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

[Stumbo]

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.

Anti-mud is what an HPF does as it's number one job. That would be my first step instead replacing your cab. Even if you do replace the HPF will still help out.

Other considerations: Notch filters, parametric/semi-parametric and multiband eqs, are your friends, as is a wireless signal so it's easier to hear how you sit in the mix.

Also, I suggest putting your cab up on a stand closer to ear level and to decouple from the stage. Changing cab placement on stage may help as well(distance from walls, away from corners, angle facing front of stage).

Something else to consider: get the guitar or keyboard player his/her own HPF to his/her cut low end mud that may be stepping on your mojo! Yeah, good luck with that.

For bass, the room is like a big, untuned cab so ya gotta pound your rig into submission 'till it sounds good in the mix, whatever the venue.

A cab builder to consider is Dave at Revsound. His number is on his website. Give him a call. Really.

 

[StayLow]

You cant do loud rock, or arguably loud anything, with a 1x15.

With two 2x10 you'll have modular options and can stack vertically if need be. Should result in much more punch, clarity and volume.

The Mesa Subway 2x10 seem really good. Pricey though. Revsound may be worth checking out, esp. if on a budget.

If used is an option ...well, always seek to try before you buy. Most people will just recommend what they own.

 

[BadExample]

HPF might clean it up nicely.

 

[juancaminos]

Maybe an 8ohm 2X10 right now, then another in the near future. So you'll have one heck of a versital arsenal.

 

[bherman]

"here's what I would do if in your shoes:

RS212 Bass Cabinet | RevSound

I have a RevSound 210 and it kills. You might need a bit more so am suggesting 12s vs 10s. Great cabs, very fair pricing considering how good they are.

BTW, I drive my 210 with an 800 watt Bergantino Forte and used both a Magellan and MesaD800 (both 800 watts) with no problem for the cab handling that much power.

 

[somebrains]

Houston looks like a gear desert.

This your cab?: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

No joke, go try this: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Id play this, offer around $400: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[erhovey]

You could probably pick up a GK 410 Neo in the $500 range. Fantastic cab!

 

[WardEarth]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
swr cab for 180 might not be too bad, I just picked up an swr 12 stack for cheap and i love it.

 

[interp]

I really like my TecAmp 212
S 212 Classic - TecAmp

Edit: missed the OP's budget limit, so new would be a stretch. But I got mine used (Reverb) for something pretty close to your limit if I remember.

I had one of these and I think it would be an excellent choice for the OP. I would advise selling the 1x15, perhaps upping the spending limit a bit and go for it.

 

[MrLenny1]

Do you have any stores where you can rent a cab or two?
The best way to demo a cab is on the gig.
Happy hunting.

 

[Scott Baiowulf]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
swr cab for 180 might not be too bad, I just picked up an swr 12 stack for cheap and i love it.

That looks pretty good. Might have to bite the bullet and make the hour drive to League City tomorrow

 

[Djadja]

Cone size doesn’t tell us anything about how muddy a particular cab will be. There are muddy 15’s and clear 15’s, muddy 10’s and clear 10’s...

Your cab is not working for you... so choosing the next one is more complicated regarding cone size beyond the fact that playing in a loud rock band does mean you’re going to need to move some air. I would think a single 210 or 112 would not be enough... so 2 210’s, a 410, 2 112’s, a 212, a 115, 215, or 2 115’s. Each format has its own characteristics that might be worth considering... Your price range limits choices considerably but there are used options. The problem is that the options are all out there.

 

[Scott Baiowulf]

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions y’all. I wound up buying a used Hartke 410xl for $200 and it has solved all my problems. My rig sounds super bright and punchy now, no more mud!

 

[Jim Carr]

You cant do loud rock, or arguably loud anything, with a 1x15...

Oh really? You haven't met my fEARful 15/6/1.

 

[Downunderwonder]

You cant do loud rock, or arguably loud anything, with a 1x15.

With two 2x10 you'll have modular options and can stack vertically if need be. Should result in much more punch, clarity and volume.

The Mesa Subway 2x10 seem really good. Pricey though. Revsound may be worth checking out, esp. if on a budget.

If used is an option ...well, always seek to try before you buy. Most people will just recommend what they own.

In a small bar 115 is plenty loud.

 

[StayLow]

Of course it is. I've used one extensively, as well as a 1x12.

That has nothing to do with what I wrote though. I wrote 'loud', not 'loud enough for a band in a small room'.

In a legit loud rock band you'd need a roadie to duct tape a 1x15 to your ear to hear it. Even in a small room.

OP found a cab already, so unless someone wants to post vids of their 1x15 hanging with dual full stacks turned up, arguably we're done and shouldn't argue here.

I'm sure the guys in the Doom mega-thread would *LOVE* to know they can do their job with a 1x15 though.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Of course it is. I've used one extensively, as well as a 1x12.

That has nothing to do with what I wrote though. I wrote 'loud', not 'loud enough for a band in a small room'.

In a legit loud rock band you'd need a roadie to duct tape a 1x15 to your ear to hear it. Even in a small room.

OP found a cab already, so unless someone wants to post vids of their 1x15 hanging with dual full stacks turned up, arguably we're done and shouldn't argue here.

I'm sure the guys in the Doom mega-thread would *LOVE* to know they can do their job with a 1x15 though.

Legit proclaims too much. OP says nothing of guitar stacks. You call my small bar rock band illegitimate. 50w Marshall stack, drummer under control, the crowd goes wild, nothing illegitimate about it. I couldn't care less that my 115 doesn't make anyone's eyeballs wobble as they go deaf.

 

[Old School P-Bass]

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

 

[Old School P-Bass]

Add the 4x10 cab. Stack the 4x10 on top of the 1x15. Go for the neo speaker if in your price range.

 

[somebrains]

There's a member here named kringle77 selling his nv610.

Use the 15" for small stuff.