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Carvin BX500: Pt. 3

#381
Ive been seriously eyeing the BX1500. I wonder how it would stack up against my TF750A? Would the contour knob on the carvin be as useful as the enhance on the TF? I rarely use the timbre knob...Ive never been impressed by Carvin stuff before having played the SB basses, ive changed my mind, and clips of the BX500/1500 are pretty impressive.
 
#382
I would recommend the BX1500 for anybody with unmatched cabs who likes EXTREME versatility. With versatility comes complexity tough, something to consider.
Comparing it to a Thunderfunk is like comparing apples to oranges in that sense. The contour knob on the Carvin does what most others contour knobs do, sweep out the mids.
The DRIVE knob on the Carvin is what gives you the “grit” or overdrive sound.
 
#385
I just returned a GK 115 NEO III as I didn't care for the tone much (I WAS planning on running 2-115's). Some settings seemed to bloom, while others caught a harshness that was quite unpleasant. Maybe the cab was just too 'modern' ported for me.

The BX500 didn't respond poorly with an Acoustic B410, but you could just tell that the cab was straining a bit to stay together, and I surely did not look forward to stacking 2 of them together. Maybe the 4ohm Acoustic 810 would have been the ticket, but I'm so sure.

The 210 cab that Carvin puts the BX500 into (BX510 combo) also seems to not appreciate the head that drives it. I've found certain frequencies that the cab just finds very sour (A# high on the G string, for example) and it will vibrate with a tone that is very unpleasant. And putting a Carvin 115 underneath doesn't look very aesthetic in the least (much less now running mis-matched driver sizes in a less than optimal setting).

I broke down and ordered the BRX10.4 NEO from Carvin - I am assuming this to be a mating of heavenly sweet tones ;) There has got to be THE cab for this BX500 and one can only assume Carvin makes it, so... I'm giving it a go.

I'm finding that the 3 tones I'm after (smooth and bottom-heavy old-school, tube-driven gurgly break-up, and Tube-Screamer'ish clanky) a tad difficult to all real in... but at least I'm having fun on the journey. :)
I'd take a jazzy fat and funky tone in there too, if I can squeeze it in. :hiding:


In case of any potential HELP:
- Bottom heavy, old-school: VT Bass
- Tube-driven break-up: BDDI
- Tube Screamer'ish: relying on the BX500's EQ

Tried, but no luck:
- Badder Bass Monkey
- EHX Big Bass Muff
- DOD Bass Grunge (NOT the Digitech version)
- Ibanez PD7
(still have all and will sell some day)

Of course - I could go with Ibanez's new Tube Screamer for Bass and if someone could give me FAT settings for the BX500 EQ, I could go all Jazzy-Funky fat and squishy... then I'd have all 4 tones I'm in love with. Everything from classic rock to modern heavy to 70's funk to bluesy soul :D

(still looking...)
 
#389
Martin89 said:
How do the 112's work? I was also considering this. Right now I'm stuck between a 212, 2 112s, and a few others. I figure separating the 12's might be best for versatility in different rooms.
Click to expand...

I like the 112 cabs because I can break it down for smaller gig and most of my gigs are with the BX500 and one cab, take two if I'm in a bigger church.
 
#390
Was hoping someone whos has played both would chime in......


funkometer said:
Ive been seriously eyeing the BX1500. I wonder how it would stack up against my TF750A? Would the contour knob on the carvin be as useful as the enhance on the TF? I rarely use the timbre knob...Ive never been impressed by Carvin stuff before having played the SB basses, ive changed my mind, and clips of the BX500/1500 are pretty impressive.
Click to expand...
 
#397
Martin89, I just picked up a GK MBE 212 Neo Cabinet.My first thought was wow, this cabinet is loud. I used my Carvin BX500 which I bought to GC to try it out (if I did not like it could go right back). The cab came home with me. As I stated before this is one loud cabinet. The lows were even and the cab handled the low B well (no fart outs at all) Mids were fairly pronounced and highs were crystal clear. GC also had the 410 MBE so I had a chance to A/B both cabs. While the 410 produced a little more bottom the 212 is in my opinion the hands up winner. Granted I never turned the rig past 4.5 but it was shaking the walls. I won't have a chance to gig with until Saturday but that's layed back standards gig on upright. I will really be able to give it a workout on Monday night. I will have an update.

I tried it with the horn and without. With the horn is is my preference even though it did have a little hiss but that went away. I tried many EQ settings which I don't remember and the cab responded well. Seems to be a keeper.

Hope this helps.
 
#398
Martin89 said:
Thanks Ulynch, do you usually keep the horn on? What compression/drive settings do you use on the 500?
Click to expand...

The horn is currently on, but I haven't decided if it will stay on. There's no audible hiss, but I get a fair amount of finger-zing. I like the extra top end, and I'll just have to learn better left hand technique :hmm:

Compressor on the BX is off -- I have a pedal compressor that's very tweakable. Drive is at 12:00.

BrentD said:
Are you using an 8-ohm cab or a 4-ohm one?
Click to expand...

8-ohm.
 
#399
Since Carvin doesn't make a 112 cab, would GK Neo 112, Epifani UL II 112, Hartke Hydrive 112 or Schroeder Mini 12+ make a good match for my BX500? My music of choice is Jazz, R&B, Gospel and Blues. I'm looking for something that is small, light, sounds good and reasonably priced.
 

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