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Double Bass Doubleshot vs. MAS 18

S

statsc

Apr 23, 2010
1,004
1,491
Burlington, VT
#1
The Discover Jazz Festival just ended here in Burlington, Vt. I had 14 gigs during the 12 days of the festival, so had ample opportunity to directly compare these two speakers in a variety of locations in real time. Others may parse the efficiency and specs of these speakers, but from a player’s perspective the Doubleshot is significantly louder than the MAS 18, in that I needed to increase the volume of the amp when switching from the Doubleshot to the MAS 18 in order to achieve the same level of loudness. I do know that MAS cabinets have significant “throw,” so I don’t know how this translates in the audience. In terms of sound quality, the MAS 18 is the clear winner. There’s a “special sauce” that Mike puts into his cabs that results in a more “open” and “transparent” sound, for lack of a better term. Perhaps this has to do with the ported nature of the MAS cabs as opposed to the sealed Doubleshot; others more technically oriented than I may weigh in on this. Where the Doubleshot really shines is as an extension cabinet to the MAS 18 where more volume is needed, with its power pairing well with the MAS’s more nuanced tone. The Doubleshot’s smaller footprint (even smaller than the MAS 16) is really welcome on cramped stages. If used as an extension speaker, separating it from the MAS 18 is helpful.

Conclusion: The Doubleshot is still a very good sounding speaker, with its smaller footprint, lighter weight, and easier commercial availability as definite pluses. If you can get a hold of one, the MAS 18 sounds better (to my ears, at least!). I’ve also found that with my equipment elevating the MAS 18 tames the low end somewhat and results in a more balanced sound.
 
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#3
Nice review. I own both cabs along with a 16 and agree with everything you said. I do like the DS more than the 18 at lower volumes and prefer the 18 for louder stuff. The 18 needs to be pushed a bit to sound its best IMO and the DS can get a little boxy when you really push it.

I don't need all these cabs but they are all so good I can't bring myself to sell any. I'm using the 16 for real small drummerless gigs, the DS for acoustic jazz stuff that doesn't get extremely loud, and the 18 when I need a small cab and big sound. The DS is getting used most as it is light enough to carry in a shoulder bag, sounds big enough to play with moderately loud drummers and has a comfortable way of sitting in the mix.
 
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#4
basss said:
Nice review. I own both cabs along with a 16 and agree with everything you said. I do like the DS more than the 18 at lower volumes and prefer the 18 for louder stuff. The 18 needs to be pushed a bit to sound its best IMO and the DS can get a little boxy when you really push it.

I don't need all these cabs but they are all so good I can't bring myself to sell any. I'm using the 16 for real small drummerless gigs, the DS for acoustic jazz stuff that doesn't get extremely loud, and the 18 when I need a small cab and big sound. The DS is getting used most as it is light enough to carry in a shoulder bag, sounds big enough to play with moderately loud drummers and has a comfortable way of sitting in the mix.
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I’ve got 2 MAS 18’s and a 16 plus the Doubleshot. Probably more than I need, but it’s nice to be able to fit the rig to the gig!
 
#6
statsc said:
I’ve got 2 MAS 18’s and a 16 plus the Doubleshot. Probably more than I need, but it’s nice to be able to fit the rig to the gig!
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What version of the 16 and 18 do you have? I have the mini 16, the tiny one with no tweeter. I'm wondering how the newer larger versions compare.
 
#8
statsc said:
<SNIP> the Doubleshot is significantly louder than the MAS 18, in that I needed to increase the volume of the amp when switching from the Doubleshot to the MAS 18 in order to achieve the same level of loudness. <SNIP>
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It sounds, from your description, like the Doubleshot has higher sensitivity (more output at the same amp setting). But, you didn't say whether one speaker provided more volume, irrespective of amp setting; seems like this would determine which one is actually louder.
 
#10
Jazzdogg said:
It sounds, from your description, like the Doubleshot has higher sensitivity (more output at the same amp setting). But, you didn't say whether one speaker provided more volume, irrespective of amp setting; seems like this would determine which one is actually louder.
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I only tested it at one volume, though I would assume it would hold at different volumes, but maybe not!
 
#11
Jazzdogg said:
It sounds, from your description, like the Doubleshot has higher sensitivity (more output at the same amp setting). But, you didn't say whether one speaker provided more volume, irrespective of amp setting; seems like this would determine which one is actually louder.
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IME the DS and 18 are close max output but the 18 stays really consistent and open sounding while the DS compresses when you really push it. The DS sounds a lot more midrangey near its limit which makes sense as it is a lot of speaker squeezed into a small box (or tube, actually) while the 18 is pretty big for an 8 inch speaker.

ColdEye said:
How many versions of the 16 are there? I just picked one up locally and there are two speakers inside.
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AFAIK there was the original 16 that was tall and narrow and had a small mid driver, the mini 16 which is what I have, tiny and no mid or tweeter, and the newest version which is a bit bigger and has a tweeter and different woofer as well.
 

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