- Nov 29, 2007
- 3,641
- 13
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist GENZ BENZ/HERCULES STANDS/XSonics
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GENZ BENZ Focus Cabs - New and Lightweight
- Thread starter svtb15
- Start date
That's for sure. Some manufacturers list what really is a transient peak number for their wattage and others use a continuous wattage number. One manufacturer's 500 watt capacity can be the same as another's 300 watts. It's like the ancient days when amp manufacturers could use any measure of wattage they wanted to (until the government stepped in because of the rampant success of some manufacturers to mislead buyers).
- Nov 29, 2007
- 3,641
- 13
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist GENZ BENZ/HERCULES STANDS/XSonics
I thought about a 112, but it was narrower than the 115, so it would have been fine solo or on top of another 112, but having used a (borrowed) Ampeg 410HLF for the bigger/outdoor venues, I wanted something (bigger?) that could mix and match as needed. So I went 115+210 with option for another 115 (for 215) or 410 (for 610).
Ideally, I would have 18.2 (my 900 + Max 9.2) with 2 410s with 2 115s stacked on top.
- Nov 29, 2007
- 3,641
- 13
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist GENZ BENZ/HERCULES STANDS/XSonics
These cabinets really look interesting. Right now I'm trying to decide whether to keep my ampeg PF-500 And pick up 1 of these in a 15
or just get the Contour combo with the 15 in it. I like the PF and have had zero issues with it but I miss the GB tone. Decisions decisions!!
or just get the Contour combo with the 15 in it. I like the PF and have had zero issues with it but I miss the GB tone. Decisions decisions!!
- Nov 29, 2007
- 3,641
- 13
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist GENZ BENZ/HERCULES STANDS/XSonics
Fretlessboy said:
+1 and the great customer service from GB is the icing on the cake! I'm going tomorrow to check then out and see how they sound. Right now I'm leaning towards the Contour.
- Mar 22, 2004
- 13,004
- 4,741
- Disclosures
- I play it all. Whatever works for the gig. Q+
The PF500 is a very good amp.... But to me the GB is more versatile and the CS it out of this world in case you ever needed it.
And the Contour Semi Para Mids with contour control can get just about anything that you could imagine
And the Contour Semi Para Mids with contour control can get just about anything that you could imagine
svtb15 said:
Agreed! I just love the growl I get from the PF. If I can get the contour to get close to that sound plus the great GB tone too. That might be my choice.
Heading out later today for a test and possible purchase. I wish GB made the Contour in a head only version though.
I asked Jeff is there was any plan to do a 6x10 in this series and he said that there was none. Thats too bad. I've come to the conclusion that a 6x10 is nearly perfect for almost everthing. An 8x10 is going to be less convenient no matter how light it is and a 4x10 is often pushed right to it's limits. A 6x10 is easier to move than either and has plenty of volume for any gig, unless you are playing somewhere so big that you need pa support anyway. I was seriously thinking about getting a pair of the focus 4x10 cabs but remember that it was actually easier to move my 100lb nv610 than to make two trips with the 65lb hartke's that I had. Way easier and just one trip. I sure do like the sound of the focus clips though. Better mids than the ubers and a better low mid punch.
I just couldn't decide on the Focus 15 or the Contour 500 15.
You know what that means ........
The guys at The Bass Place made me a great deal (as always) so my Ampeg PF500 went bye bye on a trade in with some cash and now I have 500 watts of Genz Benz ported 15's goodness
Can't wait to really crank this sucker and so happy to be back in the Genz Benz world
Keep Low
You know what that means ........
The guys at The Bass Place made me a great deal (as always) so my Ampeg PF500 went bye bye on a trade in with some cash and now I have 500 watts of Genz Benz ported 15's goodness
Can't wait to really crank this sucker and so happy to be back in the Genz Benz world
Keep Low
I just couldn't decide on the Focus 15 or the Contour 500 15.
You know what that means ........
The guys at The Bass Place made me a great deal (as always) so my Ampeg PF500 went bye bye on a trade in with some cash and now I have 500 watts of Genz Benz ported 15's goodness
Can't wait to really crank this sucker and so happy to be back in the Genz Benz world
Keep Low
Sweeeeeeet rig!!!! Would love to have a 2nd 15 myself... dw
- Mar 22, 2004
- 13,004
- 4,741
- Disclosures
- I play it all. Whatever works for the gig. Q+
That will move some columns of air for sure.. Nice
I just couldn't decide on the Focus 15 or the Contour 500 15.
You know what that means ........
The guys at The Bass Place made me a great deal (as always) so my Ampeg PF500 went bye bye on a trade in with some cash and now I have 500 watts of Genz Benz ported 15's goodness
Can't wait to really crank this sucker and so happy to be back in the Genz Benz world
Keep Low
OK here's my first impressions and review of my new Genz Benz Focus LT FCS-115T cabinet.
Weight is listed as 46lbs but it feels lighter when you pick it up. Even with my old tired back, I have no problems lifting it up and into my 2012 KIA Sportage. Handles are well placed and are "metal" recessed type. Build quality is good and the cab feels solid.
Tolex covered (I hate rat furr) no wrinkles or lifting seams. Tolex seems a bit thin and might tear easily but it's good for this price point. The metal grille that wraps around the bottom port is solid, no rattles, and looks real good. Plastic corners are good quailty and are the stackable type. Solid rubber feet so there's no skid.
If I had to find a fault with the build quality, it would be the rear jack plate. It's plastic and IMO just looks cheap, so be careful. Jacks are nice and tight though and are the "sealed back" type so no air leakage there. I do wish the jack plate was metal though. The 3 position switch for the horn feels a bit funny and IMO doesn't have a solid "feel" when you click it from setting to setting but it works perfectly.
I tested the cab with my new Genz Benz Contour 500 both by itself giving me 300 watts to the Focus and also hooked up as an extension cab to the Contour to get the full 500 watts. Used my 08 Black/Maple P-bass with the stock passive PU's and strung with LaBella Deep Talkin flats. Tone controls on the Contour were left flat and the "contour" control on the amp was set at about the 2:00 position. Input gain and volume set to blink the clip light if I dug in hard. Master at 12:00 and the amp was hitting the limiter pretty good if I pushed it hard. My past experience with GB amps (Neo-Pak 3.5, GBE1200, Shuttle 6.0) is that I think they sound best when you get the volume up till that limiter starts kicking in. There's something about the GB limiter circuit that just plain sounds real musical when engaged. I was here at home but since my neighbors are cool, I can crank to gig volume with no issues. BTW I had the tweeter at the lowest setting but normally I don't use them at all.
The cab easily handled anything I threw at it. With the ceramic magnet speaker I was able to get that "old school" growl you can only get with 15's. IMO lows were not the way upfront "in your face" type but rather they were smooth and solid and I heard them more than "felt" them. IMO where this cab really shines is with low mids which are strong and punchy. Upper mids are good without sounding overly "honky" and have good cutting power. Highs from the tweeter were zingy without being overly hissy. Probably would be real nice for slap players. I'm just an old school rock, boogie, and blues player so my tweeters are always off. I can tell that this cab will sit real good in a mix. I can't comment on how it sounds with a 5 string as I just do 4 string.
When I turned way down and was just messing around at a low volume, I heard a low volume rattle from the cab ?? Couldn't find out where it was coming from so I unhooked it to look at the back to see if anything was loose. Possibly a corner or side handle loose. When I lifted it up I heard a small metallic "ting" from inside the cab?? OK that's strange but I'm not worried that it's anything major because the cab was kicking bu** cranked up. I grab the handles and give the cab a couple of shakes and can hear that something is moving around in there. Still not too concerned because if there's a problem GB's customer service is the best period. I'm not too far from GB here in Az so can take the cab there if need be. After hearing the sound a few more times, I can tell that it's something rubbing or hitting against the speaker frame making the "ting" sound. I'm pretty sure it's a wire inside the cab rubbing against the speaker frame.
Popped off one of the side handles and felt inside and sure enough, I can tell there's a wire touching the speaker frame. Popped off the jack plate on the back and can see that the wire running from the 15 to the tweet is floping around and needs to be "dressed" off better with the other wiring inside the cab. I grabbed a wire tie, wrapped it around the all the wires, snugged it up and now no more noise. Saved a 25 mile drive to GB too. I really don't consider this to be a major issue with the cab but rather just one of those little things that slips by QC from time to time. In no way did it affect the performance of the cab and at stage volume you would never hear it. I only mention it because I like to be honest when talking about a piece of gear. It was easily fixed by myself in 15 minutes or if I called GB they would have taken care of me with no hassles. They care about their customers and will do whatever it takes to get you going again.
One nice thing about popping off the jack plate is I got to have a nice look inside the cab. So lets talk about what's in there. Inside we have a solid, well built all plywood cabinet that's very well braced front to back and lined with fiber fill. The speaker is an Eminence branded (Asia build) 15 with a ceramic magnet. Couldn't read the model number but my guess is it's OEM by them to GB specs. Speaker mounted with T-nuts. The tweeter is a Genz Benz branded 50 watt unit with a nice sized magnet on it. The x-over is on the rear jack plate and everything is glued down real good so there won't be any problems with that coming loose. Aside from the above mentioned wire that needed to be dressed better, the whole cab is well constructed as you'd expect from Genz.
Overall I'm very pleased with this cab and it's a keeper.
Pics anyone?
Weight is listed as 46lbs but it feels lighter when you pick it up. Even with my old tired back, I have no problems lifting it up and into my 2012 KIA Sportage. Handles are well placed and are "metal" recessed type. Build quality is good and the cab feels solid.
Tolex covered (I hate rat furr) no wrinkles or lifting seams. Tolex seems a bit thin and might tear easily but it's good for this price point. The metal grille that wraps around the bottom port is solid, no rattles, and looks real good. Plastic corners are good quailty and are the stackable type. Solid rubber feet so there's no skid.
If I had to find a fault with the build quality, it would be the rear jack plate. It's plastic and IMO just looks cheap, so be careful. Jacks are nice and tight though and are the "sealed back" type so no air leakage there. I do wish the jack plate was metal though. The 3 position switch for the horn feels a bit funny and IMO doesn't have a solid "feel" when you click it from setting to setting but it works perfectly.
I tested the cab with my new Genz Benz Contour 500 both by itself giving me 300 watts to the Focus and also hooked up as an extension cab to the Contour to get the full 500 watts. Used my 08 Black/Maple P-bass with the stock passive PU's and strung with LaBella Deep Talkin flats. Tone controls on the Contour were left flat and the "contour" control on the amp was set at about the 2:00 position. Input gain and volume set to blink the clip light if I dug in hard. Master at 12:00 and the amp was hitting the limiter pretty good if I pushed it hard. My past experience with GB amps (Neo-Pak 3.5, GBE1200, Shuttle 6.0) is that I think they sound best when you get the volume up till that limiter starts kicking in. There's something about the GB limiter circuit that just plain sounds real musical when engaged. I was here at home but since my neighbors are cool, I can crank to gig volume with no issues. BTW I had the tweeter at the lowest setting but normally I don't use them at all.
The cab easily handled anything I threw at it. With the ceramic magnet speaker I was able to get that "old school" growl you can only get with 15's. IMO lows were not the way upfront "in your face" type but rather they were smooth and solid and I heard them more than "felt" them. IMO where this cab really shines is with low mids which are strong and punchy. Upper mids are good without sounding overly "honky" and have good cutting power. Highs from the tweeter were zingy without being overly hissy. Probably would be real nice for slap players. I'm just an old school rock, boogie, and blues player so my tweeters are always off. I can tell that this cab will sit real good in a mix. I can't comment on how it sounds with a 5 string as I just do 4 string.
When I turned way down and was just messing around at a low volume, I heard a low volume rattle from the cab ?? Couldn't find out where it was coming from so I unhooked it to look at the back to see if anything was loose. Possibly a corner or side handle loose. When I lifted it up I heard a small metallic "ting" from inside the cab?? OK that's strange but I'm not worried that it's anything major because the cab was kicking bu** cranked up. I grab the handles and give the cab a couple of shakes and can hear that something is moving around in there. Still not too concerned because if there's a problem GB's customer service is the best period. I'm not too far from GB here in Az so can take the cab there if need be. After hearing the sound a few more times, I can tell that it's something rubbing or hitting against the speaker frame making the "ting" sound. I'm pretty sure it's a wire inside the cab rubbing against the speaker frame.
Popped off one of the side handles and felt inside and sure enough, I can tell there's a wire touching the speaker frame. Popped off the jack plate on the back and can see that the wire running from the 15 to the tweet is floping around and needs to be "dressed" off better with the other wiring inside the cab. I grabbed a wire tie, wrapped it around the all the wires, snugged it up and now no more noise. Saved a 25 mile drive to GB too. I really don't consider this to be a major issue with the cab but rather just one of those little things that slips by QC from time to time. In no way did it affect the performance of the cab and at stage volume you would never hear it. I only mention it because I like to be honest when talking about a piece of gear. It was easily fixed by myself in 15 minutes or if I called GB they would have taken care of me with no hassles. They care about their customers and will do whatever it takes to get you going again.
One nice thing about popping off the jack plate is I got to have a nice look inside the cab. So lets talk about what's in there. Inside we have a solid, well built all plywood cabinet that's very well braced front to back and lined with fiber fill. The speaker is an Eminence branded (Asia build) 15 with a ceramic magnet. Couldn't read the model number but my guess is it's OEM by them to GB specs. Speaker mounted with T-nuts. The tweeter is a Genz Benz branded 50 watt unit with a nice sized magnet on it. The x-over is on the rear jack plate and everything is glued down real good so there won't be any problems with that coming loose. Aside from the above mentioned wire that needed to be dressed better, the whole cab is well constructed as you'd expect from Genz.
Overall I'm very pleased with this cab and it's a keeper.
Pics anyone?
Nice review! Thanks for sharing! I really hope someone can chime in who uses a five string with these cabs/combo's.
my 115 and 112 arrived today!
man they do the trick, i am real happy with it
my amp is a pf500 ampeg and he is kicking them hard!
you will think why a 115 and 112? i will explain
together 500 watt 4 ohm outdoor gigs
115 300 watt bar gigs
112 practice
so everything i wanted
man they do the trick, i am real happy with it
my amp is a pf500 ampeg and he is kicking them hard!
you will think why a 115 and 112? i will explain
together 500 watt 4 ohm outdoor gigs
115 300 watt bar gigs
112 practice
so everything i wanted
How do the 115 and 112 sound together benamaas?
I'm usually not a fan of mixing driver sizes (I have 2 Focus 115s) but it seems like from what others have said, the different Focus cab configurations seem to match up well.
I'm thinking about adding a 210 to use a standalone or to mix with one of my 115s for some applications.
I'm usually not a fan of mixing driver sizes (I have 2 Focus 115s) but it seems like from what others have said, the different Focus cab configurations seem to match up well.
I'm thinking about adding a 210 to use a standalone or to mix with one of my 115s for some applications.
