using PA cabs in a bass rig

[Groovegestapo]

Sting is using a Clair system
With subs. For years !!

 

[Emanuel Apascaritei]

Not all PAs are created equal.

That´s what I have already said.

And don't forget that PAs are designed to cover all frequencies and make all instruments sound equally presented to as many seats in the house as possible, meaning there will be some compromises

And that does´t mean they can´t do bass and pretty good.

A bass cab can be optimized for a specific tone, such as what one gets with the 'fridge.

That is correct. But that´s another story. If you look for a certain tone and it´s achieved by using a bass amp, by all means do it. If I have an Ampeg b15 or an SVT and want that tone, be sure that I´ll mic it without having a second thought.

 

[Rick James]

The OP asked 'can you use PA gear for bass' and 'Is a Mackie Thump good for bass'. The answer to the first is yes, the answer to the second is no. This thread shouldn't have taken up one page, let alone five.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

The OP asked 'can you use PA gear for bass' and 'Is a Mackie Thump good for bass'. The answer to the first is yes, the answer to the second is no. This thread shouldn't have taken up one page, let alone five.

Regarding the first question, it does take a bit of know-how and research to make the added effort worth it. Not a plug and play endeavor evidenced by all the detailed responses.

 

[modulusman]

I think it was one of those little harbinger PA's that a lot of people have. I don't remember much because I've only jammed with those guys a few times but it sounded decent as long as it was at low volumes. I would not recommend anything like that for gigging though. It only worked with this group's practice because they were smooth soul/r&b and the drummer used brushes. I'm sure a large PA used for venues would sound alright since a lot of people DI their heads to those already, but I'm assuming the OP is talking about a small rehearsal PA.

Edit: I just looked up the PA that the OP was talking about and it is pretty similar compared to what I used a few times. I would definitely not recommend that as a rig. For the same price he could have a good 115 combo at the least. I would understand if the situation was that he already owned said PA and didn't have the money for a rig. Then it would be alright to be thrifty and use the PA for a while until he could acquire a rig, but I don't think that's the situation.

So you played through a crapbinger PA one time and make a blanket statement that it doesn't work well. As in anything you need to spend some money and not buy cheap crap and expect great results.

 

[Ric Vice]

I'm kicking around the idea of using a PA cab or two as cabs for my bass rig. I spoke with a gentleman named Vinny from zzounds yesterday, and he did not recommend this. Specifically, I was looking at the Mackie Thump 15" powered speakers. Another possible avenue is to use passive speakers with a power amp. For this rig, I'd use my trusty SansAmp RPM. What are your thoughts? Good idea, or would it not sound right? Thanks

I frequently use a QSC K 8 with my Double Bass, but in my particular case it's a matter of convenience. I use a Grace Designs Felix Pre Amp, which vastly improves the sound coming out of the QSC. The rig I like
the sound of best is a Audiokinesis TC-112, driven by a M700 Power amp. Bergantino, was on the right track with the IP series cabinets, but they were heavy. Someday soon, someone will crack the code, QSC
featured bassists using a pair of KW 112's, but those cabinets have a wooden shell, made from baltic birch. They weigh 40 lbs. and cost @ a grand each new. A single Audiokenisis TC-112 only weighs 30 lbs. and the
new heads are extremely light. I've never done a comparison of a TC-112 and one of the KW's. It might be interesting for someone to try that.

Ric

 

[ThisBass]

Very nice sounding PA "full stack" for bass guitar application.
Invalid Link Removed
I'm pretty sure it easily beats the famous fearful cabs.

The drawback is the bulky dimensions of both cabs (sub + top).
I did a very lot of gigs with this system. I directly plugged the bass guitar into mixing console (no DI involved) and pushed pure bass guitar sound FOH.

The benefits is lots of low end and superb dispersion, plus some distinct musical coloring of "typical" EV drivers when pushed hard.

edit,
sorry but EV links often tempt to download files directly to the PC.

edit,
eliminator sub eds
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Foz]

I'm pretty sure it easily beats the famous fearful cabs.

I'm pretty sure they don't.

 

[ThisBass]

I'm pretty sure they don't.

Sorry, just forgot to add the link for the eliminator sub eds
Here you go
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Foz]

Still beg to differ - that stack cost as much or more, weighs more, takes up more space in the trailer, and produces less SPL across the bandwidth than a number of iterations of the fearful/fearless family of cabs.

You can build a PA stack / bass rig that tops a modern super woofer cab as to total output - but not with consumer grade boxes - and only by laying down serious bucks and hauling a big load.