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Best single cab solution for small clubs?

shughey

shughey

Nov 21, 2006
202
160
Epping, NH
#1
Last month I, somewhat foolishly, sold off my Italian-made Jeff Berlin 15" combo. For the last 5-6 years, I was using this rig to play anything from small outdoor events (decks/small festivals), to small clubs/bars. Now, I'm trying to find a lightweight single-cab solution (under 50 pounds or so) to run with my TH500. I tried one of the Ashdown Mag 210s in store and I didn't like it all. It sounded pretty muddy/indistinct to my ears given it's a 210. It sounded even muddier w an Ampeg PF running through it. In addition, I tried one of the new Fender Bassman Neo 115s. I liked that cab more. Also, I haven't been a fan of any GK cabs I've tried in the best. I could get better clarity and decent low end, but I didn't sound better to me (tonally) than the Aggie DB112s I have kicking around my apartment. I would use the Aggie for those gigs, but I hate the form factor, it's too low of a profile for me to just run one, and it tends to get lost in a band more, where the Berlin had no issues.

At this point, I have my eyes on 210s, 15s, and maybe "super 12s" w a more vertical profile. I would like to avoid 212 enclosures. A lot of the stuff I want to try out has been discontinued or hard to find used, i.e., older Epifani stuff. I'm looking for good bottom end and clarity, and evenness in the mids. A little bump in the low mids is fine, just not interested in cabs that are scooped in the mids or aggressive in the upper mids. I'm exclusively playing 4 string passive Fender basses w flats and nickel rounds atm, so I'm not interested in any cab that specializes in extended super lows. Budget: would like to keep it below $750 new or used. Any cab suggestions?
 
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#4
shughey said:
Last month I, somewhat foolishly, sold off my Italian-made Jeff Berlin 15" combo. For the last 5-6 years, I was using this rig to play anything from small outdoor events (decks/small festivals), to small clubs/bars. Now, I'm trying to find a lightweight single-cab solution (under 50 pounds or so) to run with my TH500. I tried one of the Ashdown Mag 210s in store and I didn't like it all. It sounded pretty muddy/indistinct to my ears given it's a 210. It sounded even muddier w an Ampeg PF running through it. In addition, I tried one of the new Fender Bassman Neo 115s. I liked that cab more. Also, I haven't been a fan of any GK cabs I've tried in the best. I could get better clarity and decent low end, but I didn't sound better to me (tonally) than the Aggie DB112s I have kicking around my apartment. I would use the Aggie for those gigs, but I hate the form factor, it's too low of a profile for me to just run one, and it tends to get lost in a band more, where the Berlin had no issues.

At this point, I have my eyes on 210s, 15s, and maybe "super 12s" w a more vertical profile. I would like to avoid 212 enclosures. A lot of the stuff I want to try out has been discontinued or hard to find used, i.e., older Epifani stuff. I'm looking for good bottom end and clarity, and evenness in the mids. A little bump in the low mids is fine, just not interested in cabs that are scooped in the mids or aggressive in the upper mids. I'm exclusively playing 4 string passive Fender basses w flats and nickel rounds atm, so I'm not interested in any cab that specializes in extended super lows. Budget: would like to keep it below $750 new or used. Any cab suggestions?
Click to expand...


Wow! That's a lot of stuff you don't like. I don't understand why you don't just get what you do like. Since the Jeff Berlin Combo met your needs, either track down another one, or get the equivalent Markbass speaker. The New York 151 appears to be the matching cab for the Jeff Berlin Combo. Dial down the tweeter and it should sound pretty similar.

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#5
Wasnex said:
Wow! That's a lot of stuff you don't like. I don't understand why you don't just get what you do like.
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Not really. I just listed two specific cab models, and one brand I don't get on with. I'm not going to seek out another Berlin or the cab (NY151) bc I simply want to try something new. I sold it bc while I overall think it's a great combo, the tone has wore on me over the years and I'm ready to try a new flavor.
 
#8
shughey said:
Not really. I just listed two specific cab models, and one brand I don't get on with. I'm not going to seek out another Berlin or the cab (NY151) bc I simply want to try something new. I sold it bc while I overall think it's a great combo, the tone has wore on me over the years and I'm ready to try a new flavor.
Click to expand...


Sounds like selling the JB combo wasn't so foolish after all then. FYI, I don't care for Markbass speakers personally, so I understand.

You have mentioned Ashdown, Ampeg, GK, Fender, Aguilar, and now Markbass. Those brands cover quite a wide tonal range. What I see missing is more full range, flat response type designs; so maybe consider cabs with dedicated mid drivers. This will give you broader dispersion and more articulate mids, which seems to be characteristics you may be interested in. The Genzler Bass Arrays come to mind.
Bass Cabinets Archives - Genzler Amplification

I would probably try and see if elevating/tilting could make the DB112s work better for you, but they are a bit heavy, so maybe you should sell them as well.
 
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#9
Raf Seibert said:
Given Kro’s experience, I wonder if the Fearless F112 might do better. Ed Friedlander seems to like it.
Click to expand...

An F112 would likely be more than enough. I use my F115 for everything, including venues that I'd personally consider to be outside of the small designation.

But, for $750, it might be difficult to find even an F112 or any "super cab" really given their relative scarcity.

I wonder what the odds would be of finding a Mesa Subway 115 used within the OP's general vicinity.
 
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#11
Wasnex said:
Sounds like selling the JB combo wasn't so foolish after all then. FYI, I don't care for Markbass speakers personally, so I understand.

You have mentioned Ashdown, Ampeg, GK, Fender, Aguilar, and now Markbass. Those brands cover quite a wide tonal range. What I see missing is more full range, flat response type designs; so maybe consider cabs with dedicated mid drivers. This will give you broader dispersion and more articulate mids, which seems to be characteristics you may be interested in. The Genzler Bass Arrays come to mind.
Bass Cabinets Archives - Genzler Amplification

I would probably try and see if elevating/tilting could make the DB112s work better for you, but they are a bit heavy, so maybe you should sell them as well.
Click to expand...
I said somewhat foolishly. Somewhat bc it was working for me, but I'm kind of over that sound now. We'd all rather have both things, right? If you read my OP, I said I'm using DB112s, and I like them, just not as a single-cab solution. I mentioned an Ampeg PF head into an Ashdown cab, not an Ampeg cab. I didn't mention not liking Markbass, I just said I had a Markbass combo that I sold, now I want to try something new. I DID say I don't get on w GK though, and two specific models by Fender and Ashdown.

As for elevating or putting a wedge underneath, yes, that does help to a degree. I'm already doing that my smaller cabs w/o casters.
 
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#18
My usual single cab solution is a Subway 115. I bought it new at not too far above your $750 price point but Mesa has had a price increase since I bought. Maybe used is an option if you can find one, but they do seem to be pretty popular. The Subway 112 might get you there price-wise. I'm actually considering a 112 myself to supplement the 115 for larger gigs. Hope you find what you need, OP.
 
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