Well, that would depend on the frequency response of the connected speaker. No tweak of the treble knob helps if the speaker can't reproduce what you want to add back.
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why are tweeters so common in bass cabs?
- Thread starter allredtillblue
- Start date
Absolutely. I'm not saying you can extend the HF response of the main drivers, that's impossible. I am speaking from my experience with my Ashdown, so it can't be true for everyone. I guess it depends on how much treble the tweeter adds to start with. Mine wasn't doing much so it's easy to make up again on the EQ.
To generalize I think there are two schools of thought, the 8x10 + mic or DI+cab sim on the one hand, and the full range plus DI on the other hand. Those who use a non-tweeter cab can mic the cab or if you use a DI may have to compensate and cut the high frequencies the cab don't reproduce but you don't want in the PA, whereas if I can dial in a good sound in my full range cab it should be trivial to get ta similar sound using a DI to the PA. Just two different approaches.
I bought a SWR combo amp a few years ago. It has a 15 and a 2"(aprox) piezo tweeter. I instantly got used to it. I ended up adding piezo tweeters to all of my other bass cabs. I think that the tweeter makes the bass notes more defined and just generally clearer. I am not a slap type player and I do not like edgy type highs. I did not have to use a crossover when I installed the tweeters either which kept things simple.
Actually a cone midrange is more useful to me than a tweeter.
SWR Baby Blue is my favorite example, it fills out the highs above 5Khz where most bass drivers roll off without going supersonic plus it's warmer than the typical horn tweeter. Although I sold my two Babys, I still think of them as one of the best sounding bass cabinets ever made. I'm curious how close those Aguilar cabs made for Jack Casady (former BB user) sound, never seen/heard one in the flesh.
EV made some "VMR" cabs with a cone mid during the 1980s, one or two EVM 15L plus the mid. I really liked those, a huge punchy bottom with smooth upper mid extension.
Once a few companies (SWR being the first I can remember) started adding horn tweeters, the competition all had to respond. Many of them just used the same Foster (Fostex) part that SWR chose.
My current most despised tweeter is the one on my GK MB115, which is poorly integrated with the woofer. The resulting hiss from the amplifier is way too loud even with the EQ set flat.
SWR Baby Blue is my favorite example, it fills out the highs above 5Khz where most bass drivers roll off without going supersonic plus it's warmer than the typical horn tweeter. Although I sold my two Babys, I still think of them as one of the best sounding bass cabinets ever made. I'm curious how close those Aguilar cabs made for Jack Casady (former BB user) sound, never seen/heard one in the flesh.
EV made some "VMR" cabs with a cone mid during the 1980s, one or two EVM 15L plus the mid. I really liked those, a huge punchy bottom with smooth upper mid extension.
Once a few companies (SWR being the first I can remember) started adding horn tweeters, the competition all had to respond. Many of them just used the same Foster (Fostex) part that SWR chose.
My current most despised tweeter is the one on my GK MB115, which is poorly integrated with the woofer. The resulting hiss from the amplifier is way too loud even with the EQ set flat.
I'm having a pair of Eden D210XLT cabs custom built WITHOUT tweeter cutouts. If a need arises for the audience to hear more treble from the bass, that's what Mr. FOH is for...
Not sure how you use the switch on the back of the cabinet.
3 positions off, +, and -.
What does the - do to the sound? If I turn it off, do I go into the negative?
I suffer from CHS during rehearsals,so I can't tell the difference. ( can't hear s%#t)
3 positions off, +, and -.
What does the - do to the sound? If I turn it off, do I go into the negative?
I suffer from CHS during rehearsals,so I can't tell the difference. ( can't hear s%#t)
Puts it into reverse. Or maybe it attenuates by a fixed 6 dB...I can never remember.
Riis
The marketplace likes them and believes it is getting more for its money. Personally, tweeters are just a fact of life and not liking them is a big waste of energy. I say trim them back and play.
It is good if you use harmonics during your playing, if you use slap technique...
In my 4X10 there is a on/off buttom.
When playing with my Precision, I turn it off.
When playing with my Peavey Sarzo that has a more deep sound, I turn it on.
In my 4X10 there is a on/off buttom.
When playing with my Precision, I turn it off.
When playing with my Peavey Sarzo that has a more deep sound, I turn it on.
yes this amp has a harsh sounding tweeter and deleted it doesn't allow the woofer to run full range.
some tweeters aren't very good sounding in a lot of cabs.
the EA CXL 1 12's that I run have the wizzy type tweeter and they are one of the sweetest tweeters I have heard. even so, I only run it around 1/4 to 1/3.
Never needed them before, don't need them now.
Agree or not, tweeters are being used to make up for cheaper, less articulate 15's
A high quality full range 15" like and EVM15L doesn't need much help.
If you need more punch, clarity and fast recovery than a 15" can deliver, then most go to 10's cabs.
Agree or not, tweeters are being used to make up for cheaper, less articulate 15's
A high quality full range 15" like and EVM15L doesn't need much help.
If you need more punch, clarity and fast recovery than a 15" can deliver, then most go to 10's cabs.
I'm in the mid driver rather than a horn club. Someone above mentioned EV VMR... I used to have an EV 215 cab with a VMR in it. That was the sweetest sounding cab with an SVT. Pillowy low end and articulate mids.
For a four string bass, I think that it is best to not have a tweeter.
They work when you have higher frequencies such as with vocals or instruments with higher ranges. I wouldn't buy a cab with a tweeter that didn't have an off switch for the tweeter or a variable control such as an L-pad.
They work when you have higher frequencies such as with vocals or instruments with higher ranges. I wouldn't buy a cab with a tweeter that didn't have an off switch for the tweeter or a variable control such as an L-pad.
Running a guitar through my vintage AlNiCo SVT 8X10 there is no need at all for any more top end clarity.
Even guitar harmonics just sing and sparkle through those 10's
You could run a guitar through a B-15N and I think you'll be surprised how much top end is available, depending on the driver used.
Even guitar harmonics just sing and sparkle through those 10's
You could run a guitar through a B-15N and I think you'll be surprised how much top end is available, depending on the driver used.
CosmicRay
Supporting Member
