Headrush FRFR-108: Viable bass amp?

[fretlessman71]

I use an HX Stomp.

I have a Hartke KB12 but it's getting too heavy.

I'd consider the FRFR-112 if it weren't heavier than the Hartke.

Anyone played through the 8" speaker Headrush? Thoughts?

 

[gtirard]

I don't believe in miracles.

PA active cabs are very misleading, because they are rarely optimised for bass and the specifications are not comparable with bass gear specifications.
I've seen a few comments somewhere on Talkbass from users successfully using PA active cabs for their bass, but it was at least 12" drivers, and it was heavy and pricey. I don't believe you can expect a good bass sound for a 8" driver PA cab (good for guitar and synth but not bass).

GR Bass has great active cabs, incredibly lightweight and really designed for bass - but they are expensive and hard to find.

I would probably buy a GSS 12+6 active cab - great value, designed for bass, but it's probably above your budget (998 €) and it's only slightly lighter than your current Hartke (26.5 Pounds)

 

[gidbass]

I use an HX Stomp.

I have a Hartke KB12 but it's getting too heavy.

I'd consider the FRFR-112 if it weren't heavier than the Hartke.

Anyone played through the 8" speaker Headrush? Thoughts?

I did for practice one time and it was lacking fullness in my opinion. It was just missing something at the same volume that my cab wasn’t. My practice cab is a TC 208 just for reference

 

[Wasnex]

Depends on your tone and volume requirements.

Here are the specs for the Mk2 from the User Guide (I think this is likely marketing BS rather than real world):

130dB peak most likely translates to 124dB continuous. These numbers may be based on the power module's 2000W output rating and the woofer's mid-band sensitivity and power handling specs. The point that is ignored is the woofer can't handle the amp's full power.

F3 = 62hz and F10 = 52hz. This implies the cab can produce 121dB at 62hz and 114dB a 52hz. These numbers may be accurate at low volume, but I highly doubt they hold up when the FRFR108 is pushed near it's output limits.

The cab may be able to hit the Max SPL number at higher (guitar range) frequencies, although I am still a bit dubious. I believe useable output below 100hz will be significantly less than implied.

 

[agedhorse]

Depends on your tone and volume requirements.

Here are the specs for the Mk2 from the User Guide (I think this is likely marketing BS rather than real world):
View attachment 7039198

130dB peak most likely translates to 124dB continuous. These numbers may be based on the power module's 2000W output rating and the woofer's mid-band sensitivity and power handling specs. The point that is ignored is the woofer can't handle the amp's full power.

F3 = 62hz and F10 = 52hz. This implies the cab can produce 121dB at 62hz and 114dB a 52hz. These numbers may be accurate at low volume, but I highly doubt they hold up when the FRFR108 is pushed near it's output limits.

The cab may be able to hit the Max SPL number at higher (guitar range) frequencies, although I am still a bit dubious. I believe useable output below 100hz will be significantly less than implied.

Agreed, 130dB peak appears to be a marketing inspired number that can not be attained in practice... don't forget to derate for the limiting algorithms and that the entire 2000 watts is not available at low frequencies. If the speaker is to survive in the real world, some serious protection limiting algorithms are essential.

 

[fretlessman71]

These are all great points. Looks like I am keeping my KB12 (which is truly fantastic sounding, and deafening for its size), and working harder on my upper body strength.

 

[AccursedBass]

I came to recommend the KB12 or 15.

 

[Ric Vice]

There are cabinets that were designed around high quality 8” drivers from Ciare and Eminence that sound quite good. They are rather expensive. My powered MAS 1X8 is pretty amazing. IMHO it leaves a Hartke Kickback 12 in the dust. The Traynor SB 112 weighs 25 pounds, sounds great and is reasonably priced. I prefer the sound of a Traynor. Just my take.

 

[NorthTexasBass]

I used a headrush very briefly and it would fart out at moderate levels. I had to run a HPF around 100-120 to stop this from happening. Went to a Yamaha DBR12 as a speaker for my ampless setup and it works great. I know people have had luck with the QSC speakers as well.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

I did for practice one time and it was lacking fullness in my opinion. It was just missing something at the same volume that my cab wasn’t. My practice cab is a TC 208 just for reference

The TC208 is down 10dB at 70hz or something like that, so the FRFR must be quite lacking. What about boosting lows? Can the speaker handle it?

 

[SirMjac28]

I have a little Vox VX50 BA with an 8" driver and it surprisingly handles the bottom end very well it's also louder than I thought it would be granted you're not playing anything more than a coffee house but the tone is there for sure.

 

[gidbass]

The TC208 is down 10dB at 70hz or something like that, so the FRFR must be quite lacking. What about boosting lows? Can the speaker handle it?

No clue, It was the guitarists, he had 2 of them and i was curious to try one out with just the stomp. I fiddled with some settings but ultimately felt it wasn't a good fit for what i wanted.

I also had to crank it way too much for my tastes to be heard. Given we had two guitarists, but we did practice at a reasonable volume.

All my .02 of course. It may work well for someone else with different needs.

 

[Plain Old Barry]

I've played through 2x8 Elfs. Not mine, in rehearsal rooms. They can get loud, but only with certain, more "grindy" sounds.

The Elf 2x8 couldn't get both loud and fat for me with either a Little Mark III or Mesa TT-800. It's a limited and subjective experience, but I'd have to consider each 8" candidate one at a time.

Demo whatever you're considering or buy from a place with easy return policies.

 

[fretlessman71]

I came to recommend the KB12 or 15.

Already got one. Smokin' amp.

 

[paskisti]

Already got one. Smokin' amp.

Literally?

 

[-Asdfgh-]

I've played through 2x8 Elfs. Not mine, in rehearsal rooms. They can get loud, but only with certain, more "grindy" sounds.

The Elf 2x8 couldn't get both loud and fat for me with either a Little Mark III or Mesa TT-800. It's a limited and subjective experience, but I'd have to consider each 8" candidate one at a time.

Demo whatever you're considering or buy from a place with easy return policies.

I have been tempted by the TC208 as they are compact, but the low frequency response, per official stats, is poor. I've tried rolling off for -10dB at 70Hz using headphones to try to emulate it and over headphones it might be acceptable but the feeling of movement in the room is another matter. And with the Headrush with 8 inch speakers there might be the same issue. The 10 or 12 look to be better for FRFR but then you can get an Alto TS series for less. The TC208 (or Elf) aren't good FRFR substitutes as they lack horns, although people had added them. Whether a TC208 plus horn might be FRFR <i>enough</i> is another matter.

With Alto TS cabs or whatever, there might be an argument for modularity with the 8 inch items as you could just keep adding them until it's enough. At least potentially. That's heavy on the bank balance, though. The Alto TX 8 inch has a frequency response similar to the TC208 or Elf, IIRC, for a bit less money.

It's an area I am looking at as in any given gig situation I might not play bass through the whole set or also potentially might be using MIDI sensors on a bass to trigger synth sounds that need a flatter response. Hence by attempts to measure response of my gear to see what I like and thus what I might need, but it's still pending a sufficiently long break in the weather when I am not otherwise busy to test it outside.

One of the problems I have is that my Tech 1x15 gear is light, functional, sounds good and is only moderately ugly but the Headrush and similar might be marginal on utility and are definitely ugly. The only one so far that is affordable and not ugly is the Positive Grid stuff. That is at least available locally for testing. I know looks shouldn't matter that much, but it does a bit.

 

[ga_edwards]

I have the headrush 112 and had the 108 for a while a small, lighter alternative. I sold the 108.

The 108 is fine in a rehearsal room with drums and a couple of guitars (playing through single speaker rigs) but I absolutely wouldn't want to gig with it without PA support. It handles down to low E on a 4 string bass, with a carefully set hpf, but forget about 5 string or octave effects with any authority.

The bigger 112 handles anything I throw at it and I will happily gig with it in the average pub without PA support. It "feels" similar to any other average high powered 1x12 bass amp/cab solution. It is a little bass heavy but that can be controlled with eq and/or a hpf.

It is heavy, but you get what you pay for. However, even though it is heavier than your KB12, it's probably easier to carry due to it proportions and

FWIW, I don't gig with backline anymore as we've gone down the direct to PA and IEM route. But I am considering replacing my headrush 112 with something lighter for rehearsals and the odd gig without PA support. Perhaps a GRBass 1x12, or I could probably get away with a Yamaha DXR10 which would more accurately match our DXR12 tops in our PA.

PS. Look up Hoffman's Iron Law. Basically, it offers you any two of the following: small cabinet size, deep bass and loud. If you want deep bass and powerful enough to keep up with band without PA support, it will have to be big.

 

[sokolasty]

20W 130dB with 8ohm woofer? Never.

8inch is good for:
- home use
- play with electric drums or no drums at all
- studio

2000W will fry this tiny speaker in few seconds provided cone won't fly away when you pluck E string

 

[Zbysek]

I can imagine using something like 108 for my personal monitoring (for gigs with FOH). The ability to place it on a stand close to my ears is a big advantage, especially with upright bass or a fretless. I would use it with HPF engaged though.

I would not consider it for gigs for which my rig needs to carry the room or the stage.

If the OP wants to replace the KB12 with something lighter, I would recommend focusing on either Barefaced or GR Bass offerings.

Barefaced one10 is half the weight of KB12 and will not break the bank

One10

Barefaced Audio, One 10 bass cabinet. Capable of gigging with a live drummer! The ultimate light weight, portable bass cab that doesn't sacrifice tone. It seems ludicrous that something so tiny could be useful and not just as a practice cab. But it is useful and rave reviews are coming in thick...

barefacedaudio.com

Barefaced Super Mini is another option (more expensive though)

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Edit: either of the above Barefaced cabs can be placed on a stand:

TopHat

Add a top-hat (PA speaker 35mm diameter pole-mount*) to your cabinet. Allows the cabinet to be raised off the floor and placed on a stand. Only available on One10, Super Mini (T), Super Compact (T) and Big Baby 3. *SPEAKER STAND NOT INCLUDED

barefacedaudio.com

 

[gtirard]

I can imagine using something like 108 for my personal monitoring (for gigs with FOH). The ability to place it on a stand close to my ears is a big advantage, especially with upright bass or a fretless. I would use it with HPF engaged though.

I would not consider it for gigs for which my rig needs to carry the room or the stage.

If the OP wants to replace the KB12 with something lighter, I would recommend focusing on either Barefaced or GR Bass offerings.

Barefaced one10 is half the weight of KB12 and will not break the bank

One10

Barefaced Audio, One 10 bass cabinet. Capable of gigging with a live drummer! The ultimate light weight, portable bass cab that doesn't sacrifice tone. It seems ludicrous that something so tiny could be useful and not just as a practice cab. But it is useful and rave reviews are coming in thick...

barefacedaudio.com

Barefaced Super Mini is another option (more expensive though)

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Edit: either of the above Barefaced cabs can be placed on a stand:

TopHat

Add a top-hat (PA speaker 35mm diameter pole-mount*) to your cabinet. Allows the cabinet to be raised off the floor and placed on a stand. Only available on One10, Super Mini (T), Super Compact (T) and Big Baby 3. *SPEAKER STAND NOT INCLUDED

barefacedaudio.com

Yes, except OP already said he would keep his KB12, but it's good to keep this recommendation for future readers.
I own a Barefaced 1x10 and 1x12 and a GR Bass 2x10. They are all super lightweight, sound great and loud… and more expensive than a Hartke cab or equivalent PA cab.

A few more details to take into consideration:

• Barefaced are the only one you can placed on a stand (not the GR Bass)
• Barefaced 12" cabs are transparent sounding (uncolored), but the 10" cabs are colored
• GR Bass cabs are also very transparent
• Barefaced has no active bass cab currently, so you have to add a head (amp or power amp)
• GR Bass cabs are offered in passive version or active version