• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

What type of head should I buy for this setup?

Tehfatzor

Tehfatzor

Feb 5, 2011
10
0
North Attleboro, MA
#1
Hey all. I'm trying out a new setup because my GK 212MB combo amp cant keep up with all my pedals anymore. Specifically, it can't handle the low lows I get with the DOD Meatbox and Ashdown's Octadose. So i've bought a 410 cabinet and I'm looking at getting another cab (either a 118 or another 410) to produce those super low sub frequencies. But I'm pretty ignorant about how to get two separate cabs to work together properly for the job. What sort of specs should I be seeking out in a new head unit?
 
#2
Most bass cabinets will have a great deal of difficulty with an Octave pedal. You're asking them to reproduce a signal that's below their cutoff point. Even with my Acme cabinets I have to be careful when using mine. I've found the best way for my style of playing is to play the lines an octave above. I'm actually thinking of removing the Octaver from my board.

Mixing an 18 with a 4x10 is certainly not the way to go. It's a great way of blowing an 18" driver. Do a search on mixing driver sizes for more information on the subject.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: RickenBoogie and iualum
#4
Tehfatzor said:
Hey all. I'm trying out a new setup because my GK 212MB combo amp cant keep up with all my pedals anymore. Specifically, it can't handle the low lows I get with the DOD Meatbox and Ashdown's Octadose. So i've bought a 410 cabinet and I'm looking at getting another cab (either a 118 or another 410) to produce those super low sub frequencies. But I'm pretty ignorant about how to get two separate cabs to work together properly for the job. What sort of specs should I be seeking out in a new head unit?
Click to expand...

Which 410? They are not all created equal.

For me if I was looking to do that super low end (actually I do, and use an octave pedal from time to time), I would be looking at a lot more cab than your standard 410.

If it is commercial cabs only for you, then I would be looking at something like the Ampeg SVT410hlf. I would get four of them, and a SVT 4Pro.
 
#5
First of all, your 410 would have to be able to handle the lows on its own. If it can, adding an additional cab will give you more volume, but not more low end, regardless of the size of the drivers. As has been said, whether an 18 (or any other driver) will be better at delivering low frequencies, depends upon the designed characteristics of the driver and the engineering of the cabinet in which it is mounted.

The reason Greenboy's cabinets are so highly thought of around here is the superb engineering he does with the carefully chosen components he specifies. It's never as simple as just looking at the size of the driver. Good luck.
 
#7
eukatheude said:
You could consider a 2-channel head with a crossover, so you can send the low lows to a cab and have it deal with only that. But it depends on how much lows can that specific cab handle.
Click to expand...

If the OP does use a suitable crossover to feed lows to the 18 the question becomes can the 18 put out those lows better than the 4x10. If it does then the 4x10 can be replaced with a couple of 5-6" mid range drivers.
 
#8
I'm interested in doing a similar thing. I'm using a rolls cross over to split the frequency and I would like to know if there is a subwoofer to pair up with a 210 for practice and 410 for gigging. I think I'm looking for something lower than 60hz from my cab so from 0hz (or lowest possible) to probably around 250hz max. More realistically 200hz and down.

Any ideas on one in particular? I can use a gk 1001rbii to power it if needed
 
#10
Mytt88 said:
I'm interested in doing a similar thing. I'm using a rolls cross over to split the frequency and I would like to know if there is a subwoofer to pair up with a 210 for practice and 410 for gigging. I think I'm looking for something lower than 60hz from my cab so from 0hz (or lowest possible) to probably around 250hz max. More realistically 200hz and down.

Any ideas on one in particular? I can use a gk 1001rbii to power it if needed
Click to expand...

As far as I know, there is no single 18 that will keep up with the output of a 4X10.

Additionally, as already stated, if you are using an 18 sub you only need one or two mid drivers for the top end. Kind of makes carrying around a 4X10 pointless.
 
#11
Bass_Pounder said:
As far as I know, there is no single 18 that will keep up with the output of a 4X10.

Additionally, as already stated, if you are using an 18 sub you only need one or two mid drivers for the top end. Kind of makes carrying around a 4X10 pointless.
Click to expand...

I think you misunderstand what I'm trying to ask.

I already have a portable 2x10. I have a 4x10 that I'm trying *not* to use coz its huge. For giggs 4x10s will only be used if they are back line oh wise it's my portable 2x10.

Crossover highs go to the 2x10 and lowers to a suitable sub. I think 500w - 800w should be about right to match my 2x10
 
#12
Mytt88 said:
I think you misunderstand what I'm trying to ask.

I already have a portable 2x10. I have a 4x10 that I'm trying *not* to use coz its huge. For giggs 4x10s will only be used if they are back line oh wise it's my portable 2x10.

Crossover highs go to the 2x10 and lowers to a suitable sub. I think 500w - 800w should be about right to match my 2x10
Click to expand...

No. Actually I dont think you really get what you are trying to achieve. Most traditional subs are not going to have content about ~200hz or so.

Your 210 is a full range cab. Use it as such, or get a different cab.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back