Author Topic: 2x12...any thoughts? (Read 764 times)

stoney · « **on:** December 22, 2004, 07:15:51 AM »

I'm considering buying a 2 x 12 cab. The ones with the most attractive specs are:
Epifani, Eden, and Aguilar. The Eden and Aguilar
are similar in price, the Epifani is not quite double. Currently I'm using an EA iAmp 800 (500w @ 8ohms)which is actually installed in the 800 combo box but easily removed. Is anoyone out there using a 2 x 12 as a stand-alone cab on in conjunction with another?

Stoney

son_of_magni · « **Reply #1 on:** December 22, 2004, 07:47:15 AM »

Hi Stoney, I just replaced my old SWR 4x12 with an Eden D210XLT. It is a huge improvement. Very tight punchy sound. I use it standalone through my Mesa or in conjunction with a B2R into a 1x18. In both cases I'm using an Eden Navigator preamp.

I have not played through an Aguilar...

stoney · « **Reply #2 on:** December 22, 2004, 08:10:15 AM »

Karl,
Thanks for chippin' in....

hollis · « **Reply #3 on:** December 22, 2004, 11:12:09 AM »

Hi Stoney,

I use an Ampeg PR212H. It's a discontinued part of Ampeg's pro series cabs. I bought it used at a local music shop without an owners manual. It's 8 ohms 2X12 w/tunable tweeter. I think it's rated @ 450 watts rms. I contacted Ampeg, they said they didn't have an owners manual for that one, however, if I had specific questions they'd be happy to answer them. It sounds pretty sweet standing alone through F1X and SF-2 using Makie 1400i for power. Although I'm thinking an 18 would be a good addition.

It also sounds pretty nice added to the Workingman's 15.

Overall, other than the weight, I really like it.

stoney · « **Reply #4 on:** December 22, 2004, 11:54:52 AM »

Thanks for your input Hollis...

dnburgess · « **Reply #5 on:** December 22, 2004, 12:35:48 PM »

Stoney, is there any particular reason why you're looking for 12 drivers? I would usually suggest that key performance parameters such as low frequency response, size, weight, efficiency, power handling not to mention the ellusive sound quality be considered first.

David B.

stoney · « **Reply #6 on:** December 22, 2004, 12:52:42 PM »

I do want something somewhat portable...70 - 80lbs is all I'm about to tackle. LF response goes from 40 - 44 hz (I forget which is which) they are somewhat the same size and weight, except the UL (Ultrilite) Epifani (around 59lbs). Sound quality is certainly my first consideration. Gard at B.C. in Fl. says that the Aggie is a real wooly, old school sound...not to say it can't be adjusted. I like a firm and punchy sound, one that won't bottom out with a good smack on my E-string. From what I've read the 2x12 will give you bottom end of a great 15 with the articulation of 2x10's. I just have to find some here in my area to try out.

dnburgess · « **Reply #7 on:** December 22, 2004, 01:13:15 PM »

What amplifier are you intending to use? What styles of music / size bands / gigs do you intend to use it with?

bassman10096 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 23, 2004, 11:13:09 AM »

I've become a fan of 12's in the past year - Not that 10's don't sound very good - but, as you've read, 12's do give a bit more muscular bottom end, while retaining most of the articulation you get from a 10.

I'm currently playing a single 12 cab from Dr. Bass. It's a hybrid of sorts, though - it's got a nice 6 and a tweeter. I love the sound (currently covering deep bottom with a Bag End ELF 18). I'm awaiting delivery on a Dr Bass 212 with the same 6 and tweeter config, but with punchier Eminence speakers (a Delta LF and a Delta). Once I receive that, Dr Bass is trading me the 1260 cab for a 115 (with a Delta LF). I'll let you know how the 212 sounds once I receive it. BTW, the 212 is rated at 900 w @ 4 ohms. I'm using a PLX 2402 with an F1X and SF2.

Mikey (Pookeymp?) from the Club bought a 212 from Dr Bass and was very impressed with it. He said the 12's project more bottom away from the stage than his Acmes did (I found the same comparing my 112 to my LowB2 Acme). Dr Bass is great to work with, builds light cabs (212 is under 50lb) that are indestructible and sound great. Marc, the owner, will help put together whichever combination speakers you want for the sound you are looking for. He's very flexible about continuing to swap speaks after he gets paid, too!

Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Have a great holiday, all!
Bill

gbarchus · « **Reply #9 on:** December 24, 2004, 08:23:03 AM »

Stoney,

For years I played through a JBL Cabaret 2X12 cabinet and loved it! I put one side of a Carver PM 1.5 (450 watts) into each speaker with my F2B. I wish I could find another one, but may end up with one of the ones you mentioned. I agree that it's possible for 2 12 speakers to put out more bass than a single 15 and also extend the midrange output (a better match with tweeters).

Gale

stoney · « **Reply #10 on:** December 27, 2004, 10:41:49 AM »

Hey everyone, been away for a few days. Thank you all for your input. Lots of considerations. I'll have to look into Dr. Bass.

Thanks again.
stoney

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 27, 2004, 11:02:34 AM »

I'm late to chime in here, but if you are considering going custom, check out www.EarCandyCabs.com for some interesting stuff. They use real wood as opposed to MDF (which gives Dr. Bass cabs their light weight) so my 212 is about 65 pounds, but it's also 1000W and the best sounding cab I have ever used. Tim, president of EarCandy, is very accessible and friendly, and will help you put together the cab that meets your needs. On top of that, you can completely customize the appearance, speakers, handles, feet, wiring, EVERYTHING - all at a reasonable price. My 212 came out to about $450 for a durable, powerful, great-sounding cab that looks really cool to boot. Just my $.02.

Adam

bsee · « **Reply #12 on:** December 27, 2004, 11:53:50 AM »

I'm interested in Schroeder. They are new to market in the past year or two, and if you listen to the chat over at Talkbass, they do very little wrong. I haven't heard one myself, but I'd really like to.

jlpicard · « **Reply #13 on:** December 27, 2004, 06:57:06 PM »

Hi Stoney, Since you have an EA head, could you give your impressions of it? I have been using EA cabs for quite a while and I really like their uncolored sound and low end output for their size but I have an Eden WT 300 which is a bit underpowered for these cabs and I'm thinking about springing for an EA 800. Mike

stoney · « **Reply #14 on:** December 28, 2004, 05:55:32 AM »

When I first got the 800 I was trying to run an Acme 2x10 with it. The amp would shut down occasionally when too much info (slaps etc.) were going through...and the input > output seemed to be really low (of course, my Brown Bass is partially to blame for this) Gary at EA took the amp back TWICE and tweaked it. Now it's working fine although I've given up the Acme cabs. I have the amp in the 800 combo box which houses a 12. It's pretty nice by itself and is great with the additional 12. (I would, however, like to get to one box) Anyway, I think that with the proper cabinets, this amp really is great. 500w @8ohms albeit digital watts.

The EQ does take somegetting used to because it's really more parametric than graphic. The knobs are rotated to a frequency then a slider is used to cut or boost. The frequencenys can be controled by the octave or 1/2 octave. Sound shaping buttons are nice. The EQ is totally by-passable, which I have done. Depending upon what I really want, I'll occasionally run my GK micro amp (what a great little amp. If you don't have one of these, go buy one. It never hurts to have an extra 100 watts sitting around) or my F1X as a pre-amp.
Other than the problems I had with it when I first got it, this amp has been reliable. AND...if you find that it is NOT...Euphonic Audio will work with you. Mike, what cabs are you using?

Stoney