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Big E Speakers Part 4 - Quadraphenia
- Thread starter kesslari
- Start date
- May 15, 2007
- 344
- 465
- Disclosures
- Owner RAD Repairs and RAD Engineering ,guitar, bass, and amp repair and limited custom instrument and amp building.
I've got a 110 flex and a 110 sub on order! I've never heard any of Mike's speakers with a band, so he lent me a very early 4x6 to try at a practice. I've heard the new 4x6's with the OEM drivers and the new mids and tweeter and I thought they sounded much better than this prototype. I usually play through a 15-6.5 cab with a 3015lf and we practice stupid loud in a big basement. I sometimes have to push it hard enough that the 3015 is starting to sound kind of crappy, so I was sure the 4x6 wouldn't keep up. The guys in my band laughed at me when I set up that little cab, but after the first tune the only one laughing was me! Every note I hit caused me laugh out loud. We were all completely blown away. That old 4x6 went deeper than my 1x15 and every note was much more distinct and even. The 1x15 went very slightly louder, but didn't sound anywhere near as good. I've compared my 1x15 to some high dollar 4x10's and 2x12's and it kept with them pretty well. I'm not saying the 4x6 is going to blow away a Berg 4x10, but you would have to be playing with a really loud drummer in a big room to want more. If you want more, because too much is just about right (look at what I ordered), Mike just showed me a 6x6 he just made and that thing is just incredible. It seems to be closer to twice the output of a 4x6 than half again as much. It is even deeper and has great punchy and growly low mids. It's getting into Flex territory with a smaller and less expensive cab, about the size of a 4x10, but shallower and lighter. Would probably fit in the back of any small car. I found what I heard from these cabs amazing just hearing them with one person playing by himself, but to hear one in a band situation just brings it to another level. I could hear myself clearly anywhere I stood in the room (wireless) and for once, no one complained about my volume.
I just got the new Bass Gear magazine. You've got to read Tom's wonderful review of the 210 Flex and the Big E guys explaination of the MVW. Thanks again Tom for having by far the best bass equipment magazine out there.
I just got the new Bass Gear magazine. You've got to read Tom's wonderful review of the 210 Flex and the Big E guys explaination of the MVW. Thanks again Tom for having by far the best bass equipment magazine out there.
Last edited:
- Dec 21, 2007
- 15,233
- 45,125
- Disclosures
- Lark in the Morning Instructional Videos; Audix Microphones
I'm back from Sacramento - went to a friend's birthday party, brought the top half of the Flex 210 Mod for an impromptu semi-acoustic gig.
It was frustrating having to leave without playing the full rig, but c'est la vie.
I got a lot of compliments on how great the bass sounded - full, rich and articulate. I really loved playing through it. Much richer low end (especially on and below D on my 5'er). Wonderfully smooth mids and top end. The fretless Zon really sang.
When I came home I plugged in the whole rig. There's a visceral quality to the lows that I have been wanting but never quite getting before. And the bright setting has a wonderful grind to it. I need to explore the various settings (in both dual-cab and single-cab modes) over the next few days.
I am a happy camper.
It was frustrating having to leave without playing the full rig, but c'est la vie.
I got a lot of compliments on how great the bass sounded - full, rich and articulate. I really loved playing through it. Much richer low end (especially on and below D on my 5'er). Wonderfully smooth mids and top end. The fretless Zon really sang.
When I came home I plugged in the whole rig. There's a visceral quality to the lows that I have been wanting but never quite getting before. And the bright setting has a wonderful grind to it. I need to explore the various settings (in both dual-cab and single-cab modes) over the next few days.
I am a happy camper.
Dominick C.
Guest
So I spent the last few days rereading all the posts on these threads. I had visited them before, but I thought anything like this would be out of my price range for a while. A recent decision to sell most of my gear free'd up some funds 
I bought a 45 and 110s from Shrigg. They arrive tomorrow!
I cannot wait!
I bought a 45 and 110s from Shrigg. They arrive tomorrow! I cannot wait!
So I spent the last few days rereading all the posts on these threads. I had visited them before, but I thought anything like this would be out of my price range for a while. A recent decision to sell most of my gear free'd up some funds
I cannot wait!
Yes, you can.
Congratulations - your ears are in for a treat!!!
If I had unlimited funds, I'd buy a pair of 4 ohm MAS-46 to use in a home-music stereo system & a MAS-66.
I could then use a single MAS-46 for practices & smaller gigs, the MAS-66 for almost everything else, & the pair of MAS-46 for outdoor stuff (or REALLY big stages -- like the Glass Cactus in Grapevine, TX).
I realize I'd need a 2 ohm capable amp (or 2 x 4 ohm capable).
I actually think a single 46 would work for most of what my bands are doing thus far.
Every time I hear someone talk about one of the 210's, I jones really hard for it for a while, but the form factor of the 6's seem a lot more manageable to me.
If I never listen to a 210 I think I could easily live with any of the 6's (26, 46, or 66).
I could then use a single MAS-46 for practices & smaller gigs, the MAS-66 for almost everything else, & the pair of MAS-46 for outdoor stuff (or REALLY big stages -- like the Glass Cactus in Grapevine, TX).
I realize I'd need a 2 ohm capable amp (or 2 x 4 ohm capable).
I actually think a single 46 would work for most of what my bands are doing thus far.
Every time I hear someone talk about one of the 210's, I jones really hard for it for a while, but the form factor of the 6's seem a lot more manageable to me.
If I never listen to a 210 I think I could easily live with any of the 6's (26, 46, or 66).
Two 4x6's would rule most any venue, I'd think.
Undoubtedly!
"PA...I don't need to be in any stinking PA". [...unless it's a Big E PA...LOL...]
Yep. I ordered a 46 to hear how the new 3 way config sounds. And I am sure it will handle most the clubs and indoor parties I play. And as previously mentioned the vortex experience is maximized when pushing the cabs a bit.
I have one of the early 48's and it will do outdoor duty 3 times in May. Truly amazing dynamite in a small package. (as compared to lugging an 8x10 or a 1515/66 etc). FYI those are great cabs too, no bashing intended. I don't need to plug into the PA. But the 48 weighs 80lbs so the 46 will get the small and medium club duty. So whether you go modular like kesslari or maybe 2 cab like you mention, these bad boys get it done.
The most important and pleasing part of buying one of these is the fact that the builder is a former, (and possibly future), world touring bassist, still get's recording gigs, and gigs in all kinds of venues where he fine tunes the cab design based on real world experience! Since he has not chimed in lately, I would guess Geppetto is hard at work in the shop! On mine and others orders!
I have one of the early 48's and it will do outdoor duty 3 times in May. Truly amazing dynamite in a small package. (as compared to lugging an 8x10 or a 1515/66 etc). FYI those are great cabs too, no bashing intended. I don't need to plug into the PA. But the 48 weighs 80lbs so the 46 will get the small and medium club duty. So whether you go modular like kesslari or maybe 2 cab like you mention, these bad boys get it done.
The most important and pleasing part of buying one of these is the fact that the builder is a former, (and possibly future), world touring bassist, still get's recording gigs, and gigs in all kinds of venues where he fine tunes the cab design based on real world experience! Since he has not chimed in lately, I would guess Geppetto is hard at work in the shop! On mine and others orders!
It will be very interesting to hear how the MAS-46 compares to your 48, I expect it will surprise you.
You're very fortunate to be one of the few to own one of the original 48's; I bet it really does kick!
Sorry all---busy with gigs and cabs. I'll get a pic of the 66 up soon.
BTW--in response to the comment---I will be offering the 46 in an 8 ohm version.
