Official Barefaced Bass Cab Club

[BlueTalon]

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?

Have you emailed Alex about it? This is exactly the sort of thing he does, helping you work through what will be the best option for you.

 

[Snackulus]

Have you emailed Alex about it? This is exactly the sort of thing he does, helping you work through what will be the best option for you.

I have, several times.
I'm trying not to over-message him, as I'm sure he's very busy. Also, my lack of technical knowledge makes it difficult to explain exactly what I'm looking for.
He's helped me narrow it down from about six different options. The videos they posted have been very helpful. I'm between the last two options: Two10 (x2) or Super Compact (x2). Both of which should work for my needs (in theory, I think).
With the cost, wait time, etc. I'm just trying to make sure I get it right. I'm a very hands-on type of person, so not being able to demo them both before purchasing makes things difficult.

 

[bobomatic]

I can safely say that a Six10 would be overkill for any of our gigs where I'm carrying the room (rather than going through the PA), but I would looooooooooove to flap my pants legs with one at least once.

I play in a doom band. I'm free to let mine do everything it's capable of. It's pure glory.

 

[lala]

I have, several times.
I'm trying not to over-message him, as I'm sure he's very busy. Also, my lack of technical knowledge makes it difficult to explain exactly what I'm looking for.
He's helped me narrow it down from about six different options. The videos they posted have been very helpful. I'm between the last two options: Two10 (x2) or Super Compact (x2). Both of which should work for my needs (in theory, I think).
With the cost, wait time, etc. I'm just trying to make sure I get it right. I'm a very hands-on type of person, so not being able to demo them both before purchasing makes things difficult.

Forgive me for possibly over-simplifying, but I've had two different BF cabs, as well as having recently had an Ampeg 15LF, as well as my Aguilar and my Euphonic Audio cabs here with my various amps. They are all great. With a small tweak to my bass and/or my amps EQ, I can get them all to sound quite similar in spirit. Not exact, but in the range. You will probably be happy with any of the BF cabs so long as they meet your power requirements. Saying you've narrowed it down to 6 choices feels like starting from scratch. To me, even the differences between the 10's and 12's is somewhat subtle. Even on the BF videos, Alex and his mate go back and forth between the 10's and the 12's, and then stare at each other, almost struggling to be able to express a concise and relevant difference. Try not to go down the road of "paralysis by analysis". It leads to a Xanax prescription!
Buy the one you think you feel best about, and worst case you can sell it here and try something else. Variety is the spice of life after all.

 

[BlueTalon]

I have, several times.
I'm trying not to over-message him, as I'm sure he's very busy. Also, my lack of technical knowledge makes it difficult to explain exactly what I'm looking for.
He's helped me narrow it down from about six different options. The videos they posted have been very helpful. I'm between the last two options: Two10 (x2) or Super Compact (x2). Both of which should work for my needs (in theory, I think).
With the cost, wait time, etc. I'm just trying to make sure I get it right. I'm a very hands-on type of person, so not being able to demo them both before purchasing makes things difficult.

When I was deciding what cab I wanted, I listened to his comparison videos that compared a Big Baby 2, a Super Compact, and a 210. As I listened, I jotted down some notes and impressions, and the associated time stamps. It was a little boring, to be honest, but I stuck with the process long enough to get a clear answer for myself. In my email correspondence with Alex, I went back and forth with questions, but one other thing I did was send him a couple of recordings of songs in which I played. That gave him an impression of what I was looking for, and in the end, we both came to the same conclusion. BB3 for me, all day every day.




Incidentally, those recordings were done on my 3-pickup Warmoth jazz, not the Squier Precision in the SoundCloud avatar.

 

[gtirard]

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?

I think you're overthinking this - in a band mix, either would sound great and you could make them sound almost equal with EQ. I would choose the SC if I were you because as you already noted, the fact that it sounds closer to a PA is an advantage. It is also slightly lighter.

 

[DavidJamesNHBass]

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?

Are you using IEMs?
If not, a wedge?
Every player has thoughts about stage volumes, monitor mixes, FOH coverage, etc. And ALL answers are right if you, the band, and the sound crew is happy with the sound.

Personally, I like to hear and feel what I am playing. That means, yeah, my rig might probably be a few dB higher than it would or should be. IEMs are giving me the band - kick, snare, lead vox and rhythm guitar, plus just enough bass so I can identify where I am in the pocket.

My stage mix is sub-to-mid heavy so I can feel it. And whenever available, I ask/task FOH to carry almost all of what the audience will hear. And I've pulled one IEM out a few times, only because I really needed to hear where I was (and adjusting individual IEM mixes on the fly during a show is not recommended).

Old school guy, so the "no amps on stage, IEMs only" thing is not for me.
And I'm not a fan of the backbeat devices only because I'm already strapped with wireless packs for the bass and the IEMs. I change from fretted to fretless and back during the evening so I really don't want another pack to maintain or worry about.
I'm playing music, not going into battle.

Lee Sklar ran his rig with a sub kick on it at one time, guessing for the exact same reason (feel).

Perhaps elevate the cab a bit?
Or do what I did and say "screw this", get twin BB3's or a Six10T and live in tonal bliss.

 

[Snackulus]

Forgive me for possibly over-simplifying, but I've had two different BF cabs, as well as having recently had an Ampeg 15LF, as well as my Aguilar and my Euphonic Audio cabs here with my various amps. They are all great. With a small tweak to my bass and/or my amps EQ, I can get them all to sound quite similar in spirit. Not exact, but in the range. You will probably be happy with any of the BF cabs so long as they meet your power requirements. Saying you've narrowed it down to 6 choices feels like starting from scratch. To me, even the differences between the 10's and 12's is somewhat subtle. Even on the BF videos, Alex and his mate go back and forth between the 10's and the 12's, and then stare at each other, almost struggling to be able to express a concise and relevant difference. Try not to go down the road of "paralysis by analysis". It leads to a Xanax prescription!
Buy the one you think you feel best about, and worst case you can sell it here and try something else. Variety is the spice of life after all.

I may have worded that in a confusing manner. I've narrowed it down to two options, from the original six.
Although, I'm starting to consider the Big Baby 3 now, ha!
You're right though, I'm overthinking this. Gonna start writing out a chart which should help me reach a decision.
Thanks for your input!

When I was deciding what cab I wanted, I listened to his comparison videos that compared a Big Baby 2, a Super Compact, and a 210. As I listened, I jotted down some notes and impressions, and the associated time stamps. It was a little boring, to be honest, but I stuck with the process long enough to get a clear answer for myself. In my email correspondence with Alex, I went back and forth with questions, but one other thing I did was send him a couple of recordings of songs in which I played. That gave him an impression of what I was looking for, and in the end, we both came to the same conclusion. BB3 for me, all day every day.




Incidentally, those recordings were done on my 3-pickup Warmoth jazz, not the Squier Precision in the SoundCloud avatar.

Great idea! I've been watching that same video, but am relying on memory. Writing down notes with timestamps seems like a very productive process. Thanks!

I think you're overthinking this - in a band mix, either would sound great and you could make them sound almost equal with EQ. I would choose the SC if I were you because as you already noted, the fact that it sounds closer to a PA is an advantage. It is also slightly lighter.

I am! Ha!
I had never known about the concept of stage tone not matching venue tone (via PA speakers). So it's got me thinking.. lighter weight cabs are always welcome too. Thanks!

Are you using IEMs?
If not, a wedge?
Every player has thoughts about stage volumes, monitor mixes, FOH coverage, etc. And ALL answers are right if you, the band, and the sound crew is happy with the sound.

Personally, I like to hear and feel what I am playing. That means, yeah, my rig might probably be a few dB higher than it would or should be. IEMs are giving me the band - kick, snare, lead vox and rhythm guitar, plus just enough bass so I can identify where I am in the pocket.

My stage mix is sub-to-mid heavy so I can feel it. And whenever available, I ask/task FOH to carry almost all of what the audience will hear. And I've pulled one IEM out a few times, only because I really needed to hear where I was (and adjusting individual IEM mixes on the fly during a show is not recommended).

Old school guy, so the "no amps on stage, IEMs only" thing is not for me.
And I'm not a fan of the backbeat devices only because I'm already strapped with wireless packs for the bass and the IEMs. I change from fretted to fretless and back during the evening so I really don't want another pack to maintain or worry about.
I'm playing music, not going into battle.

Lee Sklar ran his rig with a sub kick on it at one time, guessing for the exact same reason (feel).

Perhaps elevate the cab a bit?
Or do what I did and say "screw this", get twin BB3's or a Six10T and live in tonal bliss. View attachment 5316458 View attachment 5316459

Have yet to encounter IEMs, and do not use a wedge. I also prefer to hear and feel what I'm playing. I want to go modular because I had a back injury a while back, and would like to limit heavy lifting as much as possible to prevent further injury.
I see you have both a BB3 stack as well as Six10. Do you have a preference, or is it dependent on musical genre? I'm becoming more intrigued with the BB3, even though it wasn't on my initial list.

 

[monsterthompson]

I'm starting to consider the Big Baby 3 now, ha!

I think this is the way to go for your styles of music. You'll likely appreciate the extra low bass extension compared Two10 and SC. I've owned all three. The extra cabinet size helps, even though you might not need/want the compression driver.

 

[Snackulus]

I think this is the way to go for your styles of music. You'll likely appreciate the extra low bass extension compared Two10 and SC. I've owned all three. The extra cabinet size helps, even though you might not need/want the compression driver.

Yeah, I wouldn't have a need for the compression driver at this point. But that could change in the future, in case I start playing different genres, or experiment with effects. It's cool that they could even be used as PA speakers.
Do you find the extra low bass extension to be focused? Meaning, is it still tight or articulate when needed?

 

[monsterthompson]

Yeah, I wouldn't have a need for the compression driver at this point. But that could change in the future, in case I start playing different genres, or experiment with effects. It's cool that they could even be used as PA speakers.
Do you find the extra low bass extension to be focused? Meaning, is it still tight or articulate when needed?

I mainly used mine as a PA speaker (I have a pair of BB2) and ran some heavy sounding playback material and it was never boomy or sloppy. When I used the cab with a bass I often had a cab sim pedal in my chain, and it was always manageable. If I had the make a choice between a SC and a BB2/3 without the compression driver on then I'd take the BB2. I think it sounds better and more balanced than the SC. I had to do more tweaking the mids with EQ to get the sound I wanted with the SC and I found the BB2 was a better fit with more of the amps I tried.

 

[BlueTalon]

I think this is the way to go for your styles of music. You'll likely appreciate the extra low bass extension compared Two10 and SC. I've owned all three. The extra cabinet size helps, even though you might not need/want the compression driver.

Yeah, I wouldn't have a need for the compression driver at this point. But that could change in the future, in case I start playing different genres, or experiment with effects. It's cool that they could even be used as PA speakers.
Do you find the extra low bass extension to be focused? Meaning, is it still tight or articulate when needed?

During the first few months I had my BB3, I struggled to tame the high end on my rig. But I was always fiddling with the bass' and amp's tone controls, it didn't occur to me that it might have anything to do with the cab. Then one day when I was setting up for a gig, I looked at the control, and thought, "Oh yeah, duh!" (I felt like an idiot, to be honest.) So I turned it down to about 50% and everything has been great since then.

 

[Snackulus]

Six 10 vs two bf twelves both different shades of awesomeness ime. The Six 10 will punch you in the gut whereas the twelves surround you like a pillow. If you get what I mean........

Can you please elaborate on this a little more?

 

[monsterthompson]

Can you please elaborate on this a little more?

My guess is that this a reference to the frequency range being emphasized. The higher sensitivity of the 10s is probably achieved with a roll off in the deeper lows, and the old school voice coloration might be an upper bass and/or lower mids emphasis. Thus the punch in the gut of the 10s. Whereas the 12s are going to give you more of a deep low "pillow" by sacrificing sensitivity. The FRFR nature of the 12 won't have any frequency peaks giving it the coloration of the 10s.

My experience is that the 10s do reach out and grab you while the 12s reproduce what you put in and produce a nice deep pillowy low without being dark or boomy.

 

[Snackulus]

My guess is that this a reference to the frequency range being emphasized. The higher sensitivity of the 10s is probably achieved with a roll off in the deeper lows, and the old school voice coloration might be an upper bass and/or lower mids emphasis. Thus the punch in the gut of the 10s. Whereas the 12s are going to give you more of a deep low "pillow" by sacrificing sensitivity. The FRFR nature of the 12 won't have any frequency peaks giving it the coloration of the 10s.

My experience is that the 10s do reach out and grab you while the 12s reproduce what you put in and produce a nice deep pillowy low without being dark or boomy.

Thanks, this helps me understand that description better!

 

[Richard Lindsey]

Well, as of today, I've just joined the club! It's a Big Baby 3 for me, in the basic "none more black." I'm generally a one-light-cab kind of person, and I wanted the one that would do the most while still being portable, so for me that meant the BB3. It'll be a little while yet before I can open it up on a gig, but initial home-based results are pretty gratifying so far. It somehow looks a little bigger than I thought it would--even though I was perfectly capable of reading the dimensions on the site and in fact did so--but it's still an easy one-hand lift, weighing only slightly more than my Acme Low B-1. The cover is great and well worth the extra $. Looking forward to putting this thing to work!

P.S. If anybody is wondering about current wait time, it took about 9 weeks from the order date to the arrival at my front door in Northern California; that stretch of time included the end-of-year holidays. That's in line with what they say on the website, and it's nice that the time projection was accurate.

 

[rapidfirerob]

Well, as of today, I've just joined the club! It's a Big Baby 3 for me, in the basic "none more black." I'm generally a one-light-cab kind of person, and I wanted the one that would do the most while still being portable, so for me that meant the BB3. It'll be a little while yet before I can open it up on a gig, but initial home-based results are pretty gratifying so far. It somehow looks a little bigger than I thought it would--even though I was perfectly capable of reading the dimensions on the site and in fact did so--but it's still an easy one-hand lift, weighing only slightly more than my Acme Low B-1. The cover is great and well worth the extra $. Looking forward to putting this thing to work!

P.S. If anybody is wondering about current wait time, it took about 9 weeks from the order date to the arrival at my front door in Northern California. That's in line with what they say on the website, and it's nice that the time projection was accurate.

Congratulations!! Where are you located in the Bay Area? I'm in Richmond Annex near El Cerrito. I got my One10 and One10T a few months ago and love the cabs. Enjoy!!

 

[Richard Lindsey]

Congratulations!! Where are you located in the Bay Area? I'm in Richmond Annex near El Cerrito. I got my One10 and One10T a few months ago and love the cabs. Enjoy!!

Quite close, actually--Pinole, not far from the Appian Way exit. From what I've heard in videos and posts, the 10s are also great, just a different flavor of great from the 12s. I have a lot of respect for the thoughtfulness of Alex's approach to design and production. I'm not qualified to judge the science, but it's clear that, as with any good designer, everything is done for a reason. I think we're living in kind of a golden age of bass cabs; there's just so much good stuff out there. I've also got a couple of Acmes and and a Mike Arnopol 1,8, and they're all remarkable performers in their own ways. I'd love to spend some time with a Mesa Subway cab or a Genzler Bass Array sometime, maybe even a GR, but one has only so much room, time, and money....

 

[BlueTalon]

Well, as of today, I've just joined the club! It's a Big Baby 3 for me, in the basic "none more black." I'm generally a one-light-cab kind of person, and I wanted the one that would do the most while still being portable, so for me that meant the BB3. It'll be a little while yet before I can open it up on a gig, but initial home-based results are pretty gratifying so far. It somehow looks a little bigger than I thought it would--even though I was perfectly capable of reading the dimensions on the site and in fact did so--but it's still an easy one-hand lift, weighing only slightly more than my Acme Low B-1. The cover is great and well worth the extra $. Looking forward to putting this thing to work!

P.S. If anybody is wondering about current wait time, it took about 9 weeks from the order date to the arrival at my front door in Northern California; that stretch of time included the end-of-year holidays. That's in line with what they say on the website, and it's nice that the time projection was accurate.

My BB3 has made my Phil Jones C8 cab expendable. That's something I never thought I'd say.

 

[mikeynets]

Quite close, actually--Pinole, not far from the Appian Way exit. From what I've heard in videos and posts, the 10s are also great, just a different flavor of great from the 12s. I have a lot of respect for the thoughtfulness of Alex's approach to design and production. I'm not qualified to judge the science, but it's clear that, as with any good designer, everything is done for a reason. I think we're living in kind of a golden age of bass cabs; there's just so much good stuff out there. I've also got a couple of Acmes and and a Mike Arnopol 1,8, and they're all remarkable performers in their own ways. I'd love to spend some time with a Mesa Subway cab or a Genzler Bass Array sometime, maybe even a GR, but one has only so much room, time, and money....

Yep, I went with a One10 and it's exactly what I wanted. With that said, I really like the sound of the 12s — at least from YT through headphones. I wish I could've tried both in person, but for my situation, the One10 is perfect for the more vintage sound I was going for and the fact that I plan on getting another to have one at home, one at rehearsal space and use both as needed for gigs.

I'm in the Bay also. That's three of us on this thread with new Barefaced cabs. Stoked!