Double Bass So the QSC speaker thing vs Bass amp...

[bassfacer22]

Well guys, I'm sure this has been posted up about and maybe a mega thread who knows, but the time comes where one must decide to buy a PA speaker or a Bass amp..

My situation arises that I need to travel with a lightweight cab and that is very durable.. and I mean travel long flights (internationally.)

so I need a light-weight speaker cab that will also be able to handle the airlines throwing them around of course in a hard case.. and be able to deal with weathering etc.

So the point is, the situation came up where instead of buying a new expensive bass cab, why not just get the QSC K12 which I've tried and sounds amazing with my bass.. its also a poweramp..

so really think about this,

I can buy another custom designed for bass cab speaker for $1000... or just buy a high quality QSC PA speaker which makes the bass sound awesome and is a combo poweramp too..

(I will not take my greenboy fearless cab overseas because I like it too much and it's for local gigs.. And it's softer wood which will damage easier.)

thoughts?

 

[Adam Booker]

Used the k10 for a while. Great set up with the right preamp. Headway into the qsc was a great rig for me, but still heavier than I wanted. Ended up going back to bass specific gear with a PJB rig.

 

[bassfacer22]

Used the k10 for a while. Great set up with the right preamp. Headway into the qsc was a great rig for me, but still heavier than I wanted. Ended up going back to bass specific gear with a PJB rig.

Ok but for me, I don't like what 10 and smaller cone speakers put out tone wise.. I want that 12/15 type tone or just more bass.. That's what stop me from getting the 10 or 8.. I don't want my mids pushed or whatever that tone/frequencies those smaller speakers seem to bring out on my bass

 

[Adam Booker]

Ok but for me, I don't like what 10 and smaller cone speakers put out tone wise.. I want that 12/15 type tone or just more bass.. That's what stop me from getting the 10 or 8.. I don't want my mids pushed or whatever that tone/frequencies those smaller speakers seem to bring out on my bass

I found the k10 to be pretty even across the frequencies. The 12 goes a bit lower, for sure. I appreciated the wider dispersion pattern of the smaller speaker, though. YMMV

 

[rickwolff]

At 41 pounds I wouldn't consider the K12 'Lightweight'.

 

[lrhbass]

K12 sounds great, but good luck with hauling it around...unless you have roadies...

 

[Jeff Kissell]

If you're traveling that much, why not have a 12" powered speaker on your rider as a backline? You can be really specific, i.e. QSC K12 or equivalent and that would at least force a discussion if the QSC is not available. Then you don't have to lug it around everywhere. A nice preamp and you're all set!

 

[bassfacer22]

Well yes, I guess the 12 is a bit heavy..

But what is the equivalent of the QSC k12 in bass amps??

Problem is that apparently the powered k12 has processing in it that makes it sound so good.. or natural..

I found that whatever is processing in the k12 really works for my bass with my specific pickup etc.. so thats initially why it had to be the k12..

But true it's not the lightest speaker.. but it is durable - it's some plastic material casing..

I believe more durable so than my easily dented fearless 12 cab because of the wood I chose to make it with etc..

 

[Jeff Kissell]

Mackie, Yamaha, JBL, EV, etc... All the big names have an equivalent 12" powered speaker in the 1000watt range. With a decent preamp, I would imagine you'll be able to get pretty dang close to the sound you want without having to drag around a 45lb speaker. Just make sure your rider is clear and the TM sends it to the venues when advancing.

 

[Pat Harris]

K10 goes down to 60hz, K12 goes down to 52hz. There really isn't any special processing in the QSC K series. I'd suspect part of what you may like about the K12 is that frequency is rolling off at 52hz. It's like a built in HPF. Plus, it's a sealed cab, so the response is a bit "tighter" sounding and feeling. A 12 is bigger than a 10, and from a playing perspective, that little bit of extra surface area and air moving can make a difference.

Keep in mind, even though they are rated at 1000w, the K series is actually 2x500 watt amps, and the LF driver, where all of the low content is going is only getting 500watts leaving the top end typically with plenty of headroom.

 

[nutdog]

Although not an upright bassist I own some k10's, frequently use k12's and was an airline pilot. The k's don't seem exceptionally suited for battle with baggage handlers.

 

[bassfacer22]

well.. sounds like I may have to hold off on the QSC and look for alternative like the Barefaced super midget or something.. hmm..

quick question then,

if you could only have 1,

A) is it better to have a high-end amp and crappy low-end speaker..

or

B) a high-end Cabinet and a crap 200watt head ??

 

[Pat Harris]

A) is it better to have a high-end amp and crappy low-end speaker..

or

B) a high-end Cabinet and a crap 200watt head ??

Without being snarky, your rig is only as good as the weakest component. Not sure what your touring situation is, but my M.O. while traveling is to bring a great head/DI to send a good clean signal to the FOH, and then make whatever backline is available work for stage monitoring.

 

[hondo4life]

well.. sounds like I may have to hold off on the QSC and look for alternative like the Barefaced super midget or something.. hmm..

quick question then,

if you could only have 1,

A) is it better to have a high-end amp and crappy low-end speaker..

or

B) a high-end Cabinet and a crap 200watt head ??

I went with B, personally. I figure you can always tweak EQs on the head and bass or add a pedal, but the cabinet is what it is.

 

[bassfacer22]

Without being snarky, your rig is only as good as the weakest component. Not sure what your touring situation is, but my M.O. while traveling is to bring a great head/DI to send a good clean signal to the FOH, and then make whatever backline is available work for stage monitoring.

I went with B, personally. I figure you can always tweak EQs on the head and bass or add a pedal, but the cabinet is what it is.

Pat, interesting because I can take a WalterWoods with me and use that but then I'm limited with the Crappy Cab they have.. or I can bring a high-end Cabinet with me and use the head they have.. (which is a 200-250watt hartke..God help me..) ha.

and Hondo4life, that's interesting as I see your point, and does make sense to me which is also kinda why I was looking at the QSC k12 because it solves the amp and cabinet together.. but at 41lbs ..

 

[Jeff Kissell]

My experience has been that 410 cabinets are the most common backline items known to man with powered speakers coming a close second.
Bring a nice head/preamp/DI and add a line to your stage plot/rider spelling out exactly what you want. I think you'll be happier not bringing a cabinet on the road, especially if you fly.

 

[vin*tone]

^^ this. I'd spend money on a good pre / DI. Any stage for a touring band will have a foldback wedge. Use the bass amp if you have to.

 

[Jeff Kissell]

I went with B, personally. I figure you can always tweak EQs on the head and bass or add a pedal, but the cabinet is what it is.

The difference being most bass amps are voiced for EBG... double bass is a whole 'nother animal when it comes to back lined amps vs speakers. Having a preamp you know and trust is one of most important pieces of gear when touring especially if you aren't bringing reinforcement.

 

[Pat Harris]

IME,
Great head through cheap cab > Cheap head through great cab.

 

[hondo4life]

The difference being most bass amps are voiced for EBG... double bass is a whole 'nother animal when it comes to back lined amps vs speakers. Having a preamp you know and trust is one of most important pieces of gear when touring especially if you aren't bringing reinforcement.

True. I suppose I was equating crappiness with cost. A good preamp could be $100, but a good power amp and cabinet will be more like $500 each. If I was travelling, I would bring my preferred preamp with DI and hope they have good PAs.