Pirellithecat

I have recently bought a Monaco, which is being used for rehearsals and weekly gigs. So far used in smallish Pubs, Largish Pubs, Wedding venues, and 2 Festivals. Used with with an Ashdown ABM 600 and a new Trace Elliot TE1200 with varying amounts of PA support. I still have my Barefaced SuperTwin. Once I get my head round the use with the Trace Elliot, I'll write a proper review. Key findings to date; Played on its own, (without the band) the Monaco has a better tone than any cab I've had previously. (Ashdown, Vanderkley, Mesa Subway, 12's and 15's and Barefaced). It's even across the frequencies, rich and natural. Smooth, I guess, but remarkably clear and articulate. (going to have to work on my technique!!). It doesn't have the "trouser flapping" bass of the Barefaced, which is a benefit, as most of the venues I play are prone to boominess!! I can hear what I'm doing and so can the band, even when the bass isn't really loud enough for the audience. This is quite difficult as it's so different to feeling the bass but with little clarity about the notes I'm playing. Just a case of learning the new order! The Monaco is (unsurprisingly) quieter than the SuperTwin for the same amp settings. (8 vs 4 Ohm and one 12inch speaker vs 2). Because I don't like driving my amps too hard (8 vs 4 Ohm) I bought the Trace which fits better, size ways, and should have more than enough power to drive the Monaco to the volumes I need. Playing live whilst trying to do the sound for my (LOUD) band AND trying to get the bass stage-volume/EQ, the PA bass volume/EQ, and the Monitor volume/EQ "right" is "challenging". Since the Monaco arrived I have not used my Barefaced ONCE! (yet .....).

Interesting. What would you say is the main difference between the BF and the LfSys other than volume??

Hmm, the Trace Bag is OK for carrying the amp but it doesnt do much in terms of protection, do let us know how you find the Gator ........

I think these look great, but are overkill for me ........ and very expensive. Just looking for a case which is easy to load the amp into and carry, and will withstand the crush in a full car. Something like the Case for the A&H CQ18T would be perfect I think . https://www.trifibre.co.uk/product/eva-softshell-case-420/?utm_agid=&creative=&device=c&placement=&utm_term=&utm_campaign={performancemaxcatchall}&utm_source=google-ads&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22119351978&gbraid=0AAAAAD7GjRRI8UWHsGXtuclMVZr7JMl9Y&gclid=CjwKCAjw7_DEBhAeEiwAWKiCC5Nd0-wtxRmojiEsa_EmdaYZJ5TtEQtVmsCY8VfarYiVOfnWEss_TBoCi3AQAvD_BwE But wanted to check what others have used.

I was waiting ......... until I have enough experience. But as a teaser .... I too have had a Monaco for almost a month. 2 Pub Gigs 2 Outdoor Festivals 4 Rehearsals On it's own in my "music room", it's REALLY GOOD. I've had 2 * Vanderkey 12 EXT's, Mesa Subway 15 plus 12, and a Barefaced SuperTwin. The Monaco in terms of a really even and pleasant sound across the frequency spectrum, is the best yet. Gone is the endless tweaking EQ to tailor the sound. In Pub Gigs, I can hear what I'm doing, the band can hear what I'm doing (😳), to the extent that the drummer keeps telling me my bass is too loud in his monitor ( even though it's not going through his Monitor!), and, unprovoked, the Guitarist likes it, and say's its so much more "even" across the frequencies than previous cabs. In rehearsals (which are in a small space and VERY loud, it's great ..... no problem with volume. At festivals with full (BIG) PA, it's good, but, I'm driving it with my ABM 600 cranked to stupid volumes which I'm uncomfortable with (as much gain as the VU indicates is "OK" and master volume at 3 O'clock!!!) This is because the band are not used to utilising Monitors which have more than vocals in, and in both festivals there has been no floor wedge for me .... so stage volume is necessary for the band. Still great, and the sound is fine both on stage and off. But at 8 Ohms, I'm worried about the ABM 600, which might be running out of puff. So, not a speaker issue!!! So, could buy another one, or get a bigger Amp. Trace Elliot TE1200 now with me and in my music room it's great ......... rehearsals and gigs next week .... I'll keep you informed. One other point It's really easy to carry around and transport ..... much more so than 2 cabs or the bigger Supertwin. It a big hit with me!!

Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement "case" for the above? The unit comes with one, but its not easy to get the unit into NAD more importantly offers little protection to the Unit. Thought I'd seen something on here, but can't find it........ Looking for something that will protect the unit when transporting to and from gigs - something like the Case for the Allen and Heath CQ18T would work well?

An iPad. And the Software is a compatible version and up to date . No problems since and I'll be using it tonight 🤞🤞🤞

I have owned/own Fender Professional MK 1 P bass, a Sandberg VM4, a Japanese Squier P (40 mm neck), a Sire V5 and an Indonesia Squier P Bass Bass Special. They are all very good!! And then I bought a cheap Fender Power Jazz Bass Special. The neck on this is Fantastic!! 22 frets, 62 profile jazz neck, P body with bigger cut aways at the horns. PJ so all the tones you need. It's now my go to bass. This will do whatever you need and be a pleasure to play. There was a great one on eBay or Reverb recently for £700 ish.

I've already asked Dave, but pending reply thought I'd ask here as, if easy, might try to fix it before gig at weekend.

Anyone know how to replace the bulb ..... It's probably really obvious, but i don't want to open the case up without knowing whether it's necessary or not ..... there loooks to be a way of just removing the VU unit from the front panel??

Yep. Contacted the all knowing Dave at Ashdown ...... Replacement bulb on its way. Fantastic product support as usual.!!! 👍

Hi, Hopefully this is a simple fix and not something to do with the circuit board ...... but can anyone point me in the right direction? Simple LED replacement or .....? Thanks

No, for all the reasons above I'm on the 5GHz. Also in a hall with a no other digital connection save my phone. "LIP timeout message" , no connection for the CQ app ( after an hour's use), and no way to reconnect. Also rendered shut down inoperable, just wouldn't move from the "Shutting down" screen, to the "safe to shut down .... message. Hard shutdown for everything and leftover it overnight and all OK the next morning.

Having used the CQ18t at rehearsals and now 1 gig, I'm impressed. Still a big learning curve to get the best out of it, but even at "idiot" level it's a step up from my analogue mixer. I bought the CQ18t rather than the cheaper CQ20 as I wanted the reassurance of a hardwired screen and controls over relying on an network connection. During an extensive test yesterday, predominantly to check base line settings for the whole PA and to set up some basic EQ for FOH and the bass, the remote iPad controller, glitched and would not connect to the PA. So, without the inbuilt UI, mid gig Id have been completely screwed. Looks like I went for the right option!!!

As per the advice above used the splitter to get EQ able IEM feed into my IEM mix, and a different EQ for FOH ( and back line). First outing for the CQ18T and all went well. Binned all the quick channels during set up/ sound check and went to the Full channel setup as lots of horrible boom and hints of related feedback. Sorted the sound within a few minutes per channel, and with a bit of help from the Feedback algorithm everything worked really well. Best 3 x vocal Mix I've tried so far and the majority of bass through FOH. After One outing I won't be going back to my analogue mixer,..just need to be wary of Rabbit Holes!!!! The Bass sound was naff, but the system works a treat, just need time to focus on me rather than everything else!! So thanks for the help👍👍

Interesting .... do post a link. 🤞