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fEARful 15/16 vs 12/16

#21
The 15/6 is a very different thing than the 12/6.
Much bigger, much taller, much higher output.

For me, the 15/6 is a good 410 equivalent; depending on the quality of the 410.
 
#23
I'd recommend a pair of 12/6's for flexibility and kickassability.

You can take a single cab when you don't need massive volume and take both when you do.

Can also leave one in a practice venue, the other at home, so you don't have to carry a cab to practice.

For reference, I have a 15/6, but a single 12/6 would cover all my needs right now (although I don't play with loud hiphop drummers!) and the 15/6, while light, is still more awkward to transport than a 12/6.

The 12/6 Alpha mid is smoother at higher frequencies, too, not quite as harsh.

You can start with building a single 12/6 and see if it's enough. If not, build another! :)
 
#25
I'll start by pointing out that it's less expensive (and more flexible) to build two stand alone 12/6s, each with Alpha mid drivers, than a 12/6 with 18Sound mid driver and a 12/sub.

I've been using one or two 12/6s for almost four years in a variety of situations, but always with amps capable of around 400 watts @ 8 and 750 watts @ 4. (Not really that much more than the LittleMark II.) Keeping in mind that I'm a grumpy old man who doesn't like stage volume high enough to require ear protection, here are some of my experiences:

Outdoors, on a fairly large open-backed stage, a single 12/6 can do OK as a personal monitor, but there needs to be good monitoring for the rest of the band. In more compact outdoor settings, and with a wall behind the band, a single 12/6 can cover the stage as long as the overall stage volume is reasonable.

In typical bars, with a rock band working at reasonable levels, a single 12/6 can carry the room. In tight spaces, standing directly in front of the cabinet, it can get loud enough that I have trouble hearing the drums.

In moderate sized rooms, or if I'm going into an unkown situation, I always bring both cabinets. But if the sound system is adequate, I'll sometimes only plug the top one in.
I've had no complaints when I've supplied my 2 x 12/6 rig as backline for multi-performer benefit shows that included loud metal-type bands and no PA support for the bass guitars.
I've subbed in a really loud band where the snare was the only part of the kit I could hear unless I stood tight to it. My pair of 12/6s and GK-1001RB-II carried the room, verified by two of my sons who stopped in to hear the band.
 
#29
concur.
"as loud as" and even "loud enough" are pretty subjective,
(one man's loud enough is anothers not loud enough)
which is why you see the wide range of responses and preferences.
 
#30
wcriley said:
Personally, I think the whole "as loud as..." debate is ridiculous.
All that matters is "Is it loud enough for the job".
Click to expand...

I agree!
My 12/6 fed by a bridged IPR1600 is loud enough! For rehearsal, for small gigs (100-150 person bars). FOR ME!
Truth is, whereever I'd need a second one, the venue is big enough to have a descent PA. The second one is just for my ego and our stage-design ;-)

And to blow less descent PAs in case the sound guy won't do as I told him
 
#34
jordan2 said:
Hi everyone, I am going to be building a fearful cab in a month or two and am doing some research about what I want to make. Right now my biggest decision is whether to go with the 15/6 or 12/6, (if I went the 12 route I might build a sub somewhere down the line).

My main question is IS A 12/6 LOUD ENOUGH BY ITSELF.

Loud is obviously very subjective so here is what I mean.
I play in jazz settings that require minimal amplification (upright) but also rock and hip hop groups with loud drumming. I want the ability to get loud but also a small cab. What are your experiences with the trade of (size and volume). What do you guys use?

Thank you so much for your help.
Click to expand...
I don't have experience with the 15/6.
My fEARful 12/6 can handle a lot of music because it's so well designed. My basses are passive and so I hit my cabs with some drastic eq settings at times. I'm super happy that the fEARfuls can handle eq so very well because this allows me a whole lot of tone flexibility to tailor my sound to a room. Even though the 12/6 moves a lot of air it may not be enough for your louder situations. I usually use it with a 12 sub. Can you plan for a 12 sub as well ?

I'm always happy to ring the fEARful bell - loudly.
 
#36
I don't currently gig fEARfuls , but I do have a FEARLESS F112 and F115, so the comparison is decent. Of the 5 bands I actively play with, would a single 12/6 be 'enough?'

Yes
Barely
Barely
Yes
No

It gets tough when folks assume their needs should be the same as anyone else's.

Had two pro bassists stop by the shop recently to try an F112. First was an electric bass player, mostly rock and Americana music. He wanted something small but full for local gigs. He loved the F112, but wasn't sure it'd be 'enough' for some of his gigs. He was more impressed the F115.

Next was a jazz upright player. Seriously great chops and played a fully carved bass valued at well over $30k. He said the F112 was the the best cab he'd ever heard with his upright, but it was WAY too much and WAY too big for most of his gigs! The cab weighs 36lbs and to my eyes is teeny. He asked me to call him when I have some smaller cabs to try :)

Back to fEARfuls and the OP. I'd go with two alphalite 12/6's and get on with it. Build both boxes at the same time, add speakers as finances allow.
 
#39
dukeorock said:
Next was a jazz upright player. Seriously great chops and played a fully carved bass valued at well over $30k. He said the F112 was the the best cab he'd ever heard with his upright, but it was WAY too much and WAY too big for most of his gigs! The cab weighs 36lbs and to my eyes is teeny. He asked me to call him when I have some smaller cabs to try :)
Click to expand...

That was exactly how I felt about my fEARful 12/6, although it weighed quite a bit more than that.
 

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