• 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 free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Official Barefaced Bass Cab Club

#12,381
I task two BB3's and have the back knobs turned to about 25% - that's plenty.
They are pushed by either a Genzler MG800 or an EA iAMP Classic. Both are doing the blocking and tackling for overall tone. I have a SA EQ2 stomp to modify EQ tones (fretless to fretted Sadowsky/MTD USA/Dingwall) so the basses' soul still shines but within equal gain levels. There is also a Line6 Stomp for when I need to literally recreate an iconic tone for a certain song. This is all before FOH.

General feedback from players and audiences is that the bass punches clean through without being boomy or brash.

I think you have the right cabs already. Take that cash and go buy another axe instead!
 

Attachments

  • 1667430096412.jpg
    1667430096412.jpg
    113.3 KB · Views: 71
#12,382
I stack my bb3s and leave both with the horns wide open. Never noticed an imbalance of tone. I like the modularity of having two bb3s and the ability to use them as a pa speakers (they have the top hat option).
 
#12,383
I've asked this to Alex as well and he pointed me toward the Super Mini(T). Used to be called the super midget. It is the one he recommended that matches best with the BB. It didn't used to have a tweeter but now has that option.

mikedeeez said:
Hi all, got a question for the Barefaced group. I asked Barefaced themselves last week, and waiting for a reply, but I know the group here is a wealth of knowledge too.

I own a BB3 - actually 2 of them, in a stereo setup. I was interested in potentially adding another 12XN cab to each side for more low-end capacity. There's already plenty of highs.

In terms of pairing for 12XN cabs, Barefaced's website (link) says "Two BB3 cabs have the same sonic performance as one BT3." It definitely makes sense that a BB3 would probably be ideally paired to another BB3, as they have the same cabinet dimensions - as opposed to, say, a SM or SC.

But here's my question: If I'm using a Big Twin 3 as a reference point - the BT3 has just 1 HF driver. If I stack two BB3s, I'll end up with 2 HF drivers. In that case, should I turn the crossover on one of the BB3s all the way "off", to get the BT3 "sound"?

And if so, then has anyone had experience pairing a BB3 with, say, a Super Compact? The dimensions may not match, but is it "good enough"? A SC is significantly less expensive than a BB3, and if the high-frequency driver is redundant anyway, I'm wondering if it would be better to go that route.

[I asked Barefaced if they make a 12XN cab that is basically a BB3 (same dimensions), but minus the HF driver. Almost like a Super 3rd, but more like a "Big 3rd". If I get a response, I'll be happy to share here.]

Many thanks!
Click to expand...
 
#12,384
Thanks all for the replies! Very interesting to hear the feedback. broncobenshea, your reply helped me find another Barefaced page that goes into detail about their recommendations for pairing 12XN cabs specifically. (Link for reference) This is exactly what I was looking for - not sure why I couldn't find it via a search earlier. But you're exactly right that Alex's recommendation is for a BB3+BB3 or a BB3+SM, but not a BB3+SC. It has to do with how the frequency responses line up.

Looks like I'm good to go, thanks again all!
 
#12,385
mikedeeez said:
Hi all, got a question for the Barefaced group. I asked Barefaced themselves last week, and waiting for a reply, but I know the group here is a wealth of knowledge too.

I own a BB3 - actually 2 of them, in a stereo setup. I was interested in potentially adding another 12XN cab to each side for more low-end capacity. There's already plenty of highs.

In terms of pairing for 12XN cabs, Barefaced's website (link) says "Two BB3 cabs have the same sonic performance as one BT3." It definitely makes sense that a BB3 would probably be ideally paired to another BB3, as they have the same cabinet dimensions - as opposed to, say, a SM or SC.

But here's my question: If I'm using a Big Twin 3 as a reference point - the BT3 has just 1 HF driver. If I stack two BB3s, I'll end up with 2 HF drivers. In that case, should I turn the crossover on one of the BB3s all the way "off", to get the BT3 "sound"?

And if so, then has anyone had experience pairing a BB3 with, say, a Super Compact? The dimensions may not match, but is it "good enough"? A SC is significantly less expensive than a BB3, and if the high-frequency driver is redundant anyway, I'm wondering if it would be better to go that route.

[I asked Barefaced if they make a 12XN cab that is basically a BB3 (same dimensions), but minus the HF driver. Almost like a Super 3rd, but more like a "Big 3rd". If I get a response, I'll be happy to share here.]

Many thanks!
Click to expand...

If you are in stereo setup, I guess you have tried to reverse the polarity on one of the cabs. Mostly, if they aren't stacked or very close to each other, they may have phase issues.
 
#12,386
Diegombass said:
If you are in stereo setup, I guess you have tried to reverse the polarity on one of the cabs. Mostly, if they aren't stacked or very close to each other, they may have phase issues.
Click to expand...
I seriously doubt Barefaced is so haphazard in their cab assembly that they'd have cabs with polarity/phase issues sitting next to other Barefaced cabs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tim1 and jastraw
#12,393
Diegombass said:
If you sound stereo you need to separate your cabs, and it creates phase issues. It is not about the cabs, it is about the position.
Click to expand...

My personal opinion, reminder: I am a bit older and weathered by the biz.
‘Separate signal’ stereo is a necessity for guitars and keys.
And yes, the previous post is correct, running stereo bass can create phase issues (frequency cancellation when the cabs cross into the same wave - think white noise cancelling white sound, or red lenses cancelling red objects).
For me, I have found stereo bass to be more work than payoff. For small gigs it makes the room sorta spin (like a big B3 Leslie) and your bottom blanket punch seems to get lost.
For larger venues and FOH it literally starts to screw with the audience’s inner ear, especially with lower freqs. I have seen it make folks physically ill (almost like ULF crowd control).
Doubling with DI is a better option, and easier for the FOH board to control (and isolate if the hum gremlins visit).
I run a sh*t-ton of effects at some gigs (phasers, flangers included), the mono sweep gets the job done without the *** faces from the crowd.

That being said…I am guilty as charged. If my mentor and inspiration (Leland Sklar) saw my board he’d shake his head. He goes dry from his Dingwall LSS right into one EA iAMP with DI out. That’s it. The second EA is backup only. No stereo. No effects, all fingers and feel. He did add a sub kick for a while before Dingwall, my guess is
Screenshot 2021-09-01 092827.png
IMG_3291.jpeg
to feel the punch better.
 
  • Like
Reactions: John D Harris and 5StringPocket
#12,394
DavidJamesNHBass said:
My personal opinion, reminder: I am a bit older and weathered by the biz.
‘Separate signal’ stereo is a necessity for guitars and keys.
And yes, the previous post is correct, running stereo bass can create phase issues (frequency cancellation when the cabs cross into the same wave - think white noise cancelling white sound, or red lenses cancelling red objects).
For me, I have found stereo bass to be more work than payoff. For small gigs it makes the room sorta spin (like a big B3 Leslie) and your bottom blanket punch seems to get lost.
For larger venues and FOH it literally starts to screw with the audience’s inner ear, especially with lower freqs. I have seen it make folks physically ill (almost like ULF crowd control).
Doubling with DI is a better option, and easier for the FOH board to control (and isolate if the hum gremlins visit).
I run a sh*t-ton of effects at some gigs (phasers, flangers included), the mono sweep gets the job done without the *** faces from the crowd.

That being said…I am guilty as charged. If my mentor and inspiration (Leland Sklar) saw my board he’d shake his head. He goes dry from his Dingwall LSS right into one EA iAMP with DI out. That’s it. The second EA is backup only. No stereo. No effects, all fingers and feel. He did add a sub kick for a while before Dingwall, my guess is View attachment 5079982 View attachment 5079983 to feel the punch better.
Click to expand...

And to clarify. It BB3’s that are being pushed by my EA. Freakin’ love those cabs. If I stand near the ports my jacket actually moves from the air exiting. Last time I felt that was with a 2x Black Widow 15” cab back in the early 1980’s.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3542.png
    IMG_3542.png
    8.3 MB · Views: 65
  • IMG_0141.jpeg
    IMG_0141.jpeg
    580.7 KB · Views: 57
#12,395
Hi guys
One of the speaker inside my 69er has decided to give up after a few years of use and abuse.
Brilliant cabinet.
Now I need to replace the guitar speaker located on top left of the cab when looking at it.
Does anybody know what speaker I need?
The label on it says eminence but I can read the rest of the label
Cheers
 
#12,396
The Bass King said:
Hi guys
One of the speaker inside my 69er has decided to give up after a few years of use and abuse.
Brilliant cabinet.
Now I need to replace the guitar speaker located on top left of the cab when looking at it.
Does anybody know what speaker I need?
The label on it says eminence but I can read the rest of the label
Cheers
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear it's died - you need to replace it with another Eminence Copperhead. Has it burnt out or something else?
 
  • Like
Reactions: BlueTalon and Microbass
#12,397
I am just so disappointed! Several months ago i ordered me some Barefaced hoodies. Barefaced does not ship them without cabs, so i ordered some cabs. I just received a mail where they say they are sending me the cabs but are out of hoodies!

Well, i guess i can use the cabs for something, i just need an amp. Any suggestions? Labbgruppen or Crown?
 
  • Like
Reactions: mcnach

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back