Help me to choose active PA cab!

[Barcza]

I decided, to turn from bass amps to FR active PA speaker.
For double bass, I was always prefer, flat response and no sound color, I like so much my Headway EDB-2 preamp.
For electric bass, I like the flexibility of useing my Line6 HX Stomp modeler….

I narrowed the search for my budget and needs…
(Maybe sometimes like to use for my wife vocal too)

RCF HD 10-A MK V

RCF ART 910-A

LD Systems SAT 82A G2

Headrush FRFR-112 Active Monitor

QSC CP12.
A little bit more expensive than I plan, but If you say, it’s way better than the others, I can afford….

 

[CTBassGuy]

I play through a VT Bass DI preamp to a PA using RCF HD32a (mine) and HD12a (guitarist’s) speakers and they sound great; I like the RCFs a lot. I’ve also had Alto 15s that are the same maker as the Headrush and was not impressed.

Of those you’ve listed I would pick either RCF, but you’ll need to be reasonable with expectations; they will not compete with a specifically designed bass amp/cab for low frequency reproduction. For a stage monitor or small gig, it should be enough, but for a full band, you would likely get buried.

 

[JMX]

Electro Voice ELX 115P, it IS heavy, though...

 

[Barcza]

I play through a VT Bass DI preamp to a PA using RCF HD32a (mine) and HD12a (guitarist’s) speakers and they sound great; I like the RCFs a lot. I’ve also had Alto 15s that are the same maker as the Headrush and was not impressed.

Of those you’ve listed I would pick either RCF, but you’ll need to be reasonable with expectations; they will not compete with a specifically designed bass amp/cab for low frequency reproduction. For a stage monitor or small gig, it should be enough, but for a full band, you would likely get buried.

I play through a VT Bass DI preamp to a PA using RCF HD32a (mine) and HD12a (guitarist’s) speakers and they sound great; I like the RCFs a lot. I’ve also had Alto 15s that are the same maker as the Headrush and was not impressed.

Of those you’ve listed I would pick either RCF, but you’ll need to be reasonable with expectations; they will not compete with a specifically designed bass amp/cab for low frequency reproduction. For a stage monitor or small gig, it should be enough, but for a full band, you would likely get buried.

Your RCF is 12’ speaker equipped….
I’m not playing in loud band, mostly jazz, jazzy, latin, funk whatever….

 

[CTBassGuy]

Your RCF is 12’ speaker equipped….

True, and the 12s have larger amps than the 10s, but the voicing will still be similar.

Also, the QSC and Headrush 12s are rated at -10db for their low frequency range, while the RCFs are -3. The RCFs also have the highest max SPL by 1db.

Ultimately, in my experience, I like the RCFs the best, which is why I bought them. I found them to be clear and loud when I need it.

Best option is to listen to all of them and choose what you like. If you have to buy online and unheard, though, I can vouch for the RCFs and do recommend them.

 

[Barcza]

True, and the 12s have larger amps than the 10s, but the voicing will still be similar.

Also, the QSC and Headrush 12s are rated at -10db for their low frequency range, while the RCFs are -3. The RCFs also have the highest max SPL by 1db.

Ultimately, in my experience, I like the RCFs the best, which is why I bought them. I found them to be clear and loud when I need it.

Best option is to listen to all of them and choose what you like. If you have to buy online and unheard, though, I can vouch for the RCFs and do recommend them.

Thank you!

 

[Stinga1990]

Time for my usual recommendation. Yamaha DXR15. This is what I use. Sounds huge even with a low B, has enough firepower to carry a small room playing heavy rock with a 5 string and sound good it, and will make all your modelling solutions come to life. Bass tone has a physical element to it, and the Yamaha delivers that resonant amp and speaker in the room feel. RCF are also great, but the Yamaha has dsp contouring so you can adjust for using it as a foldback, on a stand, etc. Also cheaper then rcf and may work perfect for you. Stay away from headrush, would not trust to hold up under abuse.

 

[Barcza]

Time for my usual recommendation. Yamaha DXR15. This is what I use. Sounds huge even with a low B, has enough firepower to carry a small room playing heavy rock with a 5 string and sound good it, and will make all your modelling solutions come to life. Bass tone has a physical element to it, and the Yamaha delivers that resonant amp and speaker in the room feel. RCF are also great, but the Yamaha has dsp contouring so you can adjust for using it as a foldback, on a stand, etc. Also cheaper then rcf and may work perfect for you. Stay away from headrush, would not trust to hold up under abuse.

Yeah, thanks but that Yamaha is seems more expensive than I like to spend…and the weight is more….I like get something under 15kg (35lbs).

 

[Stinga1990]

Yeah, thanks but that Yamaha is seems more expensive than I like to spend…and the weight is more….I like get something under 15kg (35lbs).

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend anything cheaper or lighter. FRFR for bass is incredibly demanding on the speaker. Headrush/alto will not handle it, and I don't think there any good powered pa speaker/frfr solutions that will deliver the thump of a bass amp and get loud that weigh 35 lbs, especially not cheap.

12 inch solutions might meet your weight needs but they won't really thump. The yamaha at 22kgs is very manageable. If you don't mind less thump and hugeness to the sound, maybe the QSC K12.2 is a good bet? Still pulls off a good low B, but is not as amp like as the Yamy. I don't know what prices RCF goes for where you are, but here in Australia, anything RCF worth owning is more expensive then Yamaha or QSC. If it's cheaper I would lean towards a 15 inch model. I definitely would not get a 10 inch model, no way sorry. Not enough thump, and no good for anything beyond a monitor just for you.

You want some spare juice in the tank, even with a personal monitor. I've done gigs with no pa support, I would have been stuffed with anything smaller. 300w and a 115 or 210 is generally the agreed minimum to gig, and your frfr solution should match that as best as possible, which the Yamaha DXR15 does. If RCF is cheaper for you then QSC and Yamaha, maybe look art the ART 715 or even the 712 or HD12 if you truly cannot handle carrying a 15 inch speaker.

 

[Stinga1990]

Yeah, thanks but that Yamaha is seems more expensive than I like to spend…and the weight is more….I like get something under 15kg (35lbs).

Hang on, if you are in Budapest then RCF would be cheaper. I say forget LDS, junk, Headrush, junk. Stick with RCF if that's in your budget, and just up your size to at least the 12inch speaker versions, you need some displacement. My preference is 15s, still way lighter then a peavey 115 combo let alone a full fledged fridge and head stack!!

 

[MrLenny1]

QSC. Not familiar with the other brands.

 

[Barcza]

The Yamaha DXR15 is about the same price as QSC K12 here, but RCF HD 12-A and QSC CP12 is way cheaper, but I heard nice reviews..... When I play larger places the rig is there, I just bring my speaker rarely, to mostly smaller club gigs....I'm really not a low end junkie, I'm just a clarity junkie!

 

[Barcza]

QSC. Not familiar with the other brands.

Do using QSC?

 

[Stinga1990]

The r

The Yamaha DXR15 is about the same price as QSC K12 here, but RCF HD 12-A and QSC CP12 is way cheaper, but I heard nice reviews..... When I play larger places the rig is there, I just bring my speaker rarely, to mostly smaller club gigs....I'm really not a low end junkie, I'm just a clarity junkie!

That RCF HD-12A I've heard very good things about, I reckon go for that, it will be way better then that entry level QSC you listed. RCF has superior horns and crossovers, just too expensive in Australia, but in Europe where you are, different story entirely.

 

[jbybj]

The r
That RCF HD-12A I've heard very good things about, I reckon go for that, it will be way better then that entry level QSC you listed. RCF has superior horns and crossovers, just too expensive in Australia, but in Europe where you are, different story entirely.

Is your disdain for the QSC CP12 based on published specs, or have you played through one?

 

[jbybj]

I’ve got a few hours use so far, mostly bass, and a little vocal test, and I’m very happy with the QSC CP12. I had a PhilJones Session 77 for my home practice amp. Great, uncolored, very low distortion amp, that was plenty loud for home use, but nothing I would group jam with. I’ve replaced it with a CP12. I got two, which would cover any bass gig I may get. I can put them on poles for a small, loud, clean PA, or use one for home practice. Pedalboard direct with a mono 1/4”, or XLR input from my P-15 preamp, tons of headroom. It has a mic pre as well. Great feedback rejection, loud and balanced vocals.
I’ve used the v1 K12 years ago, and wanted one. Never could justify the price, for my usage. The CP12 fits my needs ideally.

 

[Barcza]

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I’ve got a few hours use so far, mostly bass, and a little vocal test, and I’m very happy with the QSC CP12. I had a PhilJones Session 77 for my home practice amp. Great, uncolored, very low distortion amp, that was plenty loud for home use, but nothing I would group jam with. I’ve replaced it with a CP12. I got two, which would cover any bass gig I may get. I can put them on poles for a small, loud, clean PA, or use one for home practice. Pedalboard direct with a mono 1/4”, or XLR input from my P-15 preamp, tons of headroom. It has a mic pre as well. Great feedback rejection, loud and balanced vocals.
I’ve used the v1 K12 years ago, and wanted one. Never could justify the price, for my usage. The CP12 fits my needs ideally.

Thank you, you help me a lot! I played on gig with K12, I was very impressed, but it’s more expensive than I like to spend now! The CP12 seems fit my needs!