Cabinet problems...

[Max Bogosity]

From the manual linked by yodedude2 above,

“It is however not recommended for use with bass guitar, drums and other instruments
which depend upon reproduction of the lower bass octaves (frequencies below 55 Hz as a rough rule of thumb in this instance). Output levels are likely to be low, distorted and driver damage may result.”

 

[agedhorse]

At reasonable volumes, that cabinet will work fine. It's not 500 watts at 50Hz but because it's designed as a FRFR type cabinet (for guitar with a cab sim or IR), it should be decent enough for bass at say 250 watts (RMS).

The troubleshooting information I provided was to determine if there was damage to the cabinet, and to them determine what might be reasonable expectations.

 

[WillyW]

It is a “found” cabinet, and it has the same volume problems with guitar amps as well.



Which ohm setting should I set my multimeter to?

 

[WillyW]

Here is a video from the manufacturer, they play bass, and recommend it 3/4 of the way through. @5:36

 

[agedhorse]

Set the meter to the X1 scale or let it autorange. Do this in a quiet environment to minimize errors due to self-generated AC noise.

 

[InhumanResource]

I have a Matrix Elements fr212 cabinet.

it is a 4ohm 500w 2x12 cab.

I have tried a couple amps all with the same results.

The sound is extremely thin, volume is low with some noise.

Where do I start with fixing it?

Start simple. Make sure the drivers are in phase is where I would begin.

 

[BioWeapon]

Don't start creating new problems, leave the crossover board alone.

Don't change anything with the configuration of the cabinet.

Do you have an ohm meter?

Can you follow troubleshooting instructions?

Can you stop when you find yourself in over your head.

But... But isovent!

 

[singlemalt]

Found? Like in free, “here, take this thing and see if you can get it to work!” found it for free?

I’d pull the horn and the crossover out, and see about getting both drivers working. Get that crossover board out of the way and check or rewire from input jack to drivers. Maybe even start one driver at a time.

Dive in and have fun!

Now, back to our responsible adults for more prudent advice

 

[agedhorse]

Found? Like in free, “here, take this thing and see if you can get it to work!” found it for free?

I’d pull the horn and the crossover out, and see about getting both drivers working. Get that crossover board out of the way and check or rewire from input jack to drivers. Maybe even start one driver at a time.

Dive in and have fun!

Now, back to our responsible adults for more prudent advice

Why change something that when properly diagnosed works just fine???

FIRST identify the cause of the symptoms, THEN it can be properly fixed.

 

[WillyW]

For sure if I can fix it properly, I will do so.

if it’s not going to work for me in the long run, I’ll trade it for something I can use.

 

[agedhorse]

For sure if I can fix it properly, I will do so.

if it’s not going to work for me in the long run, I’ll trade it for something I can use.

Sure, it just helps identify what the actual problem is (or it there is a problem) before assuming that the cabinet is not suited, or that the cabinet is damaged.

 

[Auspuff]

I have a Matrix Elements fr212 cabinet.

it is a 4ohm 500w 2x12 cab.

I have tried a couple amps all with the same results.

The sound is extremely thin, volume is low with some noise.

Where do I start with fixing it?

I hear you.

I have a 1981 Carvin SC2000, 125W, head, and a 1X15 JBL cab. With both of my Carvin basses (1981 LB50 Koa, and a 1985 LB40), it sounds anemic, and distorted. Plugging in my 2002 Fender MIJ Jazz, and the rig sings. I tried everything to make the rig sound good, and it took a bass I never thought I would own, to make the rig sound sweet. Conversely, it is interesting Carvin made a cabinet which does not compliment their own basses.

Sometimes, stuff just does not work with what we want/think, thus you have to try different things.

Good luck.

 

[dkelley]

Just follow along with agedhorse's steps and you'll know soon enough if it's a actually a real problem with it (not just by design) and if it's fixable without replacing expensive parts.

 

[WillyW]

She was measuring just over 3ohms, I need to pull the other speaker to check if they are in phase, I’m going to use a 9v.

 

[kosmicwizard]

This is crazy on two levels, 1 you mentioned, 2 is that people believe that MIJ pups are inferior to USA pups. My findings are identical to yours! Cheers.

I hear you.

I have a 1981 Carvin SC2000, 125W, head, and a 1X15 JBL cab. With both of my Carvin basses (1981 LB50 Koa, and a 1985 LB40), it sounds anemic, and distorted. Plugging in my 2002 Fender MIJ Jazz, and the rig sings. I tried everything to make the rig sound good, and it took a bass I never thought I would own, to make the rig sound sweet. Conversely, it is interesting Carvin made a cabinet which does not compliment their own basses.

Sometimes, stuff just does not work with what we want/think, thus you have to try different things.

Good luck.

 

[yodedude2]

She was measuring just over 3ohms, I need to pull the other speaker to check if they are in phase, I’m going to use a 9v.

good idea. keep us posted. (make sure the speakers are wired in phase also. seems obvious, but still...)

 

[FunkHead]

good idea. keep us posted. (make sure the speakers are wired in phase also. seems obvious, but still...)

Definitely. He should probably make sure the speakers are in Phase too.

 

[yodedude2]