• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Downsizing from SWR rig

J

JackMac

Oct 4, 2006
4
0
Australia
#1
Hi folks,

First time poster, long time lurker here...

I'm currently looking at my options with a new rig. I play in a basic garage rock four-piece with a SWR WM4004 head and SWR WM4x10 and WM1x15 cabs (although the 1x15 only gets dragged out at gigs)

I want to downsize and I'm looking at a couple of different options. For a head I'm thinking about an EA iAMP800, and pairing it up with either an EA CL210, Schroeder 1210 or a Berg HT210S (probably getting a 4ohm version of the cabs where possible so I'd be accessing 800w into the 500w cab). I've read many of the reviews here and it seems that within reason I'm not really going to go wrong with any of the options.

When rehearsing I'm getting 260w @ 8ohms out of the 4004 into the 4x10 (rated at 400w) and thats working out reasonably well - a little more volume wouldn't hurt though. The other thing is that I'm not that unhappy with the SWR's tone - it's much more about simply carrying less stuff around!

I'd really appreciate any thoughts on which of the options above is going to be similar to the SWR's sound - or indeed if there are any other suggestions anyone might have.

Cheers
JM
 
#5
I would consider Epifani UL210 cabs. They are so light and really powerful, with a well balance and deep sound. I have an EA CXL112 which is very neutral but I tend to use this more for amplifying my acoustic instruments.
 
#8
I think you mean EA's NL-210. I have that particular cab, and it functions as a phenomenal stand alone. Even at 8 ohms, it is sensitive enough to be the only 210 I've ever felt comfortable using as without another cab.

I used a iamp 800 for a bit, but eventually decided that I did not care for the power section. The preamp was great, but I guess I'm just used to the old school lead sled style power sections in SS amps. The Iamp's preamp kicked major butt though.
 
#9
I recently tested several cabs and the Schroeder 1212L (Neo version) was my favorite, including comparing it with other Schroeder cabs. I found it to be light, loud, very musical, with a tight bass and well balanced tonally. The shop did not have any of the NL210s in at that time and I am going to go back later to test those also. One thing I have read is that the Schroeder cabs seem to prefer some amps over others. So I would be sure to test the iAmp800 with the Schroeder you are considering. Obviously, that amp would work superbly with the NL210 cabs, but a single NL210 might not be enough for your band. Check out some of the recent posts by Kjung. He has recently posted a lot about both the 1212L and the Berg 210S.
 
#12
I use 3 different SWR setups and let my situation tell me which one I need. For small low volume gigs I use my SWR Basic Black, for medium gigs my Super Redhead with Big Ben cabinet, and for large gigs I use my SM-900 and Megoliath. I would look into a Super Redhead, it sounds like that is EXACTLY what you are looking for.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back