Official Barefaced Bass Cab Club

[Karl Kaminski]

Anyone experience rattling handles?

 

[Karl Kaminski]

I will agree with Plutonium that the BB2 is a pretty bulky 1x12. It's almost unimaginably light for a cabinet that size, but it' still kind of bulky or cumbersome. I've been interested in trying a Super Midget sometime just to compare them, but I'm afraid I'd just become a BF hoarder, and I don't get to the cabs I have often enough as it is (play mostly jam sessions where the amp is provided).

where are you in NJ (Trenton/PA tkp area)? I'm down to bring my SM down for a tryout session. PM me.

 

[Lowendtech]

Anyone experience rattling handles?

Anything that has a moveable handle has the potential to makes some noise at a certain frequency. Even spring loaded handles can do it. Super easy to isolate tho'.
I had a buzzing happening on a different set of cabs last night. Turns out I needed to isolate my 6 pound amp from my cab stack.
No worries.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

sorry should have been more specific.

yes, no worries and sympathetic vibrations are abundant in our gear.
This SM handle's chrome cover plates sympathetically rattle at F#3 and I noticed the ported side of the cab also resonants at the same freq.

how to remove the cover plates?
Anyone have to dampen a rattling/loose BF handle, what was your method? (other than tape or stuff the handle)

 

[ErnieD]

I'd imagine some type of soft, foam rubber would work. Cut to size an taped or zip tied to the handles maybe. Using my 2nd Gen, BF Big Twin-T at this Fridays' gig. First time use in many months, I will be listening. But I've never heard any of that type noise before. Keep us posted on your fix.....other than avoiding F#3 notes.

 

[Lowendtech]

This SM handle's chrome cover plates sympathetically rattle at F#3

A little pice of foam under the snap on chrome cover would probably help here.

the ported side of the cab also resonants at the same freq.

that I've not noticed on my BF cabs (although the SM is one cab I don't have) so I got nothing except the wondering if a joint has come loose inside or summat like that.

I think the cover plates come off with a gentle pry.

 

[Lowendtech]

what do you think of the 10"s compared to the 12" in the SC and BB2 tone-wise?

I A/B'd a SM and a LowB today and while I'm still getting use to the SM, I couldn't get the low end punch I get with the ACME (though on the other side of the coin, the SM had more Mids and "air") Im wondering if the 10" speakers will give me the more old school sound I'm looking for (as mentioned on their website)?

The 10's are pretty different. Not as much "air" unless you're amp is capable of compensating. Thick and punchy, yes.
A SuperTwin ups that punch ante with some additional air, but not "too" much. For my playing style and gear, anyway. Ymmv.
If I had to make a choice for me to gig, it would be my ST over my Two10. Now if my Two10 was a Six10 I may reconsider.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

Thanks Lowendtech, yeah I was just over there taking a screw driver to the covers. a gentle upward pry from the end and the cover pop right off.



I found both of the mounts loose so that'll certainly help. I was thinking of a piece of thick double sided tape (like that 3M wall hook stuff) thrown in there will do the trick.

I had some thick felt discs lying around, so used them instead, and a dab of Loctite on the screws...



Doing a tap test with handle off the port just has the resonant tone, no break/cracks.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

yeah, its too early for me to tell, but at the moment I feel like the SM has too much mids for my taste Too Hi-fi? The bottom is there but I feel like Im playing thru a HPF.

Im so tempted to try a set of 10s to gauge the tone differences. (They may be better suited to my tastes)

Anyone with a One10, Two10 in NYC area want to do a tryout session with a SM, PM me.

 

[DaveAceofBass]

The SM is my favorite cab!

 

[Lowendtech]

Thanks Lowendtech, yeah I was just over there taking a screw driver to the covers. a gentle upward pry from the end and the cover pop right off.

View attachment 3199135

I found both of the mounts loose so that'll certainly help. I was thinking of a piece of thick double sided tape (like that 3M wall hook stuff) thrown in there will do the trick.

I had some felt discs lying around, so used them instead, and a dab of Loctite on the screws...

View attachment 3199157

Doing a tap test with handle off the port just has the resonant tone, no break/cracks.

The handles on my BF cabs are my only "could be better for the price" constructive criticism points. They work, but I've seen better.

 

[3rdcurve]

The handles on my BF cabs are my only "could be better for the price" constructive criticism points. They work, but I've seen better.

Ya, handles and Tolex. Rest is great.

 

[mcnach]

what do you think of the 10"s compared to the 12" in the SC and BB2 tone-wise?

I A/B'd a SM and a LowB today and while I'm still getting use to the SM, I couldn't get the low end punch I get with the ACME (though on the other side of the coin, the SM had more Mids and "air") Im wondering if the 10" speakers will give me the more old school sound I'm looking for (as mentioned on their website)?

The BB2 have huge low end, actually huge everything, and I found myself having to EQ carefully to get the sound I wanted. It was too easy to get a little too boomy, or harsh on the high midrange... They're sold as being relatively uncoloured, and I guess they are.

When I tried a Two10 what I found was that it was as though a lot of the EQ I would like to apply was already there, if that makes any sense. There's lots of bottom end, they're not shy, but it's tight and easy to get a big low end that retains definition. It's also very forgiving of the high midrange/treble: It can be bright if you want it to be, but it's harder to make it sound harsh. In addition, there's something on the low mids that I really like. I think what I was after is what some also define as 'old school', and these were the answer for me. They sound big but retain definition, fat and punchy low mids, and sweet highs. As a result, the EQ needs a lot less work for me and it becomes more of a "what kind of sound do I want from my bass?".

Before the Two10, I was using mostly a pair of TKS S112. They are small 112 cabs, classic ceramic drivers in a small/light cab. They sound great, they just cannot handle a lot of power (rated at 250W each) and I feel nervous about boosting the lows on them. They solved everything I didn't like on the BB2, but I still kept the pair because if I needed to really be loud, they could do a lot more than my little TKS could.

When I tried the Two10... I felt they sounded very similar to the S112, but with better low end, retaining the definition I liked on the S112 but giving me a bigger sound, and the punchy low mids were there too. So I got a second one.

The Two10 pair with the Mesa D800+ is the first combination that I have been 100% happy with. I've played countless gigs with them, from small bars to clubs to festivals to beer gardens, with and without PA, with three bands, doing mostly ska/funk, some reggae, and some heavier stuff too (RATM tribute band)... It always sounds great, and it takes me no effort to dial the right sound.
A lot of it is the amplifier... the way the 'voicing' control works, plus the interplay between the adjustable HPF and 'bass' controls make it easy to get that big sound with punchy low mids retaining definition of every note (playing Stingray with roundwounds and Precisions with tapewounds mostly)... It's a fantastic amplifier. But it still needs the right cabs to make it... blossom. The Two10 cabs do it.

I think the 'old school' reference is a useful one, but they are a lot more versatile than that seems to imply. I hesitated to try the Two10 because I expected a big, scooped, muddy kind of sound that some also seem to like. I could not find one locally to try, and I ended up just ordering one, knowing I could return it within 30 days, because someone I knew whose tastes I knew was raving about it. I ordered a second one not long after I got the first one and I haven't looked back.

Disclaimer: no, I don't get commision. I just really really really like these cabs, but especially with the D800+ I think they are an incredible combination.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

When I tried a Two10 what I found was that it was as though a lot of the EQ I would like to apply was already there, if that makes any sense. There's lots of bottom end, they're not shy, but it's tight and easy to get a big low end that retains definition. It's also very forgiving of the high midrange/treble: It can be bright if you want it to be, but it's harder to make it sound harsh. In addition, there's something on the low mids that I really like. I think what I was after is what some also define as 'old school', and these were the answer for me. They sound big but retain definition, fat and punchy low mids, and sweet highs. As a result, the EQ needs a lot less work for me and it becomes more of a "what kind of sound do I want from my bass?".

Wow, yes! Thats exact opposite of what I was experiencing with the SM. (And what you describe is how Id describe the ACME LowBs! - which is what I'm looking for)

With the SM I had to EQ everything IN to get my default tones (this somewhat surprised me as I can use my G&L in almost any backline and my default tones are easily there. A few exceptions are GK, Hartke, SWR heads, **PUT down your flame throwers!** Its just not my tone and I struggle to get what in need from them.) Admittedly, I also just changed up head from an AI CLarusIII to a CLarus SL-2 (But I don't think the EQ stage is that different between the two heads)

I think the 'old school' reference is a useful one, but they are a lot more versatile than that seems to imply. I hesitated to try the Two10 because I expected a big, scooped, muddy kind of sound that some also seem to like. I could not find one locally to try, and I ended up just ordering one, knowing I could return it within 30 days, because someone I knew whose tastes I knew was raving about it. I ordered a second one not long after I got the first one and I haven't looked back.

This is great to hear about the 10s. Alex made a justified recommendation for the SM over the 10s with the description of my style/playing and current ACME gear. (Thank you again Alex for all your help!! ) But I may have inadvertently mislead him (and myself) in my description. Nevertheless its too early to tell, Ill have give it some time (and a few different rooms) to feel out the SM but I think a look at the 10s may be in my future.

Thanks again mcnach for input!

 

[mcnach]

Wow, yes! Thats exact opposite of what I was experiencing with the SM. (And what you describe is how Id describe the ACME LowBs! - which is what I'm looking for)

With the SM I had to EQ everything IN to get my default tones (this somewhat surprised me as I can use my G&L in almost any backline and my default tones are easily there. A few exceptions are GK, Hartke, SWR heads, **PUT down your flame throwers!** Its just not my tone and I struggle to get what in need from them.) Admittedly, I also just changed up head from an AI CLarusIII to a CLarus SL-2 (But I don't think the EQ stage is that different between the two heads)




This is great to hear about the 10s. Alex made a justified recommendation for the SM over the 10s with the description of my style/playing and current ACME gear. (Thank you again Alex for all your help!! ) But I may have inadvertently mislead him (and myself) in my description. Nevertheless its too early to tell, Ill have give it some time (and a few different rooms) to feel out the SM but I think a look at the 10s may be in my future.

Thanks again mcnach for input!

That's what we're here for: to help others spend money !

The SM is a pretty cool cab. I had a chance to try one as well as a BB2 when I found someone local that had that combination (he uses it for both electric bass and double bass with a pickup). They're not identical, obviously, but they belong in the same family, I'd say. The Two10 cabs are very different. Of course I cannot guarantee you'll love them like I do but from what you described, it sounded to me like you were experiencing much of what made me not be in love with the BB2 cabs, and I suspect the Two10 (anything in the 10 range from BF) would be more to your taste.

 

[sears]

Alex made a justified recommendation for the SM over the 10s with the description of my style/playing and current ACME gear. (Thank you again Alex for all your help!! ) But I may have inadvertently mislead him (and myself) in my description. Nevertheless its too early to tell

I have been down the same road. Still have my acmes. Love them, still use them for rehearsals. Bought the Super Twin which is more of what I really need and I never have to worry about it. It's lighter than one acme B2, will get loud AF and nobody in the audience can tell the difference.

 

[Snackulus]

The BB2 have huge low end, actually huge everything, and I found myself having to EQ carefully to get the sound I wanted. It was too easy to get a little too boomy, or harsh on the high midrange... They're sold as being relatively uncoloured, and I guess they are.

When I tried a Two10 what I found was that it was as though a lot of the EQ I would like to apply was already there, if that makes any sense. There's lots of bottom end, they're not shy, but it's tight and easy to get a big low end that retains definition. It's also very forgiving of the high midrange/treble: It can be bright if you want it to be, but it's harder to make it sound harsh. In addition, there's something on the low mids that I really like. I think what I was after is what some also define as 'old school', and these were the answer for me. They sound big but retain definition, fat and punchy low mids, and sweet highs. As a result, the EQ needs a lot less work for me and it becomes more of a "what kind of sound do I want from my bass?".

Before the Two10, I was using mostly a pair of TKS S112. They are small 112 cabs, classic ceramic drivers in a small/light cab. They sound great, they just cannot handle a lot of power (rated at 250W each) and I feel nervous about boosting the lows on them. They solved everything I didn't like on the BB2, but I still kept the pair because if I needed to really be loud, they could do a lot more than my little TKS could.

When I tried the Two10... I felt they sounded very similar to the S112, but with better low end, retaining the definition I liked on the S112 but giving me a bigger sound, and the punchy low mids were there too. So I got a second one.

The Two10 pair with the Mesa D800+ is the first combination that I have been 100% happy with. I've played countless gigs with them, from small bars to clubs to festivals to beer gardens, with and without PA, with three bands, doing mostly ska/funk, some reggae, and some heavier stuff too (RATM tribute band)... It always sounds great, and it takes me no effort to dial the right sound.
A lot of it is the amplifier... the way the 'voicing' control works, plus the interplay between the adjustable HPF and 'bass' controls make it easy to get that big sound with punchy low mids retaining definition of every note (playing Stingray with roundwounds and Precisions with tapewounds mostly)... It's a fantastic amplifier. But it still needs the right cabs to make it... blossom. The Two10 cabs do it.

I think the 'old school' reference is a useful one, but they are a lot more versatile than that seems to imply. I hesitated to try the Two10 because I expected a big, scooped, muddy kind of sound that some also seem to like. I could not find one locally to try, and I ended up just ordering one, knowing I could return it within 30 days, because someone I knew whose tastes I knew was raving about it. I ordered a second one not long after I got the first one and I haven't looked back.

Disclaimer: no, I don't get commision. I just really really really like these cabs, but especially with the D800+ I think they are an incredible combination.

Thanks for your info/experience on the 10 series! I'm having difficulty deciding between the six10, or going modular with a couple of two10s, or even a four10/two10 combo. Weighing the pros/cons between both scenarios, price difference, bottom port vs side ports, utilizing ohm scenarios with my amp, etc... I'm planning on pairing with a Magellan 800.
How do you prefer stacking your pair of two10s?
Vertically or horizontally?

 

[Karl Kaminski]

on the thought of port placement... While A/Bing my SM and LowB I rotated the SM cab with the port to the right, top, *and bottom (upside down on the handle, no rubber feet) jus to hear the differences in the room I was in. I have to say the slight preference of the port on the bottom exiting at the floor sounded best (if only marginally). All this may be just psychoacoustics or even the dampening of the "handle buzz" and port side resonant freq, but it was interesting all the same.

 

[mcnach]

Thanks for your info/experience on the 10 series! I'm having difficulty deciding between the six10, or going modular with a couple of two10s, or even a four10/two10 combo. Weighing the pros/cons between both scenarios, price difference, bottom port vs side ports, utilizing ohm scenarios with my amp, etc... I'm planning on pairing with a Magellan 800.
How do prefer stacking your pair of two10s?
Vertically or horizontally?

I prefer them vertically.

I think it helps me hear it better on stage that way as the 'full range' (ish, you know) driver in the top cab is closer to my ears, but I also like it better when the port is aiming to the floor. The lows are a bit more 'controlled'. Not sure how to describe it, but I like it that way.
Having said that, I've used a single cab horizontally on top of an existing 410 many times as a stage monitor, and a few times with both cabs horizontally... and I never have an issue: they may sound a little different but all withing easily adjustable parameters.

I'm a big fan of 2x 210 vertical, though.

 

[Snackulus]

on the thought of port placement... While A/Bing my SM and LowB I rotated the SM cab with the port to the right, top, *and bottom (upside down on the handle, no rubber feet) jus to hear the differences in the room I was in. I have to say the slight preference of the port on the bottom exiting at the floor sounded best (if only marginally). All this may be just psychoacoustics or even the dampening of the "handle buzz" and port side resonant freq, but it was interesting all the same.

Thanks for the input on port placement!

I prefer them vertically.

I think it helps me hear it better on stage that way as the 'full range' (ish, you know) driver in the top cab is closer to my ears, but I also like it better when the port is aiming to the floor. The lows are a bit more 'controlled'. Not sure how to describe it, but I like it that way.
Having said that, I've used a single cab horizontally on top of an existing 410 many times as a stage monitor, and a few times with both cabs horizontally... and I never have an issue: they may sound a little different but all withing easily adjustable parameters.

I'm a big fan of 2x 210 vertical, though.

Thanks! I really like the idea of a vertical pair of two10s as well. The footprint is easy to work with for small stages/practice spaces.
I had a an ampeg micro vr/210 setup a few years back, & while I liked it, it was under-powered & the cab would fart out when pushed too hard. It didn't make sense for anything beyond small rehearsals (for me).
The Barefaced two10s paired with a newer class d amp has me re-thinking the setup. Much thanks for the input!