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Double Bass VL-208 Revisited

robgrow

robgrow

May 1, 2004
1,461
229
Cincinnati, Ohio
#1
I have been using my Euphonic Audio VL-208 a lot lately. It had been sitting in storage while my Wizzys were getting most of the use. Although both Wizzys (original 112 and M-Line) are great cabs, the VL-208 is truly amazing, and has a sound all its own. It's great to get to rediscover what a wonderful cab this is. The sound quality really is superb.
 
#2
robgrow said:
I have been using my Euphonic Audio VL-208 a lot lately. It had been sitting in storage while my Wizzys were getting most of the use. Although both Wizzys (original 112 and M-Line) are great cabs, the VL-208 is truly amazing, and has a sound all its own. It's great to get to rediscover what a wonderful cab this is. The sound quality really is superb.
Click to expand...

Rob,
Yeah, EA kind of broke the mold when they built this one. It just has the right voicing for Double Bass. Unfortunately, by todays standards they are heavy and a tad inefficient. I don't think this cabinet sold very well either, since it was one of the first cabinets they discontinued along with the VL 108. The VL 210 lasted a little longer. I was never fond of the VL -110.

Ric
 
#3
robgrow said:
I have been using my Euphonic Audio VL-208 a lot lately. It had been sitting in storage while my Wizzys were getting most of the use. Although both Wizzys (original 112 and M-Line) are great cabs, the VL-208 is truly amazing, and has a sound all its own. It's great to get to rediscover what a wonderful cab this is. The sound quality really is superb.
Click to expand...
You must be psychic. I've been thinking exactly the same thing. Tom Bowlus was kind enough to drop off the following:
  1. EA Wizzy M line 4ohm
  2. EBS Neo 112
  3. Patterson 208SE
  4. Bergantino HT110
After gigging a couple times with the M line and auditioning the others I've come to the conclusion the VL208 is just right for my DB sound.

It's very colored, bottom heavy for some but really exactly what I go for.

I think it's clearer, tighter and way less prone to feedback, string howl, and other things that raise their head with the other boxes.

The only caveat is if I drive it real hard I can bottom out the 8's. Slightly bigger drivers like 10's or 12 are tougher to do that with. ....and it's a pig compared to the others.

I shoulda not said anything until I buy another one or two to have laying about when I kill the ones I've got. Everytime I do the price goes up.
 
#4
Uncletoad said:
You must be psychic. ]After gigging a couple times with the M line and auditioning the others I've come to the conclusion the VL208 is just right for my DB sound.

It's very colored, bottom heavy for some but really exactly what I go for.

I think it's clearer, tighter and way less prone to feedback, string howl, and other things that raise their head with the other boxes.


I shoulda not said anything until I buy another one or two to have laying about when I kill the ones I've got. Everytime I do the price goes up.
Click to expand...

Phi,
I kinda think what we like about the 208 is that it's very even across the midrange of the DB. It also opens up in the lower register when you increase the volume from the instrument creating the same swell and decay that comes naturally off the instrument.

Ric
 
#5
Guys -- am I recalling correctly (from another thread) that the designers at EA were considering the NL 210 to be the "evolution" of the 208?

I've been using an SWR 2x10 on my upright for years...but I'm looking to upgrade to something easier to transport and something with more depth & clarity.

Have you guys A/B'd the NL 210 at all with your current VL 208 cab(s)?

Also, how does that M-Line Wizzy 12 hold up against the 208 or 210? Hope I'm not hijacking this thread...

Jason

PS -- I just saw another 208 in the classifieds...hmmm....
 
#6
From the other side of the tracks so to speak ... the VL-208 was (still is) a revelation to me.



Mysmallbassrig-web.jpg


:) ... More about my VL-208 rig here ...http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4695366&postcount=31
 
#8
Ric,

I can see why you might not be fond of the VL110, it requires just the right amp, and is a bitch to drive properly. Sometimes it's better if you have two, but in the right situation even a single VL110 can be awesome. I would really like to try out a VL208, it may be the perfect fit for jazz stuff with my Rob Allen and/or might pair up well with one of my VL110 cabs.

Will,

Just though I'd drop you a line to let you know that the Emporer and I are getting along very well indeed - many thanks!

George
 
#10
esoxhntr said:
Ric,

I can see why you might not be fond of the VL110, it requires just the right amp, and is a bitch to drive properly. Sometimes it's better if you have two, but in the right situation even a single VL110 can be awesome. I would really like to try out a VL208, it may be the perfect fit for jazz stuff with my Rob Allen and/or might pair up well with one of my VL110 cabs.

Will,
Click to expand...

Will,
Well don't leave me in suspense. What amp are you using that gets the desired results? I know for certain that neither of my Walter Woods will do the job.

Ric
 
#11
esoxhntr said:
Ric,

I can see why you might not be fond of the VL110, it requires just the right amp, and is a bitch to drive properly. Sometimes it's better if you have two, but in the right situation even a single VL110 can be awesome. I would really like to try out a VL208, it may be the perfect fit for jazz stuff with my Rob Allen and/or might pair up well with one of my VL110 cabs.

Will,

Just though I'd drop you a line to let you know that the Emporer and I are getting along very well indeed - many thanks!

George
Click to expand...

Glad to see you in these parts! Glad you are enjoying that Fodera. It is one killing slab! Hope all is well up north.
 
#13
Wilbyman said:
What the heck happened to the NL208?
Click to expand...

Not sure, but it is supposedly in the works (NM-208, btw).

The VL-208 is still one of my all-time faves. And as good as one or two sound, four VL-208's is just jaw-droppingly good, especially on a 5-string electric bass. :bassist: :bassist: :bassist:

;) :p :D :cool:
 
#14
tombowlus said:
The VL-208 is still one of my all-time faves. And as good as one or two sound, four VL-208's is just jaw-droppingly good, especially on a 5-string electric bass.
Click to expand...
I'm pretty much headed that way myself. I'm trying to find 2 more and just use those with an SVT when I've got big Fender Gigs.

How bout that!
 
#16
Uncletoad said:
I'm pretty much headed that way myself. I'm trying to find 2 more and just use those with an SVT when I've got big Fender Gigs.

How bout that!
Click to expand...

Uncletoad,
Good Luck, I've only seen 2 VL-208's for sale in the last year or so.
One was on Ebay and one was on Talkbass. I bought JMain's so that leaves one. They don't come up all that often. I'm sure that it would sound great.

Ric
 
#18
Uncletoad said:
You must be psychic. I've been thinking exactly the same thing. Tom Bowlus was kind enough to drop off the following:
  1. EA Wizzy M line 4ohm
  2. EBS Neo 112
  3. Patterson 208SE
  4. Bergantino HT110
After gigging a couple times with the M line and auditioning the others I've come to the conclusion the VL208 is just right for my DB sound.
Click to expand...

What's a Patterson 208SE? I've never heard of that company or cab.

BG
 
#19
bribass said:
What's a Patterson 208SE? I've never heard of that company or cab.

BG
Click to expand...

Ralf Patterson works closely with Don Oatman of Low Down Sound. As I understand it, Ralf does most of the crossover work for LDS cabs, and Don builds the Patterson cabs, so basically, it's an LDS cab with a different badge. :cool:
 

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