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Low, Loud, Light...and small?
- Thread starter Bard2dbone
- Start date
This is all very true.
But in a world of $300 1500 watt 7 pound power amps, what is a small amount of inefficiency?
Well the one I have is about 35 pounds on my very accurate bathroom scale. Plus the one I'm hoping to score is in that same range. True that the newer versions are heavier, but the one I have isn't a new or, nor is the cab I am looking at. Still 42lbs is still pretty light.
Why not get it all-in-one for 49lbs: http://barefacedbass.com/product-range/super-fifteen.htm
...or two Barefaced Super Twelves (212), stacked - 80lbs total and 2000 watts: Invalid Link Removed
I like the modular setup myself. I can bring just ONE 15 for rehearsal or small rooms, and stack the other for outdoor or larger stages. Just more versatile for me. Plus I can just leave ONE cab at the rehearsal space.
Remember though, that the '3L' description is actually incorrect. It is actually '2Ls and an S'.... Loud, Low or SMALL (you can have two of the three).
Per the thread title, and also the dream of freelancers for many years, the real dream is to have an entire rig that is very small (and, of course, lightweight, but that can be achieved regardless of size), that goes low enough to gig with, and can get loud enough without carrying around a rack of stuff (no matter how light that rack might be compared to 'back in the day').
The closest thing to that 'perfect combination' is probably the 'small footprint' composite Thunderchild115. The slightly higher tuning and OEM 4ohm impedance, combined with the mechanical capability of the modified 3015LF, and the 'Arnopol composite design' results in a cab that can be lifted easily with one hand, powered to full volume with virtually any microamp on the market (putting out between 400 and 600 watts RMS), and providing 'real' low end that would be enough for all but the dubber IMO.
Of course, like every cab, the Thunderchild has its own tone (pure, studio monitor like response... clean, no grunt, no grind, no peaks). That can be heaven for some players, and of course, not quite hit the mark for others.
It sounds great and I'm sure a little grunt or grind could be easily added by the amp or a tasty footpedal like the Sansamp VT.
Afterall, the speaker will put out what is put in
It sounds great and I'm sure a little grunt or grind could be easily added by the amp or a tasty footpedal like the Sansamp VT.
Afterall, the speaker will put out what is put in
+1, although 'electronic' distortion at the input stage sounds quite a bit different from the top of the driver breaking up. Just depends what you want.
I am currently having good luck with the Aguilar TH500, that is the best I've found at emulating that warm, top of the driver break-up 'electronically'. Sounds very good... very warm, and it breaks up nicely when you push it... not 'distortion fuzz', but a very natural sort of break-up.
Nice, and the 500 watts does a pretty good job pushing my TC112. It would be effortless with the TC115.
- Nov 24, 2008
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- Owner & designer, AudioKinesis; Auth. mfg, Big E (Home Audio only)
Maybe... "Little" for the third L??
Thank you very much, Ken.
I'm kinda proud of the studio monitor comparision, and it actually has basis in real life... both my 112 and 115 cabs are in fact serving as studio monitors (and high-end home audio speakers) for some of my customers, which I think is pretty rare for a bass cab. On the other hand as you point out, they don't have any built-in grunt or grind to speak of; can't really do that and the studio monitor impersonation at the same time. I'll have to do a dedicated grunter one of these days.
Just found this thread. It pretty much sums up what I'm looking for. I have a PF500 that is giving me more heartburn than it's worth. I also have a cobbled-together assortment of cabinets. Maybe someday I'll jettison all this junk and get the right gear all at once...
Thank you for the discussion
Thank you for the discussion
There is an option of using Waves MaxxBass. It's going to give all the L's+S
Loud, Like, Low, and Small
And because you're not pushing actual lows, you have more power for the rest of the bands
It doesn't actually boost the bass, it sets up harmonics to make you think you hear them.
The software plugin is affordable cheap for what it does.
If you want hardware version of it the best deal is the Peavey IPR DSP
Next level is the FOH Waves MaxxBCL which is $3600.
One use for FOH is not having to carry as many subs.
Loud, Like, Low, and Small
And because you're not pushing actual lows, you have more power for the rest of the bands
It doesn't actually boost the bass, it sets up harmonics to make you think you hear them.
The software plugin is affordable cheap for what it does.
If you want hardware version of it the best deal is the Peavey IPR DSP
Next level is the FOH Waves MaxxBCL which is $3600.
One use for FOH is not having to carry as many subs.
My Italian Poplar 15/6 build will be 43LBS when finished. I'd bet someone could build a 12/6 out of IP and get it down to 35LBS possibly less. Aside from weight these cabs are designed to be an easy carry. The shorter, squat, cube shaped cabs are much more cumbersome.
I should also mention the Barefaced Compact I owned. It is not as deep tonally but two of those at 27LBS each would really rip your face off, sound damn good and are exceedingly portable.
I should also mention the Barefaced Compact I owned. It is not as deep tonally but two of those at 27LBS each would really rip your face off, sound damn good and are exceedingly portable.
Bard, I have to nominate my Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0 docked on a 12T speaker - and I have a Shuttle 2x10 cab to go under it. Each unit, amp/12 and 210, weighs less than 40 pounds, and they will fit into most vehicles.
When both cabs are connected, spec power is 600W peak, and I can attest that they are indeed loud!
When both cabs are connected, spec power is 600W peak, and I can attest that they are indeed loud!
- Nov 24, 2008
- 4,343
- 7,163
- Disclosures
- Owner & designer, AudioKinesis; Auth. mfg, Big E (Home Audio only)
Even "loud per watt" has a limit, because port air turbulence becomes a limiting factor in small boxes.
I just downsized from an ampeg 810 and svt 6 pro to an Ebs reidmar and berg 212 honestly the loudest lightest rig I've ever owned.
My ideal rig would pound like a T48 bass horn but sized like a kazoo at load-out time.
Since this ain't gonna happen, the ideal rig for me is the smalllest that does the job at hand.
I alternate between keys/synths and SRHH through the same rig, so low B and full range is a must for my needs.
YMMV, especially if you play a 4-string only, which uses a smaller box.
There is a big difference for restaurant vs. street gigs.
