Mr.T

[quote name='redstriper' post='341269' date='Nov 30 2008, 05:55 PM']The Hartke LH 500 is worth trying, not quite as smooth sounding or as versatile as the LM 11 and much heavier, but still a very good amp for the money with a full rich tone. The Ashdown has a similar sound to the Trace and will match your new cab if that matters to you. The LM 11 is very controlled, clean and warm with a flexible eq that will do anything the Trace does only louder.[/quote] I need smooth and versatile so I think it is between the Markbass and the Ashdown. As I am so far from a big store I will have to buy mail order, hence why I am asking opinions. The Ashdown is seeming favourite at the moment as... It is a UK company. It has a compressor and I like the one built into my Trace. It is only £300. I don't need a 'small' amp. If it sounds similar to my 250smx I will be happy. I haven't been able to find any reviews on the MAG600 Evo2 so does anyone have any experience with one that they could share? Thanks.

First off, apologies in advance for what might turn out to be a bit of a waffle! Well.... I have taken the first step and bought a Neo loaded 2 x 10 Ashdown cab (From a fellow BassChatter) reputed to weigh in at my 20 kilo target. Step 2.... Take the driver out of my 1 x 15 with a view to fitting the much recommended Kappalite 3015. You can imagine my surprise to find that the existing Trace driver only weighs about 10lb (So no real weight saving to be had!) Also, my much loved Trace cabinets are basically just MDF boxes with bits of plastic tube for ports. Anyway.... I am now thinking about changing the whole rig, as the advice so far seems to be something like "Go for more power and less speakers". So I am wondering.... Would the Neo 2 x 10 be enough for small pub gigs with a more powerful amp? If I do replace my 250smx amp, the replacement MUST sound at least as warm and smooth. I don't want/need grind (I use effects for that), just a nice clean bass sound.... Currently on my list is.... The Markbass LM2 because most everyone seems to rate it very highly The Ashdown MAG600 evo2 because it seems to have everything I need. I am not fussed about getting a 'small' amp and don't ever DI anymore. I just need a reasonable EQ section, a clean warm sound..... and reliability! Any thoughts?

Redstriper... Thanks for your comments. It sounds like you have already been where I am going! I went through lots of changes many years ago before finding my ideal bass (Status Empathy) which I have now had for almost 20 years. The chopping and changing I did cost me lots of cash, as I would try a bass out in a music shop where it might sound great... only to gig it and not be happy. Soon after joining my first 'proper' gigging band I just went to the bass centre in London and bought, what was then, the best combo money could buy... Trace Elliot. I have been using Trace gear ever since! I didn't think that I would ever need to look elsewhere at amplification. I don't want to go through all the hassle of trying out lots of different amps and cabs, especially as I now live out in the sticks... miles away from a big music store. I guess that I want an amp and cab/cabs that will 'do everything' needed of them, like my old Trace gear does... Only lighter weight. Stevie... In Alex's defense, I am on this forum asking for advice and suggestions... The guy just happens to make cabs. I don't feel as though he is hassling me to buy one of his.

So... It sounds like you are saying 'big but light'. Suggestions?

[quote name='gary mac' post='339293' date='Nov 28 2008, 09:51 AM']Loved my Trace rig, which consisted of 2 x 10" cab and 300 watt 1 x 15" combo... I ended up with a Genz Benz shuttle 6 and two Mark Bass cabs. Plenty of volume, but I have to say that I did prefer the sound of my Trace.[/quote] This is my concern! I could spend my hard earned cash and end up with not so good a sound. And after all 'sounding good' is what playing the bass is all about.

Update.... We had a rehearsal last night and I decided to just take the 1 x 15... (Trace 1153). I left my amp on its 'usual' gig settings. I seemed to be loud enough, but with nothing in reserve... when I turned the amp up a bit the speaker started to sound farty! My overall sound was also 'thin'. I also mentioned to my guitarist that I am looking to go lightweight and he said "Why mess with your sound... it is great the way it is". (A guitarist complimenting a bass sound... what a loving band I have!!). Anyway, So where am I with this? I still would like lighter cabs, but... I need a lot more volume/warmth than my current 1 x 15 can offer. Whatever I replace my Trace cabs with MUST be veratile and MUST sound at least as good, i.e: Big, loud, warm when I want warm, toppy when I want toppy, etc. ???

[quote name='fretmeister' post='319094' date='Oct 31 2008, 02:45 PM']Yes. I performed HYsteria last Sat night. Boss LS2. EHX Metal Muff on 1 loop, Digitech Synth Wah in the other. Blend to taste. Sounded HUGE.[/quote] Hi, What setting did you use on your Digitech BSW?

One word.... ZOOM. For a cheap 'multi' you will get excellent bag for your buck with a Zoom! Either: A used BFX708 can be picked up for very little money and I would highly recommend them. It will do about anything you need from a Fx unit. or: A B2 for a little more cash. (I have no a vested interest in Zoom, I just think that for the price they cannot be beaten).

The Line6 and the GT6b get very mixed reviews on their synth sections. Some people seem to rave about them and others state that they simply don't work ... I fell into the latter category. Hence, I have been thinking "Is this an input signal level issue?" (E-Bow... could be interesting?)

Over the past few years, I have owned and sold several 'multis' (Line6, GT6b) and have always found that the synths and octavers dropped in and out. I am now in the process of setting up my new Korg AX300b, and although I don't use synths I noticed when messing about at home that I am having the same issue with the Korg. Then I noticed that if I hit the strings really hard (for me) the synths and the envelope filters worked. Ok, I thought... I must have a very light touch (not something I have ever realised before). Then I thought... Would running a compressor (to boost the signal) before synth/octave/envelope effects be a good idea?

[quote name='BassManKev' post='329568' date='Nov 15 2008, 10:26 AM']wow, really suprised it doesnt have an eq, i wonder why korg didnt include one??[/quote] The amps (which can be used as EQ's) and drives are in the same section, so it only seems possible to use one or the other??? .... Unless I am missing something!

Thanks for the replies. I only use 'drive' type effects on a couple of songs, so I guess I could do it either way. i.e..... Stomp box for drive and Korg for EQ (There seems to be a couple of 'clean' amps on the AX3000b) or Drive using the Korg and use my amp EQ. I am currently thinking the first option would be simpler as I can use the 'Insert' on the Korg to run the external stomp box, and keep the whole thing operated with one foot. Also, my amp has a 12 band graphic which I like to set-up and then leave alone. What do you guys like/dislike about the Korg?

Hi, I have just taken delivery of a Korg AX3000b with a view to replacing my trusty old Zoom BFX708. Having spent a couple of hours getting it 'ready to gig', here are my first impressions of the main effects I will be using... Chorus... Nice, with lots of adjustment. Wah... Very good for a multi. Ring modulator (I only use this on one song)... Again very tweakable. Drives... They seem 'useable', but..... Here is my question: As the unit doesn't have an EQ (Surprisingly!) I think I might run a seperate stomp box and use one of the modelled amps to tweak the tone. If there any gigging AX3000b owners out there... How do you get around the fact that you cannot use one of the Drives and an amp for EQ'ing at the same time? Are you running stomp boxes with it, and if so... what? Hope that all makes sense.

[quote name='cheddatom' post='325854' date='Nov 10 2008, 12:36 PM']If you're happy with the 708 but want better quality, try a B2.1U![/quote] +1 The B2.1u is (in my opinion) exceptionally clean and quiet.... as well as being very versatile. I just don't like the display, so I don't use mine.

[quote name='grosa' post='326125' date='Nov 10 2008, 06:06 PM']you could so fit an 8x10 on that tank! its huge![/quote] ....It wouldn't do the paintjob any favours though!

I use Trace for gigs and a little Marshall B25 combo for home. With a bit of tweaking I can get very close to 'my sound' out of the little Marshall... and they are pretty cheap (and light).

[quote name='alexclaber' post='325238' date='Nov 9 2008, 12:36 PM']With your current amp it depends on how loud you play. You do have a good onboard compressor and those old TE heads are notably loud for their power rating so it certainly won't be quiet! But with a more powerful amp then it should match them in terms of max SPL. Alex[/quote] I rarely go past '2' on the output stage of the amp. ... So is that a "yes"? As I have said earlier, I don't want to compromise my current sound quality by 'going light'.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='324988' date='Nov 8 2008, 08:54 PM']The Compact will do a far better job for 99% of players and the unEQ'd bottom end is likely to be similar to the small Trace 15" but it'll handle more power down there (and thus you can easily add fatness with EQ without mud/boom/farting occurring). Alex[/quote] Would one of these 'Compacts' take the place of my two cabs?

[quote name='alexclaber' post='324245' date='Nov 7 2008, 03:25 PM']Which cab do you prefer the sound of, your 2x10"+5" or your 1x15"? Or more precisely, whose highs do you prefer, whose mids and whose lows? How do you set your EQ normally? What's your ideal bass sound? Alex[/quote] Ok, I have tried each cab (albeit in my front room), one at a time and.... Well, to my ears they don't sound enormously different! With a small tweak of my Status on-board EQ, I can get more than enough top, bottom or middle out of either cab without even reaching for the graphic on my amp. So... Do I need a tweeter.... probably not. What cabs no I get to replace these.... I have no idea! p.s. Anyone know the weight of a 'Big Deep One'?

[quote name='MoJoKe' post='324579' date='Nov 7 2008, 11:07 PM']The only thing I am noticing with the 708II is that it seems to be degrading my signal, even in standby. It doesn't matter whether I am using a passive or active bass, if I put the zoom between my bass and my MB151 combo, it makes the signal muddy and a bit distorted.... Plug directly in and it is all fine. Is that normal? If so, I don't like it!![/quote] Unfortunately, the '708' does degrade the signal. It is noticable when playing on your own, but maybe not when playing with a band? That newer B2 unit doesn't seem to suffer with this problem.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='324723' date='Nov 8 2008, 11:06 AM']For a moment I thought you were talking about your wife! Alex[/quote] ...Although she is pretty handy when in comes to load up the V-Dub!

[quote name='alexclaber' post='324709' date='Nov 8 2008, 10:40 AM']Be honest, you want to turn up to gigs on your bike don't you? Alex[/quote] Would be cool! ..... My Sharan doesn't quite have the same impact

[quote name='4000' post='324516' date='Nov 7 2008, 09:27 PM']What I'm currently trying to find ........ is something that gets close to the tone of my old pre-Kevlar Trace 4x10 (or even the 1153 compact 1x15) but in a lighter package.[/quote] Sounds like we are on the same mission! I have gone from... 1 x 15 The big old one. to 4 x 10 Even heavier. to 1 x 15 (1153) & 2 x 10 + 5 (2103). And now want to go 'lighter'.

[quote name='Delberthot' post='324629' date='Nov 8 2008, 12:44 AM']As far as carrying cabs goes- The recessed, non moving ones (like the ones Schroeder uses) are more user friendly for carrying one handed rather than the hinged ones that Trace used. You don't say where you are from - you may be surprised to find a lightweight cab owner near you that may let you try.[/quote] You hit the nail on the head... It is as much a problem with those hinged handles. I weighed the cabs last night and they come out at around: 1 x 15 = 55lbs. 2 x 10 + 5 = 70lbs. Not lightweights, but not ridiculously heavy either! .... and I am West Cornwall.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='324466' date='Nov 7 2008, 08:25 PM']I can totally see that, those old TE cabs, particularly the 2x10"+5" were really great for their era and still stack up well now. Before spending any money it could help to try each cab individually - you might really miss that 5" speaker if you go for a conventional woofer+tweeter cab but then again you might not. Alex[/quote] Good advice, thanks. I'll try that and report back.