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Feeling a bit lost, could use help choosing a new cab

Scott Baiowulf

Scott Baiowulf

Apr 7, 2017
235
662
Houston
#1
I'm a bit dissatisfied with the sound of my current rig and want to try out a different cab. Currently I'm running a Markbass LM800 through a Mesa Boogie Diesel 1x15. It's a great cab but I play in a loud rock band and it always just sounds a bit muddy. Would switching to a 2x10, 2x12, or 4x10 help clear up some of the muddiness and get a brighter clearer tone? I've tried just about everything with the EQ and even with the bass turned way down it sounds a bit boomy. I've been told that switching to 10" speakers could help but cabs are the weak point in my bass knowledge. Any suggestions would be appreciated, also my budget is < $500
 
#2
Never used a Mesa Boogie Diesel 1x15 and modern cabs don't all follow the "bigger the speaker the deeper the sound" tradition. I use Markbass and find the sound generally very modern and tight and I suspect you're happy with the LM800 or you would have asked if that might be the problem. It's very likely you will get a much tighter sound out of a 102p. Certainly could never call it "boomy" but neither is there 123 traveller. Well worth heading to the store with your amp and bass and finding out for yourself.
 
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#3
TrevorG said:
Never used a Mesa Boogie Diesel 1x15 and modern cabs don't all follow the "bigger the speaker the deeper the sound" tradition. I use Markbass and find the sound generally very modern and tight and I suspect you're happy with the LM800 or you would have asked if that might be the problem. It's very likely you will get a much tighter sound out of a 102p. Certainly could never call it "boomy" but neither is there 123 traveller. Well worth heading to the store with your amp and bass and finding out for yourself.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I am happy with the LM800, I opened for a touring band recently and their bass player backlined his SVT 8x10 and it sounded amazing, just can’t get anything close to that with my Mesa Boogie. I’ve been eyeing the 102p, it’s way out of my price range right now but I’ve seen it go on sale on Musicians Friend for $650 a few times so maybe I’ll save up a bit more in anticipation of the next sale. It definitely would be nice to have something that size since I’m schlepping my gear to shows in a VW Golf.
 
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#4
Not sure where your cab is but if it's on the ground that could be part of the problem. I believe your first step is lift it closer to your ears, if you can (it looks heavy).
If that doesn't help and assuming it is an 8 ohm cab, find another cab 8 ohm cab and stack it on top. TBs amps & cabs inhabiters party line is a matching cab but you may want to look around for a 2x10.
 
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#5
First, comparing a Markbass/Mesa Diesel 115 to an SVT/810 is just so many differences going on that it is hard to start.

The SVT is the standard backline bass amp; and now you know why.

There are multiple differences and choices in between your rig and what you played. Some of your choices will be dictated by your budget. That SVT rig is ~$2500 give or take new, and maybe 2/3 of that used, unless you find a really great deal. Which can happen. But, that is one reference point for you.

Then, you have to sort out sealed vs ported and tubes in the preamp or power amp or not. The SVT is sealed and tubes in both amplification stages. There are sealed 212 cabs out there. Bergantino has an array of designs. Fearless, Audiokinessis, and Barefaced are a few others; but, most of those are ported. The best match to the Ampeg 810 in a smaller more schleppable format I’ve gigged is the Bergantino NV610; FWIW.

A good 212 is enough for most club gigs; but, won’t move as much air as an 810. You will need at least a 312 rig or possibly a 2 x 212 rig to get in that zone. The 312 (212 + 112) is probably the most flexible.

My only advice regarding the head is to compare heads in the same price range. There is a lot of discussion on TB about tube vs Class D; but, too often designs in the same price range are not compared. Just be sure to evaluate some of the higher end Class D before you write it off.

GL
 
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#6
eriky4003 said:
Not sure where your cab is but if it's on the ground that could be part of the problem. I believe your first step is lift it closer to your ears, if you can (it looks heavy).
If that doesn't help and assuming it is an 8 ohm cab, find another cab 8 ohm cab and stack it on top. TBs amps & cabs inhabiters party line is a matching cab but you may want to look around for a 2x10.
Click to expand...

It is elevated, I have it mounted about 12" off the floor. I'd like to avoid adding a second cab to my rig to make gigging less of a hassle.
 
#7
Scott Baiowulf said:
Thanks, I am happy with the LM800, I opened for a touring band recently and their bass player backlined his SVT 8x10 and it sounded amazing, just can’t get anything close to that with my Mesa Boogie. I’ve been eyeing the 102p, it’s way out of my price range right now but I’ve seen it go on sale on Musicians Friend for $650 a few times so maybe I’ll save up a bit more in anticipation of the next sale. It definitely would be nice to have something that size since I’m schlepping my gear to shows in a VW Golf.
Click to expand...

The 102p is mercifully light and pound per decibel it's brilliant. $650 is a little more expensive than I paid for mine over here in the UK but I don't think it will be cheap trying to match a SVT8X10! My Markbass Combo is 1000watts with 12", 5" drivers. With the 102p I can keep up with an Ampeg stack but I'd better off with two 4X10s which is way out of my price range.
 
Last edited:
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#8
bucephylus said:
First, comparing a Markbass/Mesa Diesel 115 to an SVT/810 is just so many differences going on that it is hard to start.

The SVT is the standard backline bass amp; and now you know why.

There are multiple differences and choices in between your rig and what you played. Some of your choices will be dictated by your budget. That SVT rig is ~$2500 give or take new, and maybe 2/3 of that used, unless you find a really great deal. Which can happen. But, that is one reference point for you.

Then, you have to sort out sealed vs ported and tubes in the preamp or power amp or not. The SVT is sealed and tubes in both amplification stages. There are sealed 212 cabs out there. Bergantino has an array of designs. Fearless, Audiokinessis, and Barefaced are a few others; but, most of those are ported. The best match to the Ampeg 810 in a smaller more schleppable format I’ve gigged is the Bergantino NV610; FWIW.

A good 212 is enough for most club gigs; but, won’t move as much air as an 810. You will need at least a 312 rig or possibly a 2 x 212 rig to get in that zone. The 312 (212 + 112) is probably the most flexible.

My only advice regarding the head is to compare heads in the same price range. There is a lot of discussion on TB about tube vs Class D; but, too often designs in the same price range are not compared. Just be sure to evaluate some of the higher end Class D before you write it off.

GL
Click to expand...

I was unclear before, it was my Markbass head going through the Ampeg 8x10, that's what sounded amazing and made me realize my problem with my sound was likely the cab. Definitely don't want an 8x10, something like a 2x12 would be good.
 
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#11
I'm glad you tried lifting the cab. It may be worth selling the 1x15 if you don't feel you can use it and bump up your budget for a cab. A lot of love on this forum for GK Neo 212 which would likely solve your issue - especially if you can get it used. I've read good things about Revsound cabs - the RS210 may be a winner (and take most of your amp's watts).
 
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#12
Scott Baiowulf said:
I was unclear before, it was my Markbass head going through the Ampeg 8x10, that's what sounded amazing and made me realize my problem with my sound was likely the cab. Definitely don't want an 8x10, something like a 2x12 would be good.
Click to expand...
Ahhh. Got it.

So, check out the 212 makers I listed. I’m dead certain the Berg NV610 would be to your liking. I used to haul mine in the trunk of my Honda Accord.

But, I also had to go the 212 route and sold my NV610. I’m quite happily gigging the Berg AE212. Their newer HDN212 is equally awesome. They also have a sealed 212. And then there are the other great makers I listed. Probably a good idea to hit up a good bass shop, if you get a chance. Problem is most shops don’t have the top flight makers. So, you have to do a bit of trial and error flipping. Getting the right combination of cost, schlepp, and tone is a challenge.
 
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#15
bucephylus said:
Ahhh. Got it.

So, check out the 212 makers I listed. I’m dead certain the Berg NV610 would be to your liking. I used to haul mine in the trunk of my Honda Accord.

But, I also had to go the 212 route and sold my NV610. I’m quite happily gigging the Berg AE212. Their newer HDN212 is equally awesome. They also have a sealed 212. And then there are the other great makers I listed. Probably a good idea to hit up a good bass shop, if you get a chance. Problem is most shops don’t have the top flight makers. So, you have to do a bit of trial and error flipping. Getting the right combination of cost, schlepp, and tone is a challenge.
Click to expand...

Thanks, the Bergantinos are definitely going on my watch list.
 
#16
I've found the 410s, in general, to be pretty flexible and versatile sound-wise. They often give that additional punch volume-wise for larger venues, plus, with controls set flat, you can get a lot of tone from most basses. I've been using GK amps for a while and am a fan. I play mostly heavier and classic rock. Occasionally, we'll do stuff that's a bit more funky like a hybrid version (somewhere between Chili Peppers and Tina Turner) of Higher Ground, where I will add some slaps and the tone is pretty awesome.
My biggest gripe is the weight, at least my model. That having been said, I've heard lots of really glowing reviews about various 212 models. Can't speak from experience on that front, though.
 
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#19
I had a Diesel 1x15 from 1993 to around 1997 when someone stole it from my garage. It was a big, burly, heavy 1x15, sounded good with the also heavy Sunn amp I had then.

I like 12" cabinets right now; they provide a better balance of weight to cone area. A single 12" speaker has about 75% of the surface area as two 10" speakers. But just one magnet.

Bunch of great 12" cab options right now. Some of them are out of your budget reach. You may be able to find a couple GK 1x12 Neo cabs used in your range. They would sound great with your LM800.
 
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