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Lightweight cabinet recs
- Thread starter LBS-bass
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- cabinet lightweight
I used to use either a 2/15 or 4/12 or both , depending on the venue . But , now at the ripe old age of 700+ , this stuff is too heavy . I downsized a couple of years ago . Bought a Carvin B15 and an Ashdown 1/15 and gave my big cabs to my nephew . I can use them individually or together with plenty of sound . If I need more , I'll let the PA do the work . Less is more . Or less is enough . I'm tired .
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I have the Markbass Ninja 2x12 and couldn’t be happier with the sound/weight/size of it.
Fits perfectly in the van, only around 40lbs and doesn’t really take up any space on stage.
Fits perfectly in the van, only around 40lbs and doesn’t really take up any space on stage.
+1 I have Markbass Amp and Cab and I am pretty satisfied with sound and weight. I am also past that half the century so I hear ya! That's why I bought that cab.
Notice how TB edited my post to exclude the word $#!+ and replace it with poopies . They could have chosen a better replacement . So I edited it instead .
Which is perfectly fine and respectable, but since the OP is asking about a lightweight alternative to his heavy SWR that he enjoys so much, this only proves my statements.
All the best to you and your company Alex!
alexclaber
Commercial User
Which is perfectly fine and respectable, but since the OP is asking about a lightweight alternative to his heavy SWR that he enjoys so much, this only proves my statements.
Actually, it doesn't!
The reason I ask every prospective Barefaced customer what exact rig they're currently using and what they like/dislike about, is that when changing gear you're never replacing like with like. And it's very very VERY rare for someone to think their rig is perfect in every way - there are always some limitations.
So if, for instance, the OP loves their Goliath but wishes it was a bit more clear, could play louder and not get so boomy on low notes, was more responsive to their EQ or pickup settings or playing or instrument, was a bit more present in the mix, especially in less acoustically good venues, then the BT2 would be an excellent choice. But if they like how its a bit subdued in the mids, sits back in the mix, sounds quite thick low down and makes the treble pop when slapping stand out on the high strings, then its the colouration of the Goliath they're liking.
Bear in mind that if you read about the history of the Goliath, the goal was to make a bass cab that sounded more like the studio sound bassists were getting, hence the ported cab and tweeter. The Big Twin 2 is just a continuation of that concept. They weren't aiming for colouration with the Goliath, they were aiming for high accuracy but with the limitations of loudspeakers and amps back in the '80s, that was the closest they could get in a small enough, light enough and loud enough package for gigging - and still be affordable. Progess!
Thanks - keep bassing!
Actually, it doesn't!
The reason I ask every prospective Barefaced customer what exact rig they're currently using and what they like/dislike about, is that when changing gear you're never replacing like with like. And it's very very VERY rare for someone to think their rig is perfect in every way - there are always some limitations.
So if, for instance, the OP loves their Goliath but wishes it was a bit more clear, could play louder and not get so boomy on low notes, was more responsive to their EQ or pickup settings or playing or instrument, was a bit more present in the mix, especially in less acoustically good venues, then the BT2 would be an excellent choice. But if they like how its a bit subdued in the mids, sits back in the mix, sounds quite thick low down and makes the treble pop when slapping stand out on the high strings, then its the colouration of the Goliath they're liking.
Bear in mind that if you read about the history of the Goliath, the goal was to make a bass cab that sounded more like the studio sound bassists were getting, hence the ported cab and tweeter. The Big Twin 2 is just a continuation of that concept. They weren't aiming for colouration with the Goliath, they were aiming for high accuracy but with the limitations of loudspeakers and amps back in the '80s, that was the closest they could get in a small enough, light enough and loud enough package for gigging - and still be affordable. Progess!
Thanks - keep bassing!
Yes, this is exactly what I am trying to say. Maybe the fact that I am not a native english speaker contributes to the fact that I sometimes make myself unclear due to the language barrier. IIRC op doesn’t want an “upgrade” of any sorts, he just wants a lightweight alternative to his swe goliath which he obviously enjoys so much that he would never sell it (he states this iirc).
Ergo this must mean that he enjoys its coloration. Given this fact, I then conclude that a 12xn obviously wouldn’t meet the coloration type that of his swr goliath, hence my recommendation that there are other options more viable for that.
I agree with everything you wrote. But as they say - different strokes for different folks
My wishes to your success stand absolutely firm!
Great cabs, though the 12xn being not my personal cup of tea. Need to try your 10’s as I have already stated.
Best thing I can add is to find out "Who Makes the Drivers In the Box that You Are Buying??????"
There are very few manufacturers of quality speakers out there today being used in all the stuff you can buy.. And the level of their offerings can be quit large. Also there are fewer manufacturers of Neo Motors (the Voice-coil and magnet lug in the world out there). I've been told the quality of their set up is quite important. The tolerances between the magnet and the coil design can be the make or break measurement of a good sounding long lasting speaker. Not to say venting I.E. cooling of the coil, and spider and cone material is not important. But most top quality pro designs are somewhat similar and use current high tech materials.
I have heard that all Eminence Neo drivers use China manufactured motors. And tolerances and quality control is not the best. I'm not sure about Faital (but I do see Faital has typically lower efficiency ratings)
I do know that B&C (Italian made) do not purchase from China. Tolerances are much better, along with quality control. They typically have higher wattage capability and increased efficiency due to that. At least their offerings seem to have better specs.
So do some research, find the best drivers you can afford. Look into the Neo designs. But know some background in the industry. And don't just settle for less. After all, none of the cabinet manufacturers make a single speaker, they purchase stuff from Eminence, Faital, B&C, Beyma, RCF, or others; that are in that business. As Neo drivers become more common, it is good to be able to understand and compare differences.
There are very few manufacturers of quality speakers out there today being used in all the stuff you can buy.. And the level of their offerings can be quit large. Also there are fewer manufacturers of Neo Motors (the Voice-coil and magnet lug in the world out there). I've been told the quality of their set up is quite important. The tolerances between the magnet and the coil design can be the make or break measurement of a good sounding long lasting speaker. Not to say venting I.E. cooling of the coil, and spider and cone material is not important. But most top quality pro designs are somewhat similar and use current high tech materials.
I have heard that all Eminence Neo drivers use China manufactured motors. And tolerances and quality control is not the best. I'm not sure about Faital (but I do see Faital has typically lower efficiency ratings)
I do know that B&C (Italian made) do not purchase from China. Tolerances are much better, along with quality control. They typically have higher wattage capability and increased efficiency due to that. At least their offerings seem to have better specs.
So do some research, find the best drivers you can afford. Look into the Neo designs. But know some background in the industry. And don't just settle for less. After all, none of the cabinet manufacturers make a single speaker, they purchase stuff from Eminence, Faital, B&C, Beyma, RCF, or others; that are in that business. As Neo drivers become more common, it is good to be able to understand and compare differences.
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@alexclaber is using his custom speakers built by Eminence AFAIK so maybe he has some quality input on this matter.
Personally, I am more amazed at the fact that there is a really small number of brands using EV speakers in their cabs. I find EV solutions among the very best and smooth sounding speakers out there. Eminence is king of the hill, but it is not the only good brand out there.
alexclaber
Commercial User
No, that isn't true. It's the best thing he's used. It doesn't mean that there isn't anything he'd like more. That's what I'm trying to get at. Yes, something identical sounding but lightweight would be great for him - but there may be something better, a degree of better that he doesn't realise is possible!
Bear in mind that to someone used to playing Ampeg 810s or any 1x15" combos the Goliath sounds very hi-fi and accurate. If they enjoy that level of accuracy they make LOVE a cab that is even more accurate.
That's why I ask people what they like and DISLIKE about their current rig - it's the limitations that show what they really need, not the positives.
alexclaber
Commercial User
The voice coil and magnet are two completely separate things, coming from different vendors. The neo magnet has no bearing at all on the voice coil. There are lots of voice coil manufacturers and Eminence wind most of theirs in house.
Yes, that's true.
This is completely untrue. I don't know of any neo MAGNETS coming from anywhere other than China but Eminence make all their high-end motors (which is most of the neo drivers) in the USA.
I've found the quality control and tolerances from all the high-end manufacturers, Eminence included, is excellent.
Higher wattage ratings do not equal increased efficiency. Also, most of the Italian manufacturers use less demanding power tests than Eminence do, and are prone to quoting program power (2x rated power) on the their specs. Where Eminence stand apart from other manufacturers is being able to do very complex customisation, machining motors, winding voice coils, and so on, for relatively small production runs. With bass guitar being rather unusual in its demands, that can make a big difference in performance compared to a stock PA subwoofer or midbass driver, or a simple mix and match customisation.
Fair enough. I agree with you!
Well it is hard to tell on a forum whether a person has a final statement of his desires (tried everything, experimented, settled on an swr voicing in this case) or is a person who tried two cabs in his life and thinks he found a holy grail. Makes it difficult to assess the situation.
You know, this hi-fi obsession is as well founded as it is irrelevant. Some of the all time great bass sounds have been recorded through the most “POS” equipment you could imagine. Because sound is subjective and in music we constantly decide between hifi and vintage, both being very viable options, depends what you prefer and what the band needs.
This then makes a big difference between ear perception and technicalities on paper, thus IMHO making something nor an upgrade nor a downgrade but merely a change of character.
Vulfpeck is a nice example. Joe Dart probably wouldn’t have had such an epic fat “broken” tone had he ben using sterile boutique gear.
