Genzler Amplification Club

[Spidey2112]

... after I twisted your arm a bit.

You enabler, you!

 

[noahw1]

Hello All. New here to the Genzler thread. I've played a lot of different cabinets over the years, and have been playing another boutique brand for quite some time now. While I love their stuff, I'm looking to get back to my roots with 15s, and they don't happen to have one in their lineup. I particularly like a 210/115 pairing. That combo seems to offer the best of both worlds - the 15 provides that earthly, woody low end and low midrange, while the 10s add upper midrange clarity and solid bottom end. I've listened to clips of both the Bass Array and Nu Classic 210/115 combos and they both sound fantastic. Wondering if anyone has any real world comparisons to share. I play a mix of classic/southern rock, as well as 90s and current rock. I'm thinking the Nu Classic combo is the logical choice, but I've always been intrigued by the Bass Array series and it sure sounds amazing in that Nate Navarro demo video! I'm also curious about the difference in feel/tone between the ceramic Nu Classic and the neo Bass Array.
Thanks!

I’m sure someone will chime in soon and the man himself, Jeff Genzler, is on the board too, who will certainly be able to answer your questions.

 

[Jeff Genzler]

@JoePP ---- Thank you for your interest in our cabs. I'd be interested in some of the players on the forum who use or have used both series for their comments. But it does seem to me that your description of tonal needs points directly to the NU CLASSIC series. While you don't discribe what amp or bass you'd be using, it sure sounds like you'd be really happy with the NC cabs. But let's let other comment as well.

 

[Jamvan]

Hello All. New here to the Genzler thread. I've played a lot of different cabinets over the years, and have been playing another boutique brand for quite some time now. While I love their stuff, I'm looking to get back to my roots with 15s, and they don't happen to have one in their lineup. I particularly like a 210/115 pairing. That combo seems to offer the best of both worlds - the 15 provides that earthly, woody low end and low midrange, while the 10s add upper midrange clarity and solid bottom end. I've listened to clips of both the Bass Array and Nu Classic 210/115 combos and they both sound fantastic. Wondering if anyone has any real world comparisons to share. I play a mix of classic/southern rock, as well as 90s and current rock. I'm thinking the Nu Classic combo is the logical choice, but I've always been intrigued by the Bass Array series and it sure sounds amazing in that Nate Navarro demo video! I'm also curious about the difference in feel/tone between the ceramic Nu Classic and the neo Bass Array.
Thanks!

@Jeff Genzler is right. With what you lay out above, Nu Classic sounds perfect for you. I’ve used the analogy before but it bears repeating; The NC cabs are like a current classic muscle car, girthy, and throaty, and look really good in a throwback to the hey days of big iron kind of way whereas the BA cabs are like a modern super car, quick, and clean, and sexy as heck and are really good at highlighting the capabilities (or lack of?) the driver.

For reference, I play both and love them equally for their respective character.

 

[JoePP]

@Jeff Genzler is right. With what you lay out above, Nu Classic sounds perfect for you. I’ve used the analogy before but it bears repeating; The NC cabs are like a current classic muscle car, girthy, and throaty, and look really good in a throwback to the hey days of big iron kind of way whereas the BA cabs are like a modern super car, quick, and clean, and sexy as heck and are really good at highlighting the capabilities (or lack of?) the driver.

For reference, I play both and love them equally for their respective character.

That's a great analogy and description Jamvan! Thanks for that.

Jeff - I play passive jazz basses, and use a Bergantino B|Amp head.

I'm really surprised at how light the Nu Classic line of cabinets is, and wondering how that's possible. Ceramic cabs of yesteryear weighed nearly twice as much! Is it done simply by using lighter cabinet materials, or has the speaker technology changed allowing use of lighter magnets?

 

[DavidJamesNHBass]

It’s done through alchemy and by gathering the wants and hopes of bass players all over the world in a huge invisible dreamcatcher. From there it’s a trade secret. Hint: I think there’s a Wonka involved.
Oh crap, past my med time….

 

[Joeykun]

In Lyndhurst, NJ tonight!

 

[erhoth]

Old meets new! Bi-amped 80’s tech coming through today’s best innovative offering. Has anyone tried this? Bi-amping offers a completely different way to adjust to room dynamics and sculpt your sound! It won’t replace my mg800 but wow! Being able to separate your highs like that or bring up the bottom by itself is a gas!

 

[TechsMechs]

Does anybody have any thoughts about or experience with mixing BA and Nu Classic cabs? I've seen discussions on mixing BA with MG, but haven't found anything on BA+NC.

I've got a MG-350/BA10-2 combo that I was thinking of pairing with a BA15-3, but the ceramic driver in the Nu Classic 115t (or even the NC212t) along with the lower price tag have me intrigued.

 

[gstaats]

View attachment 4752426Old meets new! Bi-amped 80’s tech coming through today’s best innovative offering. Has anyone tried this? Bi-amping offers a completely different way to adjust to room dynamics and sculpt your sound! It won’t replace my mg800 but wow! Being able to separate your highs like that or bring up the bottom by itself is a gas!

I've ran Ampeg, GK and carvin units in the past that were bi-amp capable. I never really noticed a difference. For bass, I find bi-amping overrated and not worth the hassle of setting up. In general, what I disliked most about previous bi-amp'd setups is changing volume is a pain to maintain balance between the low and high drivers. My next beef with biamping is it isn't a good representation of what is being sent out the DI to FOH. Amp may sound good, but FOH is what the audience will hear.

 

[bherman]

Does anybody have any thoughts about or experience with mixing BA and Nu Classic cabs? I've seen discussions on mixing BA with MG, but haven't found anything on BA+NC.

I've got a MG-350/BA10-2 combo that I was thinking of pairing with a BA15-3, but the ceramic driver in the Nu Classic 115t (or even the NC212t) along with the lower price tag have me intrigued.

I do something that is close - I too use a MG350/BA 10-2 combo, sometimes with a second 10-2 but lately with a RevSound 115 on the bottom. I really prefer the sound of the 15 on the bottom to a second 10-2, much richer and fuller sound. Can't add anything on the ceramic vs neo mix, I wouldn't think that would matter. I also for a while had a Genzler 12-T-V that I ran under the 10-2 and it was also a really good combination. Bottom line is that I don't think that you can go wrong in mixing and matching, but from what I've read in this thread over time, the Nu series and BA cabs are voiced differently. That doesnt mean it wouldn't work, but you'll only know if you try. Probably someone has, hopefully they will chime in.

 

[Jeff Genzler]

@JoePP, I do think the Nu Classic cabs would be a great fit for your needs. As for how we can make today's ceramic cabs lighter than years ago, it is a blend of lighter cabinet construction techniques, ability to design ceramic magnet speakers that work really well in smaller cabs, and the speakers themselves, relying upon a new age of soft parts, blended with moderate sized magnets. In the case of the big 15" driver we use a 56 oz magnet on a lighter weight steel basket, with extra strength points pressed into the frame. And the voice coil offers inside and outside windings which increases power handling, efficiency and linearity under stress. It's layers of various advancements that work together to make the Nu Classic cabs so unique for ceramic driver loaded cabs.

 

[erhoth]

I've ran Ampeg, GK and carvin units in the past that were bi-amp capable. I never really noticed a difference. For bass, I find bi-amping overrated and not worth the hassle of setting up. In general, what I disliked most about previous bi-amp'd setups is changing volume is a pain to maintain balance between the low and high drivers. My next beef with biamping is it isn't a good representation of what is being sent out the DI to FOH. Amp may sound good, but FOH is what the audience will hear.

Yea the newer- ish gk bi- amped heads only worked with their cabs with 50 watts going to the horn. With the older 800rb you can select your crossover frequency and the send highs to one cab and lows to another. Opens up a myriad of ways to tweak. One man’s trash/treasure I suppose….

 

[JoePP]

@JoePP, I do think the Nu Classic cabs would be a great fit for your needs. As for how we can make today's ceramic cabs lighter than years ago, it is a blend of lighter cabinet construction techniques, ability to design ceramic magnet speakers that work really well in smaller cabs, and the speakers themselves, relying upon a new age of soft parts, blended with moderate sized magnets. In the case of the big 15" driver we use a 56 oz magnet on a lighter weight steel basket, with extra strength points pressed into the frame. And the voice coil offers inside and outside windings which increases power handling, efficiency and linearity under stress. It's layers of various advancements that work together to make the Nu Classic cabs so unique for ceramic driver loaded cabs.

Thanks Jeff! Very interesting and helpful. The Nu Classics seem to be the best fit "on paper" given the genres of music and basses I'm playing, but I do like a very clear, articulate, midrange-focused tone. I've been playing through a Berg HDN210+112 rig for quite some time now (which I love, but I'm just itching for that 210+115 vibe) so I'm thinking maybe the BA series might be more similar to that tone. I guess I'll have to take a trip over to Bass Central in Orlando and demo them both and let my ears decide!

 

[Basselink]

I guess I'll have to take a trip over to Bass Central in Orlando and demo them both and let my ears decide!

If they have a Nu Classic 212 in stock, it might be worth your time to check that out as well. I tried two of the BA12-3s for a bit but just didn't connect with them - I chalked it up to being used to having cabinets with 10s in the past. I went with the NC210-NC112 combination when they first came out and I still use them but when I got a chance to check out the 212 I really liked it - great range and clarity. It's now my go to for a one-cab gig.

 

[MaxSpinrun]

Thanks Jeff! Very interesting and helpful. The Nu Classics seem to be the best fit "on paper" given the genres of music and basses I'm playing, but I do like a very clear, articulate, midrange-focused tone. I've been playing through a Berg HDN210+112 rig for quite some time now (which I love, but I'm just itching for that 210+115 vibe) so I'm thinking maybe the BA series might be more similar to that tone. I guess I'll have to take a trip over to Bass Central in Orlando and demo them both and let my ears decide!

@Jamvan said it well, since he has a good point of reference having both rigs. I have the BA 15-3, and I am still blown away by the outstanding quantity of this design. This is unique to a 15 that is not muddy. Has great low end definition and punch. Low mids are very present. The BA for me, with the Array gives a midrange and upper end that is balanced and smooth, without harshness that is experienced with many tweeters for me. Add a 210, next level! I and when I need more, it will be the 210-3 on top of the 15-3. The flexibility of my head allows me to get whatever tone I want from my setup. Anxious to see what your final choice will be.

 

[jdhunz68]

@JoePP my son plays jazz, rock, blues on Fender J and P basses through his MG800/NC212/115 and it is stellar. The 115 gives that low end thump whereas the 212 offers up the mid and highs - very, very clear. He just bought himself a 5-string using some of his detasseling money (if you’re not from the Midwest you won’t appreciate that motivation) and the 115 really came alive. As others have said, including @Jeff Genzler , you can’t go wrong with any of the Nu Classic or Bass Array cabs…hearing each, though, is key in the buying process.

 

[JoePP]

Thanks all! Certainly appreciate everyone's input!

On a different note - can the Effects Send be used as a line out to send my bass signal to my IEM mixer, or does plugging into the Effects Send break the signal going to the power amp and speakers?

 

[crucislancer]

If they have a Nu Classic 212 in stock, it might be worth your time to check that out as well. I tried two of the BA12-3s for a bit but just didn't connect with them - I chalked it up to being used to having cabinets with 10s in the past. I went with the NC210-NC112 combination when they first came out and I still use them but when I got a chance to check out the 212 I really liked it - great range and clarity. It's now my go to for a one-cab gig.

Another recommendation for the NC212. It's one of the best cabs I've used in years. Paired up with my MG800, I'm in heaven. My drummer, just about every gig, raves about the rig.

 

[Jeff Genzler]

Thanks all! Certainly appreciate everyone's input!

On a different note - can the Effects Send be used as a line out to send my bass signal to my IEM mixer, or does plugging into the Effects Send break the signal going to the power amp and speakers?

@JoePP -- yes it can. The SEND is a preamp output. If you plug something into RETURN then you will break the signal chain of the effects loop.
Hope this is helpful.