Buying a new rig, have a question about cabs

[Eugene B]

Hey guys. I've been playing bass for about ten years now but I never really did any research or experimentation with amplifiers/cabinets up until recently; what I know has come from browsing TB. For reference, my current setup is a Hartke HA3500 head and a VX410 cab, which is same rig I bought about seven years ago when I started gigging. I also have an SWR WorkingPro 2x10 that I use for smaller gigs but I'm not really happy with it and I'll probably sell it in the near future.

Anyway, to the point. I'm pretty much set on getting a Gallien-Krueger 1001RB-II and I'm trying to figure out the best cabinet(s) to get. Right now my plan is to get a GK Neo 212-II with the head, and will probably get another 2x12 within the next couple of years if I go this route. A good portion of my gigs are done with a vocal PA only; from what I've gathered I'm fairly certain that the single 212 will be a more than adequate stage monitor at a venue where the bass goes through the PA. So my question is: Would the 212 on its own be able to fill a room, or would I be better off getting the Neo 410 (or some other cabinet) right off the bat?

As a side question, would it be okay/safe to run the 1001RB (700W) through the VX410 (400W)?

 

[M.R. Ogle]

I'd bet the single 212 will be enough for MOST situations.

 

[Mystic Michael]

You're on the right track. It's hard to go wrong with a Gallien-Krueger 1001RB-II amp head and GK Neo 212-II cab. And a second 212-II cab later.

As for using the GK amp with the VX410 cab, it's fine - so long as you keep the master volume under control and don't try to pump too many deep lows, too loudly. Just listen to the cab while you play. If it begins to distort badly, you're overdoing it. If it doesn't, you're not. This applies whether your cab is rated @ 8 ohms or @ 4 ohms (you didn't mention which).

This advice goes for nearly any combination of amp + cab, within reason. You control how much power the cab receives. It's not necessarily a matter of the amp's power capability and the cab's power limit alone.

MM

 

[Eugene B]

Thanks! I figured the VX410 would be okay at a reasonable volume, but I wanted to make sure because my SWR 2x10 (200W) has a little bit of distortion even at moderate volumes. Not sure if it's an issue with the cab but it's the biggest reason I want to sell it.

 

[Downunderwonder]

The 2x12 neo by itself is prone to being blown up in rowdy bands. I've seen a few sold with replacement drivers. That's not to say it's a poor choice, just be careful.

 

[Eugene B]

Thanks for the heads up, I was worried about that happening.

 

[MrLenny1]

A good quality 4x10 can take care of most gigs
for weekend warriors. GK has the RBH 4x10 that can be had
for $400 on the used market.

 

[gregmon79]

Hey guys. I've been playing bass for about ten years now but I never really did any research or experimentation with amplifiers/cabinets up until recently; what I know has come from browsing TB. For reference, my current setup is a Hartke HA3500 head and a VX410 cab, which is same rig I bought about seven years ago when I started gigging. I also have an SWR WorkingPro 2x10 that I use for smaller gigs but I'm not really happy with it and I'll probably sell it in the near future.

Anyway, to the point. I'm pretty much set on getting a Gallien-Krueger 1001RB-II and I'm trying to figure out the best cabinet(s) to get. Right now my plan is to get a GK Neo 212-II with the head, and will probably get another 2x12 within the next couple of years if I go this route. A good portion of my gigs are done with a vocal PA only; from what I've gathered I'm fairly certain that the single 212 will be a more than adequate stage monitor at a venue where the bass goes through the PA. So my question is: Would the 212 on its own be able to fill a room, or would I be better off getting the Neo 410 (or some other cabinet) right off the bat?

As a side question, would it be okay/safe to run the 1001RB (700W) through the VX410 (400W)?

When I fist got my 1001 I ran it through a Hartke 410. Im not sure if it was a VX but I do know that that was way to much amp for that cab. Sure it worked, but I was always really nervous about blowing the cones out of that thing, it always seemed like the 1001 on the verge of pushing it too far at any volume. But Im sure you will be fine at normal to a little bit louder volumes. I wouldnt test it at high volumes though.

As far as the "best" cab to run with the 1001, I run mine with a Neo 410. IMO any of the GK Neo cabs are great with this head. Especially for the bi-amp features and such. If I could I would get a matching 410 to stack with it. That would be A LOT of air moved and volume. I would think the only time I would need that would be at a rather large gig with no PA support. Otherwise my single 410 rocks pretty hard and loud. I also hear nothing but great things about the 12' series of Neo cabs. . Especially the 212 II's. You can tell too because everyone is always out of them. But if I had to pick any cab to pair with the 1001, had any choice, I think I would go with the 412. That is what I wouldve gotten if the store had had one when I got my 410. But the 410 was what they had and I needed a cab. Im still happy as heck with the 410 though.

 

[Chef]

The 1001 is a great head. I like mine a lot; even though I use the MBF800 much more.
Cause it's so small, and light. And I prefer the slightly more modern tone a little better.

The 410 can take a bigger beating, is probably a little louder.
It's also tuned deeper, and feels a little mid-shy, compared to the much more evenly voiced 212.
The 1001 can over-power one 212. Two 212's is a hella nice rig; and more than I need for anything.
Robert Gallien suggested to Tom Bowlus that one 112 over one 212 is a nice rig; and in fact it is.
You have to be careful not to overpower the 112, but, a 312 rig is pretty killer.

 

[Eugene B]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Seems the general concensus is that two 212s is a lot for most venues, so I'm thinking I'll grab the 410 and later on either a 210 or 212 for smaller shows.