Double Bass list of 4 ohm small cabinets for DB

[Randy Ward]

OK, So this is my summer project.

I REALLY thought the 'new' EA 2X8 would be out by now.
But I really need to get something soon. Something very portable for small quiet gigs without P.A. support. (about 70% of the gigs I do). So I tried to figure out what I REALLY needed in a cabinet for right now.

The short list was:

Good for Double Bass (obviously)
4 Ohms
(I feel like the Focus is 'happiest' with a 4 or 2 ohm load)
30 pounds or under.
small size and portable

also:
My personal feeling is that I don't really like
carpet covering but if it was a great cab I could live with it.
Also I think a cover is important for transportation wear and inclemate weather.
So I made note of those variables.

After deciding the 'minimum requirements' I made a list of all the cabinets that I could find that are available now (not discontinued) that more or less meet this criteria and that are small 4 ohms bass cabinets. Of course what qualifies a cabinet
as 'good for double bass' is subjective and opinions differ. I am trying to look with an open mind. However I decided
to stick with 4 ohms. And the weight restriction is loose to include more options.
Please let me know of any details for these cabinets or other manufacturers I have missed
and I will update the list. your opinions of course are more than welcome.

ACME Low B-1
Ported Three-way system
Frequency response: +/-3 dB 41Hz to 22 kHz -6 dB at 31 Hz
Power Handling: 175 Watts RMS continuous 150 Watts sine wave @ 30.87 Hz
Sensitivity: 90 dB 1W/1M
4 or 8 ohms
BLACK CARPET stand mount option $30
15.75"H x 15.75"W x 13.5"D
31 lbs.
Direct $400 add $50-75 for cover

Acoustic Image Contra EX series lll model 510 EX
Molded Polymer Enclosure
frequency responce: 30 Hz-20 kHz (40-16kHz +-3dB)
>112 dB @ 1 meter
Three-way Sealed Speaker System
10" down firing Woofer
5" forward firing mid
1" forward firing Tweeter with on/off switch
crossover : passive, alignment corrected
1 Speakon Jack
4 ohm impedance, 300 watt rating
16 lbs.
15 W x 12 H x 13 D inches
includes fitted open bottomed slip cover w’ shoulder strap & cord storage pocket
List Price: $479

Ampeg PB-210H
400 Watts Program Handling: 600 Watts
Crossover Frequency: 3.5 kHz Frequency Response (-3dB):
40 Hz - 20 kHz Sensitivity: 96 dB Nominal Impedance: 4 Ohms
High Frequency Variable "L-Pad" Control
1/4" & Neutrik Speakon Connectors
Light Weight Italian Poplar Plywood Design
Removable Telescoping Dolly Style Handle with Wheels
24 x 15 x 15.5 36 Pounds
List $799.00 Padded slip cover $89.00

Avatar SB112 NEO
Eminence NEO 12
250 Watts RMS
BLACK CARPET w’ vinyl tolex optional
4 ohm or 8 ohm
17.34"H X 24.5"W X 16.5"D
39 lbs.
Direct $249. Plus $29. Shipping

Epifani UL-210
2 x 250w RMS Cast Aluminum Frame 100w RMS Tweeter
Freq. Response: 40hz - 16khz Power Rating: 500w RMS (1200w Peak)
8 or 4 Ohms Suggested Wattage: 200w - 1000w
Sensitivity: 102db SPL @ 1w 1m
Weight: 38 lbs. BLACK CARPET
Dimensions: 18 1/2" H x 23 " W x 17 3/4" D
List Price: $1149.00, cover is ‘available’

Euphonic Audio Wizzy
Proprietary EA 12" full-range driver with Whizzer cone
Frequency Response: 45Hz to 12kHz
Sensitivity: 103dB @ 1m Sound Pressure Level: 126dB @ 1m
Durable Nub-Tex finish
200 watts 4 ohm
Two Speakon combo connectors (1/4" & Speakon)
17"H x 17"W x 12.5"D 27 lbs.
List price $595 add 50-75 for cover

Flite 115M (4)
1 x 15 with mid
Single 15" Front-firing woofer
Attenuator Filtered 5.5" High quality Mid-range Speaker
GREY or BLACK CARPET
500w RMS 4 ohm
22.5"H x 18"W x14"D
37 lbs.
Direct Price: $500.00

Glockenklang Space Deluxe
1x12" + HF horn
Power: 250W
4 or 8 ohms
SPL: 98dB 1W/1m
Frequency range: 38Hz to 18khz:
16.9" x 20.9" x 14.8"
BLACK CARPET
42lbs
List price $ 795.00

Hevos Midget
1x 10" Hevos slottweeter L-pad
400 Watts AES,
1 speakon
impedance is 4 Ohms or 8 Ohms
black vinyl or flightware
36x39x34 centimeters
14"X15"X13"
weight 14kg
30.5 Lbs
list: 625 Euros/ USA price TBA

LDS
Various custom configurations
4 or 8 ohms options BLACK CARPET standard
Road-ready Quantum Shield spray finish add 10% surcharge
Real World Example:
Ric Vice's LDS 3 way 2x8 cabinet
attenuator on the side of the cabinet
20" High x 16 1/2" Wide x 15 1/2" Deep
vertical array with a front port and B&C 8" Neo drivers
4 Ohms ratted at 430 Watts
Weight 37 lbs. with detachable cart option
Direct $630.00 in Dec 05

MARKBASS Traveler 102P
IMPEDENCE 4 or 8 ohms
BLACK CARPET
neo 2x10 in. w' rear BASS PORT
piezo TWEETER
400W RMS (AES Standard)
CROSSOVER FREQUENCY 3.5 kHz
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 45 Hz to 18 kHz
SENSITIVITY 101 dB SPL
WEIGHT 33 lbs / 15 kg
WIDTH 23.4 in. / 59.4 cm
HEIGHT 13 in. / 33 cm
DEPTH 17 in. / 43.3 cm
list 685.00 EUR. USA price TBA

Mesa Boogie 1x12 Scout Bass Radiator ext. cab
12" Neodymium Speaker
8" Passive Radiator
Custom Mesa Neodymium High Frequency Horn
300 Watts
Selectable 3-point Crossover (3k/4k/5k),
Premium Horn Attenuator,
Instant Reset Horn Protection,
Speakon & ¼” Inputs AND Outputs
20-1/8in H 16-1/2in W 15in D
37 lbs. 4 or 8 Ohm
List price $499.00 (?) with cover

Raezer's Edge Twin 8 Tower Cabinet
450 watt rating 50 Hz-5Khz
Dual 8" speakers 4 Ohm
22.5" H 14" W 11" D. 33 Lb.
List Price: $725.00 Cover: $35.00

Schroeder Mini12+ light
12’ neo w’ phenolic super tweeter
¼ & speakons 40 hz-20 kHz
Sealed or bottom ported option
4 or 8 ohms 103db SPL @ 1w/1m
26 lbs. 16”Wx16”Hx16”deep.
Direct price $645.00 + 35 shipping, cover is ‘available’

Yamaha BBT110S
10" Eminence woofer
Premium high-frequency horn
250W RMS handling
4 ohms
16-15/16"W x 14-5/8"H x 14-15/16"D
32 lbs.
list $449.99​

 

[Joe Smithberger]

The Ampeg Portabass pb110 cab that I have in the classifieds fits the light weight (under 20lb I think) and 4 ohm criteria. It sounds great but not huge in the room. It is also sealed. Super cheap (used) but made very well.

I used it mostly for "almost acoustic" gigs and smaller venues where the amp was blending with the acoustic sound of the instrument and it worked very well for that.

 

[bassist14]

i have a yamaha bbt110.

10"+ hf-driver, 250W at 4 ohm.
* 16-15/16"W x 14-5/8"H x 14-15/16"D
* 32 lbs.
cheaper then a set of strings. i bought mine for 130€.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-BBT110S-10-Bass-Speaker-Cabinet?sku=601410

small, light, and loud enough for small gigs.
i use it with a markbass-top with 450W at 4 ohm.
not really hifi-sound, but it works well for me.

 

[TheSuzie]

Hi bassist14,

Not to hijack the thread but can you comment on the efficiency of that Yamaha cab relative to any other cabs - maybe you have tried some other cabs with your Markbass hesd. Yamaha does not seem to quote any efficiency spec for that cab.

Thanks,
S

 

[Uncletoad]

I haven't tried all those but of the ones you mentioned the Glock is my fav.

 

[Ric Vice]

Univac,
I've had my LDS 2x8 since December and its really my favorite cabinet.
I did purchase the Cabinet with B&C Speakers with the 4 ohm option.
It's relatively lightweight and fairly compact.

Ric

 

[godoze]

I have to say I love my Aguilar sg112... It is small but boy does it pack a punch !

 

[Damon Rondeau]

Does Ampeg still make a 110 or 112 Portabass cab? I like my 112 a lot and one of the best things about it is the weight! At least 10, maybe 15 pounds lighter than the 210 according to these specs.

 

[bolo]

I've never seen or heard one of these cabs in person, but there's also the Hevos Midget. The model w/ a tweeter is 14 kgs or just under 31 lbs. Sans tweeter, 12 kgs ~ 26.5 lbs.

How accessible are they in the States? Sorry - don't know.

Ray Parker (I think) and Tom Bowlus can probably elaborate if this piques your interest any.

 

[Wilbyman]

I haven't tried all those but of the ones you mentioned the Glock is my fav.

Yabut, it's humungous. I'm sure it sounds great but it looks like a pig to huck around?

W

 

[DaBassman]

Ampeg PB 112!!!

 

[simandlhandle]

Check out the EBS 1x12 neodium pro. 300 watts( they might do it in 4 ohms) the one I have is 8 ohms. Nice and clean, no boosted bottom end, but handles the E string fine.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Yabut, it's humungous. I'm sure it sounds great but it looks like a pig to huck around?

It's big, but not all that heavy. By comparison, the EA VL208 looks slim and trim but handles like a lead brick. Most of the Glock seems to be air, and yet it sounds great.

 

[Uncletoad]

Yabut, it's humungous. I'm sure it sounds great but it looks like a pig to huck around?

W

You must be thinking of something else. That thing is like 45lbs or something with a single 12 and a tweet. Very nice tone. Almost the same size as the VL208.

I think the VL208 was heavier.

btw. I though the huevos midget sucked wind.

Really. How small can a bass cab get before its just a transistor radio.

 

[Mark Carlsen]

My choice for light weight and portability is the extension cab by Acoustic Image. 20 lbs kills anything above 30lbs and its a great cab w. a Woods.My big cab is a Bose 802 w. the Woods.They are colored quite differently ,but I can get a sound at the volume I need to be ,and I'm pretty happy in most situations.
I am playing a new Shen hybrid and loving that too

 

[Wilbyman]

You must be thinking of something else. That thing is like 45lbs or something with a single 12 and a tweet. Very nice tone. Almost the same size as the VL208.

Um, no. I'm not.

I'm used to carrying the HT112 around...wish I could go lighter than THAT. It's kind of a brick, but then again I am a 150lb nancy boy. I'm not dissing on the Glock, I'm sure it sounds great. It just looks kind of unwieldy. I would like to check it out nonetheless.

 

[bassist14]

Hi bassist14,

Not to hijack the thread but can you comment on the efficiency of that Yamaha cab relative to any other cabs - maybe you have tried some other cabs with your Markbass hesd. Yamaha does not seem to quote any efficiency spec for that cab.

Thanks,
S

hi suzie,

the other cab i use with the markbass is a GKneo112 (8ohm)
with the gk i get much more volume and bass than with the yamaha at 4 ohm. with the yamaha i have to be carefull with the bass-eq-knob, to not destroy the speaker...

if i compare these two cabs, the advantage of the yamaha is weight, size and price, not sound, volume or efficiency. but for 130€ its perfect.
for loud gigs with drummers i use the gk.

hope this helps.

 

[Bruce Lindfield]

OK, So This is my summer project.

I thought the EA 2X8 would be out by now.

You can still buy EA VL208s on the used market - I have 2 of these and wouldn't swap them for anything else!!

 

[Uncletoad]

Um, no. I'm not. I'm used to carrying the HT112 around...wish I could go lighter than THAT.

Oh. My perception of Humungous is like Ampeg 810 or Sun 215 or in this context a 210.

When I hefted those mini cabs we messed around with in the belchfest they all seemed pretty close to me.

---well the single 8s seemed like a shoebox I guess.

I don't understand this small and light thing. The VL208 seems small and light to me.

My bass rig is smaller than most guitar players.

I'm getting old.

 

[Wilbyman]

I don't understand this small and light thing.

Wow, and here I thought that "reluctance to pick up things that are heavy" was a universally appreciated concept!! LOL. I have friends who now see the chiropractor on a regular basis because they lifted stuff (cabs) that big. I prefer to hurt myself kayaking, mountainbiking, rock climbing, etc. etc.

The Epifani UL stuff is not the best for DB by any stretch, but the 1x12 weighs about 29lbs and puts out an astonishing amount of sound. Having hucked that one around, I have a hard time making myself pick up anything heavier than 30lbs. The UL1x10 is like, practically nonexistant.

I would pull the trigger on a Contra EX, but the downfiring speaker thing...meh...not really my thing IME.

W