Cabs to go with Gallien-Krueger 700RB-II?

GK cabs?

 

An 8 ohm GK Neo 212-II now, and another later on if needed.

Gk's Neo cabs support your 700RB-II's horn bi-amp system.

Another TB'er, who plays in a loud band, recently replaced his old cabs with a GK 4 ohm Neo 412 to go with his 700RB-II.

After gigging his new, improved rig a bit, he PM'd me with the news that he's !

 

I gig with a 700rb-II, and the two cabs I have that work extremely well with it are a Mesa Powerhouse 610, and an Ampeg SVT410-HLF... Both are plenty by themselves with this head - although the Mesa 610 simply crushes with it - you'd never need another cab, with one of those... I've also played it through an SVT810e before, and it did quite well with that, too...




- georgestrings

 

I didn't know GK made 4 ohm cabs. I thought they were all 8.

 

Nope 410 and 212 have 4 and 8 ohm options while the 4 12 is 4 ohms according to their specs.

 

I haven't seen very many cabs I like that sell for less than $400 new. Even Avatar 410's sell for closer to $500 new now. I'd go used. Your $400 goes a lot farther on the used market than the new market. For reasonable size with power and good tone, you can't beat a 410. And you can find deals on them all day long. You don't have to get the very best out there to sound excellent, but the cab is one area you don't want to skimp. Skimp on the bass, skimp on the amp, but it all goes to hell if you skimp on the cab.

 

It seems that they have updated the line a bit since the last time I checked (a couple of years ago). I am specifically glad to see that the NEO 115 is now available with a higher power capacity (up to 400 from 300 watts).

 

GK+GK=WINNER.

 

Spot on, Jim...



- georgestrings

 

I don't *exactly* know what skimp means, but from what I can tell, it means that you spend less money and get a lesser product, yes?

If that is the case, I only agree, if the cab is being mic'ed or no PA is used. If the signal goes to PA from a DI (whether DI out from amp or something like SansAmp), then the money is much better spent on the bass. Of course, you need to hear yourself on stage, but if you sound a little worse on stage and better from PA - it's all good.

 

I've heard good words for Carvin here in the forum, try to test them out too. Have not played them myself. Avatar and GK seem like good choices - do you have the opportunity to try them out?

Btw, Avatar 2x12" is the same size as 4x10", similar situation with other brands. If you worry about size and weight, get a 2x10" (with the option of adding another 2x10" later). If size isn't a problem, a 4x10" is really a good idea!

If you plan to mix cabs with different driver sizes or quantities and different power, or even impedance, make sure you consider every aspect of the result (the most important being the scenario, where some drivers get much less power than the others).

 

I'd avoid a 210 if it'll be your only cab for a while. A good 212 is perfect. 210's are great as an "add-on", or if you don't need any real volume, otherwise, a 212 will take care of your needs, and a 2nd 212 will be massive, (412).

 

When I had a 700RBII, I used any of these with satisfying results:

Avatar 210 NEO
GK 112 NEO
Ampeg SVT410HLF

The GK\Ampeg mating is my favorite, but the NEO cabs are my back's favorite!

Now, I run my old school 400RB through the Ampeg for recording and it's sweet!

 

Not to me, bro. If the sound ain't happening for me, it ain't happening. And yes, "skimp" does mean to spend less on a lesser product.

 

Understood, I'm just sharing another point of view to the OP. I have just been very lucky to get the bass I want and with my BDDI I can adjust to any backline and be confident that I sound good through PA. It is really very convenient.

Granted, if I planned to spend more money (and I do, later this year ), I would get myself a good amp and cab to carry to gigs and not skimp on them. Just that I'm very satisfied with my decision to invest on my bassfirst and wanted to share this.

I understand if this works differently for other people

 

IMHO 2X10 is little on a quiet side if you play in a rock band. If you are looking for one cab solution 2x12 or 4x10 will suit you better. Try also GK NEO 115 if you can - it's tight and punchy. And I always liked how P bass sounds through a 15 speaker

My current rig is GK700RB-II + Ernie Ball Audiophile HD2x10 + old GK1x15. I play in rock band with two guitars and a loud drummer.

HD210 is with disconnected crossover (I prefer to use GK bi-amp system). GK 1x15 is unknown old model with OEM EV speaker and no horn. This combination is versatile, has enough volume and I frequently get compliments about my tone from other musicians.

Ernie Ball cabs (2x10 and 2x12) are a steal for the price if you can find one.

 

Keep an eye out for a used GK Neo212 series I cab. Great little cab..... a touch heavier than the new series II's, but a smaller footprint, and fits in most car trunks. You can add a 112 series I later, or even another 212. I gig out my 212 regularly with a 700rbII, and it is a great little cab. It takes the 700 beautifully. Having the HMS available on the front of the head is a great thing when you're up on stage..... you can dial in the horn without digging around in back of the cab.

Also, check with RMC Audio on a price for one of the series II 212's.... they smoke everyone when it comes to pricing on new GK gear..... I bet you could get a new 212 for just a little bit over your budget. And their customer service is the best there is.

Ljazz

 

In general, compared to a 2x10" cab a 2x12" will move more air = a bigger, and louder bass tone.

For portability, cabs with light-weight neodymium speakers are the way to go.