractive, PROVIDING everything works out of the box. One reviewer did mention though that companies like Mesa include covers with their gear and at the price point so should Darkglass but they don't, and you'll have to depend on the vendor if your amp or speakers suffer some failure. Sweetwater adds an additional year on the warranty so you get two years of total warranty coverage including shipping both ways. Good luck!
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I looked at Darkglass when I was rig shopping. Love the sound and features. But the horror stories around reliability and challenges with tech/customer support left me with too many doubts. An amp that sounds great but can’t be trusted isn’t really of much value. I ended up deciding between the Mesa Subway and a Bergantino rig. Both have great (but different) sounds, rugged road proven builds, and stellar support. For your application, the a Subway TT800 and a pair of the 1x15 cabs would be a killer rig you can rely on for years...
And yes, I know there are many people who have had nothing but great experiences with Darkglass. I just know my luck...
And yes, I know there are many people who have had nothing but great experiences with Darkglass. I just know my luck...
I'll leave it to others to suggest particular brands and models, but I'll put in a good word for a pair of 2x10s rather than a 4x10. Stacking two 2x10s vertically has numerous advantages, including (perhaps most importantly) getting some speakers up close to your ears so you can hear yourself in the mix. Other advantages include a small footprint, getting your amp up closer to eye level for easy access, and better horizontal dispersion than a 4x10.
The best sound rig I've ever owned! And a 5 year warranty.
.....ah, that looks nice, but two 10's ain't gonna cut it with death metal.
Checkout Revsound cabs. Great reputation and good prices (direct). Nice and light too.
Bass Cabinets | RevSound (myshopify.com)
Bass Cabinets | RevSound (myshopify.com)
Mesa! For your needs head of choice but for metal 2 210s is what I would advise. It is an investment but it may very well be the last rig you may have to buy. It’s that good
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Or 2 x 410's?
I believe the 2x12's cabs are the way for the OP to go. Lighter weight and powerful cabs. Also portable. I think Mesa makes a 212 cab. One of those with the TT800 would be more than sufficient.
My Microtubes 500 V2 has been nothing but reliable. A bad batch, I would say, but since I got mine from a reputable dealer I’m no way scared or concerned should issues arise.
I do have to say, in my studio at home (73°F ambient T) the fan has never turned on. It does heat up after 1.5 hours, but about the same as my Magellan 800 does. The all-metal shell just makes it more apparent.
JeezyMcNuggles
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212av w/ a v4b or svt4pro if you need more clean headroom. Or, a pf800 if you just need to be loud and light (I still use mine. I use it mostly for the portability. it sounds great, just more sterile than my 3pro). That pf410 is an hlf. It's ported, and kinda muddy. The 212av is also ported, but the tuning just makes it sound twice its size. Not muddy. Plus, the high end clarity is nothing short of amazing. With the tweeter off.
Although, with how great the 212av is, I can't imagine darkglass making one that falls short of awesome either. Everything they make is fairly awesome. I see that cab as one more notch in thier belts. But, I haven't played one yet, just watched videos.
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Thank you everyone, all this input is much appreciated. Much to ponder!
