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GK CX cabs?

KickingBass

KickingBass

Look into it
Aug 7, 2014
1,815
1,384
Deep south Texas, The RGV
#1
Hola amigos, I'd like some advice from people who own or have played the CX 210 and 115 GK cabinets. I currently have an MBE410-II but it is becoming a problem for me. While I like the tone, my bad back cant handle carrying it anymore (the handle is in a very unergonomic position) and loading it into my car (I have to load it into the back seat and that puts a lot of stress on my lower back). I use dollys and bandmates sometimes help me but the problem is lifting it into and out of the car and when I'm alone. I am considering selling the cab and getting 2 210s or 2 115s. I dont really believe in mixing cabs but if someone thinks that mixing those two sounds good let me know. I am playing with a Fender PJ (EMG PJX) into a GK 700RB-II. I play downtuned metalcore primarily (My BL wants us to start tuning to A and G# soon, currently playing at Bb). I am looking at these two cabs as options because I just had a child and dont have a lot of money. These two cabs allow me to finance with Sweetwater at reasonable monthly prices. Thanks!
 
#4
Duder said:
I know this isn't exactly what you're asking for and please feel free to disregard, but if you're worried about your back I would suggest a Neo cab. gallien neo | Sweetwater Sweetwater says it will do $27/mo for a neo 212. Only 50 lbs.
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I think 50 lbs may already be pushing it for my back and I've looked at the dimensions. It seems it wont quite fit in my trunk. I really did want that cab but I dont think it's going to be possible.
 
#5
I used a (first gen) CX-115 for a while when I had a neck injury. It was all I needed at the time. I actually liked the tone better than the NEO-115, at least based on first impressions (in store). They're very light but sturdy enough for pro use in clubs or with PA support for larger venues. I would expect the 210 to follow suit. It might have a little more low end presence on stage if that's important, but I never owned one so am not sure. I wouldn't hesitate on the CX line, as long as you're not touring it.
 
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#6
KickingBass said:
I think 50 lbs may already be pushing it for my back and I've looked at the dimensions. It seems it wont quite fit in my trunk. I really did want that cab but I dont think it's going to be possible.
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Yeah, I don't know why they didn't make a neo 210. You might look at some other companies. If you're not using the bi-amp feature of the 700RB-ii (that's what I play through, too), then there's no reason to not look at other cabs unless you are brand-loyal, which is understandable.
 
#7
Duder said:
Yeah, I don't know why they didn't make a neo 210. You might look at some other companies. If you're not using the bi-amp feature of the 700RB-ii (that's what I play through, too), then there's no reason to not look at other cabs unless you are brand-loyal, which is understandable.
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I do really like GK stuff and like I mentioned, I really like the tone through my 410, but I am open to other possibilities. I really wish I could biamp, to the point that I'm also starting to consider the GK Neo 112s. I believe GK used to make Neo 210s but not anymore.
 
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#8
TomB said:
I used a (first gen) CX-115 for a while when I had a neck injury. It was all I needed at the time. I actually liked the tone better than the NEO-115, at least based on first impressions (in store). They're very light but sturdy enough for pro use in clubs or with PA support for larger venues. I would expect the 210 to follow suit. It might have a little more low end presence on stage if that's important, but I never owned one so am not sure. I wouldn't hesitate on the CX line, as long as you're not touring it.
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I think my biggest concern right now is: will these cabs be able to handle low tunings or will they fart out? I noticed the Hartke has a lower usable frequency range but could that mean it'll just sound more muddy? I like a very articulate mids heavy bass tone. With my 410 I dont think i ever put the volume and woofer past noon. Is that a good sign that I wouldn't be too loud for the CX cabs maybe?
 
#9
I don't know how suitable the 115 would be as my own sound is not bass-heavy - you'll just have to try it vs. a 210. I'm pretty sure from long experience that the lower frequency point of the Hartke will not be relevant to your satisfaction in the end - there's much more at work here than roll-off frequency. My guess is that a pair of 210's will absorb all the low-end wattage the 700 can throw at it if your stage volume isn't ridiculous. I'd give that a try. Keep us posted.
 
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#10
TomB said:
I don't know how suitable the 115 would be as my own sound is not bass-heavy - you'll just have to try it vs. a 210. I'm pretty sure from long experience that the lower frequency point of the Hartke will not be relevant to your satisfaction in the end - there's much more at work here than roll-off frequency. My guess is that a pair of 210's will absorb all the low-end wattage the 700 can throw at it if your stage volume isn't ridiculous. I'd give that a try. Keep us posted.
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Thank you, that's what I was curious about.
 
#13
KickingBass said:
Anyone think 2 Neo 112s would be loud enough for downtuned metal with 2 guitarists?
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Having used 10, 12, 15 and 18 inch drivers myself. I settled on the 10's. yes the 12's sound awesome but I always got my best punch, my best growl and my best low end out of the 410/810 configuration. My back hurts too. But if you want the "tone" 410 GK cabs (which I use) get the best tone around. YMMV. And yes I use a GK head as well. MB800. And no I don't do neo speakers.
 
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#15
joel406 said:
Having used 10, 12, 15 and 18 inch drivers myself. I settled on the 10's. yes the 12's sound awesome but I always got my best punch, my best growl and my best low end out of the 410/810 configuration. My back hurts too. But if you want the "tone" 410 GK cabs (which I use) get the best tone around. YMMV. And yes I use a GK head as well. MB800. And no I don't do neo speakers.
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So you would recommend using two CX210s as opposed to using two GK Neo 112s? The weight would be very similar either way and acceptable to me. What do you prefer about the ceramic drivers as opposed to the Neos?
 
#16
KickingBass said:
joel406 said:
Having used 10, 12, 15 and 18 inch drivers myself. I settled on the 10's. yes the 12's sound awesome but I always got my best punch, my best growl and my best low end out of the 410/810 configuration. My back hurts too. But if you want the "tone" 410 GK cabs (which I use) get the best tone around. YMMV. And yes I use a GK head as well. MB800. And no I don't do neo speakers.
Click to expand...
So you would recommend using two CX210s as opposed to using two GK Neo 112s? The weight would be very similar either way and acceptable to me. What do you prefer about the ceramic drivers as opposed to the Neos?
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The neo just seems to be missing something the ceramics aren't. I'm sure there are plenty of people who get awesome tone from the neo but it's just not for me. And if your going the 210 route I personally wouldn't since I get a better tone from a full 410. It also helps get you some more head room and a little better tone control. And if your in a situation that requires more air to be pushed around (big venue, outdoors) you can add another 8 ohm 410. Being I'm using the MB800 my wattage never dips below 500. And both my cabs are 800 watts.

But that's what's working for me. Only you can pick what is right for you.
 
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#17
joel406 said:
The neo just seems to be missing something the ceramics aren't. I'm sure there are plenty of people who get awesome tone from the neo but it's just not for me. And if your going the 210 route I personally wouldn't since I get a better tone from a full 410. It also helps get you some more head room and a little better tone control. And if your in a situation that requires more air to be pushed around (big venue, outdoors) you can add another 8 ohm 410. Being I'm using the MB800 my wattage never dips below 500. And both my cabs are 800 watts.

But that's what's working for me. Only you can pick what is right for you.
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I agree that the 410s sound awesome, I know that my current one does as well but I have a seriously bad back and it's starting to get to the point that I may need surgery. A 25 year old shouldn't be getting back surgery. So sadly as much as it may sound great I have to compromise somewhere. I'm thinking that if the CX210s are like smaller versions of the 410 then I should at least be familiar with the tone. I've never needed more than my 410 for a gig even outdoors if theres a PA. Thanks for your advice!
 
#18
I love my couple of GK cx-210. habe been using them for over a year. Bought a couple because I wanted a modular 410s.
I think they are light, well finished and truly faithful to the sound you put in. The tweeter is not adjustable -just on/off- but the default setting gives you the top air without being shrill and the price quality ratio seems unbeatable. I have used EAW, Randall, Peavey, Ampeg, Ashdown, SWR, Aguilar, Bergantino, Schroeder...15s, 12s and tens...I think the GK CX-210 is the Sire V7 counterpart in the field of cabs.:roflmao:
 
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#19
malpasso said:
I love my couple of GK cx-210. habe been using them for over a year. Bought a couple because I wanted a modular 410s.
I think they are light, well finished and truly faithful to the sound you put in. The tweeter is not adjustable -just on/off- but the default setting gives you the top air without being shrill and the price quality ratio seems unbeatable. I have used EAW, Randall, Peavey, Ampeg, Ashdown, SWR, Aguilar, Bergantino, Schroeder...15s, 12s and tens...I think the GK CX-210 are the Sire V7 counterpars in the field of cabs.:roflmao:
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As a happy Sire player, I like that analogy! haha do you think they'd perform well with a bass downtuned to A? Do they get muddy down low or start to fart out?
 
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