Genzler Amplification Club

[SteveC]

I think at the time there was a lot of talk about the Countryman being the “gold standard” DI and comparing built in DI’s as many of them at the time were not the greatest so there were a bunch of comparisons done.

 

[jjk2007]

In the midst of another fun night……Genzler for the win!!

 

[RColie]

For me, the MG350 with 2 BA10-2s is perfect for the restaurants I play with my trio. I can hear my low B very well with a moderate drummer playing dance music. Great clarity and punch!

I'm looking forward to trying out this exact rig at a variety of venues over the next couple of months!

Bob

 

[Basslehem]

I'm looking forward to trying out this exact rig at a variety of venues over the next couple of months!

Bob

As I said, a "moderate" drummer. If your drummer plays like a gorilla then you'll need a more powerful amp because you'd run out of headroom and may clip the amp playing the lowest notes (on the B string) in the volume war. The low response on this cab is down to 55Hz.

I've tried the MG350/BA10-2 combo with a BA12-3 extension cab and it sounded good also. The 12 added more low end and dominated the BA10-2 some but the 10 was still heard. I prefer the sound of the same cabinets.

With my MG800 and 2 BA12-3s, the gorilla can bang away as I'm easily heard. Low B and all.

I never used the MG800 with 2 BA10-2S though. I've seen pics of some that have. Maybe they could chime in.

 

[Joeykun]

Gear up!!!!

 

[Joeykun]

Mounted and ready for action!

 

[SteveC]

Looks nice on the board.

 

[RColie]

As I said, a "moderate" drummer. If your drummer plays like a gorilla then you'll need a more powerful amp because you'd run out of headroom and may clip the amp playing the lowest notes (on the B string) in the volume war. The low response on this cab is down to 55Hz.

I've tried the MG350/BA10-2 combo with a BA12-3 extension cab and it sounded good also. The 12 added more low end and dominated the BA10-2 some but the 10 was still heard. I prefer the sound of the same cabinets.

With my MG800 and 2 BA12-3s, the gorilla can bang away as I'm easily heard. Low B and all.

I never used the MG800 with 2 BA10-2S though. I've seen pics of some that have. Maybe they could chime in.

I hear you about the moderate drummer...fortunately the one that I work with uses restraint. I do have an MG800 but I'm not sure I would need it with dual BA10-2s; I've never come near reaching the limit of the MG350 with the MG12T-V. If I do get into louder situations I would consider using the MG800 with three BA10-2s or maybe add a BA12-3 to the two BA10-2s that I have. And I'm certainly not opposed to a pair of BA12-3s. They're all interesting options...

 

[EncoremMP]

So, and I know this is common topic that comes up on various threads here, but I just dont understand the constant comments that 300-400 watts wont be sufficient with a hard hitting drummer. Im 48 and have been playing music for 30+ years. And all I ever had in the late 80's and early 90s was a max of 350 or so watts of solid state power that never ran out of room in a live music venue with no FOH support. Watts are not a substitute for speakers. And my Magellan 350 with 2x12's or 2x8 an a 12, or a 410 have covered loud punk and hair metal music. I really dislike that there's a perpetuation that 800 watts or more are needed to be utilized in a true band setting. Yes , bass frequencies benefit from the extra wattages. But they arent dependent on wattage to be useful in real life situations.

In another thread , someone called "modern bass combos" "toys" that aren't actual useful in real situations. Yet 20+ years ago a 200 watt solid state amp carried every venue anywhere in the world. I played a Crate 160 15" combo in several hundred seat venues back in the day.

Sorry for the rant. But I'm exhausted in hearing that a 350 watt head is ok for small gigs with a moderate drummer. The Magellan 350 is way more hard hitting than my SVT 350 of the early 90s and it did just fine.

 

[RColie]

It's always difficult to assess what enough power is for a given situation...so many variables. As I mentioned above I have not come close to reaching the limits of the MG350, so I can't comment on its ultimate potential. There are many comments in this thread about how loud the MG350 cab get. You have no arguments from me; I'm constantly impressed with what 350 watts can do.

 

[Basslehem]

So, and I know this is common topic that comes up on various threads here, but I just dont understand the constant comments that 300-400 watts wont be sufficient with a hard hitting drummer. Im 48 and have been playing music for 30+ years. And all I ever had in the late 80's and early 90s was a max of 350 or so watts of solid state power that never ran out of room in a live music venue with no FOH support. Watts are not a substitute for speakers. And my Magellan 350 with 2x12's or 2x8 an a 12, or a 410 have covered loud punk and hair metal music. I really dislike that there's a perpetuation that 800 watts or more are needed to be utilized in a true band setting. Yes , bass frequencies benefit from the extra wattages. But they arent dependent on wattage to be useful in real life situations.

In another thread , someone called "modern bass combos" "toys" that aren't actual useful in real situations. Yet 20+ years ago a 200 watt solid state amp carried every venue anywhere in the world. I played a Crate 160 15" combo in several hundred seat venues back in the day.

Sorry for the rant. But I'm exhausted in hearing that a 350 watt head is ok for small gigs with a moderate drummer. The Magellan 350 is way more hard hitting than my SVT 350 of the early 90s and it did just fine.

I agree that the MG350 is very hard hitting for it's output but this is MY experience with the PEOPLE I play with. Some musicians don't understand dynamics but I do. I play to the room or venue. I don't play loud but I need to be heard and I like the amp to do the work. I use the right tools for the job. If I'm playing with loud people, I have to use more speakers/amp.

Asking people in one band I play with to turn down goes in one ear and out the other (until the venue manager steps in) so I wear hearing protection as I play.

Jeff created 2 amps for different scenarios. For big shows and not so big shows. That's why I own both.

For the restaurant gigs I do, those are with different musicians and I use the MG350 with 2 BA10-2s and it's great.

Remember, the BA12-3 is also more efficient than the 10. I have not used 2 BA12-3s with the MG350.

 

[Turn Em Loose]

I used my new MG350/BA10-2 combo on its first gig last night with exceptional results and I have some comments comparing it to my MG350/MG12T-V.

I used it in a venue where I've used my MG350/MG12T-V about 10 or 12 times over the last three months so I'm familiar with the stage and the room.

Some details:
The venue is a restaurant/lounge/bar/dance floor, capacity maybe 75 people.
The same band, with a light touch drummer, 2 electric guitars using small combo amps, and three voices through the PA (no instruments).
The same bass, a 4-string active Fender Jazz, no cut/boost on the bass, pickup blend centered.
The same settings on the MG350, EQ at 12 noon, contour off.
The same spot on the stage, off the floor at about the same height (about 20 inches).

The MG12T-V is definitely fuller, a bigger sound, especially on the E string. The notes are "softer" or more diffuse, maybe with a slight bit of bloom in a good way. Although I'm sure there's more volume potential than the BA10-2, I can't comment since I was nowhere the limits of either combo. None of this is a surprise based on previous comments and reviews.

I took both BA10-2s to the gig but never hooked up the second one. The BA10-2 is very punchy (which I define as strong upper bass / lower mid with a quick attack like a punch in the chest). The note definition is better than the MG12T-V to my ear. And the dispersion is something to behold. The band mates commented that they could hear me better. I don't know how real speaker break-in is, but the BA10-2 went from the shipping box to the gig. I didn't try boosting the bass to see if it could give me a bit more low end; I'll try that next time.

I have to say I prefer the sound of the BA10-2. I think it has more low end to offer than its first gig after a bit of EQ, and it's just so smooth, punchy and clear. If the BA10-2 didn't exist, I'd be completely happy with the MG12T-V. In fact I can't see selling the MG12T-V, it's jut another flavor of great.

With either cabinet, I'm still incredibly impressed with the MG350. The tone is perfect for me with no EQ needed, and it has power to spare.

Of course all this is just to my ears, so other opinions might differ.

I forgot to take a picture at the gig, but I did take a picture at home of my growing Genzler family...

View attachment 4304252

I keep saying it, over and over and over over: The 10-2's are the sh*t!!!

Wait till you couple 2 together. All that punch with more bottom extension and you’ll need to turn down

True dat. You get all the punch and more of that blooming bottom end that is sooooo addictive. The notes just jump out of the cabs. All this at any volume.

I have a couple of outdoor gigs coming up later this month and I'll have a chance to do just that!

Of course is depends on how loud you band is and the FOH/monitoring setup, but I've never needed more than two. (And I've got three. And I've used all three. Because, you know, three is one more betterer than two. That's just science.) I've got the MG800 and two of those little cabs will get pretty freakin' loud. IMO, if you need to be louder than two 10-2's you playing too damn loud. But I'm old and bitter. Now GET OFF MY LAWN!!!

 

[Bassworship1]

I've owned 3 of the 12-3 arrays and 2 of the 210-3 arrays and now have 2 of the 10-2 arrays. I loved all of them but my favorite is the 10-2 arrays setup with my 350. I love the portability and lightweight. I've played venues big enough for 4-5000 people with them and came away blown away with the tone. I Love the one trip load and portability this setup has.

 

[Loring]

So, and I know this is common topic that comes up on various threads here, but I just dont understand the constant comments that 300-400 watts wont be sufficient with a hard hitting drummer. Im 48 and have been playing music for 30+ years. And all I ever had in the late 80's and early 90s was a max of 350 or so watts of solid state power that never ran out of room in a live music venue with no FOH support. Watts are not a substitute for speakers. And my Magellan 350 with 2x12's or 2x8 an a 12, or a 410 have covered loud punk and hair metal music. I really dislike that there's a perpetuation that 800 watts or more are needed to be utilized in a true band setting. Yes , bass frequencies benefit from the extra wattages. But they arent dependent on wattage to be useful in real life situations.

In another thread , someone called "modern bass combos" "toys" that aren't actual useful in real situations. Yet 20+ years ago a 200 watt solid state amp carried every venue anywhere in the world. I played a Crate 160 15" combo in several hundred seat venues back in the day.

Sorry for the rant. But I'm exhausted in hearing that a 350 watt head is ok for small gigs with a moderate drummer. The Magellan 350 is way more hard hitting than my SVT 350 of the early 90s and it did just fine.

it has more to do with the speakers than the head. The jump from 350 watts to 800 is minimal compared to going from one 10-2 to 2x10-2 or moving to 12’s or even the 410 cab.

So yeah you’re right. Most people with the 350 though have paired with a single 10-2 or a 12 TV because it makes an excellent grab snd go combo and will do nicely up to a moderate drummer.

Most people with the 800 are not using the 10-2 and aren’t necessarily looking and a grab and go but are looking for moar POW AUR! As such they are often sporting more than one cab or are using a 210 or even a 410.

certainly a 350 with my 3x12-3 would knock the plaster out of most buildings but I do have the 800 for the drive channel and if course the headroom. I usually don’t go above 1/4 volume…

 

[blmeier7]

For you 10-2 owners…can those cabs do a vintage tone very well? P bass with flats Motown sound?

I’m interested in trying out the 10-2 but there are not any local, so I’d have to buy it to try it. And I haven’t kept any of my neo driver cabs for long, I revert back to ceramic for that warm sound. So just trying to get some 10-2 user impressions on vintage tone before buying. Or would I be better off going with the Nu Classic cab?

FYI, I’m using (2) Fender Rumble 115 cabs now, and I’m happy with the tone. But the size of the 10-2 is attractive.

 

[Jamvan]

I was so pumped to play my BA-210-3/15-3 SLT on a big stage this weekend only to find out it was backlined after hauling everything there.

It was tough but I made do.

Hoping to make its debut next weekend now.

 

[RColie]

it has more to do with the speakers than the head. The jump from 350 watts to 800 is minimal compared to going from one 10-2 to 2x10-2 or moving to 12’s or even the 410 cab.

So yeah you’re right. Most people with the 350 though have paired with a single 10-2 or a 12 TV because it makes an excellent grab snd go combo and will do nicely up to a moderate drummer.

Most people with the 800 are not using the 10-2 and aren’t necessarily looking and a grab and go but are looking for moar POW AUR! As such they are often sporting more than one cab or are using a 210 or even a 410.

certainly a 350 with my 3x12-3 would knock the plaster out of most buildings but I do have the 800 for the drive channel and if course the headroom. I usually don’t go above 1/4 volume…

Well said!

 

[DrSteve]

For you 10-2 owners…can those cabs do a vintage tone very well? P bass with flats Motown sound?

I’m interested in trying out the 10-2 but there are not any local, so I’d have to buy it to try it. And I haven’t kept any of my neo driver cabs for long, I revert back to ceramic for that warm sound. So just trying to get some 10-2 user impressions on vintage tone before buying. Or would I be better off going with the Nu Classic cab?

FYI, I’m using (2) Fender Rumble 115 cabs now, and I’m happy with the tone. But the size of the 10-2 is attractive.

Yes.
I get a great tone with my Hofners and TI Flats. Beatle-esk of course, but I get a great all-around vintage tone.
You can't go wrong.

I don't know about the NU cabs. Perhaps another member can chime in.

 

[DrSteve]

BA 10-2 vs MG 12T-V

I played a gig last night and thought I'd try my "new" MG-12T-V.
It was a large beer hall, so sound was bouncing around like craze. Stage sound was muffled and muddy.
So I'm not sure this was a good spot to test drive my new cab.
I had a hard time dialing in the sound I wanted. E & A sounded great, boomy and thick, but the D and G were not coming through with equal volume. I fiddled about with the settings and found a balance, but it wasn't the thumping tone I like.
Somehow, I think my two BA 10-2s would have handled the room better.
Perhaps I just miss the slant, having two cabs brings the sound closer to my ears.

Hopefully the next gig provides better results. I have no problem getting a great balanced tone in my practice space. We'll see.

 

[davel66]

For you 10-2 owners…can those cabs do a vintage tone very well? P bass with flats Motown sound?

I’m interested in trying out the 10-2 but there are not any local, so I’d have to buy it to try it. And I haven’t kept any of my neo driver cabs for long, I revert back to ceramic for that warm sound. So just trying to get some 10-2 user impressions on vintage tone before buying. Or would I be better off going with the Nu Classic cab?

FYI, I’m using (2) Fender Rumble 115 cabs now, and I’m happy with the tone. But the size of the 10-2 is attractive.

My P with flats sounds like a P with flats. Caveat, it’s a P/J with a toggle to solo either pup. Bridge J pup with tone backed off on the bass gets the Jaco sound.

I have a Streamliner and B-arrays bring out that sound, specially with the 12-3. My Music Man Stingray sounds awesome through these cabs. They are pretty transparent and bring out the unique sound of whatever amp and bass you plug in.

The only sound I don’t get out of my 10-2 or 12-3 is the “SWR sizzle”, which every once in a while I miss when I want to play around and slap but haven’t needed for gigs in many years with the stuff I’m playing now.

Is slapping still a thing?