Official Barefaced Bass Cab Club

[The Deep End]

Pairing an SM with a BB2? I've got some real world experience now to relate. My classic rock cover band played an outdoor gig last night with me using this pair ('66 P-bass > Aguilar DB680 Pre > Crown PowerTech 3). Played same outdoor spot 2 months ago with just the BB2 (same bass > GB Streamliner 900). Best tone I've had in 45 years of playing! Deep yet perfectly full range articulation. SO easy to play. While many variables were different, to my ear the SM seamlessly added a thicker mid-layer to the BB2's deep end. I've ordered a BT2, thinking the schlep of a rolling bigger box will be better than the 2 separate boxes, but now not sure it will improve upon the sound.

Best part: after 1st song the hotel entertainment director (himself a bass player) told me to turn down and the guitar player to turn up. Top 3 bucket list item cross off! YEA BABY!!!

I must amend my prior post (quoted) regarding my SM / BB2 combo experience. I stated that I had the SM horn completely off, BB2 horn at 33%. I just took the cover off the SM and see that the horn/tweeter is at 100%! Between 'On' direction being counterclockwise (this will throw me off forever) and me adjusting it from front, I got reversed.

 

[Plutonium244]

I must amend my prior post (quoted) regarding my SM / BB2 combo experience. I stated that I had the SM horn completely off, BB2 horn at 33%. I just took the cover off the SM and see that the horn/tweeter is at 100%! Between 'On' direction being counterclockwise (this will throw me off forever) and me adjusting it from front, I got reversed.

I hear ya.

What helps me remember how the BF tweeter dial works when in the field is to just think of it NOT as a tweeter control, but as a crossover frequency control.

When (looking at it from the back) it is far to the left, the crossover point is set low, and everything higher (to the right of that position) is going to the tweet. When the crossover control is all the way to the right, then the crossover point is at its highest, and there's nothing high going to the tweeter, everything is lower than the x-over point and goes to the driver.

Not an earth shaking revelation, but it helps me to remember it's a crossover point control, not a tweeter control.

 

[The Deep End]

I hear ya.

What helps me remember how the BF tweeter dial works when in the field is to just think of it NOT as a tweeter control, but as a crossover frequency control.

When (looking at it from the back) it is far to the left, the crossover point is set low, and everything higher (to the right of that position) is going to the tweet. When the crossover control is all the way to the right, then the crossover point is at its highest, and there's nothing high going to the tweeter, everything is lower than the x-over point and goes to the driver.

Not an earth shaking revelation, but it helps me to remember it's a crossover point control, not a tweeter control.

Thanks Plutonium244! That puts proper logic into the left / right axis. That will help me keep it straight.

 

[BigEarl]

How is the dispersion of each cab? A single cab on the floor would not help my hearing. tipping it slightly would help, but if the dispersion was wide enough (90 degrees, 110 degrees, etc.) I might be able to hear it even if I was standing nearly on it. So far I've not seen any specs on how well each BF cab actually "throws" it's sound.

 

[middy]

How is the dispersion of each cab? A single cab on the floor would not help my hearing. tipping it slightly would help, but if the dispersion was wide enough (90 degrees, 110 degrees, etc.) I might be able to hear it even if I was standing nearly on it. So far I've not seen any specs on how well each BF cab actually "throws" it's sound.

The dispersion is excellent. I set my SC on the floor, even with the drummer and maybe 8 feet away, pointed to the audience but angled 15-20 degrees toward the drummer. Me and the entire band and of course the audience can hear me loud and clear, all the way up to 4khz.

 

[John D Harris]

The dispersion is excellent. I set my SC on the floor, even with the drummer and maybe 8 feet away, pointed to the audience but angled 15-20 degrees toward the drummer. Me and the entire band and of course the audience can hear me loud and clear, all the way up to 4khz.

Yeah, but I heard you still sounded kind of Middy!

 

[mikeluch]

I am running the SM on top of the BB2. Typically turn horn off on SM and run slightly open on the BB2

 

[dgrizzly]

I am running the SM on top of the BB2. Typically turn horn off on SM and run slightly open on the BB2

View attachment 950540

How's the 5502 + D800 + BB2?

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I am running the SM on top of the BB2. Typically turn horn off on SM and run slightly open on the BB2

View attachment 950540

In what musical context is the SM alone not enough fire power for a gig, making you go with the BB2? I'm especially interested in your perception of the BB2's "ultra lows" compared to the SM. Thanks.

 

[monsterthompson]

In what musical context is the SM alone not enough fire power for a gig, making you go with the BB2? I'm especially interested in your perception of the BB2's "ultra lows" compared to the SM. Thanks.

For me, the SM couldn't produce enough sound when playing in a rehearsal space with vox & keys going through the back-line PA, unrestrained drummer also doing vocals and getting ear plug loud, also with a guitarist running a Line6 112 (used to think it was a 212 because of the cab size) cranked. We were way too loud for an indie rock band in a moderate sized rehearsal space. In the same room, the SC was enough extra oomph. I just didn't feel like cranking the volume nor the EQ was comfortably pushing the SM. I might have been too conservative, but it just felt like I was pushing it harder than I should to get it close to loud enough. I used a Demeter VTBP M 800D head, in each instance. The SC felt much more natural and compliant getting up to that level. I'm assuming the extra low end sensitivity helped.

I've yet to run the BB2 with that crew (been using the 210 the last few times). I certainly expect the BB2 to do the job, since I used it to do drums/synth-bass in a two-guitar metal outfit a few times.

The BB2 definitely has more "ultra low" than the SC, but I didn't contrast it against the SM, so it is all fuzzy memory for me. I'm sure the contrast with the SM is even greater.

 

[mikeluch]

In what musical context is the SM alone not enough fire power for a gig, making you go with the BB2? I'm especially interested in your perception of the BB2's "ultra lows" compared to the SM. Thanks.

How's the 5502 + D800 + BB2?

I just played a gig this weekend with about 250 people. Played the D800 through both the SM and BB2. Had some great feedback.
BTW, it is a 4-94 that you see, I do have a 55-02 and that also sounds great

 

[solarfly]

I am running the SM on top of the BB2. Typically turn horn off on SM and run slightly open on the BB2

View attachment 950540

Wow, those are pretty with the cloth!

 

[triode6L6a]

I am running the SM on top of the BB2. Typically turn horn off on SM and run slightly open on the BB2

View attachment 950540

I'm curious if you have a preference between the Magellan and the Mesa as heads for the BB2 by itself (and why)? I've got a BB2 coming in a few weeks and I'm having a heck of a time deciding which of the many small class D heads to purchase to power it.

 

[dgrizzly]

I just played a gig this weekend with about 250 people. Played the D800 through both the SM and BB2. Had some great feedback.
BTW, it is a 4-94 that you see, I do have a 55-02 and that also sounds great

Apologies! Looked a bit too quick there. Glad to hear you're liking the results with your Laklands. I have a BB2 in the works and I've had some interest in the Mesa head. Can't wait to hear my Laky through the BB!

 

[jnewmark]

In what musical context is the SM alone not enough fire power for a gig, making you go with the BB2? I'm especially interested in your perception of the BB2's "ultra lows" compared to the SM. Thanks.

I'm interested in this too. I've read in this thread that some posters say the SM isn't loud enough, yet others say it's just as loud as the BB without the deeper lows. Must be the context in which the cabs are used. According to the website, the " Max Continuous Broadband SPL, and Pistonic Sensitivity " are the same for both cabs, with the BB getting the nod for more low frequency content. Could that be the sole reason that some folks think the BB is louder ?

 

[Stu_Bass]

BB2 owner here!

 

[alexclaber]

I'm interested in this too. I've read in this thread that some posters say the SM isn't loud enough, yet others say it's just as loud as the BB without the deeper lows. Must be the context in which the cabs are used. According to the website, the " Max Continuous Broadband SPL, and Pistonic Sensitivity " are the same for both cabs, with the BB getting the nod for more low frequency content. Could that be the sole reason that some folks think the BB is louder ?

Yes. If your tone needs more deep lows or your space in the mix involves coming through below the kick drum then the BB2 could appear louder, both because it's more sensitive in the deep lows and because the port is so large it doesn't compress at all at very high power, so the advantage below 80Hz increases when you're really cranking.

 

[anton72]

Well well well... I tested my one10 at full volume with my TH350 in our band practice and A/B it with Trace Elliot 15" combo, so the one10 wins both hands down. It sounds so tasty at louder settings! It sure distorts sound but it does it SO good! My one10 stack stays with me, I don't need any other cabs ...for now and IMO it sounds more bassy on the floor with its port downwards. My bandmates described the difference to the 15" TE as "more defined and focused in low mids" tone of one10. And keep in mind it was just one of them!

 

[mikeluch]

I'm curious if you have a preference between the Magellan and the Mesa as heads for the BB2 by itself (and why)? I've got a BB2 coming in a few weeks and I'm having a heck of a time deciding which of the' many small class D heads to purchase to power it.

It is always a quandary. I do like them all, and the Mesa is a little more "old school" the Magellan lets you dial in many different tones, but the one I did not mention is the Streamliner, which I really like and have had for some time
If you are looking for an amp that does many things, the MG is the one that you can dial in with the variable contours and the dual channels. It is the best of all worlds

 

[triode6L6a]

It is always a quandary. I do like them all, and the Mesa is a little more "old school" the Magellan lets you dial in many different tones, but the one I did not mention is the Streamliner, which I really like and have had for some time
If you are looking for an amp that does many things, the MG is the one that you can dial in with the variable contours and the dual channels. It is the best of all worlds

Thanks for your thoughts, Mike : )

Edit: I've been having a serious look at the new Quilter Bass Block 800 and was wondering if anybody has had any experience powering a Barefaced cab with one of these interesting little 4 lb. wonders?

There's some very interesting reading on the Quilter site about the thinking that went into the design of this unit:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I'll admit that the tone shaping section is unusual, but to be honest, I'm wondering if Mr. Quilter is on to something with his simple, but what looks to be quite comprehensive, two knob approach to tone shaping?

I've also considered something along the lines of a Crest Prolite DSP 2.0, since I've got a nice preamp in my small pedalboard, as that would definitely give me all the power I need for a BB2, but that tends to negate the idea of going for a small, portable rig (even though the Prolite 2 isn't exactly "heavy", it's still racksized).

Ah, decisions, decisions....at least I've got choices. It's a great time to be a bass player : )