machinehead

Thanks for the review. I'd love to hear one of these - must be truly fantastic. And, the asking price is a snip for such a high quality piece of kit. Frank.

Product: BarefacedBass The Compact . (And a comment on the Midget) [url="http://www.barefacedbass.com/thecompact.html"]http://www.barefacedbass.com/thecompact.html[/url] Price paid: £425 including delivery (July 2009) I’ve copied the format for this review from here . Thanks sharkfinger! Features : 9 ====== from barefaced web site =================== Dimensions: 25.5" high x 19.5" wide x 13.5" deep Weight: 32 lbs Sensitivity: Similar to many 2x12" cabs Frequency Response: Similar to the classic sealed 8x10" fridge Recommended Amp Power: 100 - 500W RMS Maximum Output: Similar to a quality 2x12" or 3x10" cabinet Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms =========================================== I found it hard to score on features because the greatest feature is the simplicity. One speakon socket is what you get. The shape is excellent for carrying and fitting in the boot of a hatchback. The weight is another big selling feature. Even though my Compact is a “Mark 1”, the weight is only 31 lbs on my fishing scales. I think the new model weighs in at 26 lbs. Astonishing weight, although I’m not thinking I need to change to save 5 lbs weight. I’m very happy with 31 lbs thank you. Mine is the standard cab but it’s available with the vintage cloth covering which looks very cool and, if I was buying again, I would go for that look. That doesn’t mean I don’t like the standard look. That big 15” speaker looks the dogs danglies through the wire mesh cover. I could score it a 10 but some might like to see two speakon sockets so I decided on a 9 for that reason only. Sound Quality: 10 Amp: Markbass LMII Bass: Mostly a USA Vintage 75 reissue jazz for gigging Playing style: 99% finger style and (very little), and poorly played slap. Effects: Usually none. Sometimes Sansamp BDDI Music: Pop/rock covers, blues, ballads I spent years gigging with a Peavey combo with a single 15” speaker. In those days I was playing far bigger venues, sometimes up to 1200 people, always into the PA. I was happy enough with that gear for years. But time and technology has moved on since then. This cab has a very well rounded sound to my ears. It can sound big and bassy, but very precise. The higher frequencies come across better than any cab I owned or heard. My style of playing comes out better without a tweeter but it has taken me a few years to realise this. The high notes are sweet and even, never harsh in the way a tweeter can sometimes sound. On a gig all your notes can be easily heard. The cab can sound fast as well. This might be unexpected, if based on popular opinions of a single big speaker . The sound is mellowing and sounding richer as more playing time passes. The volume from the Compact is definitely in the loud category. I have driven it to the top of “moderate” volumes. It’s never sounded anything near to farting. To get it to those levels would be bad for your long-term hearing prospects! I have no problem keeping up with a loud drummer with this cab. In my opinion, the Compact on it’s own would be easily sufficient for 90% of pub/club/ hotel gigging bassists for 90% of the time, depending on tone preferences of course. The Compact sounds clean and precise which is what I prefer. If your preference is for a gritty, distorted sound, the Compact might not be for you. Having said that, maybe with the use of pedals that might be possible. I’m not likely to try it so maybe another owner could help here? Caveat: I’ve never owned a 4 x 10 or 8 x 10 or any other “big” cabinet. Biggest rig was a pair of 2 x 10. I have never wanted either the tone or the volume – never needed it. So please bear this in mind when reading my opinions on sound. Reliability/Build Quality: 8 I have owned my Compact for almost a year now (as of May 2010) and I have had no issues with reliability so far. Only time will tell if that continues. I have not seen or heard anything with the cab to make me worry The build quality is excellent. It seems sturdy and well put together. Some people equate weight with strength. If you’re an engineer you’ll know that there isn’t necessarily a correlation between the two. The Compact is sturdy but also light. I don’t like the plastic corners though and I usually don’t object to them. It’s just that the ones on the Compact look slightly flimsy to me. In truth, they’d probably do a good job for many years. But it’s just my feeling on them. I know that the mark 2 Compacts have metal corners which I do prefer. On the plus side, during discussions about buying a Midget cab, Alex offered to supply me new metal corners for my Compact. If I wasn’t living in Belfast and was closer to him, he would have fitted them also. That’s customer care at its best. The finish seems tough. Personally, I prefer the look of carpet. But the crinkly paint look is growing on me. And you can touch it up easily in the future to renovate the cabs inevitable gigging wear and tear. The handle is on the side of the cab for easy lifting and carrying. It seems very strong and performs its function perfectly. The score of 8 given here, is mainly based on my personal prejudices against the plastic corners and the paint finish. Since the mark 2 has metal corners, if you like the paint finish, take it as a 9. And if the cab remains reliable after another year or two, I will be changing the 8 to a 9 myself. Maybe even a 10. Customer Support: 10 I know of no other bass cabinet manufacturer who will give the level of customer support given by Barefaced. One-to-one advice on your needs based on your playing style, type of music and your sound preferences. A one month trial, with your money back if you don’t like the cab. Jeez, what more could a customer ask? I doubt if there are many of Barefaced products returned though. Overall Rating: 10 I’m conscious that a review that is 100% positive is worthless, but I really do have to try hard to hear any negatives with the Compact’s sound. For me, it gives me a really top notch sound and at a bargain price. You’ve read my reservations with the finish, corners etc and if that wasn’t there, the review would be 10/10 all the way. In a way, I’d like to have a few more negatives to write about the Compact, only because readers will scoff at almost perfect reviews. I’m not saying this is the perfect cab for all bass players. Please don’t read that into this review. What it is however, is a properly engineered bass cabinet which gives a high quality sound, at good volume. I have every intention of keeping this cab for a very long time but if I were to fancy a change, it would be for another Barefaced product. In my opinion, they are that good. The Midget. Most of the review of the Compact could be applied to the Midget. Mine if the non-tweeter version and it suits me fine. It has the metal corners which are excellent. Sound-wise, it seems as loud as the Compact, not as deep and more hard-edged and mid aggressive. It’s possible to get it to go deep at decent volume. It’s a great cab in it’s own right. It also stacks perfectly with the Compact and is designed to be paired this way if desired. I haven’t gigged the Midget yet. I’ll write a slightly more comprehensive review after it’s been through a few gigs, both stand-alone and paired with the Compact. EDIT. I've now used the Midget alone on gigs and it can get really loud and the sound is fuller than would be expected of such a small box. I've also used the Compact and Midget a few times as a stack and it's like having an enormous wall of big fat sound behind you. It feels powerful but I've found that you can make the stack sound rocky, grindy or sweet as you prefer. I haven't driven this stack to anywhere near it's limit and I think doing so would be bad for my hearing health. So, I highly recommend this combination. Use the Compact for most gigs, big and deep. Tthe Midget if you are in a small pub but still want loud but it can also give very decent rich bass. Combine the pair for a rig that provides a beautifully balanced sound. I also noticed that it's easy to hear the Midget when it's on top of the Compact - another advantage. Both these cabs use top grade drivers and it shows. The modular design is great for gigging bass players like myself who cover dirty dive pubs, clubs and the odd wedding. Three rigs in one and two cabs which are specifically designed to work together. What more could you want. I will say though, a pair of Midgets would also make a fantastic rig too. I just like having the Compact as a different option. Don't listen to the talk of a neo equipped cab sounding different. If it does, it not down to the magnet material and I defy anyone to listen to a set of cabs blindfolded and pick out the neo's. Don't let that talk put you off. It's just plain untrue. Frank Frank.

[quote name='acidbass' post='844448' date='May 21 2010, 06:03 PM']Hi Alex - I'd like to test the cab out too, if it wasn't too much bother to get it across the water to me in Northern Ireland. Postage shouldn't be that much more expensive depending on courier.[/quote] You're welcome to try mine Danny. And my Midget if you like? Let me know. Frank.

[quote name='mart' post='830532' date='May 7 2010, 12:00 PM']Does this mod change the impedance of the cab at all? It seems to me that it might reduce the impedance, risking damage to the amp, but a multimeter will quickly tell you whether or not that's the case.[/quote] Multimeters aren't really the tool for a reliable measurement of impedance. I should think the speaker would be 8 ohms though and the amp can handle a 4 ohm load so all should be well. It's definately well worth checking carefully. Frank.

I find my CMD121P a useful tool for rehearsals and gigs in small pubs. I do agree though, that the tweeter can sound a little harsh, especially if you drop in a little pop on the G string during a 99% finger style song. The harshness seems to jump out at you in contrast to the quite warm sound from the amp generally. Frank.

I reckon any of the light weight amps will be fine. I use a Markbass LMII to great effect with my Compact. I would say that you should get in touch with Alex of Barefaced. His customer care is second to none and he has experience with all sorts of amps matched with Barefaced cabinets. Frank.

Very glad to hear that news. I met him briefly once in Glasgow when we were exchanging a bass and hard cash. A nice guy. Frank

It's on the Barefaced website now, including a picture. Frank.

Thanks obbm for clearing up the 19 inch rack question. If I was buying again, I might be tempted by this new Super Twelve. I've had a Compact since last June and I've just taken delivery of a Midget. In truth, the Compact on its own would be more than enough for any gigs I'm likely to play. The Compact is so smooth and deep. It's a sound I really love. The Midget was bought because I have a bigger gig coming up and don't want to risk not having enough volume. Also, in discussing it with Alex, the Compact and Midget make a good three rig option. Midget for rehearsals and smaller gigs or where space is tight. Compact for most gigs. Compact with Midget on top for LOUD gigs. A very flexible setup. The Midget has only been tried in my front room. I's very loud and you can EQ in deep bass at surprising volume. I think I could gig with the Midget most of the time but the Compact gives a wider, fuller and more rounded tone to my cloth ears, which I prefer. (The sound, not the cloth ears.) The more I gig the Compact, the better it seems to sound. Eventually, I'll do a review of both cabs. Frank.

[quote name='obbm' post='827105' date='May 4 2010, 08:59 AM']Performance aside, looking at the picture it would appear to have screw-on strap type handles. At that weight I would prefer something a bit more substantial and recessed as they will get knocked-off or ripped off very quickly. Also why do cabs have to be made narrower than a typical rack case or valve head? This would go well with an Orange AD200 but the head will overhang the cab by a couple of inches either side. Looks daft.[/quote] If it helps any, the handle on my (Older and heavier at 31lbs) Compact have suffered no problems in about 10 months of use. Isn't the width of the new 2 x 12 cab 19.5 inches and a standard rack is 19 inches? Doesn't this match perfectly? I'm asking this because I'm not sure. But since I use a LMII, mine fits fine on my Compact (also 19'5 inches wide) and will also be OK on my Midget when it arrrives. I gigged on Saturday night with the Compact and its the dogs danglies for the gigging bassist who buys and carries his own gear. The sound is just full and accurate. I'd love to hear the new 2 x 12 cab but I have to draw the line at two Barefaced cabs. I think. Frank.

Here ya go. [url="http://belfast.gumtree.com/belfast/97/56423697.html"]http://belfast.gumtree.com/belfast/97/56423697.html[/url] Frank

Just another thought. My CMD121P is still here - the one I didn't sell you. You could try that as an extension cab ( amp disconnnected) to give an approximate idea of the sound you'd get. It would be less impressive than a 121H cab because the volume is much less but still, might be worth a try before you spend more cash? (I'm glad you didn't end up buying mine now because I would feel bad at you not liking it - LOL) Also, there's a guy selling a 2 x 10 combo with 1 x 15 cab in Whitehead. Check gumtree. Frank.

[quote name='Musicman20' post='825742' date='May 2 2010, 06:30 PM']I would add the Markbass NY121, which I think is the same dimensions?! Anyway....one of the Markbass 1x12s. If thats not enough, sell the combo and get an amp with cabs. The LMTube isnt, IMO, worth the extra over the LM3. I would stick with the LM3 or the F1/500. The LMTube adds very little in terms of tube warmth. The power sections of the F1/500 and LM2/3 are the optimum setup when it comes to tone. There are some negative reviews of the LM 800/LMTube 800....they dont sound like the LM2/3 for some reason. Personally, I nearly did what you did and got a combo. Very light and awesome tone. BUT, I dont think it would be loud enough for me. The Jeff Berlin might cut it for me...might. If I get any Markbass cabs itll be the 2x10 (x2) or one of the 4x10s. I like the Markbass amp tones...and I like how well made they are. [/quote] The New York121 cab is the match for the CMD121P combo but the 121H combo matches the 121H cab. The 121H is alittle taller. At one time I had a pair if 2 x 10 Markbass cabs. It was an excellent and flexible steup. Plus very light to carry as each cab and the amp are very light individually. Frank

Here's my tuppence worth.... Don't judge the Markbass gear too quickly. Take your time and get used to it. Play a few rehearsals, use it on a smaller gig. Try different settings, especially try the VLE and VPF filters. Let your ears get used to a totally different sound from your old rig. I disagree with those who think the Markbasss gear isn't warm sounding. To my ears, it is warm and as close to valve sounding as any small SS amp I've heard. I have no desire to buy a tube amp. I just prefer the clean but warm sound I have now. Valve amp lovers will never agree with that, so it's each to his own I suppose. Beedsters suggestion of a a Tech 21 or similar is good advice. I have a sansamp programmable DI box. It does warm things up if that's your preference but I rarely use it. I find the Markbass sound to be OK as it is. I just tweak the EQ on the amp. The 121H is a loud combo on its own once you get used to getting the best from it. I've had several Markbass cabs. I would say, if you want more volume and just a "bigger" sound, get the matching 1 x 12 cab 121H. You could knock walls down with that pairing. It's only my opinion, but I wouldn't bother with any other cab with the combo you already own - except the 121H cab. IMO, you don't need more power than the LMII gives. I've used mine ( and a LM I before that) for years in all sorts of venues and never been underpowered. If you need to go louder than that, then the PA has got to be the answer or your hearing will suffer. BTW, I have a Barefaced Compact 1 x 15 cab and a Barefaced Midget on the way. These are excetional cabs and very lightweight. You're welcome to try them if it helps your quest for "light and loud". I use and LM II amp for this. I hope this is of some help and that you evenually get on with your Markbass gear. I think you just need to give it time. Frank.

The Barefaced Compact is just an amazing cab. A pair of Compacts would be too big for me to store and transport but I would love to buy another if I didn't have those problems. Maybe a Midget though? Frank.

It depends on how much volume you need. The 121H is a lovely amp and would be my first choice. The 2 x 10 might be a little louder and has a beautiful sound but, as posted above, the tweeter can sound a bit harsh. I did have a Markbass 1 x 15 cab which I used with the LMII ( And LM I before that) and it was a sweet sounding cab too. Best setup I had was a pair of Markbass 2 x 10s. One cab for small gigs, two for bigger rooms. A bit expensive for this setup but worth it for the sound and flexiblity. You could always buy the 121H and add a 1 x 12 cab later if you find you need it? Frank

First off all - keep an open mind about things like this. You say your amp made a distorted sound when actually, it was your speaker that made the sound. Work back from there. It might be an intermittent fault in your amp or your guitar or speaker or cables or effects. See what I'm getting at?. Sorry, but from the information you give it would be impossible to diagnose your problem but I hope you get it sorted. Any more info? Frank.

Thanks for that David. It sounds good. I have only tried my Markbass cmd121 combo on top of the Compact and it sounds OK in rehearsals but I've posted a question in another thread hoping for a more technical response on the pairing. I was hoping you would buy a Midget so that you could test that setup for me before I take the plunge. Not that I really need two cabs, but you know what it's like. Frank

I've had my Compact for about 9 months now and I absolutely love it. It suits me in every way. I do intend to get around to writing a review for the Barefaced website. I'd like to add a Midget when finances allow but , in the meantime, I might have to make do with my Markbass cmd121 combo on top. (for a big wedding gig) Any thoughts on how this might work Alex et al? Frank.

There's no need for a power conditioner for UK (and most other countries) mains power supplies. It would be a waste of your hard-earned cash. Frank.