Double Bass Yamaha Stagepas 200

[fdeck]

I'm definitely interested in any field reports about the newer 8" powered PA cabs. Right now my "experience" is limited to a homemade 1x8 speaker powered by a small bass head. It suffices for virtually all of my gigs. But it's got a fairly advanced driver (Faital 8PR200) and is a bass specific design.

The PA cabs are rated for pink noise input, which I don't know how to translate into how it handles a bass signal. That's where I think some reports from players would be really helpful.

Power needs are really hard to figure out. Take two players at random, and their opinions will vary by a factor of 4 or more, even after accounting for the physics.

 

[loukash]

I don't know how to translate into how it handles a bass signal.

I've tested a few side by side using a bass guitar in the store:

• Bose S1+ Pro
• Mackie ShowBox
• JBL Eon One Compact
• HK Audio Premium PRO Move 8
• EV Everse 8

As noted previously, from those five amps, picking the Everse 8 was a no-brainer in all aspects, especially soundwise. Somehow, it defies the laws of physics. I can't explain…
Mackie and Bose: meh.
JBL and HK: nah.

 

[Lionel Albert]

I would like to thank everyone, I didn't know QSC brand.
I'm hesitating between CP8 and PJB BG-120.
I've got a nice preamp, other PA systems need an app to work well.
The CP8 is simple, just a volume, you plug, you play.
Two channels, that's good for keyboard playing and maybe 7 string jazz guitar playing with a looper.
On the other hand, PJB has got a good reputation. Is reputation enough ?

 

[Lionel Albert]

So I received the QSC CP8, I expected to get something full of feedback but no.
The sound can be huge but what I like about it, it's clear, clear and clear again.
No strange noise... It's clear... It just sounds like a double bass.
Can it be powerful ? I guess it can...
It's not a bass amp sound, it's focussed, it sounds like the instrument does.

 

[Earl]

So I received the QSC CP8, I expected to get something full of feedback but no.
The sound can be huge but what I like about it, it's clear, clear and clear again.
No strange noise... It's clear... It just sounds like a double bass.
Can it be powerful ? I guess it can...
It's not a bass amp sound, it's focussed, it sounds like the instrument does.

Excellent!

 

[Ric Vice]

I personally owned a QSC K8 pared with my Grace Felix before the MAS 1/8 existed. Their was something missing in that 2 way design
that you could hear audibly in the midrange, as the crossover “moved” between the 8” Eminence driver ad the 3” Tweeter. I remember that Duke Le June designed the crossover that Mike Arnopol used in the MAS 1/8’s. The Eminence 8’ Driver was also customized. Between those two modifications and the speaker cabinets design, they “built a better bass sandbox”. The Genz Benz Shuttles do a similar thing. At this point in time, even though it’s more expensive, I’d be looking at a Genzler Magellan 350 with their 10” linear array rather than a used Genz Benz. Just my take however.

 

[Lionel Albert]

I personally owned a QSC K8 pared with my Grace Felix before the MAS 1/8 existed. Their was something missing in that 2 way design
that you could hear audibly in the midrange, as the crossover “moved” between the 8” Eminence driver ad the 3” Tweeter. I remember that Duke Le June designed the crossover that Mike Arnopol used in the MAS 1/8’s. The Eminence 8’ Driver was also customized. Between those two modifications and the speaker cabinets design, they “built a better bass sandbox”. The Genz Benz Shuttles do a similar thing. At this point in time, even though it’s more expensive, I’d be looking at a Genzler Magellan 350 with their 10” linear array rather than a used Genz Benz. Just my take however.

You might be right, however I usually play on a Rumble 100 W (v1), high frequencies are harsh and aggressive maybe because of its tweeter, it is not really balanced.
On the CP8, I can put the brillance and highs at 100 % it is still "sweet".
I understand my comparison is really extreme, since the Rumble is a big box that makes noise on the highs and mud on the bass.

 

[AGCurry]

... the Rumble is a big box that makes noise on the highs and mud on the bass.

"Big box?"
You young folks don't know how fortunate you are! Fifty years ago I was playing through a Peavey amp with a 2-15" "refrigerator" cabinet, using a Barcus-Berry pickup. The Rumble 100 would have been like a gift from heaven.
-- My Thanksgiving Message

A Rumble 100 is what's supplied at my band rehearsals. It's more than adequate, but context may be significant: It's an 11-piece band, and nobody cares what I sound like as long as I don't stop playing...

 

[Lionel Albert]

"Big box?"
You young folks don't know how fortunate you are! Fifty years ago I was playing through a Peavey amp with a 2-15" "refrigerator" cabinet, using a Barcus-Berry pickup. The Rumble 100 would have been like a gift from heaven.
-- My Thanksgiving Message

A Rumble 100 is what's supplied at my band rehearsals. It's more than adequate, but context may be significant: It's an 11-piece band, and nobody cares what I sound like as long as I don't stop playing...

The first version is between both worlds, freshly new and already obsolete when I bought it (2006).
I keep it because when I have to make noise, it does the job.
It's loud but too heavy.

 

[Ric Vice]

You might be right, however I usually play on a Rumble 100 W (v1), high frequencies are harsh and aggressive maybe because of its tweeter, it is not really balanced.
On the CP8, I can put the brillance and highs at 100 % it is still "sweet".
I understand my comparison is really extreme, since the Rumble is a big box that makes noise on the highs and mud on the bass.

It would definitely be a step up and headed in the right direction. Actually, among the other amps in its class the Rumble is one of the better amps available.

 

[Ric Vice]

Big box?"
You young folks don't know how fortunate you are! Fifty years ago I was playing through a Peavey amp with a 2-15" "refrigerator" cabinet, using a Barcus-Berry pickup. The Rumble 100 would have been like a gift from heaven.
-- My Thanksgiving Message.

Similar experience except I was using a 65 lb 25 watt Ampeg B-15N. We couldn’t even have imagined something as lightweight and powerful as

a Rumble 10” I still have mine.

 

[Lionel Albert]

"Big box?"
You young folks don't know how fortunate you are! Fifty years ago I was playing through a Peavey amp with a 2-15" "refrigerator" cabinet, using a Barcus-Berry pickup. The Rumble 100 would have been like a gift from heaven.
-- My Thanksgiving Message

A Rumble 100 is what's supplied at my band rehearsals. It's more than adequate, but context may be significant: It's an 11-piece band, and nobody cares what I sound like as long as I don't stop playing...

I used to play in a big band, the double was heard very well but now with other bands, trio, quartet, quintet, they want the bass to sound more "acoustic" since I'm not sunk into waves of sounds.
I even play themes, it took me quite months to play Prism of Keith Jarrett, everything in thumb position.
The sound seems more acceptable now but only for my ears.

 

[Lionel Albert]

This is the Fender Rumble if you remember it.
As you can see, it has got an extra function.

 

[AGCurry]

Big box?"
You young folks don't know how fortunate you are! Fifty years ago I was playing through a Peavey amp with a 2-15" "refrigerator" cabinet, using a Barcus-Berry pickup. The Rumble 100 would have been like a gift from heaven.
-- My Thanksgiving Message.

Similar experience except I was using a 65 lb 25 watt Ampeg B-15N. We couldn’t even have imagined something as lightweight and powerful as a Rumble 10” I still have mine.

Ric, I sold my '66 B-15N this year, because I couldn't imagine a context in which I would actually use it. It was in great shape, but my Traynor SB112 sounds better and I can carry it with one finger if need be. Seller and buyer were both happy!

 

[AGCurry]

I used to play in a big band, the double was heard very well but now with other bands, trio, quartet, quintet, they want the bass to sound more "acoustic" since I'm not sunk into waves of sounds.

Yes, I understand your point, and I hope you understood the intended humor of my comment; however, for the truest acoustic sound, miking the instrument is the way to go, and that's often achievable in smaller/softer ensembles.

 

[Lionel Albert]

Yes, I understand your point, and I hope you understood the intended humor of my comment; however, for the truest acoustic sound, miking the instrument is the way to go, and that's often achievable in smaller/softer ensembles.

I don't think my Beta 58 would be the right tool for that.
I could try one day.

 

[AGCurry]

I don't think my Beta 58 would be the right tool for that.
I could try one day.

Yeah, not the best tool for miking bass, but I've heard some pretty-good music made with an SM58 stuffed under the tailpiece.

 

[Adrian Cho]

I spent a bit of time auditioning 1 x 8" (plus tweeter) powered speakers and the one I am using the most now is the JBL IRX108-BT which sounds pretty good (I am using a mic with it) and can go very loud and weighs only 16.5 lbs. I also have the LyxPro SPA-8 which is tiny (8.9 lbs) and dirt cheap but is surprising good for low-volume situations and is so small nobody will ever see it. I definitely do not recommend the Alto TX408 which was garbage for low-end with all low notes at the bottom of the E string being basically the same pitchless thud.

 

[Lionel Albert]

I rehearsed today with the CP8, just K&K Bass Max and Fishman Platinum Pro EQ.
It sounded acoustic, a very woody sound.
Neutral EQ except brillance at 100%, it was definitely an acoustic sound.
Just a question. I think there was a blue led on the front panel... I can't see it anymore.

 

[Wasnex]

I rehearsed today with the CP8, just K&K Bass Max and Fishman Platinum Pro EQ.
It sounded acoustic, a very woody sound.
Neutral EQ except brillance at 100%, it was definitely an acoustic sound.
Just a question. I think there was a blue led on the front panel... I can't see it anymore.

AFAIK, the manual does not mention any front panel LEDs. There are multiple LEDs on the back, but AFAIK none are blue. Colors include green, red, and yellow.