Thinking about down sizing to a micro rig

[FighttheSilence]

It's probably been two years or more since I've played on a regular bass-is so I'm considering downsizing my rig.

Here is what I have:
GK 412 Neo Cab
GK 2001RBP Preamp (With foot switch)
Carvin Power Amp (I think it's 1500 watts)

I'm incredibly out of practice in terms of what brands have risen and declined over the last few years. I'm a college kid, so what ever I get would have to be covered by whatever I get from selling my rig (maybe I could swing a $200-300 extra), but what are some good brands that would be light, compact, cost effective, and give me a bit of headroom if I end up playing in a band again (maybe around the 400-600 watt region).

Forgot to mention, I have a Carvin 210 (4ohms) that I'm using as a night stand that could probably find better use.

Edit: For a cabs I was thinking about getting a 1x12 and adding a second one if need be.

 

[Dave W]

How do you like the GK tone?

 

[CL400Peavey]

For a cabs I was thinking about getting a 1x12 and adding a second one if need be.

IMHO these are three of the best 112's in the game.

fEARful 12/6/1 -- fEARless F112 -- Bassic12

Link Removed

I would also check out:

Baer ML112
Audiokinesis TC112
Barefaced Big Baby

 

[FighttheSilence]

How do you like the GK tone?

It was very nice. I usually put some gain/overdrive on it, but the cleans are great too. I'm a big fan of walking bass lines that jump to the 2nd and 3rd strings, so mids are really important to me and the 412 got them well.

 

[RattleSnack]

I recommend GK MB500 head, light weight and small - fits in your equipment bag. Try it with your Carvin 210 cab, it could be good enough as a micro rig.

 

[Dave W]

+1 for the GK MB500 and whatever 1X12 cab you like best.

You could also check out the new GK combos. They just recently came out with powered extension cabs too.

 

[MuthaFunk]

When I looked to downsize I wanted something I could still do gigs that a typical 410 would cover but much lighter and smaller. I ended up with an Xsonics 212CF. It's loaded with a pair of super 12's (3012HO) in an unconventional package that is just slightly larger than a 112.

It'll do anything a 410 would but it's much smaller and only 42 lbs. It might be worth a listen for you. Xsonics was a great company to deal with. I've been really impressed with it's performance and tone. I've ran it off of a Markbass LMT800, F500, Eden WTX500, SWR Headlite and they all do really well with it.