RandomBass

Similar reaction from me using it with my Compact. With Compact + Midget I just get more of the same, with midrange that cuts through rather nicely. And the compact gives all the trouser flapping stuff

I've used the setup at two outdoor gigs and the PA guys said they didn't need to DI me. Oh happy days.

Am toying with the idea of changing the Midget for another Compact though... no real reason, just like the idea of 2 x 15!

Cheers

Geoff

[quote name='xgsjx' post='1301705' date='Jul 12 2011, 10:46 PM']That's a bit pointless! Though if the 515 is a min 4Ω load, you could use 2 8Ω cabs (but isn't that the point of adding an ext cab?).[/quote]

My thoughts exactly. Strange indeed.

Cheers

Geoff

Hi

I just had a nose at the manual on Ashdown's website, and I found this paragraph:

EXTERNAL SPEAKER – An External Speaker
socket is provided to allow you to use an
external speaker cabinet if required. This cuts
out the main speaker when a jack plug is
inserted. The external speaker must be a
minimum impedance of 8 Ohms for the After
Eight and Perfect Ten but can be 4 Ohms for
the MiniRig and Five Fifteen.


Now I find that unusual - the external speaker effectively replaces the internal one, as opposed to supplementing it as with other combos (my old Ashdown EB180 springs to mind). In my rather limited experience of combos, the amp is usually rated at a certain number of watts into 4 Ohms, but the internal speaker is 8 Ohms - so adding another 8 Ohm extension cab (as opposed to 'external'?) gives you the full wattage at 4 Ohms.

So unless you have more speaker area, or more sensitive ones, I would guess that an external speaker might not add much more volume wise.

Cheers

Geoff

Hi

Although I haven't done the same transition that you are considering, the Compact is a 1 x 15 and i can recommend it.
I also have a Midget, which is 1 x 12 and also fabulous - but it is stronger in the mid range.
Have you considered the Super Twelve, which is a 2 x 12?

Cheers

Geoff

[quote name='RichF' post='1284882' date='Jun 28 2011, 05:59 AM']that's a helpful review. Just a small technical question, I note that the PF500 has separate jack and speakon outputs, are you connecting a cab to each? My midget t and compact are the usual one speakon set up and just want to be sure that the outputs work simultaneously to two cabs to deliver a 4 ohm load, rather than as alternative ways to get a single output that then needs daisy chained.[/quote]

Hi thanks for that. Yes I'm using both the speakon and jack sockets on the PF500: a speakon-to-speakon for one cab, and a speakon-to-jack for the other. I assumed that both outputs on the PF500 would be wired in parallel, allowing the use of both at the same time - my other amps are like this.

I also noticed that Andertons' have the PF500 back at £380 - although marked with the 'Refit Sale' sticker still on their website!

Cheers

Geoff

[quote name='nottswarwick' post='1279227' date='Jun 22 2011, 11:29 PM']Hi Geoff,

I have not actually used a MAG series head, unless you count a test drive in Electromusic about 6 years ago (when I bought a Hartke 3500 lol).

I have had a bit of a rig change recently, as I wanted/needed more warmth and potential valve grit than my old Markbass (F1) set up could give. Plus I needed to realise some cash (I have to keep 3 rigs going as I play bass, guitar, and drums - expensive business...), so I traded my small and light rig for the ABM set up I now have.

I have to say it sounds ace, and the head is not really that heavy - in fact, it's easily manageable. Cab is a bit weighty though. But it does sound rather good.[/quote]

Ok cheers for that. I may still try an ABM500 just to compare - the valve grit thing still appeals as well. I do like Ashdown gear, and my MAG600 has been faultless since I bought it, and I had one of their Electric Blue combos before that. I seem to be collecting gear at a stunning rate at the moment, but I want to find the right amp to settle with - then I can liberate whats left lol.

Cheers

Geoff

[quote name='nottswarwick' post='1279206' date='Jun 22 2011, 11:14 PM']I looked at Andertons at 8am today and they were showing 2 left at £299. I did not buy one, but will be following thoughts of users closely.[/quote]

I just checked again and it's showing as out of stock - perhaps they will put the price back up after the refit (not sure when their 'refit' is actually taking place). Either way its worth a punt.

Is that an ABM500 in your sig? That was also on my shortlist - but the PF500 deal was too good to miss. Does the ABM sound very different to the MAG series?

Cheers

Geoff

Well the PF500 turned up as planned on Tuesday, but I've had very little time to play with it - until tonight at practice. I ran it through the Compact and Midget, using my Zoom B2 for a little it of 'drive' for some songs. As an aside, my love for the Zoom seems to have waned of late - and it appears to be ending up as an expensive tuner at the moment - the more I use it the more noisy I find it sounds. Perhaps as I gain more experience and confidence, I'm becoming more fussy about the sound. It's a great tuner though lol.

The PF sounded absolutely glorious through the cabs (alongside two average volume guitarists, drummer and vocals). I've been enjoying the tone I get from my Micro VR, but just needed more oomph. I think I've found it! My workhorse over the past couple of years has been my MAG600 - it's never missed a beat, and seems built to last. I prefer the wood/tolex finishes compared to the metal of the PF - just seems more gig-resistant, if you get my drift. I'd love the PF500 innards in the Micro VR form factor .

I'm not used to having selectable mid frequencies, and I'm going to have to twiddle with that some more before I'm comfortable with what it's actually doing to my sound. Leaving the tone section on flat, and switching the Lo boost on, gives an authoritative, deep, tuneful and solid bottom - exactly where I like to be. Selecting either 2 or 3 on the mid selector and with a bit of mid boost really brings some 'punch' to the equation.

And the Pf500/Midget/Compact setup is extremely loud. But the beauty is there is not a hint of stress to be heard - probably a lot to do with the cabinets, but also the amp not running out of steam at those higher volumes (which I doubt I shall need that often).

The compressor seems a tad harsh (read 'abrupt) at times, and I needed to back it off a lot before I was happy with it.

Fan noise is irrelevant when playing, and the unit was hardly warm even after an extended thrashing.

And fortunately it fits perfectly in a spare laptop bag I had to hand - amp, pedal and cables all in one bag

In summary, I can say it appears to be giving me what I had hoped sound-wise. I was going to say if anyone is still considering the Andertons deal, don't delay. Unfortunately it appears that they are now out of stock - which doesn't surprise me. Even at £380 its a great amp - I was just one of the lucky ones to nab one for less than £300.

Cheers

Geoff

[quote name='bassriff' post='1279064' date='Jun 22 2011, 09:20 PM']Do you use the Midget on its own or do you usually add the Compact?[/quote]

So far I've only used the two together - mind you I've only had the Midget a couple of weeks, so it's early days. I will easily be able to manage with just the Midget for practice, and either of the cabs for smaller gigs. However we've got an open air charity gig coming up in a couple of weeks and I'm looking forward to trying the pair in that setting. It's not too big to need PA support (its in a pub beer garden, in a marquee type thing).

Cheers

Geoff

A rather interesting thread. I've been using a Barefaced Compact for over a year now, and have just added a Midget. Lovely and tuneful, I can hear all the notes, very light (12kg and 9kg) and plenty loud without any stress. I've been driving it mostly with a UK MAG600, and also lately with a Micro VR. Just picked up an Ampeg PF500 from Andertons - £299 new with free P&P as part of their 'refit sale', minus a few quid in loyalty points I had with them. Just couldn't resist.

The Barefaced stuff really does what is says on the tin. I'm a convert.

Cheers

Geoff

[quote name='RichF' post='1276384' date='Jun 20 2011, 09:14 PM']let me know cause I am looking for a new option for my compact and midget t. This is a cheaper option than the others on my list.[/quote]

Will do. Band practice Weds night so it gives me an opportunity to give it a good workout

Cheers

Geoff

Well it appears Andertons' cracking £299 deal on these was too good for me to pass up. Should be with me tomorrow I have been enjoying my Micro-VR, but need a bit more oomph with a similar sound. All being well after a few gigs I can release my MAG600 and Micro VR to some lucky new owners...

I'm sure my Compact & Midget will enjoy it too

Cheers

Geoff

[quote name='waltsdog' post='1271083' date='Jun 16 2011, 09:56 AM']Sold a barefaced midget to Geoff, everything went very smoothy. Hope you're enjoying the cab.[/quote]

Thanks Kieren - yes, I'm enjoying it very much I hope your Compact arrives soon.

Yeah, should've gone to Specsavers lol As long as my hearing doesn't follow suit lol

Cheers

Geoff

[quote name='ShergoldSnickers' post='1270981' date='Jun 16 2011, 08:24 AM']Interesting thought....
The Super12 has more internal volume than two Midgets, so I'd expect some differences in the low end, with more extension from the Super12. The [url="http://barefacedbass.com/technical-information.htm"]figures are here[/url], and bear this out. There is a dual Midget set of figures to compare with the Super12. Click the 'Barefaced Technical Specs' link under the 'Technical Information' heading.[/quote]

Of course - I'd forgotten about the Tech Specs on Alex's site

Unless my eyes are playing up, the figures are overall more favourable for a Dual Midget setup except for the low end extension (assuming that can be directly equated to the lowest frequency the cab is designed to reproduce) which is 31Hz for the Midget and 25Hz for the S12. That latter figure is the same as the Compact which I also have, so I can sort of relate to the difference.

All very interesting stuff.

Either way, these are fab cabs.

Cheers

Geoff

+1 on the Super Twelve, Frank. Although I can't help wondering if two Midgets will do the same thing, or whether having the single enclosure of the Super12 adds something more...

Geoff

Right well that was a fun practice. This band is a 5 piece covers setup (me, 2 guitarists, male vocalist and a drummerist) - and the others joked when I turned up with my Compact in one hand - and it's Mini-Me brother in the other lol.

I have to say the Compact + Midget stack is rather a delight to behold and even more so to hear. Even the little Micro-VR head (rated at 200W into 4Ohms) sounded loud and tuneful - and would probably do for a lot of the gigs we do. It definitely needs 2 cabs (or whatever 4Ohm combination you have) to make it sing.

I then tried the MAG600. I've had this head nearly 2 years I think - it was a 'special' via Soundslive: UK made Mk1 version without the built-in compressor. I've always really liked the sounds I can get with it, and so far its proven 100% reliable and rugged. And loud throught the Compact alone. Adding the Midget to the stack was beautiful. Tuneful, punchy and plenty of bottom when I want it. The Midget really brings out the mids, and being on top of the Compact is so easy and clear to hear. Putting a bit of drive via my Zoom B2 came across just how I want it to. This was with my Highway 1 Jazz.

I think this setup is gonna be it for a while. Although, the idea of changing the Compact for another Midget does appeal - but I will revisit that idea after a few gigs with this lot.

Some think the Barefaced cabs are pricey - but not when you compare them against what they can replace, rather than another typical single 15 or 12 incher. And ironically, the Compact now feels large and heavy compared to the Midget lol.

Anyway, I'm a happy bunny.

Cheers

Geoff

I've just added a Midget (thanks to waltsdog on here) to my Compact - and it's my first band practice with it tonight, which I am certainly looking forward to.

I've had the Compact for over a year now and has been rather good for all sorts of gigs - and has generated a lot of favourable feedback from punters, some of which are bass players themselves. I'm looking forward to trying the pair in anger soon (gonna try them with both my MAG600 and Ampeg Micro VR heads) - and who knows I might even go the double Midget route lol.

Anyway... time to pack the car

Cheers

Geoff

Bought his Barefaced Midget from him yesterday. All good stuff - and what a nice chap too

My Compact is happier now, too

[quote name='Andy Blowers' post='1193944' date='Apr 9 2011, 06:04 PM']All available, prices dropped.[/quote]


Andy, I have sent you a message...