Decisions About Small Cabs

[wintremute]

Check RevSound. I've been gigging a 20 lb. RevSound RS28 in bars, clubs, and outdoor cafes several times a week for a couple years, in a town where I walk everywhere. I also use a 25 lb. RS115 when I'm back home in LA, absolutely phenomenal cab. (My first RevSound cab is an RS212, 35 lbs., overkill for all but larger outdoor festivals).

I've been playing bass 40 years, owned and played thru a ton of cabs. I use a few different basses and amps, and their specific character traits come through with these.

I've found RevSound cabs to be very lightweight, very well built, awesome sounding (efficient and very responsive to playing touch).. and reasonably affordable too.

I did a search for the RevSound RS28, which took me to this link RS28V | RevSound , which had this comment on the page:
"2. Price - it's not a cheap cabinet but I have pointed this out in other threads, it is essentially the same price out the door with shipping you would pay for a Trace-Elliot 2 x 8"."

The price on the website is $625.

The words of @gtirard still hold true: awesome, lightweight, affordable (pick 2).

 

[Jefenator]

I like the idea of a nice matching set.
OTOH, I'm kind of hooked on variety. I feel like I have a good thing going with my current mixed setup: Bergantino HDN210 and Bag End S-15D. The Berg is nice and light and good for smooth jazz type stuff. The Bag End is more hefty & seems well suited for rocking out. Both of those come up for me roughly equally. When I need to cover a larger venue, the two pair up surprisingly well.
I might consolidate eventually – when one of those cabs dies, or I turn 60.

 

[Topkat13]

I'm ok with a small cab if it's just me trying to get somewhere by myself. If I'm in a group, we will typically opt for a van.

 

[Count Bassie]

I've always respected the wisdom of having matching cabs when we want to make "more" sound, but I went against the grain a few years ago when it was time to upgrade to a more capable pair of cabs from my pair of so-so SWR Workingman's 2x10's. I found two great deals on two different cabs (from different sellers) at the same time and since they had the same resistance and wattage (RMS) ratings, I went ahead and got them. These are an Acme Low B2 and an SWR Goliath Jr. III (8 ohms and 350 watts RMS).

After only a couple gigs, my sound was giving everybody else in the band a dose of perma-grin... along with myself. No phasing issues or other troubles emerged and this rig has been terrific for several years and dozens of shows. Plenty of sound, even if I'm playing outdoors doing rock and dance covers without PA support.

I mentioned my success story to a luthier pal of mine who also did pro soundman work for a lot of years and he was actually big on the idea of having cabs that are compatible, but not identical. He explained that in his experience, that sort of setup can work really well for making a nice full sound because theoretically the one cab will likely put out at least some of the frequencies that might be somewhat lacking in the other. Not always the case, but he had experienced it enough to believe it to be a "definite maybe" when combining different cabs. It's sure working nicely for me.

This is interesting... The two I have are quite different sounding. They're also different ratings and impedances- Markbass is 400w @8 ohms, Schroeder is 850w @4 ohms- but they could still work together with the TT-800. Running them together is the next thing I'm trying...

 

[Nebadon2000]

This is interesting... The two I have are quite different sounding. They're also different ratings and impedances- Markbass is 400w @8 ohms, Schroeder is 850w @4 ohms- but they could still work together with the TT-800. Running them together is the next thing I'm trying...

Put MB on top easier lift

Also 4 ohm cab I believe will get 2/3 of power being used so based on efficiency of cabs one may be louder than other but both speakers can take whatever your TT can put out: also can turn down/off MB tweeter and just use Schroeders

 

[Count Bassie]

Put MB on top easier lift

Also 4 ohm cab I believe will get 2/3 of power being used so based on efficiency of cabs one may be louder than other but both speakers can take whatever your TT can put out: also can turn down/off MB tweeter and just use Schroeders

Good ideas, yep. I do like the Schroeder's horn better, it's a friendlier sound.

 

[SJan3]

Logistics and life have brought me to the world of smaller gear. I'm using a Mesa Boogie TT-800 head, and have a Markbass 58R102 Pure 210 cab, and an older Schroeder 1210R, a single 12 with an angled 10. The Markbass has a piezo tweeter and the Schroeder has a horn type.
They are very different: the Schroeder is dark, punchy down low, and the horn is an important element to bring articulation and upper mid presence- without it it's pretty dark and a little blurry.
The Markbass doesn't do deep and dark like the Schroeder, and solo'd it sounds toy-ish. But in a mix I think it's a little better at standing up in a mix. The Schroeder cab be dialed in. But each of these cabs has a distinct character.

I got the MB because it's unbelievably light. The Schroeder is the better part of 50lbs, which realistically isn't that bad.
The Schroeder is now kind of a rare bird, but I think that 2 of them stacked would be pretty impressive. It'll be a 2 ohm load but the TT-800 does that.

Anyway I'm just throwing this up here, wonder if anyone's got some wisdom on this stuff. I would like to get rid of one and then double up on the keeper- then I figure I'm set on rig needs.
Thanks for your time.

I added a MarkBass 1x12" cab to my 2x10" and viola!! I think the new ones will stack with your 2x10".

 

[el murdoque]

Been doing most of my gigs now with a BF Super Mini 1 12 20 pounds. Crazy!! plennntty of bottom end and clarity.
There are less expensive and shorter wait options. I lucked out and they just happen to have one ready to go. more crazy.

I love the reactions this cab gets - it's my main rig, too.

When I carry it in, I'm often offered to use the cab that's sitting in the corner, or the backline cab on stage, or other bassist's gear.
Polite refusal from my side earns scepticism first. then I plug in and play, where it changes to disbelief, and then, finally acceptance.

I love that cab.

 

[JohnnyBottom]

I love the reactions this cab gets - it's my main rig, too.

When I carry it in, I'm often offered to use the cab that's sitting in the corner, or the backline cab on stage, or other bassist's gear.
Polite refusal from my side earns scepticism first. then I plug in and play, where it changes to disbelief, and then, finally acceptance.

I love that cab.

Thank you! I think your posts are what motivated me to sell my Super Twin, and like you, I think, surprisingly! use the Super Mini and leave the super Compact at home or for biggest shows.

 

[Count Bassie]

Put MB on top easier lift

Also 4 ohm cab I believe will get 2/3 of power being used so based on efficiency of cabs one may be louder than other but both speakers can take whatever your TT can put out: also can turn down/off MB tweeter and just use Schroeders

The Schroeder is louder. Played them both earlier today, and the difference is definitely remarkable. Gotta say I like the Schroeder better, but that's not in a mix. Unfortunately we have no more gigs until January so I guess I'm sitting tight. I get tired of not playing.

 

[el murdoque]

Thank you! I think your posts are what motivated me to sell my Super Twin, and like you, I think, surprisingly! use the Super Mini and leave the super Compact at home or for biggest shows.

Exactly.
I have the Super Mini and the Super Compact.
The main advantage is that I can keep them in two separate places, because needing both is such a rare case. I bring them for bigger shows, but it's more for the look of the thing than actually needing both cabs.

 

[mikeswals]

I am always a fan of two same matching cabinets!
That is always the most predictable results.

 

[Aloe]

The Markbass doesn't do deep and dark like the Schroeder, and solo'd it sounds toy-ish. But in a mix I think it's a little better at standing up in a mix.

funny that you feel it similar to me. I'd call one 102 mb58r like a bit cartoonish, but it's able to be loud and produce tones that are good for stage sound or the overall mix. like not very exciting, but does the job fine.

with two of them it's no longer the case tho, it both fits the mix fine and sounds like a serious rig.

 

[Count Bassie]

funny that you feel it similar to me. I'd call one 102 mb58r like a bit cartoonish, but it's able to be loud and produce tones that are good for stage sound or the overall mix. like not very exciting, but does the job fine.

with two of them it's no longer the case tho, it both fits the mix fine and sounds like a serious rig.

That's interesting about Markbass stuff. I've generally thought they work very well in a live mix. That's where it functions apparently. Yeah, not exciting, lol. But that aspect of function is quietly gratifying.
I guess I'm coming up with a decision. Thanks for the sobering up! Lol.

 

[gtirard]

funny that you feel it similar to me. I'd call one 102 mb58r like a bit cartoonish, but it's able to be loud and produce tones that are good for stage sound or the overall mix. like not very exciting, but does the job fine.

with two of them it's no longer the case tho, it both fits the mix fine and sounds like a serious rig.

I agree. I'm not a huge fan of Markbass cabs (especially the color), but I have to admit they always sound excellent in the band mix. Not very nice at first when playing by myself, but then when the band plays it always sounds good. I prefer that to the opposite (cabs that sound good by themselves but get lost in the mix).

 

[Count Bassie]

Markbass 102 Pure doesn't use Piezo tweeters

I stand corrected, thanks.
Also I'm re-reading over the thread and there's a lot of sensible thinking here.
And opinions.
All are valid in their own right, within bounds. But there's good level sense here also, all helpful stuff, thanks again everybody.

I played the both cabs daisy chained, the amp set for 2 ohms. Pretty nice! Alone without a band. I may try and bring the whole mess to rehearsal next week.
I'm also seeing the sense of the Markbass cabs, they are very much a tool that is designed for ensemble playing. They are designed for the mix, not for pleasing ears in the showroom. I have to respect that. And I've heard a few MB rigs out in the wild, and I'm always impressed with the way they find their place in a live band's delivery.

But these two paired, that sounds pretty killer.

 

[Count Bassie]

Put MB on top easier lift

Also 4 ohm cab I believe will get 2/3 of power being used so based on efficiency of cabs one may be louder than other but both speakers can take whatever your TT can put out: also can turn down/off MB tweeter and just use Schroeders

Did that tweeter off/horn on thing.
It sounds like a large animal swimming towards and past you. Heavy, but nimble. It's big.

 

[dawind99]

I did a search for the RevSound RS28, which took me to this link RS28V | RevSound , which had this comment on the page:
"2. Price - it's not a cheap cabinet but I have pointed this out in other threads, it is essentially the same price out the door with shipping you would pay for a Trace-Elliot 2 x 8"."

The price on the website is $625.

The words of @gtirard still hold true: awesome, lightweight, affordable (pick 2).

They are not remotely similar.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Check RevSound. I've been gigging a 20 lb. RevSound RS28 in bars, clubs, and outdoor cafes several times a week for a couple years, in a town where I walk everywhere. I also use a 25 lb. RS115 when I'm back home in LA, absolutely phenomenal cab. (My first RevSound cab is an RS212, 35 lbs., overkill for all but larger outdoor festivals).

I've been playing bass 40 years, owned and played thru a ton of cabs. I use a few different basses and amps, and their specific character traits come through with these.

I've found RevSound cabs to be very lightweight, very well built, awesome sounding (efficient and very responsive to playing touch).. and reasonably affordable too.

I echo what's said here. The 2x8 performs like traditional 2x10s I've gigged in the past. However, I do appreciate the clarity and slam of the 212, and at 36lbs including a custom top handle, it's a very easy one load lift.

 

[Jens Telemark]

Do you play with anyone whose opinion you value? More than once that's helped me get out of my own head and make a decision. Speaker cabs have such a huge impact on your sound but unless you have a lot of money and storage space are a real pain to be switching all the time.

I'm firmly of the school that a matching pair of 1x12's or 2x10's is by far the most versatile and practical route to take. Several years ago I chose the Bergantino NVX112 because it works for me with no drums at low volumes but also sits well in a louder more dense mix. Had to buy them several months apart and sell stuff to afford it but I've never regretted it.