"Big Ben" testimonials, please.

[hb3]

I was playing my Conklin 7 string and Alembic 6 string through it, I realized and then I turned the 10's in time for The Real Me.......Whoa !!
 
Playing The Real Me on a Conklin 7 string or the Alembic? Either way, you're a daredevil....

[keurosix]

Hi Mark,
I have a Big Ben sub woofer, and 2 custom made cabs each with 1 JBL K151 high power 18 drivers too. I use the JBL's on my PA, but save the BBen for bass. Compared to the JBL's, the SWR 18 has a hi-fi sound. Really deep and clean, and a LOT of air is moved! Specs say it goes down to ~ 28 dB which covers a low B exceptionally well. The JBL's sound deep, but sorta mushy in comparison. Also, to note, it goes way deeper than most other manufacturers 18s. Eden's 18 specs around 35 dB, just under a low E string. Curious, cuz Eden most likely made the SWR cab! The Big Ben works really well in a bi-amped crossed over rig, or even a full-range extension cab ( I prefer this set up). I use it with my SWR SM400 amp, full range with an SWR Goliath 4x10 cab. You can stack them with the 18 on the bottom, or set them side-by-side. Either way the cones couple to move air. Try to back up the rear facing ports to a wall or corner for some serious wall-enhanced horn-loading. I have to straighten all my pictures in my music room and down the hall after I play for a bit! Lotta bang for the buck! P.S. It doesn't mind when I tune down to a low A below B. That sounds sick!
Try Bass North West for used gear. I've seen SWR Big Ben cabs there in the past. www.bassnw.com
Or, Bass Central at www.basscentral.com
They have a great selection too.
 
If price would be no object, I would also check out these other cabs too:  
AccuGroove - El Whappo - 4 way hi-fi cab with 15 woofer, 6 mid, and 2x dome tweeters. One cab does it all for under $2 grand!
 
AccuGroove - Bill Dickens signature cabs.  
2 cab set: high end cab and a sub each based on a 2x12 config, but really high SPL rating.
Check the website:
www.accugroove.com
 
Also, check out the Bagend purple 18 cabs made on the west coast. Sorry, it's late, and I can't remember the model number, but know that Ron W. contributed to the engineering of the preamp / speaker design. I know if you search just our club here, you'll find everything out about them. I'll add to this post later when I can jog my memory.
 
Keep me posted in what you do. I just love your bass, and can't wait to see you get the new custom 6 string!
Kris

[keurosix]

FYI
http://www.swrsound.com/products/search.php?partno=4470600000
 
Specs for Big Ben
8 Ohms
400 watts RMS
73 lbs.
100 dB SPL @ 2W1M (-6dB @ 25 Hz & 3 Khz)
 
Pretty impressive!
400 watts handling power, and 100 dB SPL at 2 watts at 1 meter! That's a kicker!
Kris

[the_8_string_king]

Thanks for your feedback Kris!
 
One thing I'm curious about: at 400 watts -over 3 times that of my TNT 130- I'd expect it have triple the power and volume of my TNT.
 
But Joey seemed to think it would be about the same -and he's familiar with Peaveys.
 
I'm saying that in case you missed it, 'cause I don't want to... I dunno, wind up trying to get you to argue against him or anything... but...
 
Do you have any thoughts/experience with how it would compare to my Peavey TNT 130?  It seems like it SHOULD be 3 times as loud since it has 3 time as many watts?  Or is there an error or false reasoning in thinking that?
 
Just wondering... 'cause if it were 3 times as loud/powerful I'd definitly want it.
 
Thanks again for your feedback, everyone.

[adriaan]

You need a 400 watt power amp to get the Big Ben to get loud. If you hook the Big Ben up to the TNT, it won't be terribly loud, even if you disconnect the TNT's own speaker.

[keurosix]

Mark,
Adriaan has a point, basically. To get 3 times louder than the TNT, you need the square of the 130 watts of the Peavy in power to get the sonic benefit. However, if you can compare the dB per watt per Meter rating of the TNT to the Big Ben, you will see if the efficiency of the speaker- cab combo is equal or not. I am assuming that they are different, but only could be sure if Peavy puts their specs in this format as well. Check your documentation or online to see if you can compare this. A greater efficient speaker /cab will give you more output for the same watts in. The SWR cab WILL handle 3 times the power of the TNT, and as such is capable of a much greater sonic output. Perhaps the Black Widow speaker in the TNT is also capable of a greater power source too. Maybe all you need is a bigger power amp. Food for thought.  
P.S. I still prefer the Big Ben. It's sound is really hi-tech hi-fi for Bass guitar. Solid and tight.
Kris

[keurosix]

Mark,
One more point,
IF you hook up the Big Ben as an extension speaker to the TNT, you will effectively halve the ohms from 8 to 4 with a big jump in power output. Also, the two speakers set side-by-side or one on top will couple together, and move more air. Yes, the sum is greater than the parts!
Again, check the TNT documentation for specs of power output at 4 ohms. Compare that to the standard 8 ohm output to see what gain you will get. You may be able to bring your amp and guitar to the store and test run to see how it sounds. Try it!
Kris

[paulman]

I'm not a bass player, but my bass player is!
 
Over the years and many theories, he's settled on 4 B-52 18 folded horn subs powered by a Crown K2.  This is for the last 5 notes on the Modulus Q6.  Above that he runs through a Peavy Firebass into a Fender Bassman 2x15 cab loaded with Peavy Black Widows.  
 
The ground shakes, and the earth rumbles.

[keith_h]

What do you play? Back in the old days I never needed more than two Acoustic 301's and two single 15 JBL's.    
 
Keith

[keurosix]

Roger,
That is almost obscene! You play outdoor concerts, or Heavy Metal Earbleed fests?
More power to ya, however, Mark wants a heavy weight sound for his low B under a grand! Hence, the name of this thread: Big Ben Testimonials..
Mark, I just blasted my ears for a while with my fretless Epic 5er, using my rig: SWR Workingman 12, SM-400, Goliath 4x10, and Big Ben sub. Putting my ear close to each cab can identify just what is coming out of them. The 12 is all mids and highs. The 4x10 is highs, mids, and clean but subdued lows. The Biggun is all about the real low support. I am running it full range with the SM-400 at 400 watts parallel with the Goliath 4x10. I have used the SM-400 and the Goliath on gigs alone. In church and clubs, I have never run out of power. Add the Big Ben, and yes, the walls shake.
Here's a picture of the whole mess.
 

 
The Big Ben has 2 huge ports on the rear, and really moves air. Let me know if you want me to post a pic of the rear of the cab.
Kris

[the_8_string_king]

Thanks a bunch Kris -& everybody else, again, too!
 
Thanks for the compliment on my Europa, earlier, by the way.  I can't recall if I've told you before, but yours is one of my favorite Europas.  The whole thing is stunning -not just the awesome top, but the mahogany on the back.
 
There's an awesome pair of coin quilt Europas in Showcase that are the only Quilted Maple Europas I've ever seen that can contend with yours.  Your Europa is an unsurpassed classic.
 
Okay, then... it sounds like I can get triple the volume of my TNT from it... if I have the right... power amp?... or what?
 
What do I need?  And what is the price range?  Is this the Super Redhead thing Joey mentioned?
 
All I've ever used is a combo; I'm pretty ignorant.  But I do know that things are dichotomized into speakers and amps, is that right?  So Big Ben's are speakers, and I'd need an amp, is that right?  What kind, and how much?
 
I'd appreciate a short description of price ranges and options.  The best cheap thing I could get to go with the Big Ben if I get it -which I'd like to!
 
Thanks again!

[keurosix]

Mark,
I think the cheapest way to go would be to add just the Big Ben to your TNT 130 as an extension speaker cabinet. You will still be using the TNT as a complete combo, but now you'll have two speakers connected to it. This will give you more acoustic output, and more depth to your sound. Big Ben sounds real good in a full range application such as this. Then later, you can add your choice of many different components: a preamp, an amplifier, or a high range speaker cabinet. I would recommend that you look for a used bass head that combines a preamp with a power amp for the most cost effective approach. There are many choices out there now, and your ears will be the best judge. This of course means that you will have to test drive some amps in a few stores. If you like clean hi-fi sound, you can get an older SWR SM-500 (500 watts mono or 250 watts stereo)with built-in crossover, tube preamp and solid state power amp. This amp is real light, 2 rack space high, has a 5 band graphic EQ, effect loop, direct out, and Aural enhancer circuit. It replaced the SM-400 (400 watt) amp I own. They can be found used for around $800. give or take a few bucks. SWR also made an SM-900 which has 2 preamp channels, more power output, and conventional rotary semi-parametric EQ preamps instead of the graphic EQ of the SM-400 & SM-500 amps. Expect to pay a little more for this amp on the used market. The sound of the SWR is high tech, refined, clean and powerful. Very little background hiss. The tube preamp is really warm which is a good thing with an Alembic. I have never heard any Bass sound bad through an SWR amp. However, it is not the only choice. EBS makes a really nice amp. Eden, Trace Elliot, Ashdown, etc. Even Ampeg makes a few great amps that really rock. Once you add a Bass head to the Big Ben, you will probably want to look into a high range cabinet to satisfy all the other strings you play. A good cabinet to try would be a 4x10 design (Example: SWR Goliath) or even a 2x10 for ease of travel. Some 1x12 cabs are really nice too, and can fit the bill nicely. Bergantino makes a 3x12 cab that is really clean. Again, lots of choices.
If you want to go truly Component, then look into seperate preamps and power amps. An Alembic F1-X or SF-2 can be used with a power amp as a great rig. Many threads here in the club list a lot of players setups and you can get dizzy reading about them. I think you can take it a step at a time and really have fun too. I know that you poo-pooed GC earlier, but I've seen some really great used gear deals there. And the price on the tag is negotiable somewhat too. So haggle!
Kris

[the_8_string_king]

Wow, thanks for the detailed response!  That was very helpful.  Lotta info dere!
 
I'm going to very seriously consider getting a Big Ben!!!

[bigredbass]

Fellas . . .  . geez, a TNT is little more than a practice amp, or certainly for low to low-medium volume gigs.  It's got all it can to do to drive itself, much less hook up a deep breathing cabinet like a Big Ben.  I've owned several over the years, and this just AIN'T the rig to use a Big Ben as an extension cab.  No disrespect, but I can't imagine hooking up a Big Ben to ANYBODY's 130 watt amp as an extension cabinet.
 
Throwing around a term like 'three times as loud' is implying HUGE gains in output.  TWICE as loud is usually assumed to bring a doubling of output power (130w x 2 = 260w)for a 3db gain in output; tripling would imply 3x, or 390w and a 6db gain, going by the rule of thumb that every 3db of gain is a practical doubling of power.
 
Now a TNT might make 260 watts with the right extension cabinet (IF it loads down to two ohms and the internal speaker and the BB are both 4ohms each) but there's no headroom left.  And yes you will pickup 2 or 3db in having two cabinets instead of one.  But this is just asking a small amp to do a bigger amp's work.
 
After years of frustration, I can tell you bass is absolutely the LAST instrument you want to play with barely enough amp:  For all those low notes to sound clean and full and to bloom under your fingers requires lots of reserve power in the amp.  Bass is the ultimate expression of 'big amps turned up to 3'; 'little amps turned up to 9.5' sounds so poorly thin in comparison.  I gigged for 5 years with a 200w Yamaha head with a pair of single 15 cabs:  I look back on it as torture.
 
If you've just got to have it, get it, and later get a head in the 300 - 500w range if you have any idea you're going to gig with that cabinet.
 
There are lots of great deals on all kinds of gear:  Anybody that's playing custom, multi-string ALEMBICs deserves better than this if you REALLY want to hear what you paid for.
 
J o e y

[paulman]

I love reading this topic!  It's great to see so many ideas and uses.  
 
To answer the obscene comment (which I love) we are a Original band with many influences (blues, jam, funk, folk, rock) attempting to get the most sound using the point/source idea (all instrument through their own amplifications system) and so far it's been phenomenally successful.  If you want to hear some of what we are doing, the site is www.myspace.com/crowdeffect (hope the self promotion is ok)
 
The bass player is attempting to effciently (I know, moving the cabs isn't effcient but he wants it, so he moves them) to get the lower bass freq's launched correctly.  Dealing with Meyer sound and other techs the effient movement of air became the largest factor he could identify to accurately reproduce the last 5 notes of the 6 string bass.  
 
The goal is of course ultra clean sound.  Not to makes your ears bleed, but to attain a nice level with lots of headroom and dynamics.  
 
Wait til our next experiment takes place, I'll be sure to let you know.  We are trying to go below the low bass B to the subsonic ranges.  Prototypes are almost done and it's looking (and feeling) good