IvanBass456

Hi mate, I have been using the Vong Filterung for 3 weeks now. And it is great. It doesn't colour your tone at all, and it has many features (understand that it really is transparent like a true bypass pedal! You won't notice any difference in tone with or without the pedal). It will serve as a boost, as a HPF and as a LPF. There is a constant -12db at <30hz + an adjustable -12db from 30hz to 150hz. The LPF is an adjustable -12 or -24db @ adjustable frequency (22khz until your mid frequencies, I can't tell exactly what frequency). I'm using it early in my signal chain in order to clean things up early in the chain. And surprisingly I find myself taking more advantage of the LPF; it will avoid those undesirable peaks in the highs and act as an efficient noise canceler! It will cut your highs and favour your high mids, if you crank it up to the mids, making your modern active bass sounding like a vintage instrument This Vong Filterung is no joke!

Sure. I've ordered it in early March, around the 10th, it is now waiting for a proper mounting by my luthier/tech in Brussels. He should take care of it in the course of this week. I let you know how it behaves and how far it is a nice addition (or not) to the AG700 TBH, I already found out that the AG700 does handle the bass freq much better than my Markbass. The low spectrum on the AG700 is less deep than on my Markbass LMTube (this is something to consider if enjoy playing RnB or Reggea), and thus consequently more tight and focus. So, while a HPF seems a great addition to a Markbass amp, I'm not yet sure it will be that necessary for an Aggie amp. Real-time testing will tell ^^ The Vong will probably come just after my Aggie octaver before the distorsion pedals, anyway. So just for that, it should be useful at some point.

I'm about to order one and let it mount/solder by my tech/luthier... I've seen a thumpinator at 130 euros on Reverb, but I find it rather expensive for a used piece of gear that only cuts the lows below 30hz without any filter adjustment. Anyway I should be happy with either hpf 🙂 the important thing was to get this only feature I was missing with the AG700 vs the Mesa amps. My AG700 should arrive tomorrow, can't wait 😜

Wow thank you guys for feeding this thread with useful insights! I pulled the trigger for the Aggie AG700 @600 pounds (730 euros) including the Aggie gigbag. I guess I'll have the chance to try out a Mesa D800 series or a Berg in a short future. But for the time being I think I will be delighted with the Aggie AG700 through the BF SM, BB2 (and maybe the 210 retro for soon). I was about to pull the trigger for the SFX thumpinator, a used one on Reverb. But It sounds like I first will investigated the options you shared, and more specifically the Vong Filterung (from Germany I guess) Be blessed fellow bassists ! 🙏

That's not to say that I don't like the Mesa D800+ tone; the video made by the guys at Anderton's about the D800 heads just amazed me! It is just that IMO at this stage the AG700 would "tame up" and "soften" a bit more the openness, clarity and mid-punch of the Barefaced cabs. If I want that kind of Hot and clear sound, which I like for Rock Music, I would probably manage to emulate through the Aggie AG700 with a bass having a hot signal or aggressive pickups. Whereas it would be tough for the Mesa D800+ to bring me in soft soul tones territory like the AG700 would naturally do. And I currently have a cover band playing many Soul standards...

Hello guys, I'm on the fence between both these two amps to pair up with my 2 Barefaced cabs, Super Midget and BB2. I have the opportunity to get the Aguilar AG700 at a very fair price here in my neighborhood in Brussels. To be honest, what keeps me away from pulling the trigger right now for the Aggie is the fact that it hasn't a HPF (high pass filter) control embedded. I haven't got any HPF pedal at this stage, so I would have to spend (a lot of) extra money for one, as they are not to find in Europe, strangely. I notice that as I now expand my pedal rig, having a C4 synth, an Aguilar Octamizer, an Mxr m82 envelope filter, an EBS blue label comp (being very forgiving with lows and not compressing them a lot), the lows in my bass signal tend to be massive, uncontrolled and muddy up things at a certain point. So to take full advantage of the AG700 (and its deep switch) an HPF pedal in addition would be a must. Which took me to consider the Mesa D800+. I like the softness of the Aggie ag700, which I tried. And I never tried the Mesa D800 series unfortunately. I thought that an Aggie AG700 would be more versatile and complementary with the BF cabs, being softer and warmer sounding, am I wrong on that ? From what I heard in demo's the D800+ sounds hotter, more aggressive, while being clean... very open in fact. Which is something the BF cabs do already, sounding open. So that's why my current preference seems to go the Aggie, but having never tried the Mesa D800+ it is hard tell how much I would like it. I have got a TH700 for a short time, I liked many things about it, but didn't like the drive (not as warm sounding as I heard in threads) and it didn't go high enough in frequencies. Having played a Markbass amp for a while, I'm used to have the +6000hz sparkling treble, ideal for slapping and very pleasing when practicing at lower volumes. What amp would you suggest? Have you guys managed to try and compare both amps ? Thank you for enlightening this topic 🙏 Amen

Hello BC'ers, I've finally pulled the trigger for a 2nd hand BB2. On his own, it is a joy to hear it restitute all the sound spectrum from very low to very high freq. It is especially wonderful to hear through a 6 strings. it certainly gives a more soft and rounded tone than the Super Midget. However, I'm not yet convinced of the pairing BB2 + SM. I find they are voiced quiet differently and it is even more obvious at practice volume. I guess I maybe should avoid engaging both the SM's tweeter and the BB2's HF, but rather 1 of them. The voicing of both cabs should compare more evenly at gig volume, I guess ^^ I'll come back later with a nurtured feedback about using them together I also have ordered a GK Legacy 800 but I find it is too powerful for my needs and hardly volume-manageable for practice XD I loved the tone, clarity and precision but I'm more likely to get a 2nd hand Fusion 500 watts for its warmer vibe and lesser power-handling. This legacy 800 will be returned unfortunately....

@Downunderwonder I only scoop one of either the low mid or high mid freq, never the two of them + the natural mid boost of the markbass amp and the aguilar pups on my Mayones makes the sound rather balanced and present in the mid frequencies in the end. @machineheadquick and affordable shot for a 2nd SM, or patience and savings for a BB2, that's the deal 🙂 I like my SM much but I really want to hear how that BB2 sounds !

@Al Krow agreed. And the 2 SM + GK head combination may be... (too) agressive ^^ The BB2 should be the logical choice for the longer term. But for now, I'll see if I pull the trigger for this 2nd midget. I'll let you know guys. Have a growly and groovy weekend and thanks for all your inputs! 😇

@chris_b That's exactly my thought! If I wanted, I even might resell both in a few weeks, at this price point So, not much to loose... @Al Krow I know that. I would love to get a BB2 but if I consider the price of a new BB2 + Customs' fees and VAT, it's getting very expensive. But I know it would offer all what I miss with the SM and it would soften the sound of the SM if combined. The pair SM + BB2 would be tremendous I know. But they're rare in the 2nd hand market

I hear here and there that the SM/SC pair is awesome, like you stated @chris_b 🙂 but I really love the tone of the SM and the fact that it has a tweeter and takes all the EQ you put in it, whether it is low or high frequencies... impressive ! My "cheap" Sire M7 6 strings sounds evenly frow the lowest B note to the highest C note, whatever the EQ falvour is, Bass/Treb or midrangy, awesome! @Lozz196 I haven't had the chance to try the 2 SM together as the seller was willing to keep one a few months ago (now he's migrating to a full Mesa rig and getting rid of all the rest.) But what you're saying makes sense ! 😉 At 480 pounds and 10 miles away, I'm super tempted by this second Midget, even if I wanted to try the SC and BB2. That might be for later, I'm 32 years old only XD One more question, how having 2 x 12" cabs will affect the need to EQ ?? With a single SM at low volume it requires, not extreme, but rather generous EQing when I want to model certain tones I like...

Hey guys, I up this thread as I'm still leaning towards a new cab to pair with my current single BF Super Midget. I'm more and more hyped by the recent Gallien Krueger Legacy amp (800w). I think this amp would offer a more hi-fi and trebly sound naturally than the Markbass Little Mark Tube I currently run. I tend to use this in a counter-natural manner, by boosting the treble and bass as well as the VPF filter a lot to get the usual sound I like. The guy whom I have bought the Super Midget has a 2nd Super Midget! So I'm tempted to take a 2nd super midget in order to later pair it with the GK Legacy amp. What do you think of this combination: GK Legacy S 800 + 2x Super Midget? Would a 2nd Super Midget address the needs I mentioned before in this thread: presence, fullness, and a little more bass deepness and definition? The 2 tweeters combination easily would deal with the GK treble and presence And the Rig would be awesomely portable! Thanks for your insights! Ivan

@Cuzzie I get your point In my situation it will be less exhausting for the back to lift small cabs in 2 trips up and down the stairs. And it again offers the modularity to take one cab instead of two for small gigs. Lol I would love to take a trip to Brighton, but I'm living in Brussels ^^ There are here and there Bass nerds here in Belgium who own some outstanding bass material from the best brands, and then you go on trip with the car for an afternoon to test rigs and discuss with the reseller, whether it is for buying or not at the end. I also check up the second hand market in the Netherlands, France and Germany as lightweight cabs remain "shippable" without too much risk from these countries to Belgium :)

@Cuzzie: 23lbs for their SM/SC , 37lbs for the Super Twin, it's not quiet the same when moving it up the stairs But yeah the Super Twin the most lightweight 2x12 after the carbon fiber cabs from GR Bass. So, a 2x12" cab is more than probably convenient for the most of us, but I personally like more mobility and modularity. I speak for for my back + my house has tight stairs...

Ok that's interesting to note. And yeah I was talking from a hearing myself point of view

Hi EBS, I guess I won't have any answer to that question before I answer it myself, and by testing the cabs in real situation. Of course That's why I keep thinking that a 2x12 config will better disperse the sound than a single 1x12 cab. Now, I'm not surprised by Al Krow's reaction for the sound dispersion of the Super Compact; as it is made of a bigger box compared to a SM or other 12" single cabs. So a bigger box could explain that better sound dispersion to me without too much difficulty Even if it has to be put into perspective, indeed From what you said, a BB2+SM combo just looks tremendous! I'm tempted now... Let's chance do the trick, we'll see what the second hand market has to give... I think I will be a happy bass player either way XD oooh and I'll share my experience in a future post See you guys!

Nice to have your experience Al Krow You see, the speaker is so low on the BB2 that it is hard to imagine it has the sound dispersing so well. But from many threads it is what I get to read, that the sound dispersion is very good

Hey Chris, have you tested the BB2 as well and could make a comparison between a BB2 and a SC+SM in terms of sound, frequency range, presence and tone??

Hey guys, thx for your many responses to my questions. @Jus Lukin, I may agree with your explanation, it makes sens. But the addition of the SC would give an even more versatile and complementary rig. I wouldn't combine a BB2 with another cab though, as I probably am thinking it's an overkill in 98% of the situations. So the options that more and more retain my attention are the following ones: 1) SM + SC combination 2) Big Baby 2 Now what would you say of the BB2 in terms of practicality?? In my idea it has to be elevated to get that optimal sound dispersion whether it is on stage or in rehearsal. Am I mistaken ? While the SM cab placed on the SC, both vertically, will give just the right speakers placement/configuraiton without needing a table or whatever furniture or support I may find. This is something that makes me a little more in favour of the SC+SM combo as well. Buy the way, not being sure, I'm likely to buy one in the second hand market. So this could be a BB2 or a SC, time will tell XD Having finally found a great cab brand for my taste, I'm likely to test all of their 12" (and 10") in the ocming years anyway :) Thx again!

IME doubling a cab doesn't do much to deepen the low-end. It definitely adds in much for tone and presence but the I would put at least a SC in addition to feel more presence in the low spectrum. For the moment, I need to EQ the bass very much through the Super Midget if I don't play loud. So yeah, 2 SM isn't the solution IMO, I need a bigger cab to get more low-end. @Freitmeister: I've watched the vids already. It's good to make an opinion tonewise but it was interesting to hear once again how different the SC and BB2 sound! Maybe I should take the different tones both give into consideration... Yup I read chris_b claiming many times that the SC + SM is probably the most versatile, complementary and tone-achieving rig he has ever had. But this could be as well true for a SM + BB2 combination... You know, I'll eventually check up what's coming in the second hand market within the 1 or 2 coming month. I'm giving some more time to the Super Midget to be tested with different basses on the high frequencies. If the tweeter does the job enough for my taste, I'll just add in a Super Compact. I just can't imagine how it couldn't be a great addition; and the SC is to find/buy at a reasonable price. Otherwise I'll change my mind on the Super Midget, eventually resell it and go for a BB2. Thanks guys, keep having fun and bass Ivan

Hey Lozz, Thanks for reacting quickly! I've got in touch with Alex recently and what he says is very common to the usual specs and things we can read in the different BF threads: "Hi Ivan, The Super Compact sounds like the SM with the tweeter off and bigger lows. The Big Baby 2 sounds like the SM with the tweeter up but clearer and nicer, with bigger and deeper lows. If you turn the HF control off on the BB2 it sounds like an SC but with added depth and tightness. Does that help? High C strings are a bit of a sonic challenge on long scale basses. I have one on my 35" scale acoustic bass guitar and I only seem to use it when I can't get high enough up the neck on the other strings! Best regards, Alex" So, I was eventually looking for "user experiences" more than statements about what a BF cab does better than another. There are so many comments where you can read these statements. I think Alex coudn't help better as buying a cab ideally requires a physical test more than any read or opinion. I do yet think that I would be satisfied by coupling the SM with a SC or a BB2. But from your experiences with those cabs, is the Super Compact enough of an addition to the SM to bring life to get more presence and low-end, or is the BB2 your recommendation ?? SM + SC or BB2... both will be shockingly good but what would be your ideal combo and why ? This is the way I should have asked it in since the beginning ^^ Regards, Ivan

Hey guys! I'm wondering how I best should upgrade my current Barefaced rig being a single BF Super Midget 12". I run it through a Markbass LM Tube 500w which I'm quiet satisfied with. I like the flatness, punchiness and accuracy of the BF SM, in addition to that veil of warmth given by the Markbass amp, the sound is just beautiful, punchy, clear, warm and... flat but EQable as long as you wish :) I can tell I'm a happy BF user so far! Nonetheless I feel I definitely need some more sound dispersion, presence and depth and precision in the low-end. I'm also a guy who likes clear and non-harsh highs as I'm soloing quiet a lot when playing alone :) I'm fine with the SM's tweeter, it behaved quit nicely and gave a good sound on my 5strings Mayones Jazz Bass with new strings and less good sound on my Sire M7 6er and particularly the C string when playing the high notes, the sound was lass defined... and to be honest I don't know how better the HF driver one the BB2 is compared to the SM... So, what would be your way-to-go to complement the BF SM and to have a very versatile, and portable gear ??? =>>> Super Compact or Big Baby 2 ? Will the BF Super Midget yet be useful once I have a BB2 ? Are they complementary ? I'm pretty sure the SC will be awesome when coupled with the SM because it seems to bring all what the SM lacks. Or should I look at the BB2 because the highs are much better and it is the only way to get that deeper low-end ? I don't want it to be an overkill and if I can make my Super Midget a useful investment with a cab that is complementary, that's the way I would opt for. Also, how would a BB2 sound and behave compared to a SM+SC combo ?? Your insights are appreciated, many thanks guys :) BR, Ivan