Cab for GK 700RB II

[Al Kraft]

I would weigh in that the CX line of GK cabs compliment very well with the MB heads. To me, the CX sounds warm and round. Neo delivers a clean, top end. Also have to consider CX cabs have ceramic speakers while the Neo cabs, Neodymium’s. There’s a lot of good videos on YouTube of both the CX and Neo series. Check them out while you can or better yet, try em out in person!

In the earlier days of Neo magnet application in speaker motors I think a number of folks were using motor and voice coil design approaches developed around ceramic and ALNICO magnetic assembly experience. IMO different magnet material offers opportunities for different motor geometries/designs and in some cases may be part of the voicing equation/design trades, but it doesn't necessarily dictate speaker voicing.

Magnets create flux density and how they achieve the requisite field strength to support speaker design goals might be facilitated or hindered by a material choice, but the magnetic field itself doesn't care how it got there. I think it is fair to say that the inherent magnetic strength of a magnetic material per unit weight or for a given size/geometry could allow for more innovative motor and speaker designs. This can absolutely result in accentuating or lessening a particular speaker characteristic, but magnetic material itself is not even close to being the sole driver of how a speaker is voiced IME.

 

[libekgz]

I won't lie price is also factor in the choice. I am surprised you have mentioned below:

To me, the CX sounds warm and round.

From videos on YT I have checked I don't feel like it is warm. I am rather looking for "legacy" GK tones. If that is the case I would lean more towards Neo cabs.

Check them out while you can or better yet, try em out in person!

I wish I could check them out. Here in Poland GK is not so much popular. There is no official dealer of GK in Poland. Closes one is in Czech Republic!

 

[Al Kraft]

I won't lie price is also factor in the choice. I am surprised you have mentioned below:

From videos on YT I have checked I don't feel like it is warm. I am rather looking for "legacy" GK tones. If that is the case I would lean more towards Neo cabs.


I wish I could check them out. Here in Poland GK is not so much popular. There is no official dealer of GK in Poland. Closes one is in Czech Republic!

You may want to get an input from @TonyP-. I think he has experience with all the GK products you're considering and is a very credible voice especially on GK gear IME. He is a very busy musician, but if I needed to make a choice trusting ears and playing experience other than my own, he would be a first call.

 

[libekgz]

You may want to get an input from @TonyP-. I think he has experience with all the GK products you're considering and is a very credible voice especially on GK gear IME. He is a very busy musician, but if I needed to make a choice trusting ears and playing experience other than my own, he would be a first call.

Do you think I should DM him?

I guess I have spent too much time reviewing amps now and asking by fellow basis friends as well as me wife.
I started considering MB 500 and MB Fusion 500 with more towards Fusion. I still feel like 700RB II has something to its sound but I would love to hear about your experience.

 

[Al Kraft]

Do you think I should DM him?

I guess I have spent too much time reviewing amps now and asking by fellow basis friends as well as me wife.
I started considering MB 500 and MB Fusion 500 with more towards Fusion. I still feel like 700RB II has something to its sound but I would love to hear about your experience.

I don't think he would mind you messaging him.

Among way too many bass amps I currently own the MB500 (and MB200 and 800). I have played the MBF500 and RB700 (with much more time on the 700).

I like the MB500 and feel it is very reminiscent of the RB700. However, it's not an exact replacement in every aspect or feature. The earlier MBF (fusion type) heads were more harmonically rich/interesting than the MB heads, but not to the extent it would be very noticeable in a band mix. I have not played the Fusion heads that came out after the MBF.

For me personally, the MB heads just felt like class D and SMPS (i.e. lightweight, small size) modern interpretation of the RB heads. They do not support the GK HMS (biamp) compatible cab feature and due to the technologies they employ don't do that GK "hitting the rails"/OD kind of thing the same as a class AB RB head. I'm a clean player and they do all the things I like about the RB700 beautifully...and have the signature GK tone stack.

 

[libekgz]

I don't think he would mind you messaging him.

Among way too many bass amps I currently own the MB500 (and MB200 and 800). I have played the MBF500 and RB700 (with much more time on the 700).

I like the MB500 and feel it is very reminiscent of the RB700. However, it's not an exact replacement in every aspect or feature. The earlier MBF (fusion type) heads were more harmonically rich/interesting than the MB heads, but not to the extent it would be very noticeable in a band mix. I have not played the Fusion heads that came out after the MBF.

For me personally, the MB heads just felt like class D and SMPS (i.e. lightweight, small size) modern interpretation of the RB heads. They do not support the GK HMS (biamp) compatible cab feature and due to the technologies they employe don't do that GK "hitting the rails"/OD kind of thing the same as a class AB RB head. I'm a clean player and they do all the things I like about the RB700 beautifully...and have the signature GK tone stack.

MB 500 is not even available here second hand due to not so much popularity and lack of dealerships in Poland. I see MBF 500 though (MB Fusion 500 Specs — Gallien-Krueger) I am wondering if that might be a good lightweight substitute. I am playing rock, heavy rock. I like my clean to be little dirty but not to overpowering.

 

[TonyP-]

Just a word of caution, and this is coming from a guy who owns almost all 12" and 10" loaded cabs (except for my SW115)...it's not a good idea to associate particular performance characteristics to different diameters of speakers. It doesn't work that way except in gross terms for extreme differences (e.g. a 3" driver will almost certainly be less useful or capable for a subwoofer application than a 15" or 18" driver).

Truer words have not been spoken.
Don’t get super stuck on sizes. Even though I use both 12a and 10s it’s not to separate highs and lows…It’s just because I like some specific boxes that have them.

 

[TomB]

MB 500 is not even available here second hand due to not so much popularity and lack of dealerships in Poland. I see MBF 500 though (MB Fusion 500 Specs — Gallien-Krueger) I am wondering if that might be a good lightweight substitute. I am playing rock, heavy rock. I like my clean to be little dirty but not to overpowering.

The MB 500 and the MBF 500 are more similar than different (I’ve played both extensively). The F is a tiny bit bigger, but both are petite and very powerful. The Fusion does add a warm element, especially as the boost allows for a separate gain and master. You are able to footswitch to a much dirtier tone (though not serious overdrive) if that’s your desire. The 500 (non-F) allows for a boost that to me is more typical GK boost tone - it works very well with pedals for adding dirt. Both have the characteristic GK voice that cuts through heavy guitars easier than most. You won’t go wrong with either, IMO.

 

[TonyP-]

Thank @Al Kraft for pulling me in…DMs are fine but I will address any questions I can hear publicly for to all view if that helps.

For those who don’t know, I own or have owned must of the GK gear offered through out the years.

I’m just going to through my $.02 in so take it for what it’s worth. There are a couple of aspects that GK is known for that I don’t really use.

Like Al, I’m a mostly clean player so I don’t try to get the rail sound often. To be honest Im addicted to the punch and tightness.
I also dont biamp with GK gear.

However I can say that NEO 12 are the most balanced out of the NEO series to me and and have that cut to them. They are very popular and I used the series 3 and 4 with theater, rock, fusion and really just about anything for that matter.
They work well with all the heads.

The past year I have a think for the very flat CX10s. Great right low mids from the ceramic drivers.
These cabinets are great and not that expensive. In fact I have been requesting CX410 for back lines latey.

I have been using 2 210CXs for local shows and it’s like a studio environment on stage. I’m some ways I feel like that are richer, but in a more chaotic environment like Blue Man, even though I when in-ears, I want NEO 12s behind me. In my post grunge pop act, I want CX10s.

I don’t know if I helped at all, please feel free to reach out. I will be playing them all at NAMM this year, since I’m working the GK booth. Cheers -Tony

 

[libekgz]

Thank @Al Kraft for pulling me in…DMs are fine but I will address any questions I can hear publicly for to all view if that helps.

For those who don’t know, I own or have owned must of the GK gear offered through out the years.

I’m just going to through my $.02 in so take it for what it’s worth. There are a couple of aspects that GK is known for that I don’t really use.

Like Al, I’m a mostly clean player so I don’t try to get the rail sound often. To be honest Im addicted to the punch and tightness.
I also dont biamp with GK gear.

However I can say that NEO 12 are the most balanced out of the NEO series to me and and have that cut to them. They are very popular and I used the series 3 and 4 with theater, rock, fusion and really just about anything for that matter.
They work well with all the heads.

The past year I have a think for the very flat CX10s. Great right low mids from the ceramic drivers.
These cabinets are great and not that expensive. In fact I have been requesting CX410 for back lines latey.

I have been using 2 210CXs for local shows and it’s like a studio environment on stage. I’m some ways I feel like that are richer, but in a more chaotic environment like Blue Man, even though I when in-ears, I want NEO 12s behind me. In my post grunge pop act, I want CX10s.

I don’t know if I helped at all, please feel free to reach out. I will be playing them all at NAMM this year, since I’m working the GK booth. Cheers -Tony

Thank you so much for those words and to Al to share his thoughts. I got amazing offer to get new, yes new MBF500 and a mentioned before I got myself a sweet deal on CX210. I will share my thoughts once I have both!

Nów I am looking for a cabinet dust cover and gig bag for amp. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

 

[TomB]

Thank you so much for those words and to Al to share his thoughts. I got amazing offer to get new, yes new MBF500 and a mentioned before I got myself a sweet deal on CX210. I will share my thoughts once I have both!

Nów I am looking for a cabinet dust cover and gig bag for amp. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Given their “laptop” size, I’ve used laptop bags for my MB’s. There’s usually a good selection at second-hand stores, or if you have a contact with a corporate IT department. I always get my covers from Lecover. They have patterns for most boxes. Always top-notch.

 

[libekgz]

I thought of something more suited for an amp. Also a gig bag or case that would fit an amp would be perfect!

 

[TonyP-]

I will say this, even though there is are a lot of new heads with GK the last couple of years with the Legacy being one of them and my personal favorite.

I still play the MB heads as well (for that matter I play RB and fusion stuff as well) they all have the same GK flavor but I agree with the consensuses that the MBs pair very nice with the CXs.

If you get a chance try a Legacy with a CX 10s...To me it sounds like a milked up 1001 using a RE20 going through a studio monitor.
Cheers

 

[Al Kraft]

I will say this, even though there is are a lot of new heads with GK the last couple of years with the Legacy being one of them and my personal favorite.

I still play the MB heads as well (for that matter I play RB and fusion stuff as well) they all have the same GK flavor but I agree with the consensuses that the MBs pair very nice with the CXs.

If you get a chance try a Legacy with a CX 10s...To me it sounds like a milked up 1001 using a RE20 going through a studio monitor.
Cheers

It's funny you mentioned that Tony. As class D heads go (at least for clean players, who also don't use the HMS functionality) the MB (in a mix) does offer a lot of what I always liked about the RB700. I'm not sure if it was the preservation of the GK tone stack (something that just works for me) or a lot of attention to detail in voicing, but IMO GK has done a great job staying true to what I think of as their signature sound as they introduced new products.

 

[libekgz]

I just got amp, cab today. Assembled speaker cable with Neutrik connectors and... Holy Sh**! I understand now what I was hearing on all those YT videos! This rig sounds powerful! Now I am roaming around internet for another CX210 or CX115.

I just learned something I wasn't aware about GK... GK Hiss? Not that big deal for me. At first I thought something might be off but then read hat it is GK thing.

I heard people try to minimize it with some effects in loop. Are you doing anything with it?

 

[Wasnex]

I just got amp, cab today. Assembled speaker cable with Neutrik connectors and... Holy Sh**! I understand now what I was hearing on all those YT videos! This rig sounds powerful! Now I am roaming around internet for another CX210 or CX115.

I just learned something I wasn't aware about GK... GK Hiss? Not that big deal for me. At first I thought something might be off but then read hat it is GK thing.

I heard people try to minimize it with some effects in loop. Are you doing anything with it?

My old 700RB (series I) produces a bit of hiss if the Masters are too high. The 800RB I used for a couple of years in the late 90s was even noisier.

I was able to manage the problem with gain staging.

 

[libekgz]

I will say this, even though there is are a lot of new heads with GK the last couple of years with the Legacy being one of them and my personal favorite.

I still play the MB heads as well (for that matter I play RB and fusion stuff as well) they all have the same GK flavor but I agree with the consensuses that the MBs pair very nice with the CXs.

If you get a chance try a Legacy with a CX 10s...To me it sounds like a milked up 1001 using a RE20 going through a studio monitor.
Cheers

I just found early Black Friday deal on CX115 and pulled the trigger so now I will be rigging MBF 500 into CX210 and CX115. I am super stoked!

 

[4string_root]

I’ve been running my RB700 into either a Hartke 410xl or a GK CX-115, or both. I’m thinking I should just get a second CX-115 and run both, or just one for small gigs. Anyone’s thoughts? Also, are the CX cabs really not biamp compatible? I have yet to use a Speakon with mine.

 

[Wasnex]

I’ve been running my RB700 into either a Hartke 410xl or a GK CX-115, or both. I’m thinking I should just get a second CX-115 and run both, or just one for small gigs. Anyone’s thoughts? Also, are the CX cabs really not biamp compatible? I have yet to use a Speakon with mine.

AFAIK only GK RBH and NEO series III and older are biamp compatible. Whether biamp is useful depends on how you use the amp. AFAIK the biggest benefit of RB series biamp scheme is the tweeter channel stays clean when you crank the Boost circuit for a bit of drive in the woofers.

 

[libekgz]

We spoke about 112 cabs for NEO before. Here is the response from GK guys over mail.

Bartlomiej, this is a fine setup. We made a 700RB/112 combo years ago that was essentially what you are describing in combo form. This modular setup is becoming more popular and definitely had its benefits so I think it’s a good plan.