Recommend a powered cab for preamp

[Samatza]

I've been using the Alembic F-1X into FOH and monitor via IEM.
I really like the sound of the F-1X and there are times I just need a powered cab to run it into.

Is anyone using a similar rig, like a preamp with a powered cab?

Any recommendations for powered bass cab or do I just use a powered PA cab?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers, Samatza.

 

[Stumbo]

What is your max budget?

 

[Samatza]

What is your max budget?

I'm not concerned about the cost but I need something that's fairly portable, I don't need a lot of volume just a nice clean sound big enough for a medium sized room.

 

[Zbysek]

Barefaced (FR800) and Bergantino (IP series) used to make powered cabs...but they have discontinued them.

I think MAS (Michael Arnopol Soundworks) offers some cabs as powered...

 

[J.Wolf]

MAS is a great option, also accugroove makes powered cabs. And the QSC K12.2 is a strong option

 

[Wissen]

I would vote for the QSC K12.2, but I prize versatility over all else. The QSC would have a thousand and one uses, whereas your powered bass cab has one.

However, compromise is real. It won't be as good as a bass cab as the MAS or accugroove, but it will be a lot better at many other things.

 

[Zbysek]

There was this ancient thread...

List of Powered Bass Appropriate Cabs

 

[Zbysek]

Phil Jones makes PB-100 and PB-300

I have no experience with either...

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[johnpbass]

Don't know what your volume needs are, but I've been looking at the Tech21 Deuce Deluxe and Blackstar Unity 250. Haven't heard much about either though.

 

[Zbysek]

There were also MBP cabs from Gallien Krueger

MBP Cabinets — Gallien-Krueger

 

[ctmullins]

Why a powered cab? A normal cab with a micro-amp is functionally equivalent. I don’t see that a powered cab has any advantages, just the disadvantage of having the amplifier module inconveniently placed.

 

[mmbongo]

There were also MBP cabs from Gallien Krueger

MBP Cabinets — Gallien-Krueger

Those really only work with the GK Plex or the matching GK combo amps though. A regular preamp will not drive them.

 

[Zbysek]

Those really only work with the GK Plex or the matching GK combo amps though. A regular preamp will not drive them.

Thanks. I suspected it might be this way...

 

[J.Wolf]

forgot about the powered Bag End's. That would be another stellar choice.

To me, the only real benefit of powered cabs are A: if you have a preamp that you really are committed to and dont want to haul around an additional power amp, or B: having the attached amplifier optimized for the given enclosure either with DSP or some other kind of intentional design pairing.

 

[Zbysek]

To me, the only real benefit of powered cabs are A: if you have a preamp that you really are committed to and dont want to haul around an additional power amp, or B: having the attached amplifier optimized for the given enclosure either with DSP or some other kind of intentional design pairing.

TBH, I see better benefit in having separate power amp and cab(s)...but the OP wants powered cab so I am trying to help him...

 

[two fingers]

The K12 is for real. I have borrowed my band's a few times when taking just the Helix to church. (Even though we are all in ears at church they prefer some stage volume on bass for some reason.)

Even on 5 string basses the K12 takes all I throw at it. I usually have it too loud and have to be told to turn down.

If you ever get a gig where you need more volume, you can probably rent one K12 from a local act or production company. Two could get ridiculously loud.

And, as stated earlier by @Wissen , you can use them for just about anything. Having an outdoor barbecue? Run a cable from your phone to the K12 and play your favorite Spotify list at the party. Your best pal gets a rare solo acoustic gig? Hook him up. All he needs is something to put a little reverb in his mix and he's good to go.

Tomorrow night I will have one on my front porch playing Halloween music loud enough to cause my stage lights to chase.... and, yes, I put my stage lights on my front porch for Halloween.

K12 all day long.

 

[J.Wolf]

I know I like the ICE 1200 amp and the 1000w Pascal, so if I had a preamp that I was married to (which I kind of do) and a cab that I loved, I would be happy enough with a powered cab setup. But for max versatility/flexibility, yeah, I'd be just as happy with separates.

 

[hennessybass]

I would be very happy with a powered cab and was looking into those BagEnd cabs a few weeks back.

Seems like nearly ever amp manufacturer has a pedal format preamp/DI now. Just seems like a natural progression,,, but I also get the whole scale, and cost of design and manufacturing, etc. Also, it may be that those pre/DI boxes are more an indicator of the move to silent stages rather than a move away from traditional amps.

It's just such a clean solution. I'm ready to make the move.

I think I would want a more traditional "bass" cab, rather than a full range PA type speaker - but I will say, those QSC K12 (or 10s) are very real. Incredible speakers.

 

[fokof]

Any powered "Pro" PA cab will do , depending on your needs and budget.
Been using these for 30 years , plenty choice , where ever you are in the world.
Like anything else , there is good and bad stuff.

Use your favorite bass pre/pro with it.

And like other said , can also be used as lots of other stuff , blend your bass signal to the Aux mix from monitor console = bingo !!!
As opposed to a bass specific speaker that will always be a one trick poney.

 

[popgadget]

I’ll second the “any pro” powered PA cab would work well. EV, JBL,Yamaha and QSC are just a few that come to mind.