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Double Bass Flex

#2
61pollmann said:
Anyone using the new Acoustic Image Flex yet? It's an interesting concept. The preamp must not need much current, since power comes through the ethernet cable.
Click to expand...

Sixty One,
As far as I know there are no posts for the entire Flex System, however this thread is covering the head only version of the Flex http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f4/new-acoustic-image-clarus-series-4-a-1013473/ Acoustic Image decided to release the heads with the Claris 4+ designation
rather than call them Flex Heads.

Ric
 
#3
I'm thinking of getting just the Flex head to use with my Coda Series IV combo. I spoke with Rick Jones at AI and he explained I can use it as the pre-amp, running it into the effects loop of the Coda.

Advantages for me would be:
1. Ability to have it on my mic stand and adjust "on the fly" so to speak.
2. 4th EQ band, although I'm not sure how useful it will be in reality on my Kay '51.
3. Rick says it will also be quieter, which I assumes comes into play at higher volumes.

I'm using my Coda with a Realist Lifeline PU. Haven't decided if I'm going to pull the trigger or not.
 
#4
BobKay said:
Advantages for me would be:
1. Ability to have it on my mic stand and adjust "on the fly" so to speak.
2. 4th EQ band, although I'm not sure how useful it will be in reality on my Kay '51.
3. Rick says it will also be quieter, which I assumes comes into play at higher volumes.

I'm using my Coda with a Realist Lifeline PU. Haven't decided if I'm going to pull the trigger or not.
Click to expand...

One of the reasons, I've never been able to pull the trigger on an amplifier from Acoustic Image, was it's single midrange control. It's my belief that being able to adjust the low and high midrange independantly, makes all the difference in the world for Double Bass, and Electric Bass. Low midrange is the character control for Double

Bass, High midrange is the character control for Electric Bass. You need to have the ability to cut and boost both. Rick told me at the ISB convention that he listened to the prototypes of the amp, with his head as close to the cabinet as physically possible, to see if there was any noise. They worked very hard to get the noise as low as

possible. Having not to bend over to the amp to adjust the EQ is a very nice thing to have. It keeps me from falling over. I like that.

Ric
 
#5
I have been using the Flex for the past two weeks. I wanted to play it on a variety of gigs in different rooms. My set up during this time..
Aaron Reilly bass> FC,EAP> Flex pre> QSC 10.

Over all I am thoroughly impressed. Great EQ,with separate blending for two channels.All the bells and whistles,in a very compact and well built unit.Bottom line, it can deliver a great tone. I have received a number of unsolicited compliments
about the sounds I got, over the last few gigs and concerts.
I have been using the Headway for several years,and still will continue to use it on occasion,but the Flex is a winner. I will look forward to using it with the doubler through the Big E.For all you of like myself looking for that great natural bass sound, this might be what you are looking for. I have used AI amps off and on since 2000,starting with the old Beer keg looking amp,I think the folks at AI have really stepped up their game with this one...sorry I can not comment on the amp section,but the Pre is a a super piece of gear!...:p
 
#6
I finally made the decision to order a Flex this past Monday. Should be here in a couple of days. I plan to plug mine into the Coda IV that I already own. I've been very happy with the sound from the Coda and Realist LifeLine PU, but want the flexibility of stand mounting and the 4-channel EQ. I'll report back on my experience.
 

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