Cab/Amp Advice Needed

[neptunehealer]

I am looking to overhaul my rig. I currently have a Little Mark Bass F head (limited edition in red)
I am unsure of it's power rating at 4 and 8 ohms. On the back it says 550w but no mention of rms or a breakdown of what it's power at 4 and 8 ohms is. So if anyone knows more about this amp then that would be great.

Also i currently have an old Laney 4x10 cab rated 240 watts @ 8ohms.

I need more headroom and better tone, i feel this cab is holding me back tone wise. I have under valued the importance of a quality cab.

So basically i would like a decent 4x10 cab and a 1x15 stack. I am unsure what's best to get, i would like a warm, punchy and modern sound. I am willing to spend approx £1000 on the two cabs, just need to know the specifics about my current head so i can plan accordingly.

Thanks in advance.

[JTUK]

I'd say the amp puts out the full power into 4 omhs so if you want the bigger sound, I'd be looking at a 610.
It will do away with the need for 410 and 115 and still look the part..and sound the part, IMO.

There was a Berg NV610 on here a few months back so I'd start with that.

A typical 610 would be about 1mtr and a bit high and take around 800watts easily if the drivers are good
but with wheels and tilt back system should be easier to lug around that a 410..and not too much heavier
in and out of the car. They should be around 4 ohms as well.

[Musky]

300w RMS at 8 ohms, 500w at 4 apparently.

http://www.markbass.it/product_detail.php?id=82

[neptunehealer]

[quote name='Musky' timestamp='1358198782' post='1934819']
300w RMS at 8 ohms, 500w at 4 apparently.

[url="http://www.markbass.it/product_detail.php?id=82"]http://www.markbass....etail.php?id=82[/url]
[/quote]

It's not the same one mate. This is the exact one i have here.
[url="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=mark+bass+f+series&view=detail&id=2F86FA7CE681729C728E73BADE1F4450D7D572B1"]http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=mark+bass+f+series&view=detail&id=2F86FA7CE681729C728E73BADE1F4450D7D572B1[/url]

[chris_b]

Most Mark bass heads are 500 watts at 4 ohm unless they say 250, 800 or 1200.

Why do you need to go from an underpowered 410 to a good 410 and 115? That's a massive jump in speaker power.

Do you really need that much? A good quality 410 should do the job, or there are 2 Aguilar DB112 cabs in the FS section. Also 2 Bergantino AE210's and 2 Baer 112's.

They would all sound great with your amp.

[Musky]

[quote name='neptunehealer' timestamp='1358199941' post='1934858']
It's not the same one mate. This is the exact one i have here.
[url="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=mark+bass+f+series&view=detail&id=2F86FA7CE681729C728E73BADE1F4450D7D572B1"]http://www.bing.com/...E1F4450D7D572B1[/url]
[/quote]
Ah, my mistake. There's a link to a clearer image above the one you posted, which suggests it's 450w at 4 ohms. So around the 280w at 8 ohms. With a pair of cabs you'll be putting 225w into each of them.

[neptunehealer]

[quote name='Musky' timestamp='1358203894' post='1934975']
Ah, my mistake. There's a link to a clearer image above the one you posted, which suggests it's 450w at 4 ohms. So around the 280w at 8 ohms. With a pair of cabs you'll be putting 225w into each of them.

[/quote]

Cheers Musky. So say the 4x10 i buy is 800 watts @ 8ohms and the 1x15 is 400 watts @ 8ohms. Each cab will only be running at 225 watts? Am i right in thinking the two cabs will only be running at half their capacity?

[Musky]

[quote name='neptunehealer' timestamp='1358207328' post='1935054']
Cheers Musky. So say the 4x10 i buy is 800 watts @ 8ohms and the 1x15 is 400 watts @ 8ohms. Each cab will only be running at 225 watts? Am i right in thinking the two cabs will only be running at half their capacity?
[/quote]
Actually each cab might be running at it's limit, depending on how you you use it.

Wattage isn't a good guide to how loud it'll go, or how well it will reproduce the bottom end. Most speakers won't do better than half their rated wattage (and very often considerably less) before they start to fart out on the low notes.

Basically, the set up you're looking at will most likely have plenty of headroom. When you say each cab will 'only' get 225w I think you're underestimating how loud a stack like that can get, and quite honestly I wouldn't expect that you'd have to crank it up to anything like full volume.

Don't get too hung up about the wattage, as it's not a terribly useful spec.

[winterfire666]

I used to have a swr goliath 3 4x10 and a swr big ben 1x18 stack which was great but i moved on to a barefaced super12t. Im now clearer on stage with a more defined sound and louder too. There is no loss in bottom end and its a one hand lift too. I have never been happier with my sound. Although i do miss having a big stack sometimes. Something to consider.

[mikeh]

I'd go for a good quality 4ohm 4x10 like an Epifani, or get a pair of 1x12s, im running a pair of aguilars 1x12s and never lacked volume. Intact most gigs my volume is only on 2 on my amp.
You'd be surprised how loud they can get.

[51m0n]

Save your money and your back. Dont bother getting a 115 and a 410. There are many solutions now that will blow your head clean off with a 500w markbass head.

You would do well to go for a high quality 212, like a Barefaced Super12T or a Berg HD212 or various others that people on hear have tried and can attest to the quality of.

The Barefaced 212T keeps up with my Berg ae410 (which is a very high quality 410) in terms of grunt and tone. Highly recommended and it weighs less than a sparrow's fart.....

[xgsjx]

I agree with 51m0n, there's a lot of good cabs out there that will lighter, louder & sound better than what you're looking to do.
I could add a 2x10 (or two) as a suggestion. I had a Trace Elliot 4x10 & got a MarkBass 2x10 combo to replace it, expecting to need to add another cab. But it's far superior in sound, volume & weight & has so far been more than loud enough for all the gigs I've done.
Bigger venues of over 300 people have had PA & I've been asked to turn down at a few beer festivals without PA.

[neptunehealer]

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1358245131' post='1935297']
I agree with 51m0n, there's a lot of good cabs out there that will lighter, louder & sound better than what you're looking to do.
I could add a 2x10 (or two) as a suggestion. I had a Trace Elliot 4x10 & got a MarkBass 2x10 combo to replace it, expecting to need to add another cab. But it's far superior in sound, volume & weight & has so far been more than loud enough for all the gigs I've done.
Bigger venues of over 300 people have had PA & I've been asked to turn down at a few beer festivals without PA.
[/quote]

Right that's interesting. I notice the barefaced cab suggested arn't listen on GAK, will have to seek them out though.
I have never considered using a 2x12 before. What does say two 2x12 cabs stacked give you that a 4x10 and 1x15 doesn't?

[winterfire666]

[quote name='neptunehealer' timestamp='1358251317' post='1935459']
Right that's interesting. I notice the barefaced cab suggested arn't listen on GAK, will have to seek them out though.
I have never considered using a 2x12 before. What does say two 2x12 cabs stacked give you that a 4x10 and 1x15 doesn't?
[/quote]
They are only available direct, and there is a waiting time due to high demand and the fact they are made to order.
they are not cheap but worth every penny in my opinion.
they also have a trial period so if you buy one and decide its not for you after trying in a gig situation, you can send it back for a full refund(less postage costs), although iv yet to hear of anyone using this option.

[neptunehealer]

[quote name='winterfire666' timestamp='1358251710' post='1935473']
They are only available direct, and there is a waiting time due to high demand and the fact they are made to order.
they are not cheap but worth every penny in my opinion.
they also have a trial period so if you buy one and decide its not for you after trying in a gig situation, you can send it back for a full refund(less postage costs), although iv yet to hear of anyone using this option.
[/quote]

Right i see, how much are we talking then?

[xgsjx]

Whatever you want to spend from £515 to just over £1k.

Here's the website...

http://barefacedbass.com/product-range.htm

& this stuff is worth reading regardless of whatever you're going for...

http://barefacedbass.com/technical-information.htm

[winterfire666]

from the Barefaced website
Super Twelve - £760
Super Twelve T - £870 (with variable tweeter)
cabs come with a standard black grill but Vintage grill cloth is available at £50 extra
Postage is a hefty £60 for all the larger cabs, £30 for smaller (the super 12 is classed as large )
details are on the website
http://barefacedbass.com
and i believe there is an extremly complimentary review of the s12T in the current issue if guitar and bass magazine (FEB) although i havent read it.

[winterfire666]

also if you were considering one and you ever travel north, im in lancashire and would be happy to let you try mine out.

[51m0n]

So similar priced to a new Bergantino cab then, if you can get them (hint the only importer is [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Berg_HD_112_210_410_212.html"]bassdirect[/url])

Either way these cabs will do the job for you.

[winterfire666]

[quote name='neptunehealer' timestamp='1358251317' post='1935459']
I have never considered using a 2x12 before. What does say two 2x12 cabs stacked give you that a 4x10 and 1x15 doesn't?
[/quote]
just remember not all 2x12 cabs are equal, the barefaced will easily hold up to a full stack on its own, you really wouldnt need a second cab, the volume these cabs are capable of is truly silly.
i kinda miss having a big stack (i play rock and metal) and have been considering getting a barefaced compact (1x15) so i can stack it up, but every gig i realise that its just not necessary even with no pa support.

Edited January 15, 2013 by winterfire666

[neptunehealer]

[quote name='51m0n' timestamp='1358252858' post='1935533']
So similar priced to a new Bergantino cab then, if you can get them (hint the only importer is [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Berg_HD_112_210_410_212.html"]bassdirect[/url])

Either way these cabs will do the job for you.
[/quote]

As the barefaced super 12T is rated 150-1200W RMS @ 4ohms, am i right in thinking that if i just connect this to my amp then i am getting full power of my amp? Is the wattage/rms you're after something you discuss with the manufacturer? as i wouldn't want to blow my amp.
Also as it's a 4 ohm cab i presume i can't connect an 8ohm 1x15 to it.

Will the super 12T honestly deliver any venue on it's own, will it have the punch and low end required?

[Lozz196]

[quote name='neptunehealer' timestamp='1358251317' post='1935459']
Right that's interesting. I notice the barefaced cab suggested arn't listen on GAK, will have to seek them out though.
I have never considered using a 2x12 before. What does say two 2x12 cabs stacked give you that a 4x10 and 1x15 doesn't?
[/quote]

The ability to use one cab at rehearsals/small gigs, and bring out the other at larger gigs without needing to adjust eq to get your everyday sound. And, at 2am, after a gig, carting one less 50lb+ cab makes a lot of difference. Plus, stacked vertically the sound is meant to be better for dispersal.

[winterfire666]

[quote name='neptunehealer' timestamp='1358253724' post='1935572']
As the barefaced super 12T is rated 150-1200W RMS @ 4ohms, am i right in thinking that if i just connect this to my amp then i am getting full power of my amp? Is the wattage/rms you're after something you discuss with the manufacturer? as i wouldn't want to blow my amp.
Also as it's a 4 ohm cab i presume i can't connect an 8ohm 1x15 to it.

Will the super 12T honestly deliver any venue on it's own, will it have the punch and low end required?
[/quote]

with your amp you wont be able to add a 1x15 but you really wont need another cab, you really have to try one, itll blow you away.
im constantly drowning out the pa at gigs.

[chris_b]

[quote name='neptunehealer' timestamp='1358253724' post='1935572']
....Will the super 12T honestly deliver any venue on it's own, will it have the punch and low end required?....
[/quote]

Under normal working conditions, no speaker can blow up an amp.

If you went from a Laney 410 to a BF S12, that's the equivalent of a scooter to a Harley or an Escort to a Merc.

[neptunehealer]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1358254600' post='1935599']
Under normal working conditions, no speaker can blow up an amp.

If you went from a Laney 410 to a BF S12, that's the equivalent of a scooter to a Harley or an Escort to a Merc.
[/quote]

Haha nice. Well i have never fully appreciated the importance of a cab before, i always thought it was about the amp. I guess i have a decent amp now, but have never realised it's full potenial due to having a crappy cab.

Just been looking at the Genz Benz cabs - the focus series are cheap but i guess that's for a reason?
I think i'll look at Aguilar and Markbass cabs as i have been told both of these makes will work well with my Markbass head.