fEARful part 13: the bad luck's done, son

[ACB0015]

LOL no, the grills are very sturdy and perfectly round, it's the rubber gasket under which the ends of the wires are tucked that makes the imperfect circle. Much better look than clamps for my taste, and if you're really into a clean look and are not likely to take out the woofer in the forseeable future you can cut the wires short.

I get it. She often told me my rubber gasket was out of round.

 

[truebenjaman]

I get it. She often told me my rubber gasket was out of round.

 

[popgadget]

I think I'm still having a little issue with gain structure as I'm now clipping my HD1500 in bridge mode. Maybe my wife is right and I'm am deaf.

I power my 1212/6/1 with either a Shuttle 9.0 or a bridged Crown XTI-1002 which is capable of delivering 1400 watts to the 4 ohm cabinet.
I use either a Demeter HBP-1 or an Alembic F-1X pre. I am also dealing with gain structure issues, especially if im trying to get some tube grind from the preamp, in that I can clip the Crown at SPL's that don't really seem stupid loud, especially compared to what the Shuttle can do with the same cabinet. I definitely need to lower the input sensitivity on the Crown when I crank the preamp up.
The limiters (or at least the way I have them set) don't keep it from clipping, but I guess that's because they're on the output stage and I'm clipping the input?

 

[KJung]

I power my 1212/6/1 with either a Shuttle 9.0 or a bridged Crown XTI-1002 which is capable of delivering 1400 watts to the 4 ohm cabinet.
I use either a Demeter HBP-1 or an Alembic F-1X pre. I am also dealing with gain structure issues, especially if im trying to get some tube grind from the preamp, in that I can clip the Crown at SPL's that don't really seem stupid loud, especially compared to what the Shuttle can do with the same cabinet. I definitely need to lower the input sensitivity on the Crown when I crank the preamp up.
The limiters (or at least the way I have them set) don't keep it from clipping, but I guess that's because they're on the output stage and I'm clipping the input?

The beautiful thing about the higher powered Genz amps with these cabs is that they have plenty of juice at both 4ohms and 8ohms, and have an absolutely magnificent high pass filter/low end voicing that allows them to sound 'big' without dumping a bunch of subharmonic stuff that some other amps seem to do. So, no issue with 'gain matching a pre to a power amp' and no external hi pass filtering and other stuff.

The new '.2' models have a bit more oomph than the originals, and the Shuttle Max 9 has all the EQ most would ever need, including massive power to sculpt the low end (which is key with these cabs), including a very nice shelving bass control that impacts upper bass and is controlled down low, a low mid semi-parametric that can add more 'punch' if needed, and a wonderful variable low frequency voicing control that allows the user to control the level of boost from around 35hz to 60hz, depending on bass, room and specific cab.

I don't recommend the Shuttle 9 or 9.2 with these cabs, since IMO the dual semi-parametric mid controls of the Max are kind of key with these particular cabs, to both control that 'gank area' in the midrange response and also to put in that low mid bump that so many cabs have built in, and that can really add a lot of meat to a bass tone.

Both the Max 9.2 (for those who want a more modern, tighter, punchier, and grindier (if you want it) tone, and the Streamliner900 for wonderful, fat, smooth old school tubey tone. GREAT matches with these cabs, especially the 15/6 version.

IMO and IME!

 

[NicJimBass]

Tested the fEarful with any other heads?

Seems like something isn't right. Weird.

Where are you running the boost? What about the contour?

There's a few other guys running the GK 1001 rb 2 with fEarfuls, getting enough volume doesn't seem to be a problem. The "sterile" I get, these amps are kind of cold sounding at lower volume. The "boost" flavor of dirt isn't for every one either. Still, the GK has been a work horse, solid reliable, and once you start testing it against other amps it holds it's own. I couldn't justify making a change.

On the other hand, big wattage power amps have lost tons of weight and become very affordable. The Carvin HD1500 I just bought was $300. Running one fEarful per side at 8 ohms and 300 watts is very loud. I have yet to try bridging the amp for a taste of 1500 watts.

Boost is usually at noon, contour is always off... always. It seems that at home this thing sounds utterly massive, even at low volumes, but something seems to get lost when I play it live. Perhaps I'm expecting to hear one thing, and hearing something else instead. I dunno... I'm gonna keep messing with it. I think I've gotten used to certain EQ settings working with every other cab I've used, but not with the fEARful.

 

[BurningSkies]

Boost is usually at noon, contour is always off... always. It seems that at home this thing sounds utterly massive, even at low volumes, but something seems to get lost when I play it live. Perhaps I'm expecting to hear one thing, and hearing something else instead. I dunno... I'm gonna keep messing with it. I think I've gotten used to certain EQ settings working with every other cab I've used, but not with the fEARful.

Stand out in the room and listen. If you're close up and that mid is near your ears, you're not really EQing for what is going on even 10 feet away. I've heard my fEARfuls many times from the room and they can be very present and clear from every point in the room.

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

Boost is usually at noon, contour is always off... always. It seems that at home this thing sounds utterly massive, even at low volumes, but something seems to get lost when I play it live. Perhaps I'm expecting to hear one thing, and hearing something else instead. I dunno... I'm gonna keep messing with it. I think I've gotten used to certain EQ settings working with every other cab I've used, but not with the fEARful.

Try boosting b/n 125 - 200hz. Makes a world of difference.

 

[johnnybass01]

Okay all you fearful brethren, I am about ready to just go ahead and build myself one of these. I recently picked up a new amp GK MB800 and I just love it. so I am either going to go with the 15/6 or the 12/6 to start with and will probably go with a precut kit from speaker hardware. just want to get things straight. (from what i have read) on many a fearful post the consensus is that a fearful 12/6 will basically equal in output volume to say a 310 cab , but with way better bottom end. so how would the 15/6 relate to some other comparable cabinet say a 410 or is it just beyond comparison. and with my MB800 driving it for a hard rock band would I be better off just skipping straight to the 15/6??? to be safer on the single cab situation. right now i am pushing a schroeder 210 really freaking hard and am lacking some real good bottom end,plus this GK head is really on the Hi Fi end of things tone wise.

 

[dug dog]

Check this section of the FAQ

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[singlemalt]

The good news is that the low end you want is hiding inside that GK just waiting for a fEarful to release it.

If budget isn't your first concern, go with the 15/6. The big difference in price is the 18 sound mid driver.

If you always have PA support a 12/6 will handle most gigs. If you guys are loud and like it that way, don't put the bass in the PA, ect. Go with the 15/6.

 

[johnnybass01]

I also remember seeing a cut/sheet for the 15/6 a while back and man I can't seem to find it anywhere does anyone have a link?? It was basically a diagram of a full sheet of plywood and all the cutouts. just thinking I might want to go with italian poplar plywood.

 

[dug dog]

Go here. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Click on the version you're building and the cutlists are in the folder titled "Add" along with the sketch up model.

The guy who originally did the cutlists has recently advised that you double check them to see that they're up to date before cutting.

 

[singlemalt]

Also, if I remember right the cut list is laid out over a 4' x 8' sheet. Some of the european plywoods come in 5' x 5'.

I use grid paper to figure out how I'm going to slice and dice before I head for the shop.

I got two complete cabs, a 12/6 cube and a 15/6/1 out of two 5' x 5' sheets. I had the lumber yard rip the sheets into 2' and 3' sections so they would fit in the car. The 2' rips made the 12/6. The rest and any leftovers went into the 15/6. The two sheets of baltic birch cost me $75.

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

Okay all you fearful brethren, I am about ready to just go ahead and build myself one of these. I recently picked up a new amp GK MB800 and I just love it. so I am either going to go with the 15/6 or the 12/6 to start with and will probably go with a precut kit from speaker hardware. just want to get things straight. (from what i have read) on many a fearful post the consensus is that a fearful 12/6 will basically equal in output volume to say a 310 cab , but with way better bottom end. so how would the 15/6 relate to some other comparable cabinet say a 410 or is it just beyond comparison. and with my MB800 driving it for a hard rock band would I be better off just skipping straight to the 15/6??? to be safer on the single cab situation. right now i am pushing a schroeder 210 really freaking hard and am lacking some real good bottom end,plus this GK head is really on the Hi Fi end of things tone wise.

I own both the 12/6 and 15/6 and if I had to choose, I'd go with the 15/6. It is louder and sounds a bit bigger to my ears due to the 15" driver.

If I were to only own one cab the fEARful 15/6 would be it, no question.

 

[Queg]

I own both the 12/6 and 15/6 and if I had to choose, I'd go with the 15/6. It is louder and sounds a bit bigger to my ears due to the 15" driver.

If I were to only own one cab the fEARful 15/6 would be it, no question.

+1

This has been my experience as well. (with the same model 18 sound mid in both 12/6 and 15/6 cabs)

 

[monsterthompson]

Greenboy just posted this to the fEARful boards:
"I regret to announce that Robby Hoinsky / Art of Noise is no longer on the list of authorized fEARful builders. I find that he is still not ready to establish realistic delivery quotes and provide exemplary customer service and communication."

hmmm... i guess that takes the AoN 15/6 i was considering off the table.

 

[hennessybass]

hmmm... i guess that takes the AoN 15/6 i was considering off the table.

Because you only want an authorized builder?

I don't think AoN is out of business, they are just not authorized by GB as an authorized dealer... although I could be wrong.

If you want one of those super-light-wight cabs that AoN builds, I think you just need to be prepared to wait for it... like KJung.


EDIT!!!... Not trying to open up that can of worms like what happened in the LDS thread. I have no idea what kind of deal AoN and GB have set up. I guess I would just say be sure you do the right thing that is in the spirit of what is intended.

 

[KJung]

Because you only want an authorized builder?

I don't think AoN is out of business, they are just not authorized by GB as an authorized dealer... although I could be wrong.

If you want one of those super-light-wight cabs that AoN builds, I think you just need to be prepared to wait for it... like KJung.

Update... pictures of my 15/6 in progress (mostly finished) sent this morning. Should be pretty soon now!

 

[monsterthompson]

Because you only want an authorized builder?

I don't think AoN is out of business, they are just not authorized by GB as an authorized dealer... although I could be wrong.

If you want one of those super-light-wight cabs that AoN builds, I think you just need to be prepared to wait for it... like KJung.


EDIT!!!... Not trying to open up that can of worms like what happened in the LDS thread. I have no idea what kind of deal AoN and GB have set up. I guess I would just say be sure you do the right thing that is in the spirit of what is intended.

If the delivery dates and communication issues have taken them off the table as authorized, then yes, I want an authorized builder. If I pay for custom work, then I want someone who can deliver and/or communicate, partiularly since I'm on the other side of the country and AoN asks for 1/2 the cash up-front.

Super-light is what I want, but not at the cost of supporting businesses that are difficult to deal with. Particularly when there are local builders who have good reputations. I'm willing to pay the price of a few lbs.

 

[rpsands]

Europly will get you 75% of the way to the "ultralight" and cost half as much.