Dan Dare

4 hours ago, Bill Fitzmaurice said:

With shorter arrays the main benefit is the reduction of the vertical dispersion angle, especially in the high frequencies. This sends more energy to the audience where you want it, less to the floor and ceiling where you don't. The result is much cleaner sound, especially in acoustically poor environments, which is probably 95% of the clubs we play. Even a short array of tweeters only 40cm high can work much better than the typical point source horn used in most PA speakers.

Absolutely. I use a pair of Fohhn LX150s, which contain 12x4" midbass drivers, with a centrally placed tweeter. They are very clean, project well and are pretty resistant to feedback.

2 minutes ago, AScheck9 said:

No, you're absolutely right. I expected very little from them, and I got even less than that.  

 

However, I will mention: they were unaware I bought it second hand, this wasn't mentioned in my email. I said I owned one of their amps, and that I needed help identifying the problem with their product. They failed to respond at all. That's not great on their behalf. 

 

I'm not here to put people off them, the amps are unique and I was dead pleased with mine until something went wrong (which is abnormal).

Would it be worth opening up the case of your GSS to see what module it uses? You may be able to source a new one, depending on the make (ICEPower and some others are available to purchase).

3 hours ago, bassus_play said:

It has two outputs for passive speakers, as I mentioned in the  post. No control over them though, or at least I did not find any setting in the digital menu.

Your main concern is whether the output is a subwoofer or full range signal. If it is a sub only signal - from around 120hz down - all you will get are the very low frequencies, which won't work.

17 hours ago, Chienmortbb said:

Bose systems that have a miniature line array of multiple small speakers, all mounted at slightly different angles horizontally, allied with a subwoofer. The effect of multiple small drivers, as i understand it is firstly that the sound can be steered into the audience, and that the changes in angle help reduce feedback.

Strictly speaking, Bose systems, which work very well, especially in irregularly shaped rooms in my experience, are not a true line array. In a line array, drivers all point in the same direction laterally. The main benefit of a line array is that they throw sound very effectively, so those furthest from them hear clearly.

In larger venues, you will see multi-cab line arrays arranged in a 'J' shape, to direct some of the sound to those nearest the stage.

It's certainly worth experimenting with angling PA cabs to try to improve sound spread and minimise feedback. Depending on the shape/size of the venue, you may have to resort to notching out troublesome frequencies if feedback is an issue, though.

On 22/03/2024 at 11:59, MichaelDean said:

It also isn't very responsible as a manufacturer to not support a product repair at all. In the age of planned obsolescence and massive amounts of e-waste, surely helping out an amp tech to repair a product isn't the worst idea. And just reputationally, being that unhelpful doesn't win repeat/new business.

On 22/03/2024 at 18:18, Chienmortbb said:

One word, Ashdown.

Yes, Ashdown customer support is excellent. However, there is a difference between their offerings and those from GSS. Ashdown products are repairable. GSS essentially put Class D modules in a case, with the necessary connectors, etc. Class D modules are not usually field repairable. They are assembled robotically, many of the the components are tiny and Fred with his trusty soldering iron has little/no chance of fixing them. All you can do often is replace the entire module (which will probably cost more than buying a replacement amp).

If you buy used, is it really reasonable to complain that the manufacturer won't offer after-sales support? Not that they ever sold it to you in the first place, of course. If you want a guarantee, buy new.

That would only work if the sub has a full range output to feed the other cab(s). If not, all you would get is very low end - around 120hz and below - from both. The sub would also need level controls on the outputs, so you can balance the sub and full range cab(s).

19 hours ago, MiltyG565 said:

Remember, all the stories of big-name bands full of arseholes that couldn’t get along and were the most unprofessional people to ever grace earth - they’re the exception, not the rule. Most bands like that never even make it to recording an album, I would reckon.

True. If you are in a band that will earn you enough to enable you to live the life of Reilly, it's worth making the effort to get along with people you can't stand. If your band plays for £200 at the Dog and Duck every fortnight, it 's a different matter.

If your jam sessions include drummers, I'd say it won't be sufficient. There's only so much air 40w and a 10" speaker will move. The Rumble 100 is not a great deal more expensive and would be much more suitable in that application.  I'd suggest saving a bit more money until you can afford something with a little more power.

2 hours ago, Jackroadkill said:

I climbed out of the toilet window and ran away.

Did you go back later for your instrument and gear?

2 sets of brand new EB Cobalt 45-100 rounds. Ordered in error - wanted flats, but forgot to check before hitting the "buy" button. My Alzheimer's... 

One pack has been opened, but strings not put on an instrument. Other pack still sealed.

£40 for both sets posted.

17 hours ago, Bassassin said:

I'd like to think that saved someone's life in a flood.

Probably used it as an oar

On 21/03/2024 at 13:16, jay-jay84 said:

Any opinions on the rumble 40?

It's a practice amp. Perfectly good for that purpose, but you won't gig with it.

How was my gig last night? A struggle. Won't disclose location, but it was in a south western city where they like to chuck statues in the harbour.

The venue was smallish, with a hollow wooden stage. The backline (provided, which was nice) was a couple of modestly sized and decent quality combos, so we thought it would be simple to play at reasonable onstage levels and let the PA take care of out front.

Afraid not. The PA cabs stood directly on the stage. No stands or isolation. The top boxes were 15s+horns and the subs were 15s. The subs made the stage resonate like a giant double bass and the result was one note bass flub. The walls were bare, the ceiling was low and it was an echo chamber. The sound was horrible.

The soundman's solution was to push the levels - out front and monitors - even harder when we explained we were having difficulty hearing what was going on during the soundcheck. Eventually, I asked politely if he could lose a lot of the low end and dial the subs right back. Everything cleaned up noticeably and we were reasonably happy.

Problem solved? If only. The minute we began our set, the sub levels went back up and all the low end we had asked to be removed re-appeared. I had to play entirely by sight. Couldn't distinguish individual notes at all. Our singer did a great job. The way she managed without being able to hear anything she was doing was impressive.

What is it about subs that causes people to crank them so hard that every bass note and kick drum beat results in a giant BOOOOOF? We wondered whether it was just a quirk of the stage sound, but when we stayed to hear a couple of numbers from the second band, it was the same out in the room. I'm getting too old for this caper.

On 21/03/2024 at 09:07, AScheck9 said:

I bought a GSS baby sumo off here which worked very well and was great with my pedalboard for 6 months or so... unfortunately though it died soon after at a rather warm gig. 

 

I sent it to my tech who, firstly, identified that it was putting out 78V DC... (how it didn't fry my Barefaced cab is a mystery). He requested assistance from GSS, suggesting that he can take a look at the circuit board, but they weren't very helpful at all and thus, I've had to scrap the amp completely. I too, sent GSS an email directly prior to this asking if they do repairs, and they didn't even respond...

13 hours ago, nekomatic said:

Disappointing customer service though. 

You can't really blame companies for being leery about fixing something bought used.

1 hour ago, Mickeyboro said:

Funny how drummers keep cropping up.

A decent (I'm referring to ability, rather than temperament, personality, etc, which you tend only to find out about over time) drummer will always be in demand, so it isn't that surprising. They get more offers than most musicians, so are more likely to be offski.

8 hours ago, Bill Fitzmaurice said:

The sound of the accordion, which is only surpassed by the bagpipes as hand held cacophony devices.

Don't forget the banjo

6 hours ago, Geek99 said:

I don’t watch tv. I never get time. 

Never ever? This is turning into the Why-don't-you-yes-but game (Eric Berne - Games People Play). Ah well, we tried.

2 hours ago, Geek99 said:

Kids … house … job 

 

Fair enough, but look. You posted on here about how you were unhappy about the way you played at a session. Being a decent bunch, people on here weighed in with sympathetic comments, sensible advice, etc. The next minute, you are disparaging people with no "drive", etc. Wasting time being "hard on yourself" (and/or others) is completely unproductive. You don't improve by making yourself or others suffer. You improve by working at it. You can't have it both ways.

Most of us have or had (some of us are retired now) kids, houses, jobs, bills to pay, etc. It can be difficult to balance all the demands on ones time, but your situation is far from unique. How do you suppose others in your position manage? It's always possible to find half an hour to practice (use headphones so you don't disturb the family). How many hours telly do you watch a week? Knock a couple of hours off that and bingo, there's your practice time.

I ditched my telly many years ago, when my daughter went to uni'. Obviously, you cannot do that if you have a family who like to watch it, but you don't have to sit in front of it because they are. I get a hell of a lot more done without that thief of my time sitting in the lounge. You don't have to go to that extreme, but you do have options.

22 hours ago, Geek99 said:

I’m always hard on myself. People content with mediocrity rarely prosper 

21 hours ago, Geek99 said:

Perhaps but I consider it less likely that they will succeed versus someone with drive 

So has all the beating yourself up led to your prospering? All the "drive" in the world is no substitute for ability. If you are making basic errors at jam sessions, the answer is practice, practice and more practice, not giving yourself a hard time. In my experience, people who say "I'm hard on myself" often use it as justification to be unpleasant to others.

Blimey. If anyone knows a brand new combo for £300 that'll do all that, order one for me, will you?

Sandy's recommendation above is about as close as you'll get, but even that is closer to £350 new. Used will open the options a little more.

If you don't live anywhere near a music shop, it's worth taking a day off work to visit a few and try things. Buying blind (or should that be deaf?) is a great way to end up disappointed.

All the time. I reckon aliens are changing numbers I've previously learned...

Or even Minty = damaged a bit more

I enjoy some of the AI descriptions that are appearing on eBay recently, For example, "whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, this bass is sure to tick all the boxes" (a genuine word-for-word quote from one particularly desperate listing). 

15 minutes ago, Cheeto726 said:

I will definitely look into those! I have a local Music Go Round a few miles from me and I think I saw some of those this weekend. I just didn't have time to sit and play with them but I'm definitely gonna check them out this coming weekend 

Trying gear for yourself is key. If you like what it does, that's all that matters. It's worth travelling somewhere where there is a good range of things to try. The last time I brought new gear, I took a day's leave from work and spent it at Bass Direct (other shops are available) trying things. It meant a bit of a journey, but I'm still using and happy with what I bought that day.

It's worth thinking about buying something that has the potential to be added to should you need to make more noise in the future. If you ensure the head or combo you buy has a preamp/line out, you can augment it with extra amps and/or cabs without having to sell and starting from scratch.

Johnny's a monster player. Love it.

To sum up, it's OK not to like something.