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Cab-less, anyone?

ctbass

ctbass

Jun 21, 2005
503
128
Colorado
#1
My Rig is Sadowsky bass, Genzler MG800 head, 2x12 cabs and pedal board.

3 of the main bands I play with have gone to all IEMs. I have become aware that my stage sound/volume is essentially unheard by anyone including myself.

So recently I have been running into the MG800 using the XLR out for FOH and monitors with no cabinet.

My in ear sound and tone is great, less to carry, and I can only trust the person running FOH in any scenario.

Anybody else?
Make sense?
Disagree?
 
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#4
The Genzler Magellan 800 is a great DI Box. Sent post EQ for a bit of flavor.


Genzler-As-DI-Dingwall.jpg
 
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#9
Downunderwonder said:
Carrots.

Everyone knows it's not a real gig without a thundering SVT rig, tort P bass with flats, and NO SHORTS!

See how far you get in the FX forum posting a No Fx thread.
Click to expand...

Some people are actually into virtual effects, PC, IOS based, or Helix, Axe FX, Kemper based ones all the way back to multi-effects pedals.

In this forum Virtual amps even those from the DI out from a hardware head should be OK to "talk" about.
It's a valid alternative that could help someone else in similar situations.
 
#11
I have no advice to offer, but would like some in this topic. I am considering just going through FOH and using the monitors. I’d be using active Jbass, Arkham Abyss or Quilter BB800 as pre/ DI and one 112 cab (just in case). The sound man is very good, and I would have my own monitor.

I’ve never done this and would like to know how to be successful and what to look out for? What concerns me is if I will hear myself and get the tone and feel of my own cab.

Any advice?
 
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#13
This works if you're playing places with reliable PA support and a good (sober) soundman. Unfortunately, if you're at "bar band" status, that's not always possible. Also, I could still see needing a cab for rehearsal and home practice.

I'm hoping cab-less is the way of the future though. Lord knows I'd rather spend money on basses/amps/effects than cabs. Would save my back too.
 
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#14
My band tried to have several of us give up our onstage amps, but it just never worked out like the BL hoped. So our lead guitarist is still using a miked Marshall combo with 2x12 speakers and running thru his dozen pedals. But he keeps it sane on stage because his wife is the pianist and she'll let him know if he's too loud. I didn't mind the no cab on stage for bass, but I could never get the earbuds to stay in. So I'm using a Legacy 500 amp into a CAB27 Phil Jones cab on the floor just for me, but several others can still hear me over the house and sub. Visiting musicians usually bring small combos and we just mike them. It is much quieter now on the stage. I'm not even having to use ear plugs. So yes some people will go without any cabs on stage and will love it. Others, like us, try to do it but it just doesn't work out. "Can you say compromise?" "Sure, I knew you could."
 
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#16
Zbysek said:
If you want the tone and feel of "your own cab", why don't you bring "your own cab"?

If you're going the monitor route, you might wanna consider getting a cab sim (or HPF/LPF).
Click to expand...

Good catch Zbysek! I'm not wedded to "my cab sound". What I should have said was the the visceral feel of a bass cab that I don't think monitors have. I'd like to be wrong about that. I will bring my own cab the first time just in case.
 
#17
Zbysek said:
One of my bands has gone to IEMs. I still carry a small cab (1x12 or 2x10) with me.

I will see whether Backbeat will change this...
Click to expand...
I’ve been considering the back beat as well. I’m most often cab less and while love the tone from my IEMs I’d love a little a bit of the feeling of a cranked cab behind me.

That said I’m pretty happy going cab less great tone at FOH and in my IEM
And makes the load in/ out much lighter
 
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#20
ctbass said:
My Rig is Sadowsky bass, Genzler MG800 head, 2x12 cabs and pedal board.

3 of the main bands I play with have gone to all IEMs. I have become aware that my stage sound/volume is essentially unheard by anyone including myself.

So recently I have been running into the MG800 using the XLR out for FOH and monitors with no cabinet.

My in ear sound and tone is great, less to carry, and I can only trust the person running FOH in any scenario.

Anybody else?
Make sense?
Disagree?
Click to expand...

Currently on a tour where there isn’t a single amp onstage, and we sound killer every night.
 
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