Official Barefaced Bass Cab Club

[John D Harris]

My Super Twin has such a nice thick sound when the bass is boosted but I'm so unfamiliar with these cabs that I'm not quite sure how much I can push it. Is it normal for the speakers to move back and forth noticeably? My last cab had a grill cloth so I couldn't see the speakers. I'm able to actually put my volume knob pretty high and the volume is loud but I guess I thought that it would be really loud even with the volume knob set pretty low? Do I just need to feed it more watts? Maybe it just needs to break in more.

Excessive cone movement could mean you need a high pass filter.
How much movement is excessive? You should talk to Alex about that.
Also, remember a lot of the time cutting certain frequencies works better than boosting others, of course, it depends on how much EQ versatility you have available.

 

[grimmchaos]

I FINALLY have my first gig with my Four10 on Saturday. I plan on running my Mesa Prodigy through it fueled by my Spectors. While I have a Darkglass Vintage Ultra on my board that I was using for eq, now that the Four10 is getting broken in the low end is getting thicker and punchier, so I've backed off using the DG for eq and started using only the Prodigy for tone sculpting.

I never quite understood how much of an impact the cabinet has on your tone until now. I believe now I'm really a sealed cab guy and for the last 5 years I've been trying to jam a square peg through a round hole in trying to dial my bass tone in through a ported 2x12 cab.

 

[CalBuzz51]

First congrats on the new super cab!

You should not need to worry about pushing these cabs, especially a 2x12" model, they'll take a lot and get stupid loud-- but with the one caveat-- I notice you mention "when the bass is boosted" ... any cab can be vulnerable with too much bass dialed in at high volume. This doesn't apply to you of course, but a while back there was a guy complaining about how his cab was worthless and was farting out etc.... then he casually mentioned something about having the bass knob on the bass all the way up while cranking the sh*t out of it. "There's yer problem, mister" As I refer to down below, break-in will add some low end.

IIRC, the cab that was melted was a 210, just to give KB some perspective. Like Plutonium says, the ST is rated for much higher output.

 

[Plutonium244]

I FINALLY have my first gig with my Four10 on Saturday. I plan on running my Mesa Prodigy through it fueled by my Spectors. While I have a Darkglass Vintage Ultra on my board that I was using for eq, now that the Four10 is getting broken in the low end is getting thicker and punchier, so I've backed off using the DG for eq and started using only the Prodigy for tone sculpting.

I never quite understood how much of an impact the cabinet has on your tone until now. I believe now I'm really a sealed cab guy and for the last 5 years I've been trying to jam a square peg through a round hole in trying to dial my bass tone in through a ported 2x12 cab.

Taking my Four10 out now, for a 6:30 gig. Using a Super Bassman tonight. I play enough smallish gigs that when I get a chance to bring out the big guns, I do it.

 

[KickingBass]

First congrats on the new super cab!

You should not need to worry about pushing these cabs, especially a 2x12" model, they'll take a lot and get stupid loud-- but with the one caveat-- I notice you mention "when the bass is boosted" ... any cab can be vulnerable with too much bass dialed in at high volume. This doesn't apply to you of course, but a while back there was a guy complaining about how his cab was worthless and was farting out etc.... then he casually mentioned something about having the bass knob on the bass all the way up while cranking the sh*t out of it. "There's yer problem, mister" As I refer to down below, break-in will add some low end.

Your cab will not in general "be louder" than other cabs at the same volume setting on the bass... amp, and its settings, figure into this too. Depending on what you were using before, don't expect louder, just better. The amp, and your instrument volume, is your "loud" control, so like you said-- feed it more watts. It can take plenty! Perceived loudness is another thing... a different cab might "seem" louder because of where it has bumps in its frequency response... these cabs are smooth all the way up and down. You can add that bump if you want with EQ... I like that these BF 12's don't have a "baked-in" EQ etc, but allow you to give or take the EQ/bump/etc.

But yeah, like you say, in any case, let it break in more... I'd say about 3 gigs, maybe 2 (or the equivalent) and it'll be fully broken in, will probably sound a little punchier, heftier in the lows.... so might sound "louder" than now. It's a beautiful thing when you hear it bloom and get even more awesome-sounding. I'd wait until that has happened before drawing too many conclusions.

Thanks for the response. I was cranking the lows to see how it would respond, no way would I gig like that. I was just wondering if speaker movement was okay or not. I think a big part of the problem is that I can't crank this baby at home. Once I get it to a gig I'll see how loud it can go and I'm pretty sure I'll be impressed. I had a 410 before and I think that it had some pretty drastic frequency peaks and dips. That may be playing into my perception of loudness like you said. One things for sure, It sounds awesome at any setting.

 

[KickingBass]

Another question, how do you all transport your cabs? I'm accustomed to lying mine on their face but I've heard all different kinds of advice. Has Alex ever mentioned a preference?

 

[Dave W]

Another question, how do you all transport your cabs? I'm accustomed to lying mine on their face but I've heard all different kinds of advice. Has Alex ever mentioned a preference?

I put them in my car however they fit best. In my current car that means on their side

 

[Mark Hughes]

Had my BB2 cabs for about 6 weeks, and due to the size of venues recently I've only been using a single cab at gigs so far. But last night's gig was a big room with 1100 people and a huge PA so I got to use both cabs together for the first time. Wow, I'm so impressed, they just go and keep going! My old MarkBass 410 used to run out of puff in the bottom end, but these cabs keep the bottom end and the clarity of mids and highs at really loud levels. So impressed. Plus the load in was a breeze, both cabs on my trolley and I could push and steer with one hand.

 

[Plutonium244]

Had my BB2 cabs for about 6 weeks, and due to the size of venues recently I've only been using a single cab at gigs so far. But last night's gig was a big room with 1100 people and a huge PA so I got to use both cabs together for the first time. Wow, I'm so impressed, they just go and keep going! My old MarkBass 410 used to run out of puff in the bottom end, but these cabs keep the bottom end and the clarity of mids and highs at really loud levels. So impressed. Plus the load in was a breeze, both cabs on my trolley and I could push and steer with one hand.

I get to bring out the BB2 for a happy hour grand re-opening of a bar here in Madison today (w/ a GK MBF800). Last night: Four10 (with a Super Bassman head). Gig before that: SM with MB200 head. Gig before that: BB2+SM w/ the MBF800 on top. I feel like a magician reaching into my hat and pulling out a rabbit or bouquet of flowers every time I turn around.

One ring to rule them all? Nah. One ring for each finger.

 

[pbass6811]

Got a response to my email...my BTII is being painted now and should ship next week! Did I mention how much I'm looking forward to this???

 

[stevecaronna]

Got a response to my email...my BTII is being painted now and should ship next week! Did I mention how much I'm looking forward to this???

Been having mine for a couple months now and it is just amazing. Can't wait for my Aguilar AG700. Using my TH500 right now and the only complaint I have been getting is that I am too loud. I'm used to that but they also say how good and clean it sounds so I just turn down a hair and say Thanks with a big smile on my face.
You are going to love yours too.

 

[Tugboat]

Hello everyone!!! I was hoping you all can help a barefaced newbie, (me), make my decision on my first cab. I've been doing my due dilligence and have decided to pull the trigger. A lot of this is mythology to me because I've never played through one. But I never saw Willie Mays play and know he was one of the greatest ever. My question is two parts....Most importantly is the 12 driver or the 10. I get the whole vintage vibe thing with the Four10, etc, but not sure if that's right for me. I dabble in a lot of different genres but first and foremost I'm a rock guy, all flavors, think Geezer Butler, Leon Wilkeson, The Ox, Steve Harris, Cliff Williams, you get it. As far as amp choice it varies, I like to experiment. I love a tube/valve sound but don't always play an amp with tubes. Right now I'm using a Tecamp Black Jag 900, which sounds great, and gets pretty close to a valve tone; sometimes a GK 700rbii. But I'd like to go back to a Monique someday....LOVE it. Had one and should have never sold it. So I want the cab to be good with SS or Tube. So would the 12" drivers be better because they bring out the best in the amp and bass, rather than coloring the sound? I love the tube/valve sound but that doesn't necessarily mean vintage.
Part two is how much power do I need? Are these cabs really as efficient, with all the low end, and loud as they say? I want a cab that can be clean and beautiful, but also roar turned to 11, with overdrive, without losing the bottom end. And can handle a B string handily. I guess I should also say I'm not playing large theaters or huge venues without FOH support. But a lot of my gigs are bars/clubs that hold 100-200, maybe more, and some outdoor gigs at fairs, block party type events, etc. I do much smaller intimate gigs as well, but I really only can afford one cab, rather than two smaller.
So with all that being said and me sounding like a nut does anyone have some opinions??

I forgot and should probably add I'm not a slapper, not into zingy high end, etc, I'm all about fingers and a pick when it fits.

 

[monsterthompson]

Hello everyone!!! I was hoping you all can help a barefaced newbie, (me), make my decision on my first cab. I've been doing my due dilligence and have decided to pull the trigger. A lot of this is mythology to me because I've never played through one. But I never saw Willie Mays play and know he was one of the greatest ever. My question is two parts....Most importantly is the 12 driver or the 10. I get the whole vintage vibe thing with the Four10, etc, but not sure if that's right for me. I dabble in a lot of different genres but first and foremost I'm a rock guy, all flavors, think Geezer Butler, Leon Wilkeson, The Ox, Steve Harris, Cliff Williams, you get it. As far as amp choice it varies, I like to experiment. I love a tube/valve sound but don't always play an amp with tubes. Right now I'm using a Tecamp Black Jag 900, which sounds great, and gets pretty close to a valve tone; sometimes a GK 700rbii. But I'd like to go back to a Monique someday....LOVE it. Had one and should have never sold it. So I want the cab to be good with SS or Tube. So would the 12" drivers be better because they bring out the best in the amp and bass, rather than coloring the sound? I love the tube/valve sound but that doesn't necessarily mean vintage.
Part two is how much power do I need? Are these cabs really as efficient, with all the low end, and loud as they say? I want a cab that can be clean and beautiful, but also roar turned to 11, with overdrive, without losing the bottom end. And can handle a B string handily. I guess I should also say I'm not playing large theaters or huge venues without FOH support. But a lot of my gigs are bars/clubs that hold 100-200, maybe more, and some outdoor gigs at fairs, block party type events, etc. I do much smaller intimate gigs as well, but I really only can afford one cab, rather than two smaller.
So with all that being said and me sounding like a nut does anyone have some opinions??

I forgot and should probably add I'm not a slapper, not into zingy high end, etc, I'm all about fingers and a pick when it fits.

Lots of questions here, but the thing that stood out for me was the Monique. I had a Monique and a Super Compact and did not like the pairing. The EQ points and range on the Mo just never let me get the sound I wanted. I've had relatively good luck with other heads and the Super Compact. If you're considering a 12" and a Mo, I'd suggest looking at a Super Midget or BB2. I think the tweeter would balance out the tone profile a bit better; the Mo is warm/dark to my ears.

Otherwise, you're in for a good problem to have by picking between the cabs. They're fantastic and have cured my cab GAS (except for more Barefacred).

Are you looking for a single cab, one hand carry solution (112 or 210), or something bigger (212 or 410+)? The cabs are efficient enough, but I wouldn't say they produce *shocking* amounts of sound per watt like Schroeder (reportedly, since I've no real world experience). They aren't notoriously inefficient like Acme (reportedly, since I've no experience here, as well). They do get loud, but not without watts. With your GK and Jag, you should be armed well enough.

I really liked the 10" cabs but settled on the 12" BB2. You can manipulate the 12 to sound more like the 10, but not as easily go the other way. I'd say you should be looking at a BB2 or one of the 212 options. I'm sure others will have better experience with volume production for the size venues you described (my gigging days are behind me).

 

[pbass6811]

Been having mine for a couple months now and it is just amazing. Can't wait for my Aguilar AG700. Using my TH500 right now and the only complaint I have been getting is that I am too loud. I'm used to that but they also say how good and clean it sounds so I just turn down a hair and say Thanks with a big smile on my face.
You are going to love yours too.

So, I actually tweaked my back last night lifting my rack on top of my stack. That, to me, was the last straw. I love the way this rig sounds, but I shouldn't have to worry about hurting my damn self every gig. I'm old, but I'm not ancient(I'm 48)and I'm in ok shape, so this back pain really is really making me reevaluate my gear priorities.

I'm gonna need to rebuild my rig around my BTII. Gonna start with a Mesa D800+. That should get me all the volume I could possibly want while being light enough to be a one trip load in.

I'm on break right now. We're getting ready for the 3rd set and all I can think about is how sweet next weekend's gig is gonna be...lol!

 

[Dp1363]

Lots of questions here, but the thing that stood out for me was the Monique. I had a Monique and a Super Compact and did not like the pairing. The EQ points and range on the Mo just never let me get the sound I wanted. I've had relatively good luck with other heads and the Super Compact. If you're considering a 12" and a Mo, I'd suggest looking at a Super Midget or BB2. I think the tweeter would balance out the tone profile a bit better; the Mo is warm/dark to my ears.

Otherwise, you're in for a good problem to have by picking between the cabs. They're fantastic and have cured my cab GAS (except for more Barefacred).

Are you looking for a single cab, one hand carry solution (112 or 210), or something bigger (212 or 410+)? The cabs are efficient enough, but I wouldn't say they produce *shocking* amounts of sound per watt like Schroeder (reportedly, since I've no real world experience). They aren't notoriously inefficient like Acme (reportedly, since I've no experience here, as well). They do get loud, but not without watts. With your GK and Jag, you should be armed well enough.

I really liked the 10" cabs but settled on the 12" BB2. You can manipulate the 12 to sound more like the 10, but not as easily go the other way. I'd say you should be looking at a BB2 or one of the 212 options. I'm sure others will have better experience with volume production for the size venues you described (my gigging days are behind me).

I have a couple of BB2's. Great cabs.

 

[mcnach]

My second Two10 arrived today... sounding good! Can't wait for a proper test live...

The vertical configuration has a noticeably tighter low end which I prefer...

Uf!!! What a beastly sound these two cabs make!!! I'm all smiles

Even if they're connected in series to get an 8ohm load that my LM3 can cope with, meaning the power available from the amp is decreased, these cabs sounded massive and most importantly massively beautiful. I only used them in vertical configuration... I like the tighter bottom end that way, still huge. I doubt I will use two heads as initially planned.

Note: I forgot about the ohmage of the cabs at first and connected them both in parallel at first... so a nominal 2ohm load with my "4ohm or above" head. Not for long, and not very loud... so fortunately no issues. The amp didn't shut down into protect mode. I suspect its 4ohm rating is conservative luckily. But I need to watch that, easy mistake to make! I think I'll put a "reminder for idiots" (i.e: myself) sticker on the back of the amp...

 

[anton72]

Uf!!! What a beastly sound these two cabs make!!! I'm all smiles

Even if they're connected in series to get an 8ohm load that my LM3 can cope with, meaning the power available from the amp is decreased, these cabs sounded massive and most importantly massively beautiful. I only used them in vertical configuration... I like the tighter bottom end that way, still huge. I doubt I will use two heads as initially planned.

Note: I forgot about the ohmage of the cabs at first and connected them both in parallel at first... so a nominal 2ohm load with my "4ohm or above" head. Not for long, and not very loud... so fortunately no issues. The amp didn't shut down into protect mode. I suspect its 4ohm rating is conservative luckily. But I need to watch that, easy mistake to make! I think I'll put a "reminder for idiots" (i.e: myself) sticker on the back of the amp...

Are they 4 Ohm each? I always thought that connecting two 4 Ohm cabs in series would give you same 2 Ohm load in sum, but just to one of the amp outputs. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[mcnach]

Are they 4 Ohm each? I always thought that connecting two 4 Ohm cabs in series would give you same 2 Ohm load in sum, but just to one of the amp outputs. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Each cab is 4ohm. Usually daisychaining cabs puts them in parallel. That will give you a 2ohm load. In series, however it will be an 8ohm load. I've got a little connector box to allow me to do that. This is irrelevant of the number of outputs of the amp (the LM3 only has one, when there's two they're usually in parallel, and using them it's equivalent to plugging one cab to the amp, and the other cab to the first cab).

series: R = R1 + R2
parallel: 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2

 

[DaveAceofBass]

I just received shipment notification...looks like my Super Midget will be delivered tomorrow!!! I had no idea they'd do overnight shipping on the cab!

 

[Plutonium244]

I just received shipment notification...looks like my Super Midget will be delivered tomorrow!!! I had no idea they'd do overnight shipping on the cab!

That overnight across-the-pond delivery is one of my favorite things. I find I am using the SM a LOT. Fits a great niche. Small enough for "small" gigs and big enough for gigs requiring quite a bit more. I find I've been talking it to places where I might otherwise bring the One10.. because I know I am covered regardless if the gig is a bit larger or smaller than I anticipated. And, it combines with the BB2 for the big rig. In short, SM is my favorite/most useful cab right now. Mama Bear rig-- just right.