Considering 115 cabs

[BassAdder60]

I’ve decided to look at some 115 cabs but not the smaller ones ideally rated to 400w RMS 8 ohms 

 

I have the two ABM210H EVO IV Pro Neo cabs which are still fairly new with covers but I’m looking for something different 

 

I recall Ashdown did the older ABM Klyston Neo 115 cab ( ported ) rated 400w and about 29” tall 

 

That’s the kind of cab I’m considering and adding a second 115 

 

Just need a bit more low end I feel to fill out the rock trio band ( PBass with Pick ) 

 

Thoughts ? Other suggestions?

 

This is without PA support 

 

Also I will need them fairly quickly!!

 

Edited October 13, 2021 by BassAdder27

[pbasspecial]

Get yourself a s/h Barefaced Compact. 

[Chienmortbb]

If you are looking for low end, ditch the pick

[Jus Lukin]

-

Edited March 15, 2022 by Jus Lukin

[nilebodgers]

I think the Ashdown 2x10 is sealed rather than ported. That would suggest that it is more likely to be mid-bass punchy than have lots of LF content.

 

I’ve found that lots of LF can be a problem in smaller venues though as it tends to sound boomy, so a more extended response cab could need dialling back quite a bit.

[gjones]

As @pbasspecial said, get a secondhand Barefaced Compact.

 

I have one and it sounds much louder than the ABM 1x15 I used to own.

[Lozz196]

Why not give Ashdown a call and ask their opinion on changing one of the 210s to a 115 from the same range? That might be a solution and getting advice from the manufacturer would be preferable as I’m sure they’d advise if the two wouldn’t work together.

[BassAdder60]

Yep they are sealed cabs 

 

I did wonder if the Compact Ported would give better low end ommph 

[warwickhunt]

Your kind of approaching it from an ill considered starting point.  There is absolutely no guarantee that getting a big 15 is going to get you more bottom end than an alternative configuration.  Please don't get hung up on the fact iy needs to be a 15" to be bassy.  

 

I gig in a LOUD 3 piece rock covers band (don't go through PA though drummer's kick and snare do) and my pair of TCRS210 cabs easily produce enough bottom end to be heard.  The added bonus us that when I stack them vertically I have a driver at ear level so I can hear exactly what I'm doing.  

 

[fretmeister]

I’ve got more bass out of a few different makes of 12 than I ever got from the 15s I’ve had.

[BassAdder60]

Well it might of been “tired ears syndrome” from last nights rehearsals 

 

Just played it and I think the 210 cab has plenty of low end it’s just getting the right EQ to match the bass, pick playing and band sound. 
 

Dilemma over for now I think !

[warwickhunt]

Do you have a pair of 2x10's and do you stack them horizontal or on their edge vertically?  

[BassAdder60]

Just now, warwickhunt said:

Do you have a pair of 2x10's and do you stack them horizontal or on their edge vertically?  

Mostly vertical stacked but last night was only using one cab 

[warwickhunt]

Just now, BassAdder27 said:

Mostly vertical stacked but last night was only using one cab 

 

I couldn't/wouldn't gig just one of my cabs at a loud rock gig.  

 

BTW don't ditch the pick, everything has it's place and I can make a pick sound like fingerstyle and vice versa.  

[mr4stringz]

Even by BC GAS standards 115 is a lot of cabs.

 

 

I’ll get my coat…

[pbasspecial]

You could also roll off the tone control and/or use your thumb too. Cheaper than getting a new cab. 

[Downunderwonder]

A highpass filter can let you load up on power into low low mids with the bass knob, while not getting boomy or breaking speakers.

[Reggaebass]

Not sure if it’s of any use to you but when I used to use my LB30 through my ashdown 115 deep cab , it never really gave me the deep bass I was looking for, I’m not really a pedal person but I bought one of these ,and with a bit of tweaking it definitely increases the lows 

[uk_lefty]

If you like your Ashdown stuff then I'd recommend stacking up two of the Rootmaster 115s. While these are typically rated at 250 or 300 watts I've somehow acquired one that has had a bit of an enhancement and is 500w rated. I used to have another and stacking them up gave me nice big round bottom end. No idea why but I moved on the standard cab at some point. Then I wanted a second cab again and got a deal I couldn't turn down on an RM 210. Its a subtle difference but the 15 to me just sounds more full. 

[uk_lefty]

Did I mention that 2x 15s also looks awesome?

[Steve Browning]

Naturally, I would suggest the Mesa Subway series. However, they are not immediately available and so I won't make that recommendation.

 

I would be very inclined to look at a Berg 2x12. @rumblefish has one of these and it sounds really good. Truckloads of depth and a wonderfully balanced sound. I have a Mesa 2x12 on order thanks to that cab. 

[BassBunny]

On 13/10/2021 at 11:23, BassAdder27 said:

I recall Ashdown did the older ABM Klyston Neo 115 cab ( ported ) rated 400w and about 29” tall 

 

That’s the kind of cab I’m considering.

There's  a Klystron 1x15 for sale on eBay at the moment.

[Dan Dare]

If you don't mind the size and weight, old Peavey Black Widow cabs can be had for little money. I had one and it was excellent. Only sold it because it was a bit of a beast to transport and store.

[Boodang]

EQ; unless you've got big folded bins your bass cab, no matter what it's loaded with, will start to roll off significantly below 100hz. Consequently perceived bass out in the audience is more defined around eq'ing the 80/100hz area and definition of your notes eq'ing the mid range area.

I had an SWR Silverado combo once, the 4 x 8 version. Dreadful sound on its own but cut through in the live situation really well and in the band context had a great sound.

In contrast had a Trace Elliot 300 watt 1 x 15 combo which was plenty loud and sounded great on its own but was always fighting boominess in small venues. 

In terms of being heard and controlling tone, have had the best success with 4 x 10 cabs. But it's different for every player of course.

[Lozz196]

19 hours ago, Dan Dare said:

If you don't mind the size and weight, old Peavey Black Widow cabs can be had for little money. I had one and it was excellent. Only sold it because it was a bit of a beast to transport and store.

I had one of those. Lived in a 2nd floor flat (no lift) and had a car with a boot rather than hatchback. Luckily I was mid 30s, would never be able to do that now. Was worth the struggle for the sound though, great cabs.