Rig Downsizing (TC Electronic BH250, GK MB200)

[bdkthunder]

I am thinking about downsizing my rig. I currently have a Traynor Dynabass 400W head and Traynor TC410 cab. It's plenty enough for my needs right now playing punk in two different bands, competing with either 1 or 2 guitars. I play in small to medium sized venues and I usually play with the master volume around 2 or 3 max. I do have my EQ settings set kind of high (bass, mid and treble set at 3 o'clock, low mid at 1 o'clock and high mid at 2 o'clock) and maybe that contributes to higher volume before increasing the master (ie. if EQ was flat, master volume would be higher than 3). Gain is at 10 o'clock where 12 is flat because my passive bass has pretty hot pickups. I also find with this setup that the amp head gets pretty hot and I don't think I'm pushing it that much so I'm not sure if that is a problem or not.

So I was looking online at amps and a few have caught my eye and got me thinking about downsizing my rig overall because my 410 cab is pretty big and bulky, weighs 90lbs and is a bit difficult to fit into the car but it does fit. My head isn't that big and weighs 40 lbs but the small micro heads weighing 2-4 lbs seem VERY appealing.

The heads I was looking at are the TC Electronic BH250 or GK MB200. Seeing how small and light these are got me thinking about downsizing and I would likely pair the head with either one 210 or 212 cab. Possibly could do two 210s which would be same number of speakers as now but a bit more portable to fit in the car but I would rather stick with just one cab for now. I've read a lot of reviews and posts here and it sounds like many people can get by just fine with this type of setup.

So my main question is, would going from a 400W head and 410 cab to a 200-250W head and 210 or 212 cab still suit my needs? Am I going to be pushing a smaller head and cab too much to get the same volume as my current rig? I'm not really sure if I am using all the power of my 400w head anyways since master volume at 2 is usually enough. If I got a lighter but similar powered head, like the GK MB500 or Aguilar Tone Hammer 350 for example, it might still be more than I need but would that be a better choice to go with a 210 or 212 cab?

I'm only just thinking about making this change (I don't intend on test driving anything at the store just yet) and want to know if this downsizing idea is wise or whether I should just stick with what I have now. It does look nicer on stage with a bigger rig but I'm wondering if I really need something this size or if I can get by comfortably with something smaller and with less power for the size of venues I play.

If any of you have those specific heads could you tell me what cabs you use with it and how well it works for you?

Thanks for any help.

 

[azureblue]

I have the MB212, and it is plenty loud, despite its small size and weight. I like a one piece rig - one trip. I had the 2 -10's version of the MB and it distorted easily by itself. Adding a 2- 10 under really increased the sound and ended the distortion, but want was one piece. Both MBs have a 500 watt head.

 

[Professor X]

I use a bh250 with a 4 ohm GK MBE212 and love the combo. The amp and cab together weigh less than 40 lbs and the output is more than enough for the classic rock bands I use it with. I think with either of those heads the 4 ohm load will help get the maximum volume out.

 

[Low Class]

I have owned the GK MB500 and now own the TC BH250. IMO it is no contest in regards to tone, the BH250 hands down. It is a very powerful 250 watts, but no way will you get the same volume from a 210 that you will a 410. 2 12's may do a better job for you. You'll have to determine if the smaller rig will meet your needs. The TonePrint is fabulous!! I bought mine on eBay for $209 shipped brand new from ProAudiostar. Get the footswitch, it's worth the extra $50.

 

[drpepper]

...because my 410 cab is pretty big and bulky, weighs 90lbs and is a bit difficult to fit into the car but it does fit. My head isn't that big and weighs 40 lbs

A 410 doesn't have to weigh 90 lbs and/or be particularly bulky...there are some options in the 50-60 lbs range.

I agree with Low Class there, a 2X12 can be a good move from a 410. When I had various combos of multiple TCE RS210 and RS212's, I found that I ended up running a single 212 more than anything else. Had an Uber410 and ended up moving back to a 212. Different people have different needs, but a 212 can handle anything I need.

 

[Low Class]

btw, I'm using a Berg HT112ER/EX112ER stack with my BH250, same cabs I used with my MB500.

 

[bdkthunder]

Thanks everyone for the input.

The main idea I was thinking was to see how small I can go and still achieve sufficient volume levels that I need. I know there are lighter and slightly smaller 410 cabs but I would ideally like to try to get by with a smaller cab with fewer speakers if possible.

I'm just trying to gauge if the BH250 with a single 212 cab could match in volume with a 400w head at volume 2 with a 410 cab. I understand more speakers at the same power will give more volume but I'm just wondering if cranking 2 speakers could get close enough to 4 speakers with volume at 2.

Perhaps the ideal solution would be the BH250 with a 212 and then add a 210 if that doesn't end up being enough. It would then be 4 speakers in two smaller boxes (which I assume would be loud enough) so I could fit it easier in my car and also benefit from getting 4 ohms to use full power of the head. I have been leaning towards the BH250 and would probably get the RS212. Based on what I've read here on TB about that cab or the RS210 it seems to be a good choice.