I got to run the 212CF through it's paces without P.A. support last night. The gig got very loud as it normally does. The cab kept up but the tone suffered somewhat at extreme volumes. I was experiencing some driver compression and lost some of it's characteristic punch. My drummer said he had a hard time hearing me at times but he always noticed if I hit an off note. 
I was still impressed with what the 212CF could do. My Bergantino AE410 has a hard time keeping up on this particular gig too. With the AE410 cab I end up dialing in more mids to cut through the mix, essentially compromising my preferred tone with that cab. I still got a bunch of comments on the size of the Xsonics 212CF and the relative volume of what appeared to the bassists in the audience to be a single 12" cab.
The tweeter upgrade to the APT-80 was a welcomed addition during some of the slap songs. I could hear that snap off each slap, echo back at me throughout the room during RHCP's Higher Ground. It really seared the tracks when I kicked on my Russian Big Muff for Blurs Song 2. I loved it!!
After last night I'm sure this cab is a keeper. It has to be played within it's limits. And those limits are IMO equivalent to a typical 410. Even though the Eminence 3012HO drivers are considered "Super" 12's I wouldn't say this cab is any more capable than an typical 410. There are IME 410's that have a deeper sound but still wont seem as loud. When you consider 2-12" speakers share approximately the cone area of 310's, this cab truly is a wonder. It's overall size puts it just a bit larger than a typical vented single 12" cab. I'll likely be using the 212CF on 90% of my rock gigs. It's low end was plenty for me while on this gig. I was riding the low C on the B-string for Queens of the Stoneage - Know One Knows and it sounded very authorative.
I'll be running this cab as my first pic due to the form factor. The sound IMO is also excellent. The only way I'll drag out my 410 in the future will be to throw on top of the 212CF at the loudest of gigs without P.A. support. If I'll require a really deep sound, I'll reach for my super deep tuned and warm sounding Mesa Scout 12 cabs which are the polar opposite to the 212CF.
I was still impressed with what the 212CF could do. My Bergantino AE410 has a hard time keeping up on this particular gig too. With the AE410 cab I end up dialing in more mids to cut through the mix, essentially compromising my preferred tone with that cab. I still got a bunch of comments on the size of the Xsonics 212CF and the relative volume of what appeared to the bassists in the audience to be a single 12" cab.
The tweeter upgrade to the APT-80 was a welcomed addition during some of the slap songs. I could hear that snap off each slap, echo back at me throughout the room during RHCP's Higher Ground. It really seared the tracks when I kicked on my Russian Big Muff for Blurs Song 2. I loved it!!
After last night I'm sure this cab is a keeper. It has to be played within it's limits. And those limits are IMO equivalent to a typical 410. Even though the Eminence 3012HO drivers are considered "Super" 12's I wouldn't say this cab is any more capable than an typical 410. There are IME 410's that have a deeper sound but still wont seem as loud. When you consider 2-12" speakers share approximately the cone area of 310's, this cab truly is a wonder. It's overall size puts it just a bit larger than a typical vented single 12" cab. I'll likely be using the 212CF on 90% of my rock gigs. It's low end was plenty for me while on this gig. I was riding the low C on the B-string for Queens of the Stoneage - Know One Knows and it sounded very authorative.
I'll be running this cab as my first pic due to the form factor. The sound IMO is also excellent. The only way I'll drag out my 410 in the future will be to throw on top of the 212CF at the loudest of gigs without P.A. support. If I'll require a really deep sound, I'll reach for my super deep tuned and warm sounding Mesa Scout 12 cabs which are the polar opposite to the 212CF.
. This cab sounds a little darker and warmer than the LDS cab. I really don't want to use the Carvin with this cab, which is rackmounted and would defeat the whole form factor purpose of getting the Xsonics in the first place. BTW, this is the only con I have found with the 212cf, which is the schlepp factor of that top handle. I know the cab is light, but I'm a little guy, and find that trying to one arm that cab and walk is kind of a knee banger for me. I know I'm in the minority as far this goes, but I much would have desired side loaded handles, even as small as it is. Not a deal breaker, but I see a lightweight, fold up two wheel cart in my future !
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