Alec

My only experience of the new Trace gear was from when Norman brought his in last time the Blockheads played our venue. Was very surprised at the weight when I took it off stage - at least that Tract problem is finally addressed. Can't really comment on the sound. Norman would sound great on almost anything, but it's definitely his sound. Don't think I did anything more than a cursory line check during setup.

It's certainly in an unattractive state. You have to wonder why the butchery was done? TE combos always seem to go for peanuts, considering their performance - of course, it's the weight that's the killer for them compared with the competition these days. I loved my old 1210 4x10 combo, but it made a baby elephant look light, and I never looked back once I moved to my current lightweight rig. It's possible that this might be worth more if you sold it as a standalone head. Now, I believe that in my loft I might have a TE produced sleeve for the amp part of my combo, which I was given when I bought it second hand. Happy to give it away if my postage costs are covered. That would give you a marketable head, I think - interested? And, thinking about it, if you did that, and then slightly refinished the top of the speaker section, you might well get something for that. I'm sure that, with a little effort, the two halves would fetch rather more than the whole.

Er, no such thing! The NEOX comes in 112 and 212 formats, not 10". Maybe you mean the Shuttle or Focus series, rather than NEOX?

[quote name='Salt on your Bass?' timestamp='1389770221' post='2337630'] I tried a fair few collapsible trolleys when carting my gear round London to gigs on the underground. I eventually settled on something like this as the others kept breaking and a decent trolley and ties makes wheeling a rig around a real joy! [url="http://www.mpdirect.co.uk/p/18262/silverline-100kg-sack-truck"]http://www.mpdirect....00kg-sack-truck[/url] [/quote] That's a mighty one! I use a foldable one like [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-633565-Folding-Sack-Truck/dp/B000LFYO7E"]this[/url]. Agreed, it's not as robust, but mine's still going after years of humping bass & PA gear around. The one you posted definitely looks more sturdy, but mine stores more conveniently - especially in the car! But, for your purposes, and getting around public transport, then yours may well be the better option.

Yes, why *is* it that it's typically the bass player that own's the PA? Is it because, historically at least, we're accustomed to having to lug lots of heavy gear anyway, so it makes little difference to have more? Is it because we're so organised and capable, that we're able to run PA as well as play? Is it because we're the richest, so we can afford it? Is it because we're techies, rather than egotists (e.g. singers, guitarists) and so enjoy that side of things? Is it because 4 strings need so little attention we need something else to keep us occupied?

[quote name='LawrenceH' timestamp='1390675542' post='2348271'] A PEAVEY! Look at the Peavey logo, for Chrissake! When have their aesthetics ever targeted any sector other than that in the USA which wears naff 80s mullets? It is for this reason that I could score an all-valve high plate voltage 1u rack preamp for less than 50 quid, whereas if it didn't say 'Peavey' on the front in hairdressing scissor font and have a stupid double X in the name it would have cost me about 400 quid [/quote] I think this pic from the Peavey stand at NAMM reminds you where Peavey are coming from (clue - a couple of decades ago)

Hopefully this gives full ID potential! [url="http://www.neutrik.com/en/speakon/speakon-chassis-connectors/speakon-combo/"]Speakon Combo[/url] [url="http://www.neutrik.com/en/speakon/speakon-chassis-connectors/speakon-chassis-connectors/"]Speakon Non-Combo[/url]

[quote name='paulie' timestamp='1389221955' post='2331692'] My local repair tech ... is very complimentary of other brands particularly Ampeg and Trace from a repair point of view and Genz Benz for using good power modules. However he advised me to steer clear of TC Electronic amps, so thats one brand I wouldnt go for. [/quote] Presumably Ampeg & Trace are lovely and easy to service as they use discrete components, well spaced and easy to diagnose and access. Certainly my old Trace 1210 had a very easy to work out innards. I'd love to hear more about why TC amps should be steered clear of, though. Along with others, the SMPSU would be the area most likely to fail, but then it's probably just a case of replacing the whole SMPSU. Depending on availability/cost of such parts, that could be an easy job - and possibly quicker than sourcing and replacing one or two large electrolytic caps in conventional PSUs. Intrigued as to why GenzBenz were considered so much better than TC for servicability, mind... Although I'm sure I remember seeing an RH450 teardown feature that made it look like quite an effort to get inside? Google didn't help me other than [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/207880-how-too-tc-rh450-replacing-the-memory-buttons-and-rotary-knobs-guide/"]this[/url] which is only a partial opening up.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1389180382' post='2330889'] You have to ask yourself what exactly you're paying the extra for. [/quote] Dedicated compressor control - no longer hidden in the shift layer More power (obviously) Improved top end without the build in LPF. Mind you, having just double checked the front/rear panels of the RH450/750 (to compare) makes me wonder if *anyone* has ever used the AES/EBU digital output? I know I haven't!

Had one for about 20 years - loved the sound, hated the weight. Believe it was around 50kg. Moving across to an RH450 head and GenzBenz NEOX-212T cab cost me a pretty penny, but my back thanks me every time I gig. As do the bandmates who no longer get roped in to help carry the TE beast.

Just as a reference note, I took a look inside my (3 years old, rat-fur) NEOX-212T and the screws are sticking out through the wood, and I see bits of foam stapled in the ports. Didn't check if there's any indication where the cab was built. While it may not be that pretty, of course it makes absolutely no difference on the cab's sonic performance. And, arguably, the screws may hold a little more firmly than shorter ones. I'm still delighted with the cab, even at the full price which i paid!

Kind of pleased these have sold out. There was serious temptation to try one as an "upgrade" from my old NEOX 212T. I *know* it would have made little difference, but the GAS was just waiting there... Shame about those "build quality" issues. They're hardly show-stoppers, but don't look like full-on care & attention has been paid during manufacture. Certainly wouldn't be an issue to me at that price!

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1383673101' post='2267488'] Yep, plus that fact that you'll never end up with using an instrument lead by mistake. [/quote] Quite - I still remember the git who borrowed my rig and managed to plug the speaker out into the wireless receiver input, and then thrashed it. Result, one dead wireless unit... Jacks will work, will sound just find, but are ultimately not the right tool for the job.

[quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1383740513' post='2268337'] Anybody here have experience of running the have experience running the NX2-212T with amps other than Genz Benz? [/quote] It's hardly voodo! Yes, I use mine with my RH450 and am happy as Larry. Just checked and I've had mine for over 3 years with no regrets. Yes, I could have saved a whole pile of cash by waiting 3 years, but it's more than paid for itself in that time. Only last Friday I took it to a gig and didn't want to put it down on the wet pavement by the car - but, at that weight, I could just carry it with no problems! When I compare it to the tears of transporting my Trace 1210 combo, it's simply chalk and cheese... If anyone's doubting, just buy now. If you don't like it, you're likely to be able to make a profit by reselling in a few months. I might be a little more dubious about a head, though. There were too many ergonomic things that put me off the Shuttle heads (sounded fine, though). But there also appeared to be quite a lot of people with niggles. They were all pleased with the excellent GenzBenz service, but without that it could be a different matter?

[url="http://cpc.farnell.com/pulse/nl4-split/speakon-splitter-nl4-1in-2out/dp/AV21929"]Pulse Speakon splitter from CPC[/url] [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/161141120437?lpid=83&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=83&ff19=0"]Canford Speakon splitter on ebay[/url] [url="https://www.google.co.uk/shopping/product/4105911232932714159?q=speakon+splitter&client=firefox-a&hs=yjP&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.55980276,d.ZGU,pv.xjs.s.en_US.EcV7juPhZrc.O&biw=1019&bih=821&tch=1&ech=1&psi=hRJ5UqjIMfGM7Ab6y4GABA.1383666310414.5&sa=X&ei=vxJ5UsHLDYuI7AbXiYGAAQ&ved=0CFsQ8wIwAjgK"]DAP Speakon splitter lead[/url] Or make your own as others suggest. Or add a second socket to either/both of your cabs if the outlet plate easily allows. Just connect in parallel. I do find it daft that so many cabs & amps come with just a single socket (though I realise it saves money) - they could at the very least have a second hole blanked off to allow for an easy DIY mod...

NX2-212T - £379 - WOW!!!

[quote name='The Dark Lord' timestamp='1382528556' post='2253189'] I understand what you are saying, but there is another point to consider. When you play in a pub, with the backline so close to the singers, the full range of the band (including drums, bass and guitar amps) will be picked up via the vocal mics and then projected into the room via the tops and subs. So, you do get value from having them. It's not massive, but it is in there and part of the whole sound mix. If you ever take a recoding out from the desk at a gig on one of the vocal channels, you'll hear what I mean. I may only get one sub for the moment - and add a second if it goes well. [/quote] Pretty much any mics other than kick, floor-tom and bass, I'd be applying a HPF to. Certainly to vocal mics. So there would be negligable bottom end in the vocal mics. And, anyway, it's the last thing you want. You do use a HPF on your vocal channels, right?

My RFC ART 722As have astonishing power and clarity - especially with vocals, all at 18kg. I compared them with other speakers in the ART range and these were head and shoulders the best. That said, they were pricey at just under £1k each. If I were in the market now, I'd also be auditioning the newer RCF HD-12A (around £640), Yamaha DXR12 (£510) & DSR112 (£810), all of which are getting much love at the moment. I'd be steering clear of 15" speakers - you're after vocals. For monitoring, I have ART 710As - but again would consider some of the above 10" variants now. Honestly, these can easily double up as FOH for vocal only stuff. All at only 12kg! While I have subs, they tend not to come out for smaller pub gigs, as we put just vocals & acoustic guitar through the PA. Not to mention that, unless you have a van, subs end up being a transport liability. I was intrigued by the stupidly thin & light [url="http://www.flareaudio.com/products/sb-series/sb18c.html"]Flare Audio SB18C[/url] at PLASA last week. Never got a chance to hear it, mind, nor get a guide price - though it looks too good to be true... Little talk of mixers in this thread. With your budget options, a Soundcraft SI Expression or A&H QU16 are both options. Might feel overkill having a full-on digital desk in a pub. But, it gives you full EQ, dynamics & effects in a single unit - plus a fully recallable mix. I use a Yamaha 01V96, which is rather older, but still gives me all those benefits - great to be able to use a few effects in appropriate places. And, obviously, can be fab if you scale up your PA for larger events (unless you just hire in) And, of course, decent mics. Hope you're already down that road, but the right mics make life so much easier. Not sure what your engineering skills are like, but you may also find that, once you've made a purchase, it's worth getting someone capable to get you all set up and sounding fantastic in a rehearsal/gig situation - including tweaking monitor eq for GBF, given that it's an issue for you with your current system. While you'll obviously need to adjust for each venue, this would give you a great starting point.

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1367311074' post='2063906'] Ay. Its a tough call between this and the Genz NX2 212T. [/quote] Indeed, though I've already got a NEOX-212T and am not going to change! A quick spec comparison: weight h x w x d (cm) sensitivity price (BassDirect) Genz Benz NX2 212T 23kg 79 x 54 x 42 101dB 1w/m £719 Bergantino CN-212 20kg 79 x 46 x 38 104dB 1w/m £950 So, based on specs alone, the Berg is lighter, narrower, shallower, and more sensitive, but costs about 35% more. Of course, the sound is key. But the reduced weight & dimensions always have appeal, albeit at quite a price premium. If I was buying now, I might have a harder choice. I also like the look of the Berg rather more (have never liked any of the Genz Benz looks).

If GenzBenz really are using just a bulb for illumination, then that's just rubbish. Why on earth would you not use LEDs these days and so remove the need for replacement?

Do you know if BassChat can be "enabled" for the Tapatalk forum reading app, which I have on my android device? ProSoundWeb is enabled, and it makes the process just lovely. I understand that it's a pretty easy tweak, but all presumably depends on how BassChat is actually configured.

And do your best to forget what you paid for it. Try to think more about what you'd be delighted to pay for it if you were a second-hand buyer parting with your hard earned cash, and you'll be in the right ball park. That approach has helped me when selling my old Trace Elliott kit for a third of what I'd paid second hand, mainly because it's now a generation older and much less in demand.

I let the side down by having a spare head and a tiny cab at home for backup/practise. Just one gigging head & cab, mind. And I really do own just one bass!