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Where are the EQs?

I pondered ACME for a long time after I made my GK purchase. I see your points, and if I could get rid of my stack without getting bent, I would do it in a heartbeat. I just called GC, and they were trying to do me a favor and let me trade in my combo for a new RB1001 II head, even up! That would only be a $500 loss. Maybe the 600 watt head would do pretty well with the B2 or B4. I don't need it loud, just deep. I might be one of the very few people that don't need the volume because of our in-ear systems.
Wes
 
Guyplaysbass is right on the money. I have a pair of Acme B2s that clearly and happily pump out low B's without a problem at all.

Here's the thing...most times when your bandmates complain that the bass is "too loud," it's commonly because there is too much muddy, undefined boom on stage, usually the result of overdoing it with subs.

With my Acme setup, I dial out a bit of the sub 50 Hz region (using my parametric) and boost a bit of the 400 Hz range. It's still clear and defined and balanced, but without the associated muddy, undefined lack of clarity.

If you're using in-ears, maybe you want to look into one of the shaker platforms that basically gives you the low end rumble in a small floor riser. Kind of unconventional, but it could be the match you're looking for with in-ears.

BTW 600 watts should do it for a 4 ohm B2. I would double that for a B4.

Lonnybass
 
Lonny,
Sounds like I need a 4 ohm B2 then. The thing scared me away when it was making certain heads shut down because they couldn't drive it. But that was when I wanted a ton of power, and before I knew better.
I think I have solved my issue with mounting the head. I found some old Cisco 2U ears for a couple of old switches...
Maybe I will hold off on the EQ then. I understand the muddy bass senario. Right now, it is so far from muddy that it isn't a problem. Even with the EQ, it didn't get that muddy. It's a very tight speaker.
Thanks again,
Wes
 
I have to chime in agreeing on the Acme. I've had mine for a few weeks (finally broken in...i think) and wow. I'm running a 4ohm B2 w/ ~570 watts on top of a aggie GS112. The B2 by itself is amazing in the way the pre and the bass can be articulated. One, unfortunately, is not enough for a louder band situation, so combining it w/ the gs112(for now) really brings out the sound. Any sound! Its flat!

...besides, its nice to be able to literally shake the rafters. (I knocked things off of this guys bathroom sink upstairs with the bass from the B2)
 
I plan on keeping my other GK cabs, so I can always add stuff later. I also want to add a GS112 to the collection, as well as the B2. you can never have too many cabs.
Given I want to use a parametric EQ just to have different voicing sounds like mentined earlier, what do people think about using the stereo Behringer T1951 tune 4 band EQ, and using an AB stomp box to switch from one channel to another on the outputs? Seems like a fun thing. The tube circuit in that seems fun. If not, I will probably just get the 5 band mono solid state PEQ2200.
Thanks again,
Wes
 
I run a 4x10 Ampeg HVT, Eden WT800 head and before the head a DBX (not Behrenger) dual 15 band EQ. MY B IS MASSIVE! My thoughts is with the EQ before the head you can tweek the lows to get them right where you want, very very low with out the muddiness. This way you can still keep the dynamics of the head in your overall tone and get the best of everything. An EQ is around $150-200. I know the cab you are referring to is a great low B cab, since Wes DI's anyway if he can get the tone he needs with this method without spending the extra cash it's worth a try. Why get a cab like that if are going direct?
 
Well, I modified some cisco 3U rack ears to fit my GK tonight. It looks good, and it didn't cost me anything. I took pictures, but I can't seem to find my USB cable. I also put my 2U stereo 31 band Behringer EQ in there just for the hell of it. As you guys have read on my previous posts, When I took the head out of the combo, I didn't have the sides or the top of the GK. The fan is just sitting there exposed. Since the EQ is so shallow, it doesn't look like it is going to bother airflow of the head, so I can leave it mounted in the bottom. I still have to work on all of my wiring, and my surge strip that will go inside the SKB, unless I decide to get the 5 band parametric EQ and a rack mounted surge strip. You guys sold me on the parametric. I still need to wire up the signal chain as well. I can go into the EQ first, that way my built in DI has a better tone. So far, so good. I can run different cabs now.
Has anyone actually tried the Acme B1? That looks like it would be a great small setup.
Later,
Wes
 
RicPlaya,
I know you probably don't like the Behringer stuff, but what do you think about this one for the bass:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...=live/search/detail/base_id/43288/printable=1

Its cheap, but it's a parametric. I like my 31 bands that you see in the picture. Would this work a little better than the DOD 31 band EQ?

I would get something like the Line 6 units, but those are amp modeling more than user set ton control.


Thanks,
Wes
 
Wes,

I had a similar Behringer unit last year. It did the job for me, but was plagued by a noticeable increase in noise whenever engaged in the signal. Not only that, but I was able to use it as a radio receiver to get my morning traffic and weather. :) According to the fellas at GC, it was the result of the unit having a poorly shielded chassis.

I've since upgraded to an Aphex 4-band rack parametric. The user interface is easier to use (better display, easier-to-read graphics, more rugged controls) and it sounds good. Only cost me $29 more than the Behringer.

Lonnybass
 
Haven't played with much from Behringer however the pieces that I have played with have been noisy. The stuff didn't have a real solid 'feel' to it. Me - I'd look for a used Art. They seem to be plentiful in the used market running in the 70 to 90 dollar range. My only complaint is that it is half rack ...
 
Wes,

I don't miss having the 5th band on my Aphex. The "cool" feature about the Behringer was the ability to punch in and out an individual band - essentially, each band had it's own on/off switch, making it easy to go from Marcus to Jaco at the punch of a button.

I'm not too familiar with the Behringer tube parametric but wonder how it might sound - even though it's considered "tube" the rest of its components may deteriorate its perceived sound quality (noise, radio signals, etc.). Not to mention that your GK setup is pretty much as SS as you can get - don't know if a Behringer tube is going to make much drastic improved difference. Man, I wish you could plug into the Lonnybass setup!

I haven't tried the Acme B1 but am a happy owner of two B2s...let me know if you have questions.

Lonnybass
www.theparamours.com
 
Originally posted by Wes Whitmore
RicPlaya,
I know you probably don't like the Behringer stuff, but what do you think about this one for the bass:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...=live/search/detail/base_id/43288/printable=1

Its cheap, but it's a parametric. I like my 31 bands that you see in the picture. Would this work a little better than the DOD 31 band EQ?

I would get something like the Line 6 units, but those are amp modeling more than user set ton control.


Thanks,

Wes,
I never tried a parametric, my thoughts with bass tone is if it aint broke don't fix it. I am very pleased with the regular slide eq for me, mine is just 15 bands and works just fine, the good thing about musicians friend or Guitar Center has the thirty day return policy if you want to try it out.

Wes
 
Originally posted by Petebass
Boss EQ-20 Advanced.

Stores 9 different EQ settings for later recall, plus the sliders themselves make up a 10th EQ setting. I also cound the bypass mode as position 11. I've got one and it's serious overkill, but it sounds like it would suits you Nicoli.

Hmm, I may have to look into this... just one more item to add to the gas list I suppose.

And Wes, that basement looks incredible. I'm jealous.
 
You can thank the Guitar Center credit card for all of the stuff. My wife thanks them every month when we get the bill.
I will try to organize everything back the way is should be, and take another picture. You might be able t see the drum riser better :)

On another note, I ditched the EQ. A good parametric was expensive, and the Behringer 2200 was noisy. As simple as it sounds, I upgraded to a better string (From Earie Ball hybirds 45-100 to Bluesteel 50-105), and I love my tone now. I don't even really need the Sansamp, but it does add a little extra to it. So now I am trying to get rid of my pedal board, while still keeping the sansamp and a tuner. I would go out and buy a rackmount tuner and the RBI, but I just bought the stompboxs a couple of months ago. Since I leave the Sansamp on, maybe I can just mount it on a shelf in my new rack. Hmmm, decisions.

Lastly, not that I want it, or believe it to be a good sounding unit, but a Line6 basspod pro XT is $700, plus pedal. To get my stuff in a rack, I would probably spend $300 for the RBI, and $250 for a tuner. For just a little more than that, I would have all of those models, which I don't really need, but they might be nice to have. If any of the effects are worth a damn, they might get some use. I am really happy with my sound now though, I just want it all rack mounted. What would you guys do? Any problems with the shelf idea as an interim plan?


Later,
Wes
 
Rack shelf seems like a good plan for now.

As a sidenote, my guitarist runs a stompbox in his rack setup in an FX loop and just turns the loop on or off as needed rather than having to step on the pedal to switch on/off. Not sure if you are capable of that or if it even applies but I figured it was worth a mention.