Stereo Set-Up

[kevin_k]

I have a few questions regarding stereo set-ups.  
For reference, I will be using 2 F1-X for the preamps.
My concern is with cab selection for the neck pick-up.  I currently have 1x18 and was thinking of adding one more.  Or should I use the low output (on the F1-X) for the 18 and add some other size cab for the high output.  Maybe a 2x12.  Again this is for the neck (bassier) pick-up.  The simpilist solution would be just adding another 18.  No more amps reguired.  
 
For the bridge pick-up my 4x10 should do the trick.
 
Any suggestioins or feed back would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks in advacne,
 
Kevin

[adriaan]

There's plenty of high frequency stuff coming from the neck pickup, so unless you always turn down the onboard filter I'm pretty sure you're missing part of the sound using only 18 cabs for the neck pickup.

[kevin_k]

Adriaan,
I though I might lose some higher frequency signal from the neck pick-up using only a 18.  
 
It is kinda hard trying to figure out all the different combonations available.
 
Right know I am running mono.  
 
How about this:
 
Neck pick up:    1x18 and (2X12 or 2x10)
Bridge Pick-up:  4x10
 
It looks like I am going to need another power amp regardless.  
 
Does anyone use an 18 for their bridge pick-up?  Or do most feel it is not necessary.  
 
I am a bit of a novice when it comes to this stuff, so I do enjoy learning about what others have done.    
 
Thanks again,
 
Kevin

[spose]

if you're going mono, unelss you're using a x-over...adding full range cabs aren't doing a thing for you IMO.
 
with my Series bass, I use a stereo pwr. amp(and F2B) and a 2x10 cab for the bridge pickup, and a 1x15 OR a 1x18 for the neck pickup. Sometimes I will use a x-over...other times I'll just use a stereo EQ to dial in the cabs.

[keavin]

stanley clarke uses his set-up that way,you might wanna look @ his site and click on his GEAR,it might give you some additional insight on your  question.(welcome to stanley clarke.com)

[adriaan]

Try keeping it simple. Oops, you're already doing the 2 channel thing (not stereo). Well, try keeping things basic then. - Or is just me with an SWR Workingman's 12?
 
Unless you're looking for the Stanley type of sound options, I'm not sure it's worth the hassle. Get a decent full-range bass rig, as that's one area where you definitely have more options than in the days when the Alembic concept was introduced.

[gare]

I'd go with the 2x12 w/horn. Then you could adjust the highs thru the horn. To my ears the 12's have nicer mids than 10's do.
G  

[kevin_k]

Thanks for the Stanley heads-up.  I guess I have some experimenting to do, but it could get expensive, so I want to narrow some varibles down first.  
 
I guess I have to get out there and try some 12's.  I currently have two power amps so the simplist solution is just adding another 18 to the unused channel.    
 
I do think that adding more speakers and running stereo will make some sort of difference.  Question is will I really be able to notice a difference.

[hollis]

Adriaan
 
Nope, you're not alone....  I picked up a Workingman's 15 when I picked up my Persuader...
I put an F1X on layaway this week.... It'll do me fine for now. I'm thinking of a Mesa 400 when I grow up, but first I guess I should learn to play this thing!  
 
(sorry for unraveling the thread a bit)

[811952]

A good 4x12 cabinet will move as much air as an 18, and I agree with gare that 12's have a more musical midrange (to my ears) than 10's.  My vote, if it really were my vote and I didn't have to carry them, is for 2 4x12 cabinets with JBL's or some other non-Celestion-clones (one cabinet for each pickup) and maybe add an 18 sub for the neck pickup if you find you're missing something.  It will sound like 2 separate really incredibly nice basses.
 
God I want your bass.
 
John

[dnburgess]

I am a big proponent of doing all your sound shaping before it gets to the speakers and not relying on the speakers to add character to the sound - because you have far more control earlier in the signal chain.  
 
That means a hi-fi approach to speakers - flat, full range response. Which, in turn, means a three way system with separate bass, mid, treble drivers and a good internal crossover - a la Acme or Acugroove.
 
Two full range apeakers is also a very flexible setup - use one for smaller gigs, both for big ones. They're interchangable in the event of a malfunction (provides graceful degradation in a live setting). In a pinch you can use them as a mini pa.
 
If the bass from such a setup isn't gut slamming enough for you, ad a subwoofer crossed over very low.
 
David B.

[dnburgess]

I am a big proponent of doing all your sound shaping before it gets to the speakers and not relying on the speakers to add character to the sound - because you have far more control earlier in the signal chain.  
 
That means a hi-fi approach to speakers - flat, full range response. Which, in turn, means a three way system with separate bass, mid, treble drivers and a good internal crossover - a la Acme or Acugroove.
 
Two full range apeakers is also a very flexible setup - use one for smaller gigs, both for big ones. They're interchangable in the event of a malfunction (provides graceful degradation in a live setting). In a pinch you can use them as a mini pa.
 
If the bass from such a setup isn't gut slamming enough for you, add a subwoofer crossed over very low.
 
David B.

[mothman]

I've always thought that it's much easier to get a great sound using the stereo pickup/amp setup.
 
This is the basic way I wire it up, sounds like it's a little different from the other folks-
 
Mid position PU (like fender P placement) generates the high end stuff. It's nice to have a Q filter on this one, and you can really change the feel on the fly.  Any decent amp- roll off the lows on the eq.  I like 12 speakers for this amp- SM 57 to PA.  
 
Low stuff- I used the bridge PU for tight bass, roll off the tone control on the bass- roll off the highs on the Amp- 15 or 18- DI box to the PA
 
 
This setup records great with two channels- Once your sound man get's the hang of it, it sounds great through the PA too.  Some sound persons just never get the picture though, and all you get is boom or twang.  I have experimented with combining my low preamp and high preamp into a small mixer, and then running the sum through a Power Amp and then into a heavy duty 4x12 cab.  I would rather have the 2 feeds setup, but this combo is pretty hard for the Tech's to screw up.

[gare]

Look at all the options here..think it would come down to what you want to lug around. And, if you're also going thru the PA you can cut back a bit on size.  
 
You'd think for the size and weight of some of the gear that the manufacturers would at least throw in a tube of Ben Gay.
 
G

[gbarchus]

I use a JBL E130 for my bridge pick-up and an E140 for the neck pick-up with an F2B stereo out. I believe there is a lot of tonal variation even though I am using 15 speakers for both pick-ups. http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1941.html?1033976607
 
Gale