Official Barefaced Bass Cab Club

[Dp1363]

So here's something I have been wondering about re: combining Barefaced cabs.

Regarding cabs with horns -- Big Baby 2, Super Midget -- isn't there some small negative effect of having 2 horns in use? There's a reason why there is still just one horn in a Big Twin... beaming and dispersion can be (theorectically) hampered by having two horns doing the same thing, I'd think. Perhaps it depends on the vertical alignment of the horns, though. I know when I stack a BB2 and a SM the horns do not align exactly (off just a bit). And dialing the horn down or off on one of them doesn't necessarily mitigate this -- those frequencies are still there, just coming out of the driver, in the 2nd cab; and the source of the freq's are not vertically aligned in that case, either.

Is there no problem with having 2 horns, or having the same freq's coming out of a horn and a driver, in pairing 2 cabs?

And if one IS stacking two cabs with horns, is it better to set the horns the same, or to dial one down and let those frequencies come from the driver in the 2nd cab? Seems like that might be less desirable than just running both horns on, but I really don't know.

Caveat -- it is probably a miniscule difference, and I have never noticed any kind of problem, ever, in stacking those cabs, personally... always sounds good to my ear on the occasions I've stacked them...but if it weren't a real "thing", then Barefaced would not go to pains to have vertical alignment of higher-frequency drivers such as the Four10 (only one vertical pair of the 4 speakers has high end content).

Maybe a Big Twin is actually better, in terms of sonic dynamics, than 2 BB2's or a BB2 and SM, since it only has one source for those highs and therefore there can be no vertical misalignment affecting sound?

Thoughts?

Whenever I express some kind of technical opinion on the BF cabs, of which I have four, usually Alex comes along and sets me straight. But I am interested in all opinions, in addition to Alex's, on this, though naturally I value Alex's opinions highly on such matters.

I have two BB2's and have used them with one horn off and both on. The sound was excellent with both horns. Gave me a little more definition in the highs. I don't notice any vertical misalignment. I highly recommend two BB2's. However, with most of the small bars my band plays in, one BB2 has been enough. I do use both for rehersal, and outdoor gigs with no PA support.

 

[Plutonium244]

I should have also added that I can't imagine the volume level you could get with a FOUR10. I've got a Bergantino AE410 which sounds quite nice, and can get loud, but I'm thinking I'm going to end up with a second BB2 (or maybe an SM) and that the pair would replace it as well as give me the additional flexibility of using just one cabinet if that's all I need. I did tell a friend who has a student who's looking for newer and nicer gear that the Berg is available and I sent pictures of it a few days ago. I haven't officially put it up for sale yet, but I guess that means I at least made the decision.

I've never owned a tube amp myself. Would love to, but the power/weight of a good class D head is too appealing to me so I'm sticking with them for the foreseeable future (a four or five pound head and 29 pound cabinet, hell yeah!). But that won't stop me from drooling over the sound of a nice tube head, though.

I do also love the BB2 + SM pairing and its flexibility to be able to scale up or down as needed: SM alone, BB2 alone, SM+ BB2 together. I endorse your 2xBB2 or SM+BB2 concept and your reasoning thereof. And, I also agree with what you've said about class D... for a year and a half I moved to small-size all my gear including acquiring a couple of small D heads; so getting a tube amp was a reversal.

I still use my class D amps often, especially the GK MB Fusion 800 because it can't be about maximum gear awesomeness every night. Sometimes/often you only need fast and efficient and I know my class D head with a One10, SM or BB2 will still sound really, really good. Sometimes I will be ok with tripling the rig weight to get 5% more perceived awesomeness, but not usually. The bigger head or cab, like an SB, is more of a special occasion or just-feel-like-it thing. Since the SB is new, I've been feelin' it.

 

[Jonny5bass]

I have the SuperTwin, it sounds wonderful (and huge!) at lower volumes.

Thanks!

I'd expect, just as tallboybass says it does, that the Big Twin would sound just as awesome at low volumes as at higher volumes. That would be killer. I know the Big Baby 2 sounds great at low volume or high.

If you were thinking about the Six10, perhaps you might want to consider the Four10? I seriously doubt there are many gigs that the Four10 would leave you wishing you had the Six10 instead. And it's smaller, lighter, less intimidating to jazz guys lol.

Wouldn't want to talk anybody out of anything they like-- the Big Twin would certainly be fantastic, and I am sure you'd be very happy. Just want to mention that the Four10 sounds pretty incredible too. Big Twin does have wheels where Four does not, but at only 49 pounds the Four10 is not too heavy for regular use.

You are in a win-win situation, choosing Barefaced cabs.

Like I said before, I've been quietly covering a barefaced cab for a few years but when the FOUR10 came out I was totally sold and wanted to buy it immediately. Couldn't swing it at the time but I'm getting pretty close now. After thinking more and more the idea of a 410 was seeming like it would be awkward to move compared to the other offerings which is why my eye has wandered. Part of me is still thinking about 2 TWO10's but I fear they'd be like a jenga puzzle waiting to crash when stacked on end.

Since getting a Big Twin 2 months ago I have used it for; app. 10 gigs, a couple of medium volume rehearsals, and practicing at home. I have found it to perform equally as well in all situations. When I use it for low volume practicing and medium volume rehearsals I can not identify any discernible difference in the performance of the cabinet: this was one of the selling points for me as I tend to use 1 rig for all of my needs to maintain consistency.

Thanks for the info and the 1 can solution is definitely what I'm after too.

Thanks everyone for the replies. Also, if anybody is trying to move one please let me know.

 

[Tim1]

Thanks!

Like I said before, I've been quietly covering a barefaced cab for a few years but when the FOUR10 came out I was totally sold and wanted to buy it immediately. Couldn't swing it at the time but I'm getting pretty close now. After thinking more and more the idea of a 410 was seeming like it would be awkward to move compared to the other offerings which is why my eye has wandered. Part of me is still thinking about 2 TWO10's but I fear they'd be like a jenga puzzle waiting to crash when stacked on end.

Thanks for the info and the 1 can solution is definitely what I'm after too.

Thanks everyone for the replies. Also, if anybody is trying to move one please let me know.

I have found the Four 10 very easy to move around. I am no longer young but the Four 10 is very manageable and by far the easiest schlep Four 10 I have ever owned over 40+ years of gigging. It also sounds amazingly good at low volume levels - mine is currently sitting in my lounge for home practice with an Orange AD200 on top and it has wonderful definition even at very quiet levels for which I am sure it was never designed.
I still want a BB2 but every time I play the Four 10 I ask myself "What's the point?"

 

[Jonny5bass]

Anybody use the FOUR10 with upright?

 

[wasabifox]

In my 40+ years of pro-bass playing, the BB2's are the best sounding, loudest, lightest and easiest to use bass cabinets I have ever played through. I've been using them in very large venues for over two years with absolutely problems at all. The sound engineer as well as the roadies love them. I highly recommend them.

 

[wasabifox]

correction: 'with absolutely NO problems at all.'

 

[Jonny5bass]

In my 40+ years of pro-bass playing, the BB2's are the best sounding, loudest, lightest and easiest to use bass cabinets I have ever played through. I've been using them in very large venues for over two years with absolutely problems at all. The sound engineer as well as the roadies love them. I highly recommend them.

How many do you run?

 

[wasabifox]

Two BB2's with an Aguilar 750 head.

 

[strappa]

Two BB2's with an Aguilar 750 head.

Awesome combo

 

[pritchardkevin4]

So I think I'm ready to move out of heavy world, into lightweight easy to transport world.

I currently have a mesa 400+ and 610 HLF cab.

I plan on moving to Tone Hammer 500 and either a Super Compact, or Super Twin, which from what I understand should be a bit less power. (especially on the super compact side)

My current setup is always more than what I need. The couple times I've played large outdoor stages it's been nice, but even then I've got monitor support so it was kinda unnecessary.

I typically play 400 cap rooms with PA support in a funk/rock band, and occasionally a 100 cap room without PA support.

Questions are as follows.

1. Is a super compact capable of this requirement, or should I go with a super twin?

2. Is this going to "feel" like a huge downgrade in power with both options?

I'm fine with trading a bit of overhead for 140 pounds of less gear, but when it comes down to it, I love having enough power to control my own monitor environment, I just hate moving this gear.

Thanks!

 

[The Deep End]

So I think I'm ready to move out of heavy world, into lightweight easy to transport world.

I currently have a mesa 400+ and 610 HLF cab.

I plan on moving to Tone Hammer 500 and either a Super Compact, or Super Twin, which from what I understand should be a bit less power. (especially on the super compact side)

My current setup is always more than what I need. The couple times I've played large outdoor stages it's been nice, but even then I've got monitor support so it was kinda unnecessary.

I typically play 400 cap rooms with PA support in a funk/rock band, and occasionally a 100 cap room without PA support.

Questions are as follows.

1. Is a super compact capable of this requirement, or should I go with a super twin?

2. Is this going to "feel" like a huge downgrade in power with both options?

I'm fine with trading a bit of overhead for 140 pounds of less gear, but when it comes down to it, I love having enough power to control my own monitor environment, I just hate moving this gear.

Thanks!

You have lots of good options to significantly reduce your schlep. I was in a similar heavy rig situation 6 months ago (SVT, Hartke 4x10 + 1x15). I opted for 2 Barefaced cabs (BigBaby2, SuperMidget), and a micro head GenzBenz Streamliner 900. As capable as Barefaced 1x12 cabs are, two "sound better" (see previous posts here) and still are a breeze to schlep (same goes for the BF 'Twins). I would find a TH500 underpowered. I also keep a heavy amp to pair with the BF's on special occasions "just because".

 

[pritchardkevin4]

You have lots of good options to significantly reduce your schlep. I was in a similar heavy rig situation 6 months ago (SVT, Hartke 4x10 + 1x15). I opted for 2 Barefaced cabs (BigBaby2, SuperMidget), and a micro head GenzBenz Streamliner 900. As capable as Barefaced 1x12 cabs are, two "sound better" (see previous posts here) and still are a breeze to schlep (same goes for the BF 'Twins). I would find a TH500 underpowered. I also keep a heavy amp to pair with the BF's on special occasions "just because".

Thanks for the response.

That's kinda what i've been thinking. I've checked the archive and it seems that the 2-12's are where to be, TBH i'm just kinda being a cheapskate trying to save on total cost. Looking to swap all this gear without having to invest extra cash. Pitty the barefaced cabs don't show up for sale all that often, but i suppose theres a reason for that.

I may buy one compact now and opt for another if i dont think it's enough, although, that's def not cost effective ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Plutonium244]

So I think I'm ready to move out of heavy world, into lightweight easy to transport world.

I currently have a mesa 400+ and 610 HLF cab.

I plan on moving to Tone Hammer 500 and either a Super Compact, or Super Twin, which from what I understand should be a bit less power. (especially on the super compact side)

My current setup is always more than what I need. The couple times I've played large outdoor stages it's been nice, but even then I've got monitor support so it was kinda unnecessary.

I typically play 400 cap rooms with PA support in a funk/rock band, and occasionally a 100 cap room without PA support.

Questions are as follows.

1. Is a super compact capable of this requirement, or should I go with a super twin?

2. Is this going to "feel" like a huge downgrade in power with both options?

I'm fine with trading a bit of overhead for 140 pounds of less gear, but when it comes down to it, I love having enough power to control my own monitor environment, I just hate moving this gear.

Thanks!

I know this doesn't help for indulging your inner cheapskate and minimizing cost , but what about 2 Super Compacts (or BB2's etc)? Or in my case as in TheDeepEnd's, a BB2 and a SM? You can carry 2 or 1 depending on your gig. Sounds like, if what you have now is more than you need, maybe a single BB2 or SC would cover many of your gigs, 2 would cover anything.

 

[pritchardkevin4]

I know this doesn't help for indulging your inner cheapskate and minimizing cost , but what about 2 Super Compacts (or BB2's etc)? Or in my case as in TheDeepEnd's, a BB2 and a SM? You can carry 2 or 1 depending on your gig. Sounds like, if what you have now is more than you need, maybe a single BB2 or SC would cover many of your gigs, 2 would cover anything.

Yea. I'm probably going to go this route actually. lol. Damnit.

 

[The Deep End]

Yea. I'm probably going to go this route actually. lol. Damnit.

To further wear down your resolve to do something silly (i.e. financially prudent), you can easily move BF's if you end up with too much. Are we not the "voice of reason" here?

 

[chris_b]

I plan on moving to Tone Hammer 500 and either a Super Compact, or Super Twin,

In the past I used a Boogie 400+ through Boogie EV 210 and EV 115 cabs. I'm now using a TH500 through 2 112 Super Compacts and I can get as loud as I used to be and as loud as anyone needs me to be today. The SC's are very good at turning your watts into SPL.

If you're moving from a 610 I'd recommend 2 112's or the 212 cabs (was the Super Compact a slip?). IMO you'll need more than a single 112.

 

[BigEarl]

Tonight's office, with my brand new One10...

It's a BIG hall!

 

[tallboybass]

So I think I'm ready to move out of heavy world, into lightweight easy to transport world.

I currently have a mesa 400+ and 610 HLF cab.

I plan on moving to Tone Hammer 500 and either a Super Compact, or Super Twin, which from what I understand should be a bit less power. (especially on the super compact side)

My current setup is always more than what I need. The couple times I've played large outdoor stages it's been nice, but even then I've got monitor support so it was kinda unnecessary.

I typically play 400 cap rooms with PA support in a funk/rock band, and occasionally a 100 cap room without PA support.

Questions are as follows.

1. Is a super compact capable of this requirement, or should I go with a super twin?

2. Is this going to "feel" like a huge downgrade in power with both options?

I'm fine with trading a bit of overhead for 140 pounds of less gear, but when it comes down to it, I love having enough power to control my own monitor environment, I just hate moving this gear.

Thanks!

SuperTwin for sure.

It is easier to move, costs less (than x2SCs), there isn't a downside unless the 40 lbs. is a turnoff.

Honestly, there isn't a gig that you can't do with a SuperTwin or Big Twin and an 800 watt Class D head!!

 

[RasGK]

Honestly, there isn't a gig that you can't do with a SuperTwin or Big Twin and an 800 watt Class D head!!

I'll second that.
A Super Twin with a 900 watt head (Puma 900 in my case) feels as if you had an 8x10 behind you. Can't imagine a gig where you would need anything more than that!