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M6 Fathom/Carbine cabinet mating thoughts

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by mrpackerguy, Jan 12, 2009.

  1. Jan 12, 2009 #1
    mrpackerguy

    mrpackerguy Supporting Member

    Jul 3, 2004
    Madison, Wisconsin
    I did it and picked up an M6 Fathom over the weekend and so far am liking it a lot. I also have an Mpulse 600 on the way from Pickles to A/B, but the simplicity of the M6 is amazing. If it has one shortcoming from my perspective, it is that the tube front end doesn't quite put out the tubey warmth you get from say, the Kern, or has some have suggested, from the Mpulse 600. But I'll let you know on that when I can sit down with the Mpulse hopefully next weekend.

    So right now I'm running the M6 through my 4 ohm Acme Low B4. Wow! I think the foundation moved a little when cranked. The mating of the two seems fine. Lots of low end and mid definition that I like in my sound. Through the Berg HT112, it seemed more hi fi, solid state sounding ( not as much to my liking) and definitely couldn't dial in as much low end as compared to the Acme.

    I'm hot for a Low B2 as that might be the solution for me playing mostly medium sized dance halls and an occasional small club. With our set-up, I always have PA support available.

    I'm seriously considering a Berg AE410 as well. It's lighter weight than the Acme Low B4 and therefore, probably a bit more portable. SHould have maybe a little more focused lows than the Acme. But for my purposes, I'm mainly looking for portability and the ability to handle small-medium. Maybe an Acme Low B2 or B4 is all I'll need, but if anyone can narrow the differences for me as compared to a Berg AE410 and maybe even an AE210, I'd appreciate it.
     
  2. Jan 12, 2009 #2
    RickenBoogie

    RickenBoogie

    Jul 22, 2007
    Dallas, TX
    Idk about the Acme's, but don't leave out 12's from your search. A 212 might be perfect for what you're seeking.
     
  3. Jan 12, 2009 #3
    KJung

    KJung

    Apr 9, 2005
    Wisconsin and Upper Michigan
    We are WAY beyond more focused lows when describing the AE410 versus the Acme B4. IMO and IME, those cabs are virtually mirror images of each other, with the AE having very tight, punchy low end that is a bit attenuated (my guess is, not much happening below 50hz or so), VERY pronounced mids, and an upper mid voicing and strength in the lower treble area that will grind and growl. The B4 is ALL about that sub 50hz, deep, open, wide, huge low end, and a very organic, smooth, and I would say a bit polite upper mid through lower treble. Literally 180 degrees.

    The M6 has plenty of deep low end power to widen out the AE410 and make it sound full and powerful (but still tight). I'm not sure about the M6 having enough deep low versus low mid control to manage that wide, deep open low end of the B4... never heard that, but it doesn't 'feel' like a good match to me. Yeah, it will get huge down low I bet, but that's sometimes a disaster.
     
  4. Jan 12, 2009 #4
    pickles

    pickles Gold Supporting Member

    Mar 23, 2000
    Ventura, CA
    You've got to try the powerhouse 212 with those amps, or the 210/410 if the 10" vibe is more your thing.
     
  5. Jan 12, 2009 #5
    gigabyte3

    gigabyte3 Guest

    Nov 4, 2008
    Byron, Michigan
    I would go with a mesa bottom, since you have the head already. Try the PowerHouse 1200 bass cab. It has 1 15" with 4 10" in the same cab!! 1200 watts! This will give you some crushing lows, and bright highs!
     
  6. Jan 12, 2009 #6
    mrpackerguy

    mrpackerguy Supporting Member

    Jul 3, 2004
    Madison, Wisconsin
    portability is king for me. I had one of those Peavey behemouth's in my youth that had 2 18's and 2 10's. That cab was a beast.
     
  7. Jan 12, 2009 #7
    JessyB96

    JessyB96

    Dec 14, 2008
    Alberta Canada
    i've come to a conclusion with mesa the best match is either a mesa 2x10 or 2x12 or multiple of each more watts into each speaker when you take that route plus its so much easier to set up a stack with a few 2x10s then a 4x10 or 6x10. i've never liked 4x10 cabs for bass tho they lack punch in my mind. at least with mesa i no they do
     
  8. Jan 12, 2009 #8
    J.Wolf

    J.Wolf Supporting Member

    Apr 29, 2003
    Asheville, NC
    Contributor- Bass Musician Magazine
    YMMV but I was not bowled over by the mesa 212 with the carbine. It sounded OK, but kinda boxy and honky. It didn't really compliment the tonal character of that head IMO, and FWIW. Was nowhere near as warm, fat and articulate as I hear with other cabs, including an el whappo, NL210 and tri112.

    Maybe I'm just not a mesa cab guy..... Although I like 410 + 115 powerhouse alot despite its weight.

    Oh, the M6 also sounded glorious through a epi UL2-310.
     
  9. Jan 12, 2009 #9
    JGR

    JGR The "G" is for Gustav Commercial User

    Jun 29, 2006
    Huntsville
    President, CEO, CFO, CIO, Chief Engineer, Technician, Janitor - Reiner Amplification
    FWIW, all of the Berg NV's sound great with the Fathom, the NV215 possibly being my favorite. They are heavier than the AE, but their form factor makes them easily portable IME.

    JR
     
  10. Jan 12, 2009 #10
    LowBSix

    LowBSix

    Mar 25, 2008
    818 ~ 805 ~ L.A.
    Endorsing Artist: GHS Strings
    I know this is redundant of me....

    MESA!
     
  11. Jan 12, 2009 #11
    CElton

    CElton I'm a new note finder...

    Jan 17, 2007
    Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio
    This is what I'm looking to match with my Carbine. Series I or II.
     
  12. Jan 12, 2009 #12
    Red Planet

    Red Planet Inactive

    May 29, 2005
    Atlanta
    I'm cranky in my old age.
    Please practice safe cabinet mating. :D
     
  13. Jan 12, 2009 #13
    John Bigboote

    John Bigboote

    Feb 18, 2005
    Portland, OR
    And a hernia!

    -jb
     
  14. Jan 12, 2009 #14
    57pbass

    57pbass Supporting Member

    Aug 1, 2004
    Bayside, New York
     
  15. Jan 12, 2009 #15
    LowBSix

    LowBSix

    Mar 25, 2008
    818 ~ 805 ~ L.A.
    Endorsing Artist: GHS Strings
    ...
     
  16. Jan 12, 2009 #16
    gregbackstrom

    gregbackstrom Supporting Member

    Feb 3, 2005
    Tacoma, Washington
    I agree! I have a Vintage Powerhouse 1000, and the combination is pretty amazing. With my M6, Powerhouse 115 and Mike Lull M5V, the sound is a bit midrangy, but a lot of that is the bass. My FBass BN5 sounds fuller! Regardless, the M6 w/ Mesa cabinets is a great combination!

    - Greg
     
  17. Jan 13, 2009 #17
    mrpackerguy

    mrpackerguy Supporting Member

    Jul 3, 2004
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Since I already have a Berg Ht112, what about getting an EX112. The only reservation there is that those cabinet are tuned a little higher at 48hz, so I'm a little concerned about enough low end. It would make for a compact rig though.
     
  18. Jan 13, 2009 #18
    bikeplate

    bikeplate Supporting Member

    Jun 7, 2001
    Upstate NY
    HI

    A couple of buddies of mine run the head you have thru Epifani UL cabs. They love the tone. Take a peek at the Epi stuff

    Rob
     
  19. Jan 13, 2009 #19
    5StringPocket

    5StringPocket Supporting Member

    Jan 11, 2006
    Texas
    +1 My M6 sounds wonderful through an Epi UL2-410! The aggressive voicing of the M6 really brings that 410 to life. The M6 low end is tight enough to work well with the Epi's big low end and has the headroom to make that cab fill a room very nicely. The M6 has a deep sound with nice warm overtones, lots of punch, and just a bit of tube "give" which really gives the notes some heft. Good stuff! :D