2x12 Bass Cabinets

[Big Jimi Cee]

I am thinking about changing my rig a little. Currently running SWR 2x10 and a 1x15 respectively. Love the tone, no complaints but looking to maybe downsize a little and I have been digging the sound of my SWR 1x12 combo. I don't think the combo has enough on its own to play out but I do like the sound of the 12.

Anyone using 2x12 cabinets, I am looking at the Mesa Powerhouse 2x12 or possibly the Aguilar 2x12.

Comments/considerations anyone???


Thanks

[bassist_25]

I don't use a 212, but I really dig my Aguilar GS112. I used it on a gig two weeks ago, paired with an Aggie S410. As you are probably aware, Aguilar's GS series has a more scooped, modern sound; the S series, however, was a bit mid-forward, so the two cabs compliment each other well. The GS112 makes a great stand-alone cab in lower volume situations too.

My primary gigging cab is a Hartke HyDrive 410. Hartke recently came out with a HyDrive 112, and I'm really, really hoping that Larry puts out a HyDrive 212. I've been holding off on getting another 410, partly in hopes that a HyDrive 212 comes out.

I don't think you can go wrong with either a Mesa or an Aguilar. If weight and size are a consideration, the Mesa will probably weight more (Mesa cabs always seem to weight about 20% more than other similar cabs) and have greater cabinet dimensions than the Aguilar. The GS212 is a fairly shallow cab. I think the DB212 might be a little deeper. Eden also put out a 212, but they've been discontinued for a while.

[MOONDOGGY]

I'll push Schroeder cabs until I'm blue in the face! I have a 1212R and it's the ONLY piece of bass equipment I ever bought NEW. (I've been through a lot of bass gear!) They have a LOT of great combinations.

I owned a 1210R before selling it for my current 1212R which I pair up with an LDS 3x8 cab. The 1212 handles the lows Amazingly. It can do very bright and crispy highs thanks to the attenuated titanium tweeter. But, the 1212 may lack in high-mids, so if you want one truly FULL range cab, I'd go with one of their 1210s. They handle a lot of power; I've yet to make mine fart out with my SVT-4. They're built like tanks and feel rock solid. And, since they angle one of the speakers, the 1212 is the same size as a typical 210. My 1212 and 3x8 cabs stack up perfectly.

They also have L versions (Light) which have the neo speakers.

I've also talked with Jorg on the phone. He is an excellent guy to deal with and really loves what he does. He was a pleasure to talk to and was very helpful.

I couldn't be happier with Schroeder cabs. I don't see myself ever owning another brand. Check them out:

http://www.schroedercabinets.com/bass.htm




I'll also give credit to Hartke. I don't own a new hybrid cab, but I have an older all aluminum speakered 112 practice amp. They seem to have overcome their notorious rep for blown speakers. And they seem to be making quality built and good sounding cabs. Heck, if groove monsters like Vic Wooten, Vic Bailey, and Jack Bruce use them, they gotta be good!

[Big Jimi Cee]

Paul and Dan,

Thank you for your input. As you are members of this forum of which I have high regard for your opinion and input, I appreciate your considerations.

I want to start with the Schroeder, I saw them and was impressed, but I had the concern that Dan elicited too about being a little muddy with the 2x12 configuration having the 1x12 reflected. I am in a front loaded 2x12 mode at the moment and I think that to go with the 2x10 would be a little counterproductive to what I am looking for. I know there is a dealer down east and I would really like to demo both the 2x12 and the 2x10 as I like the overall concept and Dan your recommendation means alot.

Paul, you have spoken highly of the Aguilar's for some time and their reputation in the industry speaks for itself. I had a chance to play through an Augilar 4x12 Chocolate Thunder cabinet and this thing blew me away. This cabinet was sonically unbelievable and the tone was spot on for what I am looking for with virtually no tweaking of the amp or bass. The downside was weight and size and for what we are doing I think it would be overkill, ah who am I kidding, I would have loved to of had it but it was just too damn big and heavy and with out compromising my sound I am looking to downsize a little.

I can demo the Mesa here in Pittsburgh, but I am going to have to road trip if I want to demo the others. I will need to find someone that has the cabinets in stock and go check them out.

David Eden does currently have a 2x12 in production, and while I am a firm supporter of a global economy, the 2x12 is manufactured in China and I would be concern that there may be the same considerations that are relevant to the US vs China made Ampeg 8x10 cabinets.

Thanks again guys, if you can think of anything else that may be helpful, let me know. For now the search continues.

[bassist_25]

I'm glad we could be of some assistance, Jim! I'm a big fan of Aguilar, though I have noticed two things about their cabs. First, they are very colored. Different heads will have noticably different sounds through Aguilar enclosures, but there is a clear additive quality to the sound that is a result of the cab, regardless of what's driving the speakers. Second, they have shorter throw (at least the S and GS series do, not sure about the DB series). That's great if you often use full production, since your stage rig probably won't be causing as many problems with the FOH. It may not make them the best choice if you are playing larger rooms and need to rely on your rig to do the heavy lifting. Neither of those things is necessarily bad, but are things you may want to think about if you decide to go Ag.

Also, G-K has a neo-loaded 2x12, and I think Genz Benz does too. However, I'm pretty sure both of those cabs have a vertical speaker arrangement, making the cabs relatively tall; they may not fit your bill for a downsized rig.

[olehand]

markbass.......... sup brother jim !!!! pete

[JackANSI]

I can't say enough good things about my TC Electronic rig. It sounds really fat and old-school, as close as I've ever found to my Bassman 10.

Most gigs I use single RS212 and the RH450. If I feel like it, I can do my load-in in one trip without a dolly with that setup (~70 lbs total; bass (in case), amp (in case), and cab (in padded cover)).

I only had the chance to take the whole thing out once, RH450, RS210, and 2x RS212. It was almost overkill. almost. But I've since replaced the 210 with another 212, that might be overkill. I may be selling one of them in the near future because of that

They are already showing up on the used market at great prices. Plus having the full digital controls and 3 memories on the RH450 has been a luxury I don't think I could live without anymore.

[Big Jimi Cee]

Pete, my brother, its all good I hope all is well with you. You know I dig your tone and I do want to look at the Markbass 2x12. With that said, being that you are able to get a killer sound from the single 15, that is an option that I want to explore with my current rig. I am comfortable that the SWR 1x15 will cover 90% of the places we play. Again the problem is that with my lifting limitations I can't get my rig out of the car without help and I haven't been able to setup and experiment to the extent that I would like too.

Jack,

Thanks for the input, while I have visited their site, I am not at all familiar with the TC Electronics line of equipment. I would definitely be interested in demoing their stuff, is there someone within road tripping distance that would carry their line.

Paul,

I was talking with Bill Hunter on Friday, he had two of the GS112's and he echoed your comments to a tee. He has since sold them but he indicated that he wished he had them back.

Thanks to everyone for their input and considerations. I guess the good news is that my current rig is really not a problem, so I have time to digest everyone's input and can take the time to demo and compare before I make a final decision.

[MOONDOGGY]

Just found this nice cab:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Accugroove-Custom-P ... 3f04bdaaea

These are supposed to be boutique high quality cabs. Wooten formerly endorsed them. I'm not sure what impedance you're looking for, but this may be worth looking into.

Keep us posted if/when you change up your rig!

[Sapo]

Anybody tried out the GK 212 neo?

[olehand]

well don't do anything till you hear this rig . picked up a genz benz uber quad today 1-12, 2-8' , and tweeter. 600 watts . joining with my markbass jeff berlin 500 watts 1-15 , i am in tears . i have never heard anything like it.
lightweight killer!!!!!!!

[bassist_25]

well don't do anything till you hear this rig . picked up a genz benz uber quad today 1-12, 2-8' , and tweeter. 600 watts . joining with my markbass jeff berlin 500 watts 1-15 , i am in tears . i have never heard anything like it.
lightweight killer!!!!!!!

Pete, we need to get a bass get together happening. My interest is VERY piqued about this cabinet.

[orangekick]

Anybody tried out the GK 212 neo?

I have. I really liked it. I did prefer the 4x12, but that's because I'm an idiot. I always like the bigger cabs, turned up nice and loud.

[bassist_25]

I have. I really liked it. I did prefer the 4x12, but that's because I'm an idiot. I always like the bigger cabs, turned up nice and loud.

I like big cabs too. The sedan I drive: Not so much. *lol*

Orange, have you ever had a Berg NV610?

[onegunguitar]

I have the Mesa M6 in a 2x12 combo version and that thing is clear,crisp, deep and just plain awesome(ask whitedevilone about it ). I'll be investing in a Mesa Powerhouse cab at some point

[Sapo]

Anybody tried out the GK 212 neo?

I have. I really liked it. I did prefer the 4x12, but that's because I'm an idiot. I always like the bigger cabs, turned up nice and loud.

I agree with the bigger cab sentiment. Unfortunately I needed something a little smaller than a 4X12. I considered getting a pair of 2X12's but some Ashdown cabs came up so I never did. Maybe one of these days.

[orangekick]

I have. I really liked it. I did prefer the 4x12, but that's because I'm an idiot. I always like the bigger cabs, turned up nice and loud.

I like big cabs too. The sedan I drive: Not so much. *lol*

Orange, have you ever had a Berg NV610?

That is the cab that I have right now. I love it. I had a Bergantino NV215 before this. The 610 just does what I want it to do, very well.

[lonewolf]

For bass, I would expect you would get the best results out of a cabinet if:

1. The speakers are rear loaded on the baffle
2. Each speaker has its own separate chamber inside the cab, preferably sealed.
3. It is a straight cab as opposed to an angled cab.

Of course, the bigger the cab, the lower the frequency response.

Bass output is nearly cut in half with an angled cab versus a straight cab.

I use a Mojotone Bassman 2-12 for my guitar and with EQ, you can get chest thumps when chugging in a small room at practice volume.

It meets all the above criteria, but its made of pine. A lot of people might not like this, but I like it because I can literally pick up the cabinet with my pinky finger.

[bassist_25]

That is the cab that I have right now. I love it. I had a Bergantino NV215 before this. The 610 just does what I want it to do, very well.

I know people rave about the cab, saying it's like an Ampeg 8x10, only better. I don't know how easy it would be to lay one across the backseat of my car, though.

How are the highs on the cab? I generally prefer a horn or coaxial driver in a bass cab.

[orangekick]

I know people rave about the cab, saying it's like an Ampeg 8x10, only better. I don't know how easy it would be to lay one across the backseat of my car, though.

How are the highs on the cab? I generally prefer a horn or coaxial driver in a bass cab.

It does remind me of an Ampeg 8x10 only better. The lows are clearer and the overall tone is just bigger and a bit more clear. It's actually quite easy to move around. I used to lay an SWR 6x10 across the back seat of my Focus when I had it.

The highs are good, as far as I'm concerned. I always turned the tweeters off or almost completely off on most cabinets before. This cab caused me to be able to use the treble and bright switches on amps more than previously. I was also able to use fuzz and distortion a lot more with this cab, if I want. Here's a quote directly from someone on Talkbass that sums it up nicely:

If you like the hiss, plink, and zing of a horn or tweeter, then you will probably miss it with the NV610.