Standalone cab - GK neo212, Schroeder 1210 or Berg AE410

I'm no "tone-expert," but I know I can get a good range of sounds through my Schroeder 1212L with a bit of tweaking. I actually was using a GK1001RBII until I decided to sell it this week. As far as cutting mids, that's what the Schroeders are known for, and I haven't had any trouble dialing out harsh highs.

FWIW, I played a few practices with the GK/1212L set-up and never had the master volume past 2 or 3 (active button pushed, gain set low, and boost around 12 o'clock). That rig just gets crazy loud quickly. I bought the amp from Jorg's house, and he let me crank it up in his rehearsal space...let's just say I've never considered turning it up that loud again...

 

A Schroeder 1210 or 1212 will likely be louder than a typical 410 or atleast the same volume worst case. The 1212 is one of the best cabinets I have tried, it had more low end than the 1210.

 

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=431176

 

Sounds like you need a Berg AE410 all the way.

 

continuing the trend, ill also vote the 1212L.
I have a 1210R and a new 1212L and the 1212L sounds louder, slightly fuller and has more punch. Not sure if the tone of a 1210 can match a 410 but i would say certainly the volume can.
I have just sold a UL212 and i was using that last year with both a MB LMII and SA450 and also a GK1001RBII (for a short while). while the UL212 was bigger and sounded fuller it lacked punch and seemed to have muddy lows. totally the opposite to my 1212L in every way. Considering both are 2x12's i couldn't believe the difference. The UL212 sounded better on its own and was nice and warm at small gigs but the 1212L can still fill the room without sounding muddy.
The top end is also a bit nicer on the 1212L compared to my 1210R (its quite old now). This is the first cab i have used where ive had the tweeter almost full up. adds a nice sparkle without any clank.

 

Since you have a G-K head and like lots of control over the highs, you'd probably love the Neo212 because you'll be able to use the "horn management system" and control the tweeter's output from the head. My main rig is two Neo 112's, and I think it fits the description of what you want. They have lots of punch, and full-range clarity. They can sound very smooth, but crank the "boost" control on the G-K head and they'll get a little dirty.

The other cabs mentioned might fit the bill too, but I haven't tried them so I can't make a comparison.

 

Same head. I have always loved 10's.
I now keep a Dr. Bass 2460 cab around. It will get the job done.
Jonathan

 

Volume wise my 1212 was loud but not as loud as a ul410. Very pronounced voicing on those small schroe's, good idea to try one before you buy if possible.

 

I am impressed with the 1212L and 1210R (I haven' checked out a 1210L), and they ares REALLY loud for their size. However, they aren't even in the same universe as a 4ohm AE410 or 4ohm 410UL. That's just physics... not even close if you are considering volume across the full frequency spectrum, including true, deep bass.

If the OP has enough cash to get the AE410, that IMO is a no-brainer for me.

However, +1 on the Schoeder... if you like a very mid-punchy, tight tone, and want the loudest ooomph in the smallest box, it is killer. It might even be the same volume as many 410's, but only above 100hz or so

IMO and IME.

Edit: I have not heard the GK Neo. I understand they are also quite mid punchy, and have a high -3db roll-off. However, I also understand they have gone through a recent re-design, and that the new ones aren't quite shipping yet.

 

Re the AE410, it might depend on your definition of 'hi-fi'. If you mean high fidelity as opposed to mid scooped then the AE might not be what you're looking for. It's clear and relatively uncoloured, kind of like a good PA cab with a bass friendly voice.

edit: Hmmm with what you said about turning off the horns and hi eq almost all the way you might be better off looking for a cab that's voiced more that way to start with, the AE has plenty of upper mids/highs. What about things like the NV bergs, accugrooves and maybe some of the aggie range??

 

Sounds like my Bagend D12 (2x12")
http://www.bagend.com/bagend/d12-d.htm

Mids like a round house kick to the chest, quick & tight throughout the spectrum, and bright in a very subtle way.

More natural and even sounding then my old 1210 and 1212.

 

You're right about the update to the G-K Neos. The dimensions of the 112, 212, and 115 are being changed so they'll stack with the newer 210 and 410 models. I think they're getting wider and deeper, but somehow lighter as well. I'm not aware of any other changes, but I assume the larger enclosures will alter the tone somewhat.

When I found out about this, I ordered my second Neo112 immediately, because I wanted it to stack with my first one. I'm really digging the 2x112 stack.