Here's a bunch of random thought for you...
I used a CN212 from when they were released up until the beginning of 2016 when I switched to BF BB2's.
The CN212 is an awesome cab and I had zero cab gas. At a gig I had an issue that I thought was cabinet related and was worried that I might have to call off the show or end early. I prefer a single cab solution, but the reality of having only one cab that blows up means gig over.
I started to look into modular solutions, but the caveat was that each single cab would need to be able to cover the gig on it's own should it's partner go down. I also wanted them to be small enough to cover what my combo amp was doing for me in the restaurant circuit. I wanted more low end, more volume, more power handling...more everything. The CN wasn't lacking in any way so upgrading needed to be worth it.
That basically brought me to Greenboy, Baer, and Barefaced. After some reading around I decided GB and BF were the two contenders. I felt that Alex's boxes have a lot of engineering put into them and push the limits of what a bass cab can do. Then I decided I wasn't messing around and the Big Baby II's were the only option that fit all of my critera.
I still prefer the single cab solution (when I'm gigging with both cabs) but everything else was a pretty clear upgrade in my eyes.
More volume? Check
More low end? Check
Better portability when needed? Check
Light? Check
The best way that I can describe the cabs is that my band sounds like we have great FOH support when we never do. Overall tone is kinda similar to the CN212 but with fuller mids that don't get as barky. The low end is much more powerful and very useable, not in any way uncontrollable. So much so that I don't run a HPF and will boost bass instead
Hey DW, thanks for the insights on BF, particularly vs Berg CN212 (which is my current primary go to cab). Much appreciated.
You had me all the way, up to the point where I realized you were talking about
2 BB II's (wow). If I'm not mistaken, that's just about $2,200 worth of cabs in today's money right there.
Taking a look at the BF website, and reading this forum, I'm starting to feel that, if a BF cab is in my future, it will more likely be a Super Twin or Big Twin II. Given my satisfaction with the CN212, I am clearly ok with the 2x12, single cab format, and the prices are a bit more reasonable (at least IMO).
I have said that $$ is not my primary decision factor, but I am careful about how I spend my hard earned dollars. When I moved to my current Bergs (CN212 and NV610) a few years ago, I felt like I had pretty much pushed myself pretty hard financially on Jim's prices. Like your feelings about your old CN212, I am not really unhappy with them at all .. in fact I'm quite pleased with them for the most part (other than perhaps the weight of the NV610).
hmm, decisions, decisions
