Best single cab solution for small clubs?

[alaskaleftybass]

I don't know how much the OP can afford but it sounds like the Greenboy, Genz, and Barefaced are out of his price range. I think a used EA 112 or an Eden EX112 would sound pretty good. Also would help to look at Guitar Center Used.

 

[Munjibunga]

Fender + flats isn’t hifi, so the Mesa 15” would be worth a try.

I highly recommend trying out the Baer ML115 with a 15” and 6”, no tweeter. Delicious warm yet articulate tone, esp with flats.

That's fine if he wants his cab to color his sound.

 

[lermgalieu]

I echo the reccs for Mesa Subway 15

 

[Nevada Pete]

The Fender Neo 115 on an amp stand to get it up off the stage and pointing at your head would be sweet, I think. They sound good. They look good. They aren't too heavy. They aren't too expensive. It would be a good match with your TH500 (it's an 8 Ohm cab). People on TalkBass who have them seem to like them. Rod from down under loves them.

 

[James Simonson]

Ampeg B100R

 

[Nickweissmusic]

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?

Bag End s-15’s (single 15) are very compact, 18” cubes made of top grade plywood, and suit your preference for tone exactly. they’re nice and focused in the low mids, a pleasant, simple sound if i had to characterize it. I think that’s a good thing, it doesn’t try to put out bloated low end, you hear the bass and the amp more than the cab. Their drivers are legendary for their longevity and power handling, I’ve never had to recone or replace anything in my 25 year old s-15 that’s been though several hundred gigs, many pretty darn loud ones along the way. The x models have a coaxial tweeter. The x speakers are a bit more delicate than the straight woofer models, but the quality of sound they put out is truly a pleasure to use, it’s definitely a more refined-sounding full range cab than the straight woofer, but not at all harsh, even though there’s no tweeter control to speak of.

if I only had one as an all volume, all gig workhorse, which I did for at least a decade, it would be the s-15, but I’m glad I now also have an s-15x to throw on top of it for a killer mini-stack, or to use for lower volume gigs that benefit from the extra definition.

They are heavy cabs for their apparent size as the wood and speakers are built to last, but their small size makes them very easy to manage, most of my career I had small hatchbacks.

They’re not super easy to find used, but they’re both well under $750 if so, and the s-15 is $750 new. You might notice the 16-20 day shipping time- that’s because they build everything as the orders come in from the dealer. Interesting company, and some great speakers.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[LHbassist]

I own a lot of cabinets. In 1-12, I have a Mesa Powerhouse 12, an EA 112CXL and a BFM Jack 12.
They all work well for what they are capable of doing. Near field monitor and FOH are usually needed, except for really quiet gigs. I also have and LOVE, two Carvin- YEAH, Carvin- BRX 10.2 NEO cabinets.
One has the original series Eminence Deltalite 2510's, and the other has Avatar extended X-max Deltalite 2510's. The older cab has a much more mid focused sound. These cabinets are pretty amazing. I installed the Avatars after a lengthy period of issues with the second series cheaper neo drivers. No issues now. The thing is- they are built like a friggin' TANK. I'm wondering if it's even possible to find a better built cabinet at any price. Really. They are fine in a stand alone, small medium room gig. The sound of these two together is amazing. The real plus, is they can be found under 300 bucks used- a complete steal. New, they have standard, non neo drivers. They weigh about 40-45 pounds with neos. I sold one of them to pay a medical bill, regretted it.. and actually, for the very first time ever- I bought a speaker cabinet back!

 

[anton72]

Any Barefaced cab.

 

[interp]

Euphonic Audio VL-208. IF you can find one they run about 450-600. Although they are relatively heavy they are very compact and offer unparalleled sound. In my humble opinion (and many others’) they are the best bass cabinet ever made.

 

[Acoustic356]

Have you considered a pair of Trace Elliot 110s cabs. They weigh about 16 pounds each. Easier load in than carrying either of my single 112s and perform nicely even whenI through some bottom end in.

 

[matthewbrown]

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?

I once sold off a bass and felt the loss badly. So I bought another one just like it -- an MTD Heir 4-string. Sometimes you just have to swallow your pride, admit your mistake, and buy another just like the one you sold.

 

[shughey]

I once sold off a bass and felt the loss badly. So I bought another one just like it -- an MTD Heir 4-string. Sometimes you just have to swallow your pride, admit your mistake, and buy another just like the one you sold.

Who knows, I may ultimately do that, but there are so many great options that have been brought up in this thread that it'd be silly to run back to the JB w/o trying some of these cabs out. I sold the cab to do this, it just sucks I didn't end up liking my first options that much (Ashdown MAG 210 and Fender Bassman Neo 115).

To everyone talking SPLs: just in regards to my OP, I'm not too worried about volume from a 15 or a "super 12" design, I'm sure they'll all put out enough for my application. I'm more interested in tone and "presence" of the cab, form factor (something more vertical than a DB112 for instance. And yes, I've turned them vertical in the past and don't prefer doing it bc it just doesn't sound as good as titling it, imo.), durability, and keeping under that $750 point. At this point I'm very interested in the F112, F115, Barefaced two10 and compact if I can get lucky and find one used. I'd also reconsider trying a subway 15. I tried those cabs a while back at a rehearsal and in store. The cab sounded alright at rehearsal, but didn't blow me away at the time.

 

[g4string]

Baer ML112. Best one cab solution I’ve used.

 

[Burwabit]

I would like to avoid 212 enclosures.

I’m sorry if I missed the explanation, but why is that? IMHO a vertical 212 is the best single cab platform available. Just curious to know your thoughts since single 12s seem to be in play.

 

[shughey]

I’m sorry if I missed the explanation, but why is that? IMHO a vertical 212 is the best single cab platform available. Just curious to know your thoughts since single 12s seem to be in play.

I like 212s, don't get me wrong. I just want something physically small that I can stuff in a corner at a small bar. And for 12s, I'm looking at "super 12s" that go beyond what's capable w the typical production 12. I play a couple places where I'm totally cramped for room (the drummer's cymbals hanging over into my area... FOH speakers right in my ear... so vertical space as well horizontal space is limited). Ultimately, I would rather bring out my two DB112s than buy a 212 closure, even if the 212 happens to be an easier schlep. However, I've been wanting to trade my two DB112NTs for a CN212 for some time. I only like running two DB112s at a time, so it makes sense to just go w the CN.

 

[Killens84]

Another vote for the Mesa Subway 115. It’s incredible

 

[chilensko]

Don't do any barefaced, I have a terrible experience with them, they will ignore you if you have any problem.
That is my experience.

 

[MaxSpinrun]

+1 Genzler BA 12-3

Yes! Genzler BA-12-3 ARRAY is awesome

 

[jthisdell]

Watch for used Bergantino's in the classifieds. Last year I picked up a pristine CN210 under your budget. Great cab. I have been happy with my TH through Berg CN112, CN210 and NV115 and also a Barefaced One10.

 

[FirewalZ]

For me, the best combination of tone, power, portability and affordability are the GK MB's and the Fender Rumbles. Both sound great, plenty of headroom, lightweight...but are on opposite ends of the modern vs classic tonal spectrum. A GK MB112, 115 or 210 would be a great option, put a VT Bass or something in front of it to fatten it up.

 

[Koog]

Above your stated price range, and likely won't find one used, but a Bergantino HG 310 would sure be worth a look.

I have played a TH 500 through the big brother....the Berg HG 410....and it sounds exceptional.

Good luck.