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GK NEO 410. Best choice?

M

mausc

May 12, 2011
41
0
#1
I've fooled around with lots of amp packages over the years from a Hartke double stack, SWR Redhead, and GK RB400 combo. Now I'm kinda on a quest for the best bang in a small package.

I'm currently running a GK NEO 212II (8 ohm) with a Shuttle 6.0. It does about 90% of what I want, but being a gear head I'm always tweaking. I'm wondering if the NEO 410 (4-ohm) with an MB-800 or streamliner 900 might be a more potent package.

Yeah, yeah, I know.... Just picking up an extra NEO 212II and running the Shuttle at 4 ohms and having 4 12s would probably move more air, and I haven't counted that out completely, but I can get one cab in the back seat of my BMW convert with the top down. I can't with 2 cabs. I'd prefer to stick with one. Besides, if I play a bigger gig or outdoors I'm usually thru the PA.

My style is mainly variety rock/pop. My fill-in work can bring me anything from Black Sabbath to Katie Perry. I typically play EBMM Stingray 5s or passive Jazz Basses and mainly play finger style. Obviously I know there are compromises. I'm not expecting one rig to do everything, but with a VT pedal I can get a variety of warm, old-style grooves to some more modern hi-fi sounds (the former being what I use most).

The 410 has higher sensitivity and greater power handling than the 212 (plus its available in 4 ohm and the 212 isn't). I've heard great (although sometimes conflicting) reviews on both cabs, and have played 10s almost exclusively for the last 15 years. I like the sound of the 212 but I'm sure I'd have no complaints with the 410.

Thoughts? Opinions?
 
#2
I am playing exactly the same rig you are, with the addition of a GK single NEO 12 on top. I have used it in outdoor venues with a nine piece band with horns and two drummers and a crowd of around 2000 people and it covered the event just fine. But I am also looking for something that would just be a little more clean and well defined with a single cab. Have often wondered if upgrading to a shuttle 9.2 would just do the trick.
 
#6
Might the MB800 be a bit much for the Neo212II? I know the rated wattage is a bunch of mumbo jumbo but the cab is rated for 600W (which I'm guessing is the thermal limit) and the MB800 pushes a solid 500W into 8 ohms. Could I really expect anything more than I'm getting with my Shuttle 6.0 (375W at 8 ohms)? Now an MB800 with 2 Neo212IIs would be killer (full 800w into 4x12!), no doubt, but like I said I have some space concerns.
 
#7
mausc said:
Might the MB800 be a bit much for the Neo212II? I know the rated wattage is a bunch of mumbo jumbo but the cab is rated for 600W (which I'm guessing is the thermal limit) and the MB800 pushes a solid 500W into 8 ohms. Could I really expect anything more than I'm getting with my Shuttle 6.0 (375W at 8 ohms)? Now an MB800 with 2 Neo212IIs would be killer (full 800w into 4x12!), no doubt, but like I said I have some space concerns.
Click to expand...

IME/IMHO, the MB800 pairs up well with a single 8-ohm Neo212-II, and according to Chef, it pairs up very well with two of them, as well. There are always the Gain and Master knobs if it starts to sound like too much. :smug:

And having owned a Shuttle 6.0, yes, the MB800 is going to be a very different experience. Nothing against the Shuttle 6.0, but man, oh man, that MB800... :bassist:
 
#8
You are on the right track,IMHO your 6.0 matched up with the NEO 410 would be a near perfect rig for any gig. Take your 6.0 down to your local GC and test these two together,my guess is that you will like the result. I had the GK neo410,8ohm version with my 7pro head and loved the combo. But you maybe better off with the 4ohm model,unless you change vehicles anytime soon,lol. Just dont get rid of your Genz head in making this decision,it will power the 4 or 8ohm model neo410. They are very sensitive cabs and dont have to feed alot of power to push them. Goodluck!!
 
#9
Update.... My enthusiasm got the better of me. Called RMC and ordered an MB800 and a 4-ohm NEO410. Been a LONG time since I bought new gear. Kinda excited. I will try the 4-ohm 410 vs the 8-ohm 212 and see what its like, but I expect it to be a bit apples and oranges.

Might have lots of gear up for sale soon as I clean house.

Neo 212-II ?
Shuttle 6.0
Markbass 102P
Avatar 4-ohm B212.
 
#10
I have two 410 neos and I absolutely love them. They are relatively light, punchy and articulate. But I have never compared one of them side by side with a 212 so I couldn't tell you if I think it would be an improvement.
 
#11
I forked out for the 4x12 cab because a bass shop nearm me is closing down, it's a little big but it moves so much air it's worth the extra effort of lugging it around. Plus being neo speakers it's lighter than most 4x10 cabs I've lifted.
 
#13
I love my GK Neo212 cabinet, I use a GK 1001rbII head and the 212 on its own covers most gigs.
I play in a 3 piece blues/rock band.
When we play in large venues I add my Eden D410XLT and I just dig standing in front if it as it ROCKS!
I brought the Neo 212 as the D410XLT is so heavy to move around all the time.
Will be interested to see what you think of the GK 410 neo
 
#14
The MB800 is on its way. The 4-ohm Neo410 is a special order and won't arrive right away. I'll have to be patient on that one. Meanwhile I'll get a chance to play with the MB800 and the Neo212-II. Looking forward to comparing the two.
 
#15
Played the MB800 with the Neo212-II last night. Loved it! Very punchy. Head seems kinda bright for my taste with EQs all at 12:00 and my SR5 on the detents, but easily remedied. Can't wait for the 4-ohm 410 to show up. Might be a compact monster!
 
#18
mausc said:
Played the MB800 with the Neo212-II last night. Loved it! Very punchy. Head seems kinda bright for my taste with EQs all at 12:00 and my SR5 on the detents, but easily remedied. Can't wait for the 4-ohm 410 to show up. Might be a compact monster!
Click to expand...
I just ordered the MB800 also. Cant wait for it to get here. Hows it sound with the Neo 4x10 4ohm? Thats gonna be my next purchase. Gotta sell my Giant Kustom rig first. 1200 watt head with 4x10 cab. That cab weighs over 100 lbs!! Great sound but way too heavy
 
#19
The MB800 is a freakin' powerhouse, fer-real.
IME, the 410 is a liiiittle bit fatter down low compared to the 212, which is very well balanced.

Any of y'all running the Neo cabs, ought to try an RB700/1001 at some point; the biamp feature is really a neat thing.

The incredible packaging of the MB series is also an incredible thing though...nice to have such great/tough choices to make.
 
#20
Chef said:
The MB800 is a freakin' powerhouse, fer-real.
IME, the 410 is a liiiittle bit fatter down low compared to the 212, which is very well balanced.

Any of y'all running the Neo cabs, ought to try an RB700/1001 at some point; the biamp feature is really a neat thing.

The incredible packaging of the MB series is also an incredible thing though...nice to have such great/tough choices to make.
Click to expand...

+1 Well said, Sir Chef. :cool:
 

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