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Best single cab solution for small clubs?

#26
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...

I shot out a bunch of boutique/super single cabs awhile back, and the clear winners for me were Audiokinesis and Barefaced.

I took the Barefaced out on a gig as well: it had PLENTY of volume, even for loud rock without FOH support, for a small club:

 
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#27
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...
Have you tried the Aguilar SL 112? I see you have the DB112. Just curious.
 
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#29
BaltBass5 said:
I’m using a GK neo 212 that rocks.
Click to expand...
Speaking of GK, I just saw NRBQ last weekend. The bassist had a GK neo 410 w/ GK amp that sounded incredible. The bassist (can't remember name, Casey?) played flats on an old possibly 1960s era Fender Mustang. He played with pick or with his thumb. Either way, what I heard were tones that were reminiscent of James Jamerson, Carol Kaye and an upright w/ gut strings all rolled into one.
 
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#32
MDBass said:
I shot out a bunch of boutique/super single cabs awhile back, and the clear winners for me were Audiokinesis and Barefaced.

I took the Bartefaced out on a gig as well: it had PLENTY of volume, even for loud rock without FOH support, for a small club:

Click to expand...

Sounds good! Not the tone I go for, but I'm sure I can get would I'm looking for out of the Barefaced. I wish I could get a hold of a used two10 or one of the louder 12s. I'd really love to find a used Barefaced Super Compact 12 or similar.
 
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#37
Lots used solutions.
Your use to a ported 1x15
So I'll assume a decent 15" driver in a 1x15 cab would be fine.

Heck even most players be surprised how straight forward a good old Ampeg 115E sounds. Way under your 750. Heck for 750 you can get a head and cab
 
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#38
You might try hunting down an SWR Goliath Junior II 2x10 that still packs the original full range speakers.

01A0C13D-29C6-4F53-AF94-5843BCB5AF64.jpeg


Really like mine.

D3F1145C-7259-49FF-9068-3D02A44E809E.jpeg
 
#39
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...

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...

^^^^^&&This was going to be my suggestion...
Love my F112. I'm always amazed at how much sound comes from a small, box... it sounds like whatever you put into it. If you want old school, it does it, more modern, no problem, and every thing in between.. pricey?? Yes, but you won't need to buy again
 
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