My first thread in TB and also my first head amp! Got lots of recommendations about the GK MBF500 so didn't gave it much second thoughts and understood pretty well the general picture about specs. So now's the time to pick a cab to make this earth shake, mainly for practice and occasional giging. ¿Are there any technical aspects to consider before rushing to the store with a hammer and the clay pig?
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GK MBFusion 500
- Thread starter scp1928
- Start date
Technical aspects are many. The sticky thread at the top of the forum is a good place to start. Learn about thermal power handling, excursion limited power handling, sensitivity, dispersion vs. beaming and comb filtering, distortion, tweeters, high pass filters....
- Mar 8, 2011
- 12,232
- 51,187
- Disclosures
- Authorized greenboy designs builder/Owner of BNA Audio
I think you'll find there are quite a few good cab options with that amp. Don't own one (yet) but really do love em.
What kind if sound are you looking for?
What kind if sound are you looking for?
I know almost nothing about any of the above items you mentioned and I have been actively gigging for 30 years.
Nothing wrong with buying what sounds good, has enough power to be heard and works with your cab(s). Understanding OHMs is about as technical as I get. I honestly could care less about HPFs/LPFs, beaming, comb filtering, etc. and I bet 95% of all bassists are in the same boat.
YMMV.
I'm looking for that modern growl, kinda Tim Commerford-ish but keeping the bassy sound present. Been looking into threads and found out that general preference points to GK cabs, namely the NEO and MBE series. The specs are really similar but prices puts Neo kilometers away from the MBE. Why is that?
I think "growl" is going to be more a factor of your instrument, amp settings and effects than it will of your cab(s). At least ideally, it should be.
It's common for guitarists to shop for a cab based on its speaker breakup characteristics, etc. Not so much for bassists. You may find it more productive to think like a bassist.
MM
It's common for guitarists to shop for a cab based on its speaker breakup characteristics, etc. Not so much for bassists. You may find it more productive to think like a bassist.
MM
OP's first amp head and will be used for practice and maybe occasional gigging. You think he needs to worry about thermal power handling, excursion limited power handling, sensitivity, dispersion vs. beaming and comb filtering, distortion, tweeters, high pass filters.... Seriously?
The NEO cabs use a dynamic tweeter horn and a crossover with L-Pad level adjustment, slightly better cab and the G-K HMS Biamp option (not available in the MB series heads). The MBE's use the same cone drivers but a piezo horn that is either on or off.
Asked and answered, seriously. The things you think of as having no consequence are the things that generate all the lousy sounds in bars and ignorance causes bass gear to get blown.
Well, eventually it may come useful, a little of tech ain't gonna hurt...i'm a engineer after all, used to it.
More specifically than volume requirements (which would be a pair of 300w or equal) I'm looking for construction quality, that's why I'm asking the differences between NEO and MBE series.
Wow. I must have been really lucky on the 1000+ gigs I have done in my life without blowing anything.
I can't wait to hear about the OP's experience at GC or a similar retailer when he brings your list of items to ask about.
I have no experience with GK cabs. I have played that head through my fEARful 12/6 and it was a sweet sounding set-up that you can carry with one hand. If you're handy with tools look up the fEARfuls. Otherwise I think either cab would sound great with that head. It all comes down to $$$$
Not to confuse matters more, but don't be afraid to try cabs made by other manufacturers as long as their impedance and power handling are compatible with your head. GK cabs have a good reputation, but may not necessarily be the best choice for your sound. You may also need to be flexible if availability is an issue. It sounds like you prefer some grit in your tone, so having an adjustable tweeter would be good as you may have to dial it back if it becomes too harsh. And then there's the whole debate about neo drivers vs. non-neo. I use both and your ears will tell you which works best for your sound.
The MBE (115MBE) is considerably lighter construction (and weight) than the NEO, but I find it adequately made for most gigs and the weight has been appreciated while I've been recovering from an accident (32 lbs.). Mostly I appreciate the sound - very typical GK tone and plenty of volume from a 115 for light gigs. Given the overall GK sound profile, I turn off the tweeter and I haven't missed it at all with the MBF-500. ...great head, BTW. Still, I can see a slap-n-tapper missing the variable tweeter control that I've used to good effect with other cabs - it's a trade-off for weight.
All G-K products moved back to California, USA January 1 2012 (almost three years ago ).
LOL, that's some backhanded good advice for OP. You'd be lucky to get a blank look at most GC's about that stuff. Often you'll get destructive myths repeated as facts.
