Hartke HyDrive 1x12. 30 pounds. I'm presently running two under a G-K MB500 in most rooms. The entire rig weighs just under 65 pounds and sounds huge.
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The ultimate 112 cab
- Thread starter bassgrackle
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- aguiar ampeg bergantino mesa boogie
I've owned/gigged a lot of the 1-12 cabs out there. The Audio Kinesis Hathor cabs have stayed in rotation the longest and I still have two, an H1203 and C1203T.
fwiw I didn't dig the Aguilar SL112 - ran out of steam when pushed hard. A pair was better, but not in the same league as some of the other options such as the Mesa Subway 1-12 (IME). I do like the sound of the Aguilar DB1-12, but I prefer a shallower cabinet for tight stage spaces - that was why I moved away from the Subway 1-12 (a fair number of 1-12 cabs are 18" deep). The Hathors are 14" deep.
Bergantinos are nice, but I tend to prefer a cabinet with a paper cone high frequency driver over a tweeter. I found the Tecamp XS112 to be good for its size (it is small/light), but really needed a pair to push it in a band situation (again, IME). I also had the bigger 2-12 that was interesting with the variable crossover setup.
But it depends on the style of music, tone goals, size of the gig, band configuration, etc. One person's perfect cab can be another person's fail. Context is everything.
fwiw I didn't dig the Aguilar SL112 - ran out of steam when pushed hard. A pair was better, but not in the same league as some of the other options such as the Mesa Subway 1-12 (IME). I do like the sound of the Aguilar DB1-12, but I prefer a shallower cabinet for tight stage spaces - that was why I moved away from the Subway 1-12 (a fair number of 1-12 cabs are 18" deep). The Hathors are 14" deep.
Bergantinos are nice, but I tend to prefer a cabinet with a paper cone high frequency driver over a tweeter. I found the Tecamp XS112 to be good for its size (it is small/light), but really needed a pair to push it in a band situation (again, IME). I also had the bigger 2-12 that was interesting with the variable crossover setup.
But it depends on the style of music, tone goals, size of the gig, band configuration, etc. One person's perfect cab can be another person's fail. Context is everything.
I also play indie/bar music and I use a Bergantino AE112, it's discontinued-- but just about any 1X12 Bergantino Cabinet will fit the bill.
I'm not really experienced with the highbrow gear, but I played my upright a smallish bar through a GK Neo 112. The mb800 on top of it was barely turned up at all and that little cab rocked. The only trouble I had was I had to move out to the front of the stage to hear it clearly. If it had been on a chair, it would have been great. 2 of them wouldbe perfect, even in a big place
Without a doubt, the best kept secret in 12s, the Greenboy Fearless F112. It's the one on the top of the 15sub.
It is great that there are so many options to choose from. I'd like to add the Euphonic Audio Wizzy 12 to the list.
In all fairness, pretty much any cab will sound good when the signal chain is Ken Smith>Avalon. Great setup.
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
Ideally grab something closer to 350 watts if possible. Mesa has that potent Faital driver, Bergantino-good bang for the buck is a used HD112. It's not lightweight but it's a solid punch machine. The older HT Series, the HT112EX is a great little box. I was not super impressed with the SL112, moved on from that pretty quick.
Ultimate is really impossible..there are so many great single 12 cabs available..
These are Bag End S12N ..single 12 cabs ..ceramic magnets. They sound okay at home but when you get them on stage and drive them..they’re amazing. Top notch build quality and reasonable prices...Made In Chicago...and they stack with their 15’s.
SPECIFICATIONS
System Type: Rear vented 1.4 ft3 Enclosure:
15 mm 11-ply solid core birch plywood
Finish: Coated Nebula Finish
Grille: 16 Gauge black power coated perforated steel
Low Frequency Components:
Transducers, 12” cone, 2.5” Voice coil, 80 oz. Magnet
Input Connector:Neutrino® speakON 1/4” combo jack
Hardware:2 – Handles 8 – Feet
Sensitivity:100 dB SPL (2.83 V @ 1m)
Frequency Response: 52 Hz to 5 kHz ±6 dB
Power Handling: 300 W continuous (AES) 600 W program
Recommended Amplifier Power:
300 to 600 W at rated impedance
Rated Impedance:
8 Ohms
Dimensions:
15”h x 18”w x 15”d 38 cm x 46 cm x 38 cm
Weight:
41 lbs 19 kg
Barefaced Super Compact is also another great cab. The Subway cabs are all great..
I recently acquired a Fearless F112 from you..
I have not gigged with it but from what I’m hearing at home..it’s pretty amazing...
These are Bag End S12N ..single 12 cabs ..ceramic magnets. They sound okay at home but when you get them on stage and drive them..they’re amazing. Top notch build quality and reasonable prices...Made In Chicago...and they stack with their 15’s.
SPECIFICATIONS
System Type: Rear vented 1.4 ft3 Enclosure:
15 mm 11-ply solid core birch plywood
Finish: Coated Nebula Finish
Grille: 16 Gauge black power coated perforated steel
Low Frequency Components:
Transducers, 12” cone, 2.5” Voice coil, 80 oz. Magnet
Input Connector:Neutrino® speakON 1/4” combo jack
Hardware:2 – Handles 8 – Feet
Sensitivity:100 dB SPL (2.83 V @ 1m)
Frequency Response: 52 Hz to 5 kHz ±6 dB
Power Handling: 300 W continuous (AES) 600 W program
Recommended Amplifier Power:
300 to 600 W at rated impedance
Rated Impedance:
8 Ohms
Dimensions:
15”h x 18”w x 15”d 38 cm x 46 cm x 38 cm
Weight:
41 lbs 19 kg
Barefaced Super Compact is also another great cab. The Subway cabs are all great..
I recently acquired a Fearless F112 from you..
I have not gigged with it but from what I’m hearing at home..it’s pretty amazing...
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I will put another vote in for Berg cabs .. CN112 or HDN112. Great tone, super lightweight (28lbs), very efficient (98db), 350w power handling. I don't run mine in a 2 x 112 stack, but I do combine a CN212 with the CN112 and it really delivers the goods.
good luck OP. As others have said, there are a lot of great choices out there. cool time to be a bass player.
good luck OP. As others have said, there are a lot of great choices out there. cool time to be a bass player.
Mesa uses an Eminence driver in the Subway 112.
Have owned pairs of Aguilar GS112, Bergantino AE112, Genz Benz Shuttle 12 Series 2, a fearless f112, and the original Audiokinesis thunderchild 12 (twice: v.1, 4 ohm). I like 12s a lot! Currently still have the Shuttle 12s, and a pair of Audiokinesis 15" speakers. Looking back, the GS112 was pretty useful, and I get a lot of utility from my GB shuttle combo, with a 9.2 in the saddle and usually with just one cabinet. And I've heard and enjoyed the Mesa Subway 12. But at the end of the day, I'd vote for a pair of any of the Audiokinesis 12" cabinets - choose the one that best suits your needs - you're not likely to look back, unless you're looking to provide a river of mud under the band...
If you can get your hands on Barefaced BigBaby II 3rd gen, go for it. Strongly recommended. I am thinking of getting a supercompact 12" (same as BigBaby but without the horn) for second cabinet for bigger gigs. Although I brobably don't need it. The BigBaby makes air move pretttty much enough! But what can I do, they are such great cabs! The sound is truly phenomenal.
Barefaced Bass - Ultra lightweight high power bass guitar speaker cabinets
Barefaced Bass - Ultra lightweight high power bass guitar speaker cabinets
I'm currently using 2 Berg HD112 on the road every week and they're great. Don't have a ton of experience with single 12s but I'd definitely recommend any of the Bergantino stuff.
mesa boogie 1 12 best 12 ive ever heard/played through
