• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Official Barefaced Bass Cab Club

I'm pretty sure it's very close. From the barefaced product page for the Eight10:

One thing I noticed is that the One10 and Two10 are 15 inches high while the 4,6, and 8 10 are 24, 36, and 48 inches high respectively.

So a stack of two Two10s would be 30 inches high, three Two10s are 45 inches, and four Two10s would be 60 inches high.

So I would expect the stacks of Two10s would sound slightly fatter than the individual cabs and be modular. It would also be a lot more expensive.
 
So, extravagant and unnecessary idea, and requesting feedback here will probably result in "yes" and "go big."

I have a gig where we need to bring our own PA. The one we borrow is a little bulky and overkill for the spaces we fill; think a dance rehearsal sized space, or a yoga studio. We do full-range sound, using synths and computer based sound (samples and synth). Think ambient noise and soundscapes, with no vocals, and no traditional 4-piece band sounds.

I'm thinking of the following potential combos:

1 -I have a BB2. I can buy a second and have a huge PA type sound.

2 - Buy a BB2 and another cab (?) to run as a sub (more gear than I want to haul and connect).

3 - I could get a pair of SM's and sell my BB2 (probably not enough volume).

4 - Get a pair of SM's and run my BB2 as a sub.

5 - This just came to me after writing most of my post - I have a passive sub (actually a pair) I can borrow from my current PA source, so I could flip my BB2 for two SM's and borrow a sub for the events.


I really like the sound of our existing PA with a sub, so I'm inclined to do a sub option. I'd like to keep it small and light. I'm a little concerned about the SM as a full range box, and how it functions in the highs, though I am inclined to believe it should be pretty good. I'd really like to minimize the number of connections and size of my haul. The most appealing options are two BB2 cabs (which will be plenty loud) and no sub, or two SM cabs and a sub. Storage and transport is a concern. I have a one bedroom apartment and a Scion xB, so two SM's would be awesome, but as I said earlier, I do like the sound the "mains" provide when a sub is pulling some weight. 5 is really the option I like most.

I think my concerns boil down to using the SM's sound quality in the higher range for (pair of SM's and a borrowed sub) vs. two BB2 cabs with no sub.

I can source a power amp and crossover, so that's not an issue. I'm actually thinking about this guy, since it has a built in stereo crossover:
Link Removed

Any input would be appreciated.
 
I think a pair of BB2's would make a good PA, small but well balanced across the spectrum.

Agreed. I think the question I arrived at while writing my post is whether or not the SM pair (with a borrowed sub) would get me close enough. It's a hair cheaper, and easier to store and move them. I also really like the SM as a bass cab, probably a hair better than the BB2 for tone (nothing wildly different).
 
Agreed. I think the question I arrived at while writing my post is whether or not the SM pair (with a borrowed sub) would get me close enough. It's a hair cheaper, and easier to store and move them. I also really like the SM as a bass cab, probably a hair better than the BB2 for tone (nothing wildly different).

You've mentioned a physical disability. The SM is much easier to move around than the BB2. So two SMs would be all the more easier to transport compared to the bulkier BB2. I own a SM and have owned two BB2s. The upper end tonality sounds the same with both cabs. The BB2 sounds "bigger" in the lower register at volume, but I can easily dial in that sense of bigness on the SM with my Noble tube preamp. Speaking as a former BB2 owner, I've never looked back. Not that BB2 a "bad" cab -- the SM is simply easier to move and sounds equally great.
 
You've mentioned a physical disability. The SM is much easier to move around than the BB2. So two SMs would be all the more easier to transport compared to the bulkier BB2. I own a SM and have owned two BB2s. The upper end tonality sounds the same with both cabs. The BB2 sounds "bigger" in the lower register at volume, but I can easily dial in that sense of bigness on the SM with my Noble tube preamp. Speaking as a former BB2 owner, I've never looked back. Not that BB2 a "bad" cab -- the SM is simply easier to move and sounds equally great.

Exactly the experince I was after :) Did you try the SM with full range playback material or just bass?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tugboat
Exactly the experince I was after :) Did you try the SM with full range playback material or just bass?

Electric 5 string and acoustic 4 string basses only. The SM was used and already broken in so there wasn't a need to go through the usual "play CDs at volume for 10 hours" break in period.

You might ask Alex @ Barefaced for his opinion. It's possible the BB2's horn might have superior dispersion qualities. Or not. The BB2s will definitely be more cumbersome lifting them onto tall poles!
 
Electric 5 string and acoustic 4 string basses only. The SM was used and already broken in so there wasn't a need to go through the usual "play CDs at volume for 10 hours" break in period.

You might ask Alex @ Barefaced for his opinion. It's possible the BB2's horn might have superior dispersion qualities. Or not. The BB2s will definitely be more cumbersome lifting them onto tall poles!

Had completely forgotten about dispersion. I will eventually hassle Alex.
 
Played the new Super Twin at a bar gig last Friday. About 50 people in a bar that had room for 100. Sadowsky Will Lee into a GK MB800, no FOH. Hip-hop and soul music, that veers into pretty hard rock at points - think The Roots meet Rage Against the Machine.

1. Volume-wise, the rig was massive overkill for the job. I had to keep the volume waaay down, and even then I dominated the mix. I think this is owing to the fact that when playing without FOH I usually keep it pretty loud on stage, assuming that it will be quieter out front. I think the dispersion and projection of the ST meant that my stage volume and audience volume were pretty much the same.

2. Tone. I've played Bergantino, Genz Benz, Schroeder. Most recently I'm coming from a single BBII, then an Arnopol MAS112 and a single Genzler 12-3. Those 112's are all amazing and frankly more than enough volume for most of my gigs, but I missed the mojo of 2 coupled drivers, and the combined size/weight/expense of two high-end cabs keep me from wanting to go modular.

The ST doesn't sound as deep as the MAS112 IMHO. But with the ST, low notes on the B-string were more present, detailed and loud, without any boominess. That describes the tone overall - amazing detail and accuracy through the whole midrange (which is where the bass guitar lives). I may have been able to EQ to get the MAS112 sub bass low-end, but I didn't miss it. In fact I used a Fdeck HPF-3 to roll off below 50hz or so. Top end was very smooth, and there was less string noise than say the Genzler or the BB2 produced. Also less "sizzle" up top, but plenty of "snap" on popped notes. No worries there at all. Again, I didn't use any EQ except for the pre on the bass.

3. Form factor. This is absolutely stellar. I play in areas with scarce parking, so I usually toss my gear in the trunk of an Uber and 1-trip load-ins are key. The Honda Civic that picked me up had room to spare. I weighed the ST at 37 lbs. That's exactly the same as the Genzler 112-3, already a light cab. The ST is no problem to carry in one hand, even without using the wheels. Incredible.

So in short, I think the ST is a real winner, and will handle almost any gig on its own.
 
The ST shares that weird clarity with the BTII and the Four10. I call it weird because even though the 10 inch models have that Ampeggy sound, the pitch definition is so clear that it's actually a bit uncomfortable at first. A lot of the classic rock sound rests on the bass being a little murky down low, and these cabs aren't, even if you roll the tone all the way down.
 
  • Like
Reactions: azwipe
So, extravagant and unnecessary idea, and requesting feedback here will probably result in "yes" and "go big."

I have a gig where we need to bring our own PA. The one we borrow is a little bulky and overkill for the spaces we fill; think a dance rehearsal sized space, or a yoga studio. We do full-range sound, using synths and computer based sound (samples and synth). Think ambient noise and soundscapes, with no vocals, and no traditional 4-piece band sounds.

I'm thinking of the following potential combos:

1 -I have a BB2. I can buy a second and have a huge PA type sound.

2 - Buy a BB2 and another cab (?) to run as a sub (more gear than I want to haul and connect).

3 - I could get a pair of SM's and sell my BB2 (probably not enough volume).

4 - Get a pair of SM's and run my BB2 as a sub.

5 - This just came to me after writing most of my post - I have a passive sub (actually a pair) I can borrow from my current PA source, so I could flip my BB2 for two SM's and borrow a sub for the events.


I really like the sound of our existing PA with a sub, so I'm inclined to do a sub option. I'd like to keep it small and light. I'm a little concerned about the SM as a full range box, and how it functions in the highs, though I am inclined to believe it should be pretty good. I'd really like to minimize the number of connections and size of my haul. The most appealing options are two BB2 cabs (which will be plenty loud) and no sub, or two SM cabs and a sub. Storage and transport is a concern. I have a one bedroom apartment and a Scion xB, so two SM's would be awesome, but as I said earlier, I do like the sound the "mains" provide when a sub is pulling some weight. 5 is really the option I like most.

I think my concerns boil down to using the SM's sound quality in the higher range for (pair of SM's and a borrowed sub) vs. two BB2 cabs with no sub.

I can source a power amp and crossover, so that's not an issue. I'm actually thinking about this guy, since it has a built in stereo crossover:
Link Removed

Any input would be appreciated.

I haven't used the SM full range (program music), but maybe I can manage to do that and see.

Let me be the first idiot to ignore your specific questions and suggest something that's not on the table:

Barefaced BB2 (you have) and Barefaced LF1400 for a sub. That would kill-- not just musically, but unfortunately wallet-wise too. Still-- for $1675.71 you'd have virtually the best possible set-up for your application, IMO.

I have been looking at the Behringer NU-6000 (rather than 4-6000), because it appears that the 4-6000 actually has less available wattage, oddly enough. The NU6000 can put out (if Behringer numbers can be trusted) 1500W/ch x 2 at 8 ohms. It's been a while since I have looked at the NU4-6000 numbers though-- my recollection is that there was something odd. As in, would not put out 1500W/side at 8 ohms. I could easily be wrong though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cremette
I haven't used the SM full range (program music), but maybe I can manage to do that and see.

Let me be the first idiot to ignore your specific questions and suggest something that's not on the table:

Barefaced BB2 (you have) and Barefaced LF1400 for a sub. That would kill-- not just musically, but unfortunately wallet-wise too. Still-- for $1675.71 you'd have virtually the best possible set-up for your application, IMO.

I usted) 1500W/ch x 2 at 8 ohms. It's been a while since I have looked at the NU4-6000 numbers though-- my recollection is that there was something odd. As in, would not put out 1500W/side at 8 ohms. I could easily be wrong though.

Believe me, the 1400 sub was on my radar. I'm already bringing a gun to a knife fight. I don't need a cannon. I also considered the full BF PA/Sub line.

Really interested in your observations on the SM full range playback. Post up once you've had a chance to push it through. Here is an example of some of what we are doing (3 tracks).

Dark Ambient Sound Bath

Anyone in LA is welcome to come experience our performance on Sunday the 10th ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pbassmanca
So, extravagant and unnecessary idea, and requesting feedback here will probably result in "yes" and "go big."

I have a gig where we need to bring our own PA. The one we borrow is a little bulky and overkill for the spaces we fill; think a dance rehearsal sized space, or a yoga studio. We do full-range sound, using synths and computer based sound (samples and synth). Think ambient noise and soundscapes, with no vocals, and no traditional 4-piece band sounds.

I'm thinking of the following potential combos:

1 -I have a BB2. I can buy a second and have a huge PA type sound.

2 - Buy a BB2 and another cab (?) to run as a sub (more gear than I want to haul and connect).

3 - I could get a pair of SM's and sell my BB2 (probably not enough volume).

4 - Get a pair of SM's and run my BB2 as a sub.

5 - This just came to me after writing most of my post - I have a passive sub (actually a pair) I can borrow from my current PA source, so I could flip my BB2 for two SM's and borrow a sub for the events.


I really like the sound of our existing PA with a sub, so I'm inclined to do a sub option. I'd like to keep it small and light. I'm a little concerned about the SM as a full range box, and how it functions in the highs, though I am inclined to believe it should be pretty good. I'd really like to minimize the number of connections and size of my haul. The most appealing options are two BB2 cabs (which will be plenty loud) and no sub, or two SM cabs and a sub. Storage and transport is a concern. I have a one bedroom apartment and a Scion xB, so two SM's would be awesome, but as I said earlier, I do like the sound the "mains" provide when a sub is pulling some weight. 5 is really the option I like most.

I think my concerns boil down to using the SM's sound quality in the higher range for (pair of SM's and a borrowed sub) vs. two BB2 cabs with no sub.

I can source a power amp and crossover, so that's not an issue. I'm actually thinking about this guy, since it has a built in stereo crossover:
Link Removed

Any input would be appreciated.
Just here to point out that Alex rates the BB2 & the SM at the same max SPL - the difference (according to the specs) is 7Hz lower bottom on the BB.
----------------
MAX CONTINUOUS BROADBAND SPL
127dB
 
  • Like
Reactions: monsterthompson
Just here to point out that Alex rates the BB2 & the SM at the same max SPL - the difference (according to the specs) is 7Hz lower bottom on the BB.
----------------
MAX CONTINUOUS BROADBAND SPL
127dB

That's why I'm really more concerned about the top end sound and dispersion. I think the SM pair with a borrowed sub would be loud enough. I'm just curious how it will sound doing it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pbassmanca
That's why I'm really more concerned about the top end sound and dispersion. I think the SM pair with a borrowed sub would be loud enough. I'm just curious how it will sound doing it.
Maybe just ask the man himself , @alexclaber? He can likely inform you of the optimal setup. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: monsterthompson
I gigged last night with my SC powered by the Orange TB1000. Last gig I used a Mesa Walkabout amp and was not impressed but the Orange has enough juice to really push the SC. It was loud and clear and my biggest concern was that my amp was going to vibrate off the SC.

Bass used was a Leland HB30 strung with Labella DTB flats. The low end was thunderous, so much so that I reduced the bass on the amp and boosted the treble.

I am still interested in either getting a second SC or trying one of the larger cabs but I think this combo will work for now.