Double Bass EA Wizzy or hold out for EA 2x8?

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Therefore, w/ my focus rated at 800 watts w/ 4ohm loads, the Wizzy would run super clean, coaxing out the added wattage of the Focus. But, as w/ any small cab, w/ that much power you could probably hurt it if you were really trying to.

and sure, that same amp w/ the 8ohm load of a VL208 would only get 450 Watts out of the Focus and would probably sound great, but perhaps when pushed would not run as clean as the 800 watt into the 8ohm load that the WWU could supply.

I think either would be fine. There are advantages to using 8 ohm cabs as well - namely, that when you really want to go to the next level of volume/presence, you can always add a second 8 ohm cab. What pickup are you using?

 

[fish slapper]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Euphonic-Audio-...QQihZ020QQcategoryZ121159QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[bribass]

I think either would be fine. There are advantages to using 8 ohm cabs as well - namely, that when you really want to go to the next level of volume/presence, you can always add a second 8 ohm cab. What pickup are you using?

That's true. I often do that w/ My Flite cab w/ a 15" EV Proline and my Aguilar 12" w/ tweeter for loud gigs.

I'm using a Realist currently. Usually I only use a mic w/ a good soundman taking it to the front of the house only. I've been considering a mic purchase to use on smaller gigs. Never have tried a mic thru the Focus yet.

Bri

 

[Ric Vice]

You are right about the mids. I think the 208 has even more articulate mids than the wizzy, at least in the low mids. Upper mids the first wizzy may do them better. I didn't like the sound of it all that much myself but I go for a stronger big bottom sound rather than a midrange thing.

There is a 208 on Ebay right now. Go get that.

Phil,
I would be very suprized if the NL 208 can duplicate the sound of the
VL 208, but I love suprizes. Since the VL has two midrange drivers. It's a unique setup, and IMHO I think that why it's so Double Bass compatible. When you add those two mid drivers to a Transmission Line cab it clearly gets the sound that most of us are looking for. I know there's lighter options that sound excellent, but the VL 208 is probably the optimal heavy duty cabinet for the Acoustic. That said, I'm very happy with my LDS 208 it sounds great and is a little lighter than the VL's. One of the drummers that I play with says "I wish everyone got that sound".

Ric

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

That's true. I often do that w/ My Flite cab w/ a 15" EV Proline and my Aguilar 12" w/ tweeter for loud gigs.

I'm using a Realist currently. Usually I only use a mic w/ a good soundman taking it to the front of the house only. I've been considering a mic purchase to use on smaller gigs. Never have tried a mic thru the Focus yet.

Bri

My experience with the Realist has not been good, so I'd be hard pressed to advise you on the matter, but...with the FC and a mic, I've yet to max out what a single 208 and the focus can give. Sometimes I simply want to move more air, so I'll use two - but those times are rare, and usually outdoors when there's no sound reinforcement. It also produces a sort of "colossal" sound which is kinda cool, but too steroidal to truly sound acoustic.

 

[robgrow]

Phil,
I would be very suprized if the NL 208 can duplicate the sound of the
VL 208, but I love suprizes...

I will also be very surprised if the new EA 208 sounds anything like the VL208.

One of the drummers that I play with says "I wish everyone got that sound".

 

[bribass]

My experience with the Realist has not been good, so I'd be hard pressed to advise you on the matter, but...with the FC and a mic, I've yet to max out what a single 208 and the focus can give. Sometimes I simply want to move more air, so I'll use two - but those times are rare, and usually outdoors when there's no sound reinforcement. It also produces a sort of "colossal" sound which is kinda cool, but too steroidal to truly sound acoustic.

Yeah, I've never tried a FC, but the Realist I know is better on some basses more than others. On my Prescott it just works. Much better than a Bass Max, Fishman B-100, Underwood L.R. Baggs, old Polytone PU. I often wonder what a FC would sound like on it.
The Realist, however is OK, but not quite as good on my German bass. Doesn't seem to capture the robust lows or speak as clearly on that instrument. On this bass I've been blending it w/ a Bass Max or my old Fishman B-100. I think I may try a FC on that bass.

I mostly only use the two cab, wall of sound thing for slab or when doubling. But when I do, the Focus seems a bit happier. I'm sure it does sound great w/ the VL208. I think I'm gonna order a Whizzy M while I can. that should be a great cab for some small- med. venue punch.

thanks for your input guys.

Bri

 

[tombowlus]

Sorry I missed this one for so long. Here are a couple points.

They did make a few 4 ohm VL-208's, but I do not know if they plan on making any 4 ohm NM-208's - and of course, we are still waiting on any form of an NM-208 that passes EA's scrutiny.

Unfortunately, I had to forward my M-Line Wizzy on to Mike Dimin for a clinic, so I was not able to do an A/B with a VL-208, but here are some relevant thoughts. The VL-208 is stronger in the low mids than is the Wizzy, which has a bit more of an upper midrange push. The M-line goes much deeper than the standard Wizzy and has less of a midrange push. This should put it much closer to the VL-208. On the very high end, the VL's tweeters will convey some information that the whizzer cone cannot, but the highs from the M-line Wizzy seem more bright and present than the regular Wizzy. This is likely due to psychoacoustics (due to the somewhat reduced upper mids, relative to the Wizzy), but nevertheless, that is how the tone is perceived. So, on the whole, the M-Line Wizzy should sound more like the VL-208 than the regular Wizzy. I was very impressed with the M-line, and have an order in for two of the limited edition runs.

The regular Wizzy does sit really well in a mix, I find. It also offers a bit of vintage tone, but with a good deal of articulation (but it still sounds bit boxy relative tot he VL-208). It has more midrange punch than the M-line, too, if that is what you crave.

Hope this helps, Tom.