New AER Basscube II

[Bassflute]

I'm trying to see the justification for even a regular gigging bass player paying around $4K for this. I'm sure there are many players making a good living solely from gigs/recording that this may be worthwhile. But that's a $4K hit to one's income when there are so many lightweight alternatives out there that also do the job quite well. And they do it at a price where one could own one of these other lightweight rigs and keep another $3K in their pocket.

Not knocking it because I always like seeing/hearing small rigs that do amazing things. I'm curious as to it's output because if you're hauling your own rig to a gig, either it's a quiet affair or there is a PA of some kind.

I noticed it has a subsonic filter and limiter which (combined with the size of the cab) tells me it's low end output is limited. Not necessarily a bad thing depending on tonal goals, but even on my quieter blues gigs (actually specifically on quieter gigs), I prefer some deep low end tone (clean but deep).

That's my thought on it as well.

The low end output is definitely NOT limited, nor is the top end. It truly is the best sounding amp I have ever heard; it just happens to also be one of the smallest...and the heaviest (not really, but it IS substantial for it's size)...and one of the priciest...but the sound is to die for. Truly.

And if you like deep and low...this is the rig. Phenomenal. 550 German watts - they are NOT exaggerating. A single twelve, and the most exquisite tweeter I have EVER heard in a bass amp (with a tweeter control right on top of the amp so you can turn it off if you want). If price was no object, if all you cared about was sound, and perhaps portability, this is what you'd build.

I'm sure fairly sure you're sincere but this thread smells a little spammy for my taste.

I'm a bit over the top...:>) I don't sell them, I used to have a small local partial endorsement years ago when Wescan Music (west coast wholesaler) had them (I owned a Bassic Performer for a couple of years, also a phenomenal bass/keyboard/PA/everything amp), and I just spout off like this when I'm excited about something. I have ALWAYS been a big fan of their stuff...they build some of the finest amps in the world (their guitar amps are similarly ridiculous in every respect). I don't sell or endorse them right now, although I would CERTAINLY love to, as would ANYBODY who heard one and who appreciates modern, hi-fi bass sound.

The Basscube II is phenomenal. Seriously. No bs. The best thing I have ever heard, in one of the smallest packages. And my own Berg IP/Summit rig is on that list - I love it, but I think this may be just slightly better. And certainly for string bass use, this thing is NUTS.

well, spammy maybe, but academic spam as most of us wouldnt spend 4K on a rig.

Can't imagine it being 3K better than a Mesa WA Scout.

A Mesa in Canada is around 1600, and this will probably retail for about 3500-4K, or maybe slightly under. And yes, the AER is quite a bit better than the Mesa, which I have used extensively. Several of my students have them, and there's a jam session I go to that has one. I actually like that head quite a bit better with Mesa's freestanding single 12's...I don't like the passive radiator thing, as in bad rooms you have NO control over it...putting out really deep subsonic stuff whether you want it to or not.

Whether it's worth the extra dough to you, well...I'm fairly sure the Mesa would absolutely suck with a string bass...feedback city...this thing doesn't - I heard it with one - has a notch filter...you could mike a saxophone and use this amp, it would sound phenomenal..through the Mesa - nahhh. And the Mesa doesn't have all the ins and outs this does, doesn't have two channels with muting, doesn't accept a mike, have different levels for everything from a condensor mike (with phantom power) up to +4dBu input levels, nor the incredible compressor this does. It would be worth the money to me...I'm an artist...I'm poor...I don't care about money, I only care about playing the bass and having the best sound I can get my hands on...and this is IT.

Agreed, but here it costs only 1,5k more than the Mesa. That however, is because the Mesas are way overpriced over here.

I do like the Mesa, it's quite good for a little rig, but the AER knocks it's socks off. Not even in the same league...sorry. Honda Accord Coupe vs. Porsche 911 Turbo S...bye bye now...

I have the Head One/Cab One/Cab Two setup. It's an decent setup, kinda like EA to me with a bit more mids to it. I'm more of a rock player and it hasn't really worked out in that regard. It has lots of features and flexibility, but I found the sound I wanted in an Aguilar DB750. I'm just waiting for someone to take the AER rig off my hands.

The Aguilar's great, but HEAVY...probably a much better rock rig with a couple of 15's or something. The AER's a different beast completely, and I wish I had a spare couple of grand, I would take that rig off you in a nanosecond. I tried one this weekend, finally, without the 15...I thought it was quite phenomenal as well, clinically clear and clean and deep, the highest of hi-fi. Tom Bowlus would love it.

I have no vested interest in AER, I don't own stock, I don't sell them, I'm not related to them in any way...they build the finest small amps in the world. The only thing I have heard that is CLOSE is the Schertler stuff from Switzerland, also phenomenally small, pricey, and good. But they make NOTHING for an electric bass.

I'm just a bass maniac.

Cheers,
Cameron

 

[Sundogue]

The low end output is definitely NOT limited, nor is the top end. It truly is the best sounding amp I have ever heard; it just happens to also be one of the smallest...and the heaviest (not really, but it IS substantial for it's size)...and one of the priciest...but the sound is to die for. Truly.

And if you like deep and low...this is the rig. Phenomenal. 500 German watts - they are NOT exaggerating. A single twelve, and the most exquisite tweeter I have EVER heard in a bass amp (with a tweeter control right on top of the amp so you can turn it off if you want). If price was no object, if all you cared about was sound, and perhaps portability, this is what you'd build.

I design bass cabs. The cab has too little internal volume (dimensionally) to put out true low end at any considerable volume (decibels). I have no doubt that it puts out a considerable amount of upper bass/lo-mid that most associate with low end.

Watts don't mean much anyway. Especially in this size cab, if the speaker wasn't displacement limited in any way, perhaps 800 to 1000 watts might make up for the limited internal space, but it only puts out 500 max, so I doubt it has true low end output at a decent volume. Doesn't mean it still doesn't sound great.

 

[Jazzdogg]

Cameron, what kinds of gigs can this rig handle on its own? I'm assuming jazz trio gigs would be no problem, but every amp has its limitations.

 

[Bennet Pullen]

How do you think it compares to your IP volume wise? I find that the single IP isn't enough for me on most gigs and I need to use the extension cab. Do you think it would be the same with this?

 

[Bassflute]

I design bass cabs. The cab has too little internal volume (dimensionally) to put out true low end at any considerable volume (decibels). I have no doubt that it puts out a considerable amount of upper bass/lo-mid that most associate with low end.

Watts don't mean much anyway. Especially in this size cab, if the speaker wasn't displacement limited in any way, perhaps 800 to 1000 watts might make up for the limited internal space, but it only puts out 500 max, so I doubt it has true low end output at a decent volume. Doesn't mean it still doesn't sound great.

No. This thing goes deep....truly deep...the real thing deep. I know a bit about cabinet displacement and all that stuff; I know about porting (not the mathematics but what sounds good, etc.). This thing puts out real low, deep, substantial bass. And this isn't 550 SWR watts...or Eden watts, or Mesa watts. These guys are NOT joking, or exaggerating, and neither am I. It has tremendous dynamic range, nothings clipped, and the sound is so pure you would not think this is possible. Ever been in a Porsche? You would not think THAT is possible, either, in a car the size of a Yaris.

Cameron, what kinds of gigs can this rig handle on its own? I'm assuming jazz trio gigs would be no problem, but every amp has its limitations.

Jazz trio gigs, quartet, quintet, sextet, big band, no PA support. No problem. For the rest, see below.

How do you think it compares to your IP volume wise? I find that the single IP isn't enough for me on most gigs and I need to use the extension cab. Do you think it would be the same with this?

Volumewise, the IP stack spanks it; I use the IP stack for louder pub gigs, loud blues gigs and stuff. As for the IP112ER by itself vs the AER Basscube II, one 12 vs one 12, it would be very, very close, probably a slight edge to the IP, but not by much; this amp is SUBSTANTIAL. Soundwise, I think this thing is a little better - and I'm a Berg FREAK! And it's WAY smaller - one piece. For MOST of the stuff I do, at sane volumes, this AER rig would be perfect, easier to carry than the Berg, one piece instead of two, takes less floor space, and I don't have to wait a set for the tubes to warm up to get a decent sound like I do now; not that it sounds BAD, but the Summit stuff definitely sounds better once it's warmed up, and I mean PLAYED THROUGH, not just sitting there.

Cheers,
Cameron

 

[Jazzdogg]

Thanks!

How's the vertical dispersion? Do your ears get to enjoy the sound as much as your ankles on a crowded stage?

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Probably the biggest downside is that no matter how good it is, I probably won't see one in a store. If I can't try it first, I definitely won't shell out $3-4k on a combo. Too many other ways to get "close enough".

 

[chadds]

Hey Cameron,
Just saying, you may have found the holy Grail for you. While you're tasting different tastes, dip into a Monique on your IP.
All I can say is OH SHITE!!
Doesn't satisfy your one hand carry. If you're looking for some warm near power tube tone with discreet tone controls, serious DI, Whoa! It is super clean and then you dial in tube grind.

 

[Jazzdogg]

Hey Cameron,
Just saying, you may have found the holy Grail for you. While you're tasting different tastes, dip into a Monique on your IP.
All I can say is OH SHITE!!
Doesn't satisfy your one hand carry. If you're looking for some warm near power tube tone with discreet tone controls, serious DI, Whoa! It is super clean and then you dial in tube grind.

More info, please: what's a Monique?

 

[Bassflute]

Hey Cameron,
Just saying, you may have found the holy Grail for you. While you're tasting different tastes, dip into a Monique on your IP.
All I can say is OH SHITE!!
Doesn't satisfy your one hand carry. If you're looking for some warm near power tube tone with discreet tone controls, serious DI, Whoa! It is super clean and then you dial in tube grind.

Thanks, man, I appreciate your opinions about stuff. And if I get a chance, I definitely will.

Cheers,
Cameron

 

[Bassflute]

More info, please: what's a Monique?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Apparently a really fine all-tube bass pre.

Cheers,
Cameron

 

[Jazzdogg]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Apparently a really fine all-tube bass pre.

Cheers,
Cameron

Gracias!

 

[starKee]

+ 1000...for Bassflute,almost 3 years I'm using 2 AER Basscube II,the one is perfect for everything,but cose I have two... omg,could you imagine this sound,btw Cameron did you play with controls on top of cube,I'm thinking this position is better for EABG,DB,but for electric bassguitar you should turn cube on other side(second set of rubber legs),so the controls are on the right side of the cube(unusual and uncomfy) and that's a big different in sound,way more bass,I wonder this after almost two years of using this fantastic combos in more natural and logical position,all IMHO,IME and FWIW...this is one absolute reference class product of HIGH END German company,
Best regards,Peter.

 

[fullrangebass]

I am REALLY intrigued to try BassCube II. I am deeply in love with my Amp One and the Basscube II is really tempting...

 

[Bassflute]

+ 1000...for Bassflute,almost 3 years I'm using 2 AER Basscube II,the one is perfect for everything,but cose I have two... omg,could you imagine this sound,btw Cameron did you play with controls on top of cube,I'm thinking this position is better for EABG,DB,but for electric bassguitar you should turn cube on other side(second set of rubber legs),so the controls are on the right side of the cube(unusual and uncomfy) and that's a big different in sound,way more bass,I wonder this after almost two years of using this fantastic combos in more natural and logical position,all IMHO,IME and FWIW...this is one absolute reference class product of HIGH END German company,
Best regards,Peter.

Must be nice to be rich...what's it like?

And yeah, two, in stereo, with a Lexicon or Eventide multi-effect would be heavenly, but if you're going that far, you may as well spring for the subwoofer extensions (about $3,000.00 a piece) as well...

And I'll have to try that trick, I guess laying the port on the floor...it was not lacking in ANY way with the controls facing up.

And it is DEFINITELY reference level gear...sounds BETTER than most recording studio stuff I've played through...

I am REALLY intrigued to try BassCube II. I am deeply in love with my Amp One and the Basscube II is really tempting...

This is ENTIRELY different. The Amp One is old school, big, deep, bassy, warm, this is new school at it's best.

Cheers,
Cameron

 

[starKee]

My buddy has a AMP ONE,which I like a lot and I have a compact for acoustic guitar and like all AER products it's also awesome...

 

[starKee]

Yeah it was 3 years ago,but now thx to financial crisis from America not anymore,
I'm using just GLOCKENKLANG Bass Art Classic Preamp and EHX LPB2U(any coloration of AER sound) preamp for stereo, I'm not that good in multief...,sometimes for more rock tunes nice warm and fat EBS ValveDrive,but for me and my friends which are much better players(advanced) the combination of Glock Pre and Basscube sounds like perfect match,
All best,Peter.

 

[starKee]

I guess laying the port on the floor...it was not lacking in ANY way with the controls facing up.
Yes that's the reason,I think too,know it's not lacking any,just with handle up(port down) it sounds better for me,did you try contour control,with HF very left(OFF) and contour on minimum (left) this cube sounds more vintage,yet still hi-fi...IMHO,and with just one push of colour knob we have here a new slap monster amp

 

[John D Harris]

'scribed.

 

[Brad Johnson]

I picked up a bass cube 1 for £500, best £500 I've ever spent.

I almost feel guilty about the deal I got on my Basic Performer.


$400 from a really good friend. Mint condition.

That's not a really big bass, the combo really is that small.

I've been gigging it for a couple of years now and have found no shortcomings. Handles my fives and sixes with ease. Sets up quick and is usually capable of going louder than I need. But the thing that kills me is the sound quality. It's just a beautiful full range sound in a physically small (but not light) package. It's a 4x8 combo, two diagonally on the front, two firing into an internal box, separate amps for each full range driver. I use it for any gigs I do, carries the day in small to medium clubs, big stages it's great as an onstage monitor. Sits perfectly in every mix I've used it in. Surprises the heck out of most people when they first hear it, especially sound reinforcement types. A couple of friends have bought them after hearing mine live. No hype, all they had to do was listen.


I don't have any connection to AER other than being an extremely satisfied owner. I'd love to check out a Basscube II and see what other magic they've come up with. I don't really sweat the price (and not because I'm flush with cash), I have gear that's worth way more than I paid for it that I could "cash in" if it really impressed me enough. That MO has worked out well for me for years. And I can drive a small sportscar to just about any of my gigs.