That feeling goes away really quickly when you don’t have to move the thing.
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Downsizing from rigs of doom...which path did you take?
- Thread starter VS
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That feeling goes away really quickly when you don’t have to move the thing.
I know this is small potatoes but I just acquired a pair of EBS NeoLine 2x10's (8 Ohms each) to replace an Epifani DIST 3 4x10 that a friend of mine is buying from me. I have three reasons for this change.
1st - A sonic upgrade...I did some back-to-back comparisons and the Epifani 2x10 sounded more defined and tighter than the Epi 4x10. But then the EBS cabs were even better to me (subjective of course but this was determined in a controlled environment (my favorite independent local Bass Guitar. store) So it was a clear upgrade in sound. the 4x10 could move a lot of air but it was a little boomy or wooly for my room and taste. I'm sure it sounds awesome in the right conditions.
2nd - I have more options with a pair of 2x10s than a 4x10 obviously. I can use one, both or have one at both locations. I know kinda of a duh but that was #2.
3rd - Man these Neoline EBS cabs are so very light for their size. The Epifani 4x10 was light for a 4x10 but moving two 2x10's is just easier.
The upgrade doesn't save me any money but sometimes you have to pay to play.
1st - A sonic upgrade...I did some back-to-back comparisons and the Epifani 2x10 sounded more defined and tighter than the Epi 4x10. But then the EBS cabs were even better to me (subjective of course but this was determined in a controlled environment (my favorite independent local Bass Guitar. store) So it was a clear upgrade in sound. the 4x10 could move a lot of air but it was a little boomy or wooly for my room and taste. I'm sure it sounds awesome in the right conditions.
2nd - I have more options with a pair of 2x10s than a 4x10 obviously. I can use one, both or have one at both locations. I know kinda of a duh but that was #2.
3rd - Man these Neoline EBS cabs are so very light for their size. The Epifani 4x10 was light for a 4x10 but moving two 2x10's is just easier.
The upgrade doesn't save me any money but sometimes you have to pay to play.
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I got a pair of Eden 1X12 speakers and an Eden head. This was on a modest budget.
After years of playing through a solid state head and two 1x15 cabinets I now use a single custom made 2x12 that I can carry in one hand and a very light 500 watt head. It’s a good outfit and will do most of the work I get in future. I do miss the 15s at times but not enough to lug them around. I tried a 4x10 cabinet but I prefer the 2x12. It has a ton of headroom and has never been insufficient.
When I can find a downsized rig of doom, that sounds as good as my current rig of doom, and one that I'm willing to replace it with, I'll be sure to let you know.
I had to downsize in London, 1990s
I put an EVM12S in a Polytone Minibrute I - heavy but so was the sound & perfect for DB (Underwood w/ impedence matcher). I gotcompliments & work for the firm clear sound.
The Minibrute is unported so it lost the odd boom most DBs produce. However at a jump jive gig in a marque on grass, I used the prefab stage as a resonator, dialed up 11, and boomed away all night. That EV was such a heavy driver and vastly improved the Polytone, already a favourite for DBers.
I also wired it to use as an extension spkr for my bigger BG rig: EVM15L in Trace Elliot ported monitor cab, powered by Walter Woods 100-8. Together the EVs provided 400 W @ 4ohm. With 5 string, octave divider etc I used a high pass filter on the 12" & compensated by adding bass. With the brillant WW preamps & the efficiency of the EVs, I could produce a big sound from just 2 speakers. Used that for a Royal Albert Hall gig once. Anyone wanting a duel with an 8x10" had better bring 800 watts & a roadie. More speakers = more inefficiency.
The combo & cab were both heavy but small, fitting in the boot of a small English hatchback, with just 2 trips to unload. It was such a flexible system, the Polytone also a backup for the WW.
Moral : Fit a good 10/12" combo with a better speaker & match it with a 12/15" extension spkr ie a different size for a different volume venue. Think exponential. Two spkrs of the same size is less efficient than a single equivalent, and heavy if in the same cab.
If you can wire your new improved combo to act as an extension spkr as well, you could use a more dedicated powerful head with the same speakers. You can always slave/DI if 2 speakers is not enough. Then you have less
redundacy, more flexibility, and less storage needed if you live inner city.
That EVM12S of mine did more gigs than any other piece of my gear. When I stopped playing I gave it away to a guitarist mate; it didn't owe me anything.
I put an EVM12S in a Polytone Minibrute I - heavy but so was the sound & perfect for DB (Underwood w/ impedence matcher). I gotcompliments & work for the firm clear sound.
The Minibrute is unported so it lost the odd boom most DBs produce. However at a jump jive gig in a marque on grass, I used the prefab stage as a resonator, dialed up 11, and boomed away all night. That EV was such a heavy driver and vastly improved the Polytone, already a favourite for DBers.
I also wired it to use as an extension spkr for my bigger BG rig: EVM15L in Trace Elliot ported monitor cab, powered by Walter Woods 100-8. Together the EVs provided 400 W @ 4ohm. With 5 string, octave divider etc I used a high pass filter on the 12" & compensated by adding bass. With the brillant WW preamps & the efficiency of the EVs, I could produce a big sound from just 2 speakers. Used that for a Royal Albert Hall gig once. Anyone wanting a duel with an 8x10" had better bring 800 watts & a roadie. More speakers = more inefficiency.
The combo & cab were both heavy but small, fitting in the boot of a small English hatchback, with just 2 trips to unload. It was such a flexible system, the Polytone also a backup for the WW.
Moral : Fit a good 10/12" combo with a better speaker & match it with a 12/15" extension spkr ie a different size for a different volume venue. Think exponential. Two spkrs of the same size is less efficient than a single equivalent, and heavy if in the same cab.
If you can wire your new improved combo to act as an extension spkr as well, you could use a more dedicated powerful head with the same speakers. You can always slave/DI if 2 speakers is not enough. Then you have less
redundacy, more flexibility, and less storage needed if you live inner city.
That EVM12S of mine did more gigs than any other piece of my gear. When I stopped playing I gave it away to a guitarist mate; it didn't owe me anything.
I went ampless and don't miss having an actual bass amp/cab on stage at all. I carry a PA speaker/monitor just in case I need a bass only monitor, but haven't had to use it yet since we play places with good monitor situations.
Previously, when I did bring a bass amp, the sound guy would always have me turn down lower than my normal practice volume anyway, so I am not missing any 'feeling the air move' or thump from an actual bass amp. I find it easier to dial in my sound to the PA without having to account for the boominess or character of the cab which isn't going to FOH or the recording desk/interface anyway.
Of course if you don't have good PA support YMMV.
Previously, when I did bring a bass amp, the sound guy would always have me turn down lower than my normal practice volume anyway, so I am not missing any 'feeling the air move' or thump from an actual bass amp. I find it easier to dial in my sound to the PA without having to account for the boominess or character of the cab which isn't going to FOH or the recording desk/interface anyway.
Of course if you don't have good PA support YMMV.
I've never had a "Rig Of Doom", but I've been striving to taking as little as possible to gigs. For the last year or so it's been Helix straight to FOH with IEMs for monitoring. No backline at all.
If you don't need a plethora of sounds, you could easily gig with just a high quality preamp/DI box straight to FOH.
If I do need backline, then I have my 1x12 headrush powered "FRFR" speaker.
If you don't need a plethora of sounds, you could easily gig with just a high quality preamp/DI box straight to FOH.
If I do need backline, then I have my 1x12 headrush powered "FRFR" speaker.
I swapped so much gear SVT, Marshalls, Acoustics to small to portable multiple 2x10s.
Then because I have played small amps on large stages and medium large cabs in small venues I took to having a variety of kit.
The show must go on.
So I have to go just pre into the studio and massive watts for some outside or monster settings.
Slow deliberate acquisition as tools over decades seeking to deliver the sound I hear better than last gear. Kinda diminishes gas.
OP you probably want specifics this being TB.
I have loved Polytones in my time.
The eternal keeper is a purchased new 1993 SWR BBII. It has worked in almost every setting. Not raging PolkaFunkMetalCountry. Perfect pre that accommodates EB, ABG and Ashbory.
Then because I have played small amps on large stages and medium large cabs in small venues I took to having a variety of kit.
The show must go on.
So I have to go just pre into the studio and massive watts for some outside or monster settings. Slow deliberate acquisition as tools over decades seeking to deliver the sound I hear better than last gear. Kinda diminishes gas.
OP you probably want specifics this being TB.
I have loved Polytones in my time.
The eternal keeper is a purchased new 1993 SWR BBII. It has worked in almost every setting. Not raging PolkaFunkMetalCountry. Perfect pre that accommodates EB, ABG and Ashbory.
Regarding PA support: I'm finding that sometimes a little can go a long way.
I often run the line out from my 50 watt tube amp into my own little system. (Which I often have to set up anyway for those lazy deadbeat vocalists.) Not trying to strip any paint - just enough to give me the presence of, say a 100 watt tube amp. If I can perceive a slight increase in room presence, that's your 3 dB wattage doubling effect, right there. (These QSC K10s have kick to spare - wouldn't try this with something lighter duty.)
On larger rock shows with full PA support, I love how this rig covers my little zone without blowing anyone else away.
I can't overstate how much I don't miss the old volume wars days...
I often run the line out from my 50 watt tube amp into my own little system. (Which I often have to set up anyway for those lazy deadbeat vocalists.) Not trying to strip any paint - just enough to give me the presence of, say a 100 watt tube amp. If I can perceive a slight increase in room presence, that's your 3 dB wattage doubling effect, right there. (These QSC K10s have kick to spare - wouldn't try this with something lighter duty.)
On larger rock shows with full PA support, I love how this rig covers my little zone without blowing anyone else away.
I can't overstate how much I don't miss the old volume wars days...
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So I've been playing lots of medium sized venues and drummers are amazed how loud my setup is. I did a gig
a few weeks ago where there were a few bands playing and there was another bassist who had a similar rig who also swore by it (same speaker). it fits in the trunk of my MIATA car! I use a GK MB500 and a Trace Elliot 2x8 (400W) speaker. The speaker is covered with a bedliner finish so it really does well with getting knocked around.
a few weeks ago where there were a few bands playing and there was another bassist who had a similar rig who also swore by it (same speaker). it fits in the trunk of my MIATA car! I use a GK MB500 and a Trace Elliot 2x8 (400W) speaker. The speaker is covered with a bedliner finish so it really does well with getting knocked around.
I really like mine (pushed by a TE ELF). I think it was a big upgrade on my Rumble 40. About the same space, but feels much more clear and punchy. Been considering installing a top hat in the bottom (or t-nuts so I could attach a mounting bracket) so I could mount it on a pole.
D
Please tell us why we should or shouldn't push the red button!
Actually it is just a simple A-B switch from Loop-master that I 3D printed a cover and switch topper for.
Looking at that huge box of metal sitting on the top of that super-light and slim cab produces cognitive dissonance in my brain.
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The 4u rack bag serves a purpose, it contains my amp, in ear monitor wireless, power conditioner and storage for all of my cables. Yes it’s about the same weight as the cab but for me, it works and the easiest way to carry my required gear for gigging (50+ last year & more this year).
