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Biggest Bang in Smallest Footprint

IAMPK

IAMPK

Mar 21, 2023
108
138
Brooklyn, NY
#1
What is the biggest sound you can get out of the smallest package? I would say that I prefer 12" speakers for their sound, but also because you can play just about 90%+ of gigs with two 12s and ~500 watts or so. Not sure you can say the same about two 10" speakers.

Looking around, it looks like the Markbass line is smallest thing you can get at a reasonable price. Specifically, their Mini CMD 121 or a NY 121 cab. 15" x 14" in floorspace, or car space, is pretty hard to beat.

I also see GR Bass with extremely small combos, but they are harder to come by in the states and usually fetch a fair premium.

Any other contenders, even expensive ones, that I shouldn't leave in my blind spot?
 
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#3
I would say the Barefaced Super Mini is probably the Biggest Bang in Smallest Footprint that I know about.

I don't own it, but I do have the Super Compact, it burries all the other 12 inch cabs I've compared it to in rehearsal studios, including Markbass cabs. The Super Mini is quasi as loud as the the Super Compact, in a smaller footprint, so I guess it's the best ratio loudness/size ever.

I also own and love GR Bass cab, it's very loud too, but for me Barefaced have better audio performances. GR Bass breaks all the weight records, but Barefaced cabs beat them for pure audio performances.

Both Barefaced and GR Bass are more pricey than Markbass but far superior in my experience.
 
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#5
stigbeve said:
P: NEW – BG-800 Bass Combo Amp “Roadcase” | Phil Jones Bass

Have wanted to try this out for a while.
Click to expand...
Interesting. Not too much bigger than stacked 121 cabs. I wonder how loud that 600 watts really gets through those small drivers. For what it's worth, my 70 watt PJB Double Four, is probably not much louder than my 15watt Crate BX15 practice amp. I know, different speaker sizes and all will play a factor and difference in watts need to be massive for a difference in decibels. Definitely not disappointed in the Double Four though. Didn't buy it to be a loud amp.
 
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#6
IAMPK said:
What is the biggest sound you can get out of the smallest package? I would say that I prefer 12" speakers for their sound, but also because you can play just about 90%+ of gigs with two 12s and ~500 watts or so. Not sure you can say the same about two 10" speakers.

Looking around, it looks like the Markbass line is smallest thing you can get at a reasonable price. Specifically, their Mini CMD 121 or a NY 121 cab. 15" x 14" in floorspace, or car space, is pretty hard to beat.

I also see GR Bass with extremely small combos, but they are harder to come by in the states and usually fetch a fair premium.

Any other contenders, even expensive ones, that I shouldn't leave in my blind spot?
Click to expand...

Are you asking about combo or cab?
Are you asking about smallest footprint like the title says or the smallest like the description says? (= only the cm2 the cab takes on stage, or the overhall cm3 the cab takes in the trunk of a car?)
 
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#7
gtirard said:
I would say the Barefaced Super Mini is probably the Biggest Bang in Smallest Footprint that I know about.

I don't own it, but I do have the Super Compact, it burries all the other 12 inch cabs I've compared it to in rehearsal studios, including Markbass cabs. The Super Mini is quasi as loud as the the Super Compact, in a smaller footprint, so I guess it's the best ratio loudness/size ever.

I also own and love GR Bass cab, it's very loud too, but for me Barefaced have better audio performances. GR Bass breaks all the weight records, but Barefaced cabs beat them for pure audio performances.

Both Barefaced and GR Bass are more pricey than Markbass but far superior in my experience.
Click to expand...
Wow that Super Mini has some impressive stats for it's size. Only if they weren't so pricey or hard to come by, but I guess that speaks to how good they are. If price isn't an issue, probably this or GR Bass are the top options.
 
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#9
IAMPK said:
Interesting. Not too much bigger than stacked 121 cabs. I wonder how loud that 600 watts really gets through those small drivers. For what it's worth, my 70 watt PJB Double Four, is probably not much louder than my 15watt Crate BX15 practice amp. I know, different speaker sizes and all will play a factor and difference in watts need to be massive for a difference in decibels. Definitely not disappointed in the Double Four though. Didn't buy it to be a loud amp.
Click to expand...

Smaller drivers are definitely not as efficient. However, 8 of them in series/parallel gives a 9dB (factor of ~3x) rise inn efficiency for the cab so it'll still get loud. Probably still not as loud as a comparable 610 though. Much less beaming with small speakers.
 
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#10
gtirard said:
Are you asking about combo or cab?
Are you asking about smallest footprint like the title says or the smallest like the description says? (= only the cm2 the cab takes on stage, or the overhall cm3 the cab takes in the trunk of a car?)
Click to expand...
Either combo or cab. Don't want to leave anything out. I think overall for me, the floor footprint would be the biggest factor as I have an SUV and the height of most amps usually isn't a deal breaker. It's not that most amps wouldn't fit in the SUV, but on the rare occasion when I need to pack all of our family's gear (or camping equipment) and I want to bring a rig what is the most efficient thing to throw in there? At this point, there are two annual summer camping parties that we attend where it would be great to bring a rig along with clothes and tents.
 
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#12
I just bought a Schroeder Mini 12+L. It'll be here in a few weeks. I had originally intended to buy a cab for practice but all specs and reviews clearly point to it taking over for my trusty GK Neo 115 iii as well. Will let you know once I get some experience with it. I chose it over the available small options from Markbass, Trace Elliot, and Phil Jones. GR, Barefaced, Mesa, and GK were out of my price range this go round.
 
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#15
gtirard said:
Agree.

Bang for the buck, MarkBass.
Bang for the weight, GR Bass.
Bang for the size, Barefaced.

:laugh:
Click to expand...
That's probably how I currently see it
HelpImaRock said:
I just bought a Schroeder Mini 12+L. It'll be here in a few weeks. I had originally intended to buy a cab for practice but all specs and reviews clearly point to it taking over for my trusty GK Neo 115 iii as well. Will let you know once I get some experience with it. I chose it over the available small options from Markbass, Trace Elliot, and Phil Jones. GR, Barefaced, Mesa, and GK were out of my price range this go round.
Click to expand...
Nice! These were not on my radar at all, so thanks. Did you buy this new? Doesn't seem like there are a lot in the used market from a quick search.
 
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#16
Ostie said:
You can play a gig with a 210 or a 115. It just depends on what tone you want, driver efficiency, the size of the room, and how loud you play. How much gear you want to tote also figures into the equation.
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Tone is a part of it fs. If you're in a reggae band where your niche in the mix IS LOWS then you will need a bigger setup to achieve that but if you're mid or treble focused, a lot more cabs will get the job done.
 
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#17
IAMPK said:
Nice! These were not on my radar at all, so thanks. Did you buy this new? Doesn't seem like there are a lot in the used market from a quick search.
Click to expand...

Yes, I bought it new. There aren't a lot out there. If it only works as a practice cabinet for me, that would be fine. However, I would be ecstatic if it becomes my main cabinet. I'm putting a lot of faith in the builder, so we'll see how it goes.
 
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