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Gallien Krueger neo212 cab / combo questions

all throttle

all throttle

Jan 11, 2007
31
0
Clarksville, TN
#1
I picked up a GK 1001/212 neo combo a few days ago. I took it to practice the other day and had a great time with it. I'm usually playing on a Ampeg svt classic head and classic 8x10, but at the end of the night, everyone was saying how much they preferred the sound of the combo over the Ampeg.

I had a couple of questions, maybe someone who owns the neo 1001/212 combo or even just the neo 212 cab can help answer.

Are the 2-12's not meant to handle much volume/bass? At around 2:30 on the woofer/master volume and 12:00 on the input, with the EQ set nearly flat across, the speakers sounded a bit stressed.. almost to the point of distorting/ "farting". I could crank up the volume higher and the problem not get much worse, which was a slight relief. I'm using a 4 string schecter, if/when I use a 5 string, would the speakers be able to handle the low B at high volume?

At higher volume, I hear something that sounds like a piece of paper (or flap of something...) flapping around. I know this could be a lot of different things, especially in a combo with this much power, but I'm just curious if anyone has had anything similar. It's nothing external, I've removed everything but the speakers and head to find the source.

Thanks!
 
#2
I don't own the GK 1001/212 Neo combo, but I own a 700RB-II and two Neo 112s. I believe what you're describing as "distorting/farting" is near/at what some call the "GK growl." To some, it sounds great; to others, it's messy and takes away from the clear tone they prefer. As for a way to get rid of this "distorting/farting"...try turning down your input slightly and turning up your woofer/master volume instead. This way, you'll be driving the amp and not the preamp.

Concerning the flapping, though, I can't help you there. I don't experience that at all with my rig. So, maybe it's something solely connected to the Neo 212 cabs.

Hope this helps with the distortion/farting you're getting from your combo, though...
 
#3
Thanks for the advice ElizabethC :)

I cranked the woofer/master up to about 4 o'clock and adjusted the boost and input level slowly until it was around the same volume I normally practice/gig with. It seemed to help a ton with the near distorting sound I was trying to describe. I must have been hearing that "growl".

I think the "paper flapping" noise is just something very minor I'll have to live with. I've had this combo down to bare bones and can't find it. As long as nothing is malfunctioning, I'll be happy.

One more thing.. I've been looking into adding an extension cab. Most people have recommended a 15", but I was checking out a GK neo 410 that sounded nice with the 1001rb head alone. I play mostly rock with the band I jam with, but I enjoy funk and hope to shift more towards funk/fusion jazz. Would the 15" be too bassy for that, or just enough when eq'd right?

Thanks!
 
#4
I'd add a 1x15 extension based on my own preference. I think it will add something you're missing with the 2x12, namely a bit of upper bass that will add a lot of fullness to your sound. I've never cared much for 4x10 cabinets myself, even the best of them.

As far as the flapping goes-you shouldn't have to put up with it. Take it to the store you got it from and have them find the problem and get it fixed. I'd worry that it might be an indicator of a damaged speaker that could get worse with more high volume playing. See if you can compare it with another similar GK combo using your own bass and the same eq settings.

Maybe check for air leaks around the speaker terminal plate and connectors if you haven't already done so.
 
#5
i would add an extension cabinet. either another 2x12 or a 15. i think what you are hearing are the speakers/amp being pushed near their limits. even though the cab is rated for 600 watts, you can start hitting the mechanical excursion limits of the speakers with lower power depending on your eq settings - just something to keep in mind.

JR
 
#6
I posted this question a few days ago and the response I got is what I expected, that with only the 2x12, you are pushing the speakers too hard. What bass and pre are you using? I never had the problem with my LTD, but my modulus just stretches the amp to it's end. This sound is probably not the "growl", it is most likely distortion. Anyways, the advice above about turning down input can help, but if you want to get big output and lots of bass, add the 1x15 (or an 18 if you are into that) and it should offload some stress from the 12's. The flapping I;ve had only when I absolutely hit the wall of my amp. Maybe different for you, but when I am maxing out and the speaker is slamming to it's outmost position, it sounds like a whoomp or flap.
 
#7
I dunno - I don't have the 212, but it's rated for what, 600 watts at 8 Ohms, which is likely the impedance his head is working at here in the combo, so with the 1001 I think it's 400 watts at 8 Ohms? I think you have a problem with the speakers.
 
#9
One thing, with those volume settings, your band plays LOUD.

Remember the 'boost' control. If that was really far down, chances are that the other gain stages are working too hard to get you to the requierd volume, try raising it a bit.

If it was quite high up, then chances are it is the characterisitc GK sound.

Trust me, that combination can rock some pretty prodigious socks if you know how to use it.
 
#10
silky smoove said:
How sure are you that it was a Neo410? According to GK and RMC Audio they haven't started shipping out the Neo410's except for a few one-off models that they sent to guys like Adrian Garcia. I'm still waiting for mine to ship :bawl:
Click to expand...


There's one brand new Neo 410 at the GC down the street from me. They just got it in, and it's the only one in stock. I tried to look up the specs on the GK site and found nothing, but went back up there to test it out and get some specs. 800 watts @ 8 ohms, bi-amp-able, and sounds pretty decent.

The people I jam with do play pretty loud. The guitarist has been supplying the Ampeg svt classic head and 8x10 for awhile, but I wanted to pickup something for myself. The two guitarists both usually use Roland cube combo's mic'd through the PA, but sometimes bring out two matching Marshall JCM2000 half stacks.

I'm using a Schecter custom stiletto 4 string bass. I've been backing down on the tone(bass?) knob to keep the speakers from sounding stressed out. I usually set the eq on the head flat(noon), including the contour and presence...sometimes back down on the bass a tad from flat. I usually crank the woofer/master volume to 2-3 o'clock, set the boost around noon, and adjust the volume using the input volume knob.

The combo sounds great, but I just feel like the speakers sound a little close to their limits at the 400 something watts the head is providing @ 8 ohms. Are they 600 watts RMS or peak?
 
#11
Well I got a bug and decided to dig deeper into this "flap" noise.

It turns out to be the lower 12 had some(at least 2) stripped screws. They were stripped at the wood, not the screw itself, so they cannot be tightened much. That's not a very difficult fix, but I noticed the top 12 was a little lop-sided in the box, where the top side was higher on the box than the bottom side.

I took the speaker out and noticed some slight abnormality in the boxes mounting surface. I tried to flatten it out with a hammer and flathead screwdriver, but it seems like the speaker hole itself was cut a mm too small. The speaker still is not mounted completely flush and recessed in the hole, but it's a little better.

I think the speakers were removed at one point, possibly replaced. I would return it to GC, but I bought it used, and at a GREAT price. I'd get enough back to buy a decent cab, but would still be lacking a head. I may just email GK to see what help I can get from them with this.

Thanks!
 
#13
you should set up your gain to as high as you can get it while still sounding clear (probably before 12oclock and putting up the master for valume



i think this is generally the way 12" bass speakers are because ive heard several 12" bass seakers and they seam to do this
 
#14
all throttle said:
Well I got a bug and decided to dig deeper into this "flap" noise.

It turns out to be the lower 12 had some(at least 2) stripped screws. They were stripped at the wood, not the screw itself, so they cannot be tightened much. That's not a very difficult fix, but I noticed the top 12 was a little lop-sided in the box, where the top side was higher on the box than the bottom side.

I took the speaker out and noticed some slight abnormality in the boxes mounting surface. I tried to flatten it out with a hammer and flathead screwdriver, but it seems like the speaker hole itself was cut a mm too small. The speaker still is not mounted completely flush and recessed in the hole, but it's a little better.

I think the speakers were removed at one point, possibly replaced. I would return it to GC, but I bought it used, and at a GREAT price. I'd get enough back to buy a decent cab, but would still be lacking a head. I may just email GK to see what help I can get from them with this.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I found the same problem with a single 15" cabinet (not a GK) I had when I upgraded the speaker. The speakers were mounted with 4 drywall screws and 4 T-nuts. A couple of the screw holes had been damaged and the wood raised at those points. I sanded it flush with a detail sander.
 
#15
all throttle said:
I'm using a Schecter custom stiletto 4 string bass. I've been backing down on the tone(bass?) knob to keep the speakers from sounding stressed out. I usually set the eq on the head flat(noon), including the contour and presence...sometimes back down on the bass a tad from flat. I usually crank the woofer/master volume to 2-3 o'clock, set the boost around noon, and adjust the volume using the input volume knob.
Click to expand...


I know youve sorted out what causing your problem, but this wasnt helping. :)

The 'tone' knob on your bass (if thats what it is, many schecters have active pres) works by cutting the high frequencies, not the treble. Turning that down has the effect of actually increasing the bass (by lowering the relative volume of the treble).

Contour is a mid-scoop. Its flat when turned all the way to the left (if it was the volume control, the amp would be silent). Under the contour control are two little graphs, a flat line and a mid-scoop with the bass and treble boosted, thats what it does to your sound.

And as someone has already commented, set the 'volume' to just before you hear clipping, the boost to taste, and then set the actual volume with the 'master' and 'tweeter' knobs.

Now this should help you goose even more sounds and volume from your rig, and I should know. :D

Link Removed

Enjoy, and I hope you get that speaker sorted.
 
#16
Thank you for explaining the controls a little more clear and for the suggestions Jack :D

I took the combo to practice again today and the rattle is just as bad if not worse, at higher volume. I'll be taking it all apart in the next few days and spend some time getting everything to fit properly. I really love the combo and it should be all I need, if not another cab to go along with it.

The speakers don't seem to handle lows or deep, punchy attacks very well at higher volume. Is this normal of the 212's?
 
#17
Just adding in a picture. The EQ knobs are set how I usually play.. I have been using the input volume to adjust volume and leaving the woofer at one set point, but I will try doing it the opposite way tomorrow afternoon.. I'll get evicted if I try it tonight :ninja:

100_5209.gif
 
#18
One question: Why is your Boost knob so LOW?

Seriously. The Boost isn't your master control. The "growl" really doesn't kick in until much higher settings than what you've got now. Don't be afraid to turn it up! Crank that knob up to at least 11:00 (I have my knob set to 1:00), and THEN bring your woofer/master up as needed.

The Boost knob is where the REAL GK growl comes from... it's controlling a special gain stage placed before the master volume stage (which is controlled by the woofer/master). Cranking the master to 2:30 won't be as clean as making use of your Boost knob to get some gain in. Now, bear in mind, at higher Boost settings than 11:00, expect a different result... but it's a much nicer growl than leaving it low and cranking the master.
 
#19
all throttle said:
The speakers don't seem to handle lows or deep, punchy attacks very well at higher volume. Is this normal of the 212's?
Click to expand...
Well, I suppose the answer to that is relative and depends on the listener. But, from what I've heard, I wouldn't say that it's normal for a GK Neo 212 to not handle lows or deep, punchy attacks very well. And if that's only happening when you turn up louder, is it possible that you need to add another cab...?
 
#20
all throttle said:
The speakers don't seem to handle lows or deep, punchy attacks very well at higher volume. Is this normal of the 212's?
Click to expand...

Absolutley not, get that rattley speaker sorted.

I had a problem with my 112, seems the cabinet had been badly knocked during transit (shop says quite often they fall over in the truck/ship/plane) and the magnet had knackered.

As mine was new, repair was free. Talk to GK or your local dealer, even if its used, you can pay to get it fixed.
 

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