Phil Jones C4 + C4 = C8?

[K. Powell]

Do any PJB users have an opinion as to whether running a pair of C4 cabs is essentially the same as a single C8? I see the C8 has a lower low frequency response than the C4. As a 4 string only player, I doubt I could hear the difference. I play small rooms mostly, but occasionally need some volume for a larger room. Two smaller cabs or a one cab solution?
Is the C8 relatively easy to schlep at 56ish lbs? I just donated my old SWR cabs at 65 lbs to a thrift store and am looking to lighten the load. Thanks hive mind.

 

[ahbass2500]

Cannot speak to two C4s versus a C8 (as I have two C8s). I expect you will be just fine with the C4s if you go that route. I was perfectly happy with the low end from 3 C2s, which has less low end response than the C4. C2s is audibly not the low end that the C8 can do, but it was certainly enough.

On the C8 being easy to move. It has a dolly built in. It is easy to move until you hit rough sidewalk or stairs.

If you can find an older Compact 8 Lite, those were only 37.2 lbs. Phil Jones Bass Compact 8 Lite Extension Cabinet with Cover - DjangoBooks.com

 

[roccobass]

I can't speak on how a C8 sounds since I never owned one. Just going by the consensus here, they sound great. Yes, I wouldn't have minded trying one out, but it wasn't meant to be.

I own 2 of the C4s, and I'm more than happy with the sound. They get plenty of oomph. Rarely do I need more than one, but then I play in low to mid to semi loud jazz, blues or americana situations. No metal or hard rock. However I did do some sit-ins with a classic rock band at a bar with one C4 and it kept up.

Mobility wise, I like that I only have to schlep 29 lbs each down my stairway at a time. My little Magnacart hand truck easily handles both for the trip to the car to load in and load back to the car and to my stairway. I think I'm set.

Btw, I'm also 64. My needs might be different from yours so definitely think about it. Good luck. Sound wise, you can't go wrong either way.

 

[lomo]

A cab using multiple smaller drivers is inherently at a weight disadvantage because the ratio of metal to paper is higher than in a cab using larger drivers....and there is no tonal or efficiency advantage to the smaller ones. I love my double 4, because tiny drivers are uniquely able to work at lower volume in a tiny box suitable for travel or tight spaces. PJB fit and finish are gorgeous. That said, compared to a C4, a good quality 112 can be louder , every bit as good sounding and lighter at the same price point. I briefly owned the suitcase and 9B cabs, but realized I could find tone every bit as good with fewer, larger drivers, at a lower a weight/volume ratio, for the same or even less money. My Barefaced 110 pushed by 250 watts produces pretty much the volume of a C4 at < 20 lbs. Jus' sayin'. If you can, A/B a C4 next to a 112 by Mesa, Berg, Genzler, etc.

 

[K. Powell]

thanks gents, I have a mesa walkabout 112 with the radiator on the bottom that I use now. It's full and deep, but with the upright bass it is a a little too blooming and not enough clarity. It has a neo speaker and is quite light maybe 30lbs. My thought was to add another cab for definition or try a different speaker set up altogether. I thought a PJB C4 might work. Another 112 would be a solid choice as well. Also looking at Aguilar sl110. lots of options these days.
I play country/americana stuff and back singer songwriter types of people.

 

[lomo]

The walkabout scout is an older design. The passive radiator essentially acts as a port, allowing the box to be tuned lower. It won't handle more than 200 watts without compressing (the 300 watt rating simply indicates what it can tolerate without permanent damage to the voice coil). IME the current wave of high end 112 cabs like Berg, Genzler, Barefaced, Mesa are significantly ahead of it. If volume needs are minimal, 110 offerings by Barefaced and Genzler are VERY portable. Among the 112s, IMHO the Genzler Nu Classic is a value champion.

 

[Jeremy Jones]

I have the BG 450 and a C4 to go along with it...... I use them for everything from Jazz combo (no Pa support) to full rock show with full Symphony (with PA support) and it covers all of that with no issues....... Normally I have to dial back the lows with my Jazz gigs. I have been searching the last couple of years to find the most versatile setup and this is it for me.

 

[K. Powell]

I have the BG 450 and a C4 to go along with it...... I use them for everything from Jazz combo (no Pa support) to full rock show with full Symphony (with PA support) and it covers all of that with no issues....... Normally I have to dial back the lows with my Jazz gigs. I have been searching the last couple of years to find the most versatile setup and this is it for me.

thanks for your input, that does look like a great modular rig. I will look closer at the PJB combos.

 

[Water buffalo]

I have two C4s and one C8. Depending on the venue, I use one or two C4s or a C4 with the C8.

I think you will be happy with two C4's, that will give you a few options.

 

[basford79]

I have a C8 and was debating on getting either another C8 or a C4 to add just a little bit more. That being said, I've played bass for a while, but for more of a hobby and never really had a big, nice, loud amp. I now play bass in 2 cover bands. Now that I have the C8, I am unsure how hard I can push it. Honestly, there's good possibility that I'm perfectly fine with what I have. I just don't know. My head is a Bugera BV1001T Veyron. I have a Helix that I got from a friend for cheap, so I run from it into the return on the head since my patches have modeled amps. Anyways, any thoughts or direction would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Al Kraft]

The few times I've had an opportunity to hear or play on PJB cabs/gear they surprised me with how big and full they sounded. I was also very impressed with the high quality of the build.

My sense was that for folks who want to minimize weight and size but still have a big, high quality sound these were a great choice as are the Barefaced cabs. Once you start to get to multiple or larger PJB cabs, I think there are some single driver cabs as lomo mentioned that are worth considering.

The one that caught my ear and I own is the AudioKinesis C112T. It's only downside is that it is a little less efficient as deliberate design trade-off (but Watts are cheap and plentiful these days) and it is not a super deep sub-bass focussed cab if that matters.

 

[BQFS]

BOTH my C4 cabs started to distort when playing at medium volume levels. Both distort regardless of the amp driving them.

PJB asked me to remove the front grills and inspect for damage but I cannot figure out how to remove the grill. It's easy to remove the 8 screws, but there is something behind the center badge and I have NO idea how to remove it.

Any assistance much appreciated.

Bud