A Super Compact would be a good compromise if you are scared the Super Midget could be too "choked" or "nasally"? Is the SC too bulky for your taste or too expensive?
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Official Barefaced Bass Cab Club
- Thread starter Stumbo
- Start date
A Super Compact would be a good compromise if you are scared the Super Midget could be too "choked" or "nasally"? Is the SC too bulky for your taste or too expensive?
I found the SC to be "congested" sounding when I first got it. After some break in and EQ adjustments I was able to get sounds I liked with the right amp. I couldn't get the EQ on the Monique by Jule to get me where I wanted to be. I ultimately flipped the Monique. I found a better sound with a Genz Shuttle head which had a semi-para mid EQ. I also had a Mesa Buster which might have been my favorite amp to pair with the SC.
It has been a while since I had a SM, but I found I didn't need/want the tweeter most of the time, and I don't think I ever got into the choked/nasally range with my rig and that cab. It will be leaner in the deep lows than a SC or BB3 at the same amp EQ settings, but I doubt it will sound bad. In terms of overall tone, I liked the SM better than the SC and feel like it might be a better fit with the BB3 (I have two BB2s now). However if maximum output and low end is the goal, then the SC would likely be a better fit.
The SC doesn't pair well with the BB3, according to Alex; otherwise, I probably would go for that.
The Super Mini sans T seems like a better alternative to the One10, if the SM can manage 90% of what a Super Compact can do. Thoughts?
So to summarise, SC is a better (fuller, less nasal and choked) standalone cab than the SM, but the SM is a better complement to the BB3 according to Alex, right?
alexclaber
Commercial User
I wouldn't describe any of the 12XN models as sounding "nasal or choked". The SM sounds less deep but thicker than the SC. The SC sounds less deep and tight but slightly fatter than the BB3. The mids and highs from the SM and SC are identical. The mids and highs are slightly cleaner from the BB3 (HF control at zero) because of how the inside of the cab deals with the internal reflections.
IMO a lot of us in this thread are spoiled by how much low end some of the flagship cabs cabs give (the BB3/Big Twin). I just played through my SMT and it has PLENTY of low end. It's honestly amazing how well it handles my 5 string being in such a tiny package. Yes, it has less low end the a BB3 of course, but I think it's outstanding for the portability, and pairing with the BB3 is fantastic.
With the tweeter off, I'd just describe it as losing a little "sparkle" from the top end. In a full band setting I doubt you'd really notice a ton of difference. For me, I got the tweeter just to have the option. When I'm spending that much on new equipment, another $100 was worth it to get the full range of options.
With the tweeter off, I'd just describe it as losing a little "sparkle" from the top end. In a full band setting I doubt you'd really notice a ton of difference. For me, I got the tweeter just to have the option. When I'm spending that much on new equipment, another $100 was worth it to get the full range of options.
As I have posted before, I have a super midget (smt) and a bb2. If I am using a single twelve my go to is normally the smt, on most gigs I will stack the two. I often prefer the tighter bottom end of the smt over the bb2, but note that I usually run a bergantinonforte hp into it, which is about 600 watts into 4 ohms and I boost the bottoms a bit. I think the smt likes the grunt and handles the bass boost easily.
Then again I could use my six 10.....
Then again I could use my six 10.....
I'll chime in with my experience with the SM as a standalone. I've played hundreds of gigs with one SM (with Acoustic Image or Mesa) and the only situations where I have wanted a bit more were
a) a loud guitarist ala fender twin
b) a large pop band that put me further from the cab than I wanted to be
It is the best single tiny cab solution I can think of, and I consider it large because my other cab is an AI Doubleshot. I recently bought a second SM on the classifieds to fill the void in the large noisy situations.
My recommendation for those playing with loud bands or on loud stages is to purchase a cab with multiple drivers or create a stack with multiple cabs. For those whose gigs tend to be quiet and intimate, in a more controlled environment, and with trusted bandmates the single cab is wonderful.
a) a loud guitarist ala fender twin
b) a large pop band that put me further from the cab than I wanted to be
It is the best single tiny cab solution I can think of, and I consider it large because my other cab is an AI Doubleshot. I recently bought a second SM on the classifieds to fill the void in the large noisy situations.
My recommendation for those playing with loud bands or on loud stages is to purchase a cab with multiple drivers or create a stack with multiple cabs. For those whose gigs tend to be quiet and intimate, in a more controlled environment, and with trusted bandmates the single cab is wonderful.
Thanks for all the good advice. I love TB! The trigger has been pulled on a SM. Now...where is it already? Happy Friday, DM
Anyone try lower powered amps? I'm considering a BB3 and have an SWR Baby Blue Head (original 150W). It's very versatile, I'd like to think they'd play well together, but my main concern is how the speakers behave if I inadvertently clip the power amp section.
Gigs mostly provide no FOH support. I also have an SM-400 so there are options. Just curious to see how light I might be able to travel.
Gigs mostly provide no FOH support. I also have an SM-400 so there are options. Just curious to see how light I might be able to travel.
Here's a logistical question: How long do you keep the packing boxes/materials after receiving your cab? I've had mine over a year now.
Here's a hypothetical logistical response:
Suppose you move in together with your one-and-only. How long do you keep the packing boxes for all your stuff?
I can say I keep them all if its they're in good condition to be re-used.....and I end up using them. Same with packing materials, because I buy and sell 5-10 basses a year. Saving the materials has saved me hundreds of dollars per year.
I've been reading this thread, and watching cab comparison videos on YouTube. It seems that for a reggae/ska/soul/dub/hip hop tone, that with a little EQ, a Super Compact can sound like a Two10. But, is there a 'feel' that can't be reproduced. Specifically, the sealed cab sound that the Two10 does, via the hybrid resonator. I'm really thinking the Two10 is something that could work for me. However, I like that with a Super Compact, my amp's tone is being honestly represented. And, as a result the sound I hear on stage, should be the same as what is going through the PA system, via my amp's direct line out. Also in theory, should there be less variables with latency? (Using a Two10 cab on stage, but amp feeding out to venue's PA speakers that will most likely have faster transient response)
Thoughts, or personal experience with this?
Thoughts, or personal experience with this?
