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Traynor Small Block Combos - Initial Impressions
- Thread starter Crabby
- Start date
I have all three Traynor SB combos (110, 112, 115). They replace my (inferior) Fender Rumbles (200 and 500 combos with the 115 extension cabinet).
Everything has already been said here, I would just re-emphasize that the 110 is potent.
Everything has already been said here, I would just re-emphasize that the 110 is potent.
I just traded in my 3 year-old SB110 for an SB112 at Long and McQuade. I loved the SB110 but the extra power and bigger speaker in the SB112 allows me to use it with my P bass in bigger venues when I can't go through the PA.
The SB112 is 4 lbs heavier but I don't really notice the difference.
The SB112 is 4 lbs heavier but I don't really notice the difference.
Another vote of confidence for the Small Block series. I've had an SB112 for about six months and have had no interest in looking at other amps since getting it to replace a 110 combo and a head+115 cab.
It's really well designed, and the EQ section is potent--between the four bands and the Low Expander (plus defeatable tweeter and two different-sounding inputs), it's capable of a very wide range of sounds while also being quick and easy to dial in.
It's really well designed, and the EQ section is potent--between the four bands and the Low Expander (plus defeatable tweeter and two different-sounding inputs), it's capable of a very wide range of sounds while also being quick and easy to dial in.
This is interesting stuff. I've been looking to upgrade from my Rumble 25 (just for practice at home), because I anticipate getting back together with my jam buddies and I'll be taking bass duty. I was considering the Rumble 100 or 200, or Ampeg RB-112 or 115. Now these are looking pretty good in comparison, and they're available!
And they have built-in HPF at 44 Hz.
I keep fiddling with the Low Expander trying to figure out what to make of it.
I keep fiddling with the Low Expander trying to figure out what to make of it.
I was just playing around with the Low Expander on my SB112 the other day. I could hear the difference in the tone better through my headphones. It's a mid-scoop feature, similar to the "contour" feature on GK amps. As you turn it up, the tone becomes softer and more pillowy. I can see it being useful in an intimate acoustic setting where you don't want the bass to be too strong and up front.
Softer and more pillowy, exactly. I would have expected more bassy but that’s not the case, the opposite in fact, and definitely lowers the volume.
I think I prefer using the tone knob on the bass and keep Low Expander dialed off.
I think I prefer using the tone knob on the bass and keep Low Expander dialed off.
The SB112 is my first forward firing bass reflex combo. My other amp is an AI Coda. The SB112 beams the sound directionally whereas the AI spreads the sound more evenly. Standing next to the SB112 the amp sounds boomy. Getting out front at least by 8 feet helps alot.
Is this experience typical of forward firing amps? I bought an amp stand, which is great for me, but then it shoots over the heads of listeners out front.
Is this just how it is? Kick back bass combos are on the floor.
Thoughts?
Is this experience typical of forward firing amps? I bought an amp stand, which is great for me, but then it shoots over the heads of listeners out front.
Is this just how it is? Kick back bass combos are on the floor.
Thoughts?
I use mine on an amp stand, but bass always develops away from the cab. Standing close to any bass cab will give you a false reading of your volume and tone.
If the Coda's down-firing woofer were "pointing" at you, you would experience the same thing as you're feeling with the SB112. Position the amp wherever works best for your hearing it. The audience will hear it just fine.
Rocket combos have a post eq and volume di out, which isn't great for gigs. Great ampeg tone though. I use a SB115 for gigs and a RB110 for home practice. Yes, I know this is a reply to a 3 year old question.
