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NAD - Blackstar U700 Elite

#22
@musicman556...good to see you! I'm still working through this rig "homework". I was checking in on this U700...I've really liked the demos I've heard, thought it had some nice features for a reasonable price;)

You recommended the Boogie 2x12 last time...do you think "weight" has an impact on the cab tone/vibe? ...still trying to keep the weight down. I last time we spoke, I had 1k as my max...but truthfully, weight and tone are more important to me. The Aguilar 2x10 is 35 lbs...400w...the Aguilar 2x10 is 500w@4ohms and 45 lbs...10 lbs heavier...but also lists a lower frequency range? I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up with a 500w amp. (the U700 is [email protected] and 500w@4ohms)...that RM500 that BassAdder27 mentioned had been a consideration as well.
 
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#23
WarBeer said:
@musicman556...good to see you! I'm still working through this rig "homework". I was checking in on this U700...I've really liked the demos I've heard, thought it had some nice features for a reasonable price;)

You recommended the Boogie 2x12 last time...do you think "weight" has an impact on the cab tone/vibe? ...still trying to keep the weight down. I last time we spoke, I had 1k as my max...but truthfully, weight and tone are more important to me. The Aguilar 2x10 is 35 lbs...400w...the Aguilar 2x10 is 500w@4ohms and 45 lbs...10 lbs heavier...but also lists a lower frequency range? I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up with a 500w amp. (the U700 is [email protected] and 500w@4ohms)...that RM500 that BassAdder27 mentioned had been a consideration as well.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't use weight as a factor in determining tone these days. Construction and materials have come a long way! I would focus much more on the design intent of the cab. I will say that lighter construction methods generally require more labor and higher priced materials.

Maybe also look into Bergantino. I believe he makes lightweight stuff with vintage tonal profiles. The Subway stuff is great and full range, meaning you'll be using amp controls to get "vintage" sounds by rolling off high end/some upper mids. A more vintage-designed cab will already be doing some of that, and may not have the same low frequency extension curve as well.
 
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#24
WarBeer said:
@musicman556...good to see you! I'm still working through this rig "homework". I was checking in on this U700...I've really liked the demos I've heard, thought it had some nice features for a reasonable price;)

You recommended the Boogie 2x12 last time...do you think "weight" has an impact on the cab tone/vibe? ...still trying to keep the weight down. I last time we spoke, I had 1k as my max...but truthfully, weight and tone are more important to me. The Aguilar 2x10 is 35 lbs...400w...the Aguilar 2x10 is 500w@4ohms and 45 lbs...10 lbs heavier...but also lists a lower frequency range? I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up with a 500w amp. (the U700 is [email protected] and 500w@4ohms)...that RM500 that BassAdder27 mentioned had been a consideration as well.
Click to expand...
If you're looking for modern old school from a cab that is light weight, the Nu-Classic cabs from Genzler might fit the ticket.
Homepage - Genzler Amplification
 
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#25
musicman556 said:
I wouldn't use weight as a factor in determining tone these days. Construction and materials have come a long way! I would focus much more on the design intent of the cab. I will say that lighter construction methods generally require more labor and higher priced materials.

Maybe also look into Bergantino. I believe he makes lightweight stuff with vintage tonal profiles. The Subway stuff is great and full range, meaning you'll be using amp controls to get "vintage" sounds by rolling off high end/some upper mids. A more vintage-designed cab will already be doing some of that, and may not have the same low frequency extension curve as well.
Click to expand...

So, am I understanding correctly that a more vintage-cab...while it might sound "warm" (with a little less highs and mids)...way also have a bit less low end...then a more "full range" cab? As long as I can EQ the sound I'm after...I can probably just boil it down to weight and price.

@BassAdder27...have you heard the U700...and if so, how does it compare to your RM500? (looks like that's what I see in your profile pic)
 
#26
Speaking purely in theory and with an eye towards history, "vintage" cabs that we're talking about were made when? In my mind, I'm thinking of the 50s through the 70s as the "vintage" period. How many players were drop-tuning or playing 5 string basses in that period? I'm sure there were some, but the VVVAAASSSSTTTTTT majority were rockin 4 string P and J basses.

The earthquaking drop-tuned 5+ string basses and the amplification systems required to reproduce their sound is more of a modern trend.

I understand where you are, and specs can be dizzying... 3 more hz there, 2 db here, and an adjustable tweeter there - analysis paralysis sets in and now up is down and tort is pearloid!

My hope for you is that maybe things are opening back up and you might be able to make a day trip to a shop with some inventory and just try some stuff out. Your ears will tell you SO much more than a spec sheet ever will!

Were you the dude in central Fl? If so, it may be a 2 hr drive but Bass Central on the north side of Orlando would be a great place to visit. Bass Central
 
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#27
musicman556 said:
Speaking purely in theory and with an eye towards history, "vintage" cabs that we're talking about were made when? In my mind, I'm thinking of the 50s through the 70s as the "vintage" period. How many players were drop-tuning or playing 5 string basses in that period? I'm sure there were some, but the VVVAAASSSSTTTTTT majority were rockin 4 string P and J basses.

The earthquaking drop-tuned 5+ string basses and the amplification systems required to reproduce their sound is more of a modern trend.

I understand where you are, and specs can be dizzying... 3 more hz there, 2 db here, and an adjustable tweeter there - analysis paralysis sets in and now up is down and tort is pearloid!

My hope for you is that maybe things are opening back up and you might be able to make a day trip to a shop with some inventory and just try some stuff out. Your ears will tell you SO much more than a spec sheet ever will!

Were you the dude in central Fl? If so, it may be a 2 hr drive but Bass Central on the north side of Orlando would be a great place to visit. Bass Central
Click to expand...

Yes, Central Florida...I'll keep Bass Central in mind!

I've noticed that sometimes I hear a 5-string into rig and the bottom might be low...but not really "deep" and big...and other times I hear 4-strings and the bottom is HUGE and permeating. What kinds of things might I consider...that might be impacting this?
 
#28
@smogg Did you ever use the USB feature on the U700? I'm really looking into this head and haven't found anything about the USB feature other than what is written in the owners manual.

Also, what made you decide to go with the Mesa 800+ after getting the U700? Was there something you were missing or lacking from the Blackstar that you found in the Mesa? The 800+ is on my short-list and I'm curious about the differences/advantages.
 
#29
evilleotter said:
@smogg Did you ever use the USB feature on the U700? I'm really looking into this head and haven't found anything about the USB feature other than what is written in the owners manual.

Also, what made you decide to go with the Mesa 800+ after getting the U700? Was there something you were missing or lacking from the Blackstar that you found in the Mesa? The 800+ is on my short-list and I'm curious about the differences/advantages.
Click to expand...
Hi,
No I did not try the usb feature so I have no info, sorry.

I really like the U700 feature set (front panel & rear panel) and the sounds I could get from it. When I got the chance to purchase the 800+ I knew my budget would only allow me to keep one. If I did not already have a considerable (to me) investment in my pedal board I would have stayed with the Blackstar.

The Mesa is a very impressive amp. I like the extra headroom and it just feels really big(er) when you lean into it. It works really well with my FX to get me where I want to be. But the investment is noticeably larger (for those of us who must stick to a budget especially). That said, if when budget allows I plan to get another U700 and my ever faithful BX500 will be sent on to new adventures. As for now it remains my trusty backup.

Hope this helps
 
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#31
Hi Doug,
IMO the chorus leans warm and rich. It's very pleasant to my ears. The speed is pre-set so the single knob controls the "amount" of chorus only. But it's a decent sweep overall. It's a very useful effect imo. I ended up using it as an always on effect set at minimum just add a little width to the overall tone. It worked very well for me with the amp set to modern and the 6550s. Add a bit of the distortion effect (modeled after a Darkglass pedal) and it crushes.

I found this demo video very helpful. Recommend ear buds or headphones to really appreciate the chorus effect.
 
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