Double Bass Euphonic or Acoustic Image

[B String]

Yup the 121p.

So... Turn the combo over to look at the back of the amp. Unplug the speaker and you'll see it just a standard quarter inch jack. You can just plug another speaker in with either a XLR or quarter in jack. Viola!
That head (at least in the older 121p's) is the same one they sell as a separate. If I could bypass the eq section to go straight into the power amp when needed, I'd be in bass player heaven.

 

[Jazzdogg]

I have a Euphonic Audio iAmp800 and an Acoustic Image Focus 2R series III. I have never owned an AI speaker, so I cannot comment on them. I do own two EA speakers - a VL208 and an MLine Wizzy 12, which are both very good speakers. These days, however, they stay in the music room - the cabs I use are a Crazy8 and a Crazy88 built by Mike Arnopol. Best cabs I have ever used. FWIW, I prefer the Focus for DB, and the iAmp800 for electric.

 

[damonsmith]

I’ve played a Clarus and Wizzy 12 Milne and LOVE the combination. That said I’ve not tried the Doubler or recent AI cabs. The only thing I would like is the MLine in a smaller package and their 10” didn’t do it for me. Perhaps an upshot would be a great addition for those drummerless gigs.

FYI, I have gotten through some very loud gigs with just a Clarus 1 & an Upshot. Only a few times I've wished for more power! I bring a 15 now when I need more, but, the Upshot is great on most drummer gigs. I actually only use an amp when I play with drummers!

 

[Andrew Clarkson]

I have an AI Focus, single channel, a 2-channel Cars both 900 watts. I also own an iamp 800.

I love the sound and all the tonal options that the EA has. I play it mostly in my basement in our rehearsal space. Works great for both electric and DB.

I normally bring my 2-channel Acoustic Image to pretty much all gigs. I feel more prepared for different rooms with all the features the AI has - specifically the HPF and simpler tone controls. I can fix my tone quicker with the AI that the EA.

So they both are awesome in my opinion. Just depends on the situation. As far as cabinet choice, I think EA makes better cabs than AI does = opinion. I'd go EA Doubler and cab from the choices you listed.

Thanks, it seems to be consensus on the EA cabs. The NL112 looks good, but a little higher price.

 

[Rice]

Thanks, it seems to be consensus on the EA cabs. The NL112 looks good, but a little higher price.

Worth it imo. When I went to replace my (stolen) gear, I told myself "I want the next rig I buy to be my last.". The rig that can handle anything and any style I throw at it. Punk one night, jazz the next, etc. The NL112s were it. The gap between the EAs and shelf brands in terms of specs and quality outweighed the gap in price that was only a couple hundred bucks. Fwiw

 

[Andrew Clarkson]

I went with AI Clarus into Genzler 123slt. Almost always blend piezo and mic. Get lots of compliments on tone. I am curious if it the double shot would be an improvement. Also run a vocal mic into ai for talking between tunes. Function almost like a mini pa.

Do you use the Clarus for EB? If so how is the sound?

 

[Jim Dedrick]

Do you use the Clarus for EB? If so how is the sound?

I love the clear, hifi sound I get with EB. It’s super crisp and natural. Also, when I play EB, which is not very often, I usually run the amp flat, no effects, and leave bass in passive mode. My SkJold has one of Pete’s custom pickups and a John East Pre. I just prefer the passive tones.

When doubling I would use piezo into one channel and EB into other. No switch between channels and I turn down volume when switching instruments. On a few gigs I added an ab switch to one channel for adding a 3rd instrument and then got tired of carrying around and setting up so much gear.

Last year or so almost all DB blending piezo and mic. Works really well for this. Especially when room is not friendly to mic and I can independently control tone and HPF per channel.

 

[Andrew Clarkson]

I love the clear, hifi sound I get with EB. It’s super crisp and natural. Also, when I play EB, which is not very often, I usually run the amp flat, no effects, and leave bass in passive mode. My SkJold has one of Pete’s custom pickups and a John East Pre. I just prefer the passive tones.

When doubling I would use piezo into one channel and EB into other. No switch between channels and I turn down volume when switching instruments. On a few gigs I added an ab switch to one channel for adding a 3rd instrument and then got tired of carrying around and setting up so much gear.

Last year or so almost all DB blending piezo and mic. Works really well for this. Especially when room is not friendly to mic and I can independently control tone and HPF per channel.

I ended up going with the AI Clarus SL-2 and the EA Wizzy MLine can. Should arrive tomorrow.

 

[Andrew Clarkson]

I’ve played a Clarus and Wizzy 12 Milne and LOVE the combination. That said I’ve not tried the Doubler or recent AI cabs. The only thing I would like is the MLine in a smaller package and their 10” didn’t do it for me. Perhaps an upshot would be a great addition for those drummerless gigs.

thanks for the advice. I saw your YouTube video on this and found it useful. I ended up going with the AI Clarus SL-2 and the EA Wizzy MLine Cabinet . Should arrive tomorrow.

 

[geoffbassist]

thanks for the advice. I saw your YouTube video on this and found it useful. I ended up going with the AI Clarus SL-2 and the EA Wizzy MLine Cabinet . Should arrive tomorrow.

Great stuff, I hope you enjoy it. I think it’s a great combination.

 

[Jim Dedrick]

I ended up going with the AI Clarus SL-2 and the EA Wizzy MLine can. Should arrive tomorrow.

Congrats. I think you will be very happy

 

[Rice]

thanks for the advice. I saw your YouTube video on this and found it useful. I ended up going with the AI Clarus SL-2 and the EA Wizzy MLine Cabinet . Should arrive tomorrow.

Nice!! The best of both worlds!!

 

[Paul New]

I’ve had AI since they first came on the market, was on the waiting list for their original Contra. Now I have a series iii Contra and have had it forever. Couple of weeks ago i flipped the pwr switch on and nothing happened. So I called AI and Rick Jones answered the phone. That’s not unusual for AI. He sent pictures and instructions for removing the pwr and pre amp boards from the amp, so I pulled those out and shipped them to AI. About a week later, it’s back and they not only fixed the problem, but I’m pretty sure they upgraded some components. 30 bucks shipping and handling and it sounds great, better than new. Amazing!

So, I have an EA wizzy Milne too, it’s a great product, and I have used it as an extension for my Contra even though it’s the 4ohm version, and that’s as loud as I will ever need.

They are both good companies, but I don’t even know what to say about Acoustic Image’s service. Otherworldly.

 

[logdrum]

I do not have my doubler with me (In SoCal rental). And my carvin b1000 is having issues . All I have here are tube amps. I wanted something small. I saw an AI Coda R combo Series 3 on Reverb and I offered 200 lower than the 775 list price and the seller accepted my offer. I actually thought he would not accept. So by accident I know have a Coda R series III combo. I like it and will probably keep it. It is portable and capable

I think I can compare between AI and EA.

Both my amps are older generation.

DI - AI wins over my Old Doubler - The DI was always it's weakness. The new version has one plus post - pre EQ on AI means opening the amp. That's very inconvenient
EQ - Ch1 of EA is more versatile and better for BG. Also EA's EQ had more effect than AI per knob turn
Gain and effect on timbre tone - EA past 1 o'clock is warmer , crunchier at 3, but AI is actually not sterile
HPF - More adjustments with the AI. EA is preset and you have to open the amp
Notch filter -- EA works better in the upper frequencies but is global while it is per channel on AI
FX Loop - AI has 2 per channel, EA is parallel and I think AI is series. I think they are the same performance
Built in effects - AI has builtin. Actually usable
Fan Noise -- AI has none
2 ohm capable -- officially AI is, unofficially EA can but I would not power 2 4ohm 410's and crank EA to the hilt. I think the new doubler is officially 2 ohm capable
Headphone out -- Series 3 AI no headphone out but I know the new ones do, EA has no headphone out
Phase invert control - EA is adjustable from 0 to 180. It is better. My AI has no phase invert and the new ones are just 180 flip
Foot switch - EA has one
Looks - EA for me looks better with brushed aluminum

Speakers -- the EA speakers are better IMO (I have Wizzy 10 and 12 with M-Line) A friend has a Ten2 and I tried it. I still like EA to be the external speakers for AI
MBOL -- If you don't touch the EQ AI wins but not by much. In a mix EA probably wins specially if using BG
Piezo compatibility -- Channel 2 of EA is good but a little honky on Channel 1, so if you also have a Mic and piezo, you need to play with Channel 1 EQ of EA to be MBOL. Both are only 1 MegaOhm, so BP-100s and the like will not be as full sounding but FCs and realist types sound decent.

It's splitting hairs but they both sound good. Since I have AI combo, I may bring it more with me on gigs/jams because of how portable it is. I have a small Ampeg bass pedal for BG, Although I have a couple BG that have adequate on board pre-amps.


Hope that helps.

 

[kerrycares]

I have owned Walter Woods , AI , Aguilar and many others.
As a Doubler I have landed on the EA Doubler ll to handle my sonic bass needs at a very affordable price point.
My upright goes through a Crazy 8 or Crazy 88 cabs.
My electric goes through 1 or 2 Aguilar SL112 cabs.

 

[Paul New]

For doubling on my AI Contra, single channel, I put BG through a VHT preamp and into effects return. Double bass goes straight into the combo's preamp. I think a lot of people do it this way? My Contra does have post and pre selection on the xlr out.

 

[Ric Vice]

Both companies have made improvement's in their amplifiers. Several years ago Rick Jones added separate High and Low Midrange controls to his amps. That gives you control over the midrange frequency's that enhance Double Bass and Electric Bass. Euphonic Audio increased the output power of

the Doubler Mark II so it's got more headroom than the original. Since I've played through both amps, I'd say that if I were a Fender Precision or Jazz Bass player that primarily played 4 String EB. than either Amplifier would be an excellent choice. The EA has a bit of an advantage with 5 String EB and Slap

because the EQ points are different on each of the channels. Just my take of course.

 

[Jim Ford]

I’ve played a Clarus and Wizzy 12 Milne and LOVE the combination. That said I’ve not tried the Doubler or recent AI cabs. The only thing I would like is the MLine in a smaller package and their 10” didn’t do it for me. Perhaps an upshot would be a great addition for those drummerless gigs.

Wow, hello Geoff, I am into your Discover Bass site having purchased several of your programs. I currently have the EA Doubler, and have just purchased the new Acoustic Image Double Shot speaker cab to use with it. Will let you know how that works out. Can’t beat 15 lbs, for a two 10” cap.

 

[Ric Vice]

In case anyone was wondering, Euphonic Audio has closed it's doors, so they are no longer available as new products.

 

[n!k]

I play electric bass and acoustic bass guitar and I am interested in the AI Clarus SL for having a 10Meg input and being flat/clean to be good with effect pedals. Does anyone have experience running the AI with more traditional cabs like 1x12s?