Sharkfinger

[quote name='josh3184' post='471837' date='Apr 24 2009, 08:24 PM']mmmm. Compact plus a shuttle= epic tiny rig? certainly something I'm looking to try![/quote] Well, I can certainly tell you that a MB LMII + a Compact is a killer combination. I don't think I'll need anything else for what I do, except maybe another one Compact!

[quote name='andyonbass' post='462882' date='Apr 15 2009, 12:11 PM']What you need is something like this [url="http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=217606"]Non slip mat[/url]. I got a similar one from Asda for a quid. Completely stopped the LM2 from sliding off an angled back cab[/quote] Off an angled cab you say? Will definately have to check that out. Looks like the kind of stuff you put on your dashboard to stop keys and stuff sliding off. [quote name='alexclaber' post='463155' date='Apr 15 2009, 04:57 PM']With a guitar amp the current handling isn't such an issue. But with a cab that can handle 500W comfortably like the Compact then you're looking at 8 amps plus at the lowest points on the impedance curve. With a cab like the Big One you're dealing with well in excess of 15A if you're using a big power amp - and the live end of a 1/4" lead could have 120V on it just waiting to get you.[/quote] That's also a good point. High voltage might be fun but it's not a toy! Think I'll convert my leads to speakon.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='461421' date='Apr 13 2009, 07:16 PM']Thanks for the review! I carry the cab like a suitcase in one hand and then for doorways or stairs tend to swing it up in front of me so one edge is resting against my front. Am pondering some feet to help it grip shinier floors, will keep you posted! Alex[/quote] I find I do the same for doorways, etc. It's probably that I'm not used to it. Like I say, this cab is going to get a lot of use so I'm sure I will do. Rubber feet would definately be a good addition. It's pretty unlikely someone will have more than one of these cabs so stacking is unlikely. If they do, they can always take the feet off one of them and they'll certainly be grateful for the extra grip their bottom cab has! I for one, don't want to stack cabs. That was the whole point of buying this cab: so I'd only have one! Going to have a think about how to deal with the issue of the amp sliding off the top. With the textured coating and my head having no feet, there's very little point of contact. I can probably get round it with putting "stick on" feet to the head but have to figure something for when I tilt the cab backwards. [quote name='alexclaber' post='462349' date='Apr 14 2009, 06:10 PM']And regarding a 1/4" socket, I'd really rather avoid them - seen far too many instrument leads used as speaker leads, plus the way they short on insertion/removal is an excellent way of killing amplifiers. If someone does indeed to daisychain two cabs then I'm happy to add another Speakon for £5 but I'd rather keep things simple on the standard cabs and also be able to intervene by questioning any planned daisychaining which might not work so well. Did the info in the user manual help? Alex[/quote] That sounds like recipie for a lot of customer support but I suppose it beats dealing with excessive returns from numpties. I see your point as speakons are also physically less likely to get broken or break the socket if messed with. I've accidentally broken off the jack in the socket more than once. The manual was very useful, up until the point my brain melted from overload. There's tons of information there and though it's useful to get the absolute best out of your equipment and raise the general education level, you're essentially repeating what's on your web site. I would suggest at least having a 'Quick Start Guide' at the front to get people going safely, as not everyone is willing to plough through it.

Now the rambling version! Would like to share some of my real-world gig experience with this cab. This cabinet is from what I believe is the first "production run" of Compacts. The speaker has not been run in yet so was told to expect to have to push up the bass on the EQ a little at first until the speaker loosens up. Now, when I got home and found the box in the living room, I thought, "surely it can't be in that": I was surprised just how small it was! I had the band's PA bass bins this weekend so not much in the way of spare room in the car, which made this discovery a good one. I've had 3 gigs over the bank holiday weekend, in a variety of pub/club venues with a variety of stages. Playing a 4-string TBC JT400-PJ, through an MXR Bass Blowtorch and into either a Markbass LMII (300W at 8 Ohms) or a pre-amp (trace v-type) and Thomann "own brand" power amp (bridged 800W @ 8 Ohms or 2 x 240W @ 8 Ohms). Naturally, the cab sounds great on it's own but its in a band setting where it earns its keep, so this review will focus on that. I mainly play in a 5-piece indie/rock covers band, with 2 noisy guitarist and a ginger version of the gorilla in the "cadbury's milk chocolate" advert; a very heavy hitter. First was a pub, with a stage about 1/2' off the ground in a corner of the place. Playing with only 1 guitarist rather than the usual 2 and had the amp stood flat on the stage. Starting off with the MB head, I was immediately struck by how clear and articulate the cab sounds. I had my Schoeder 1x12 with me, just in case, but never had to use it. Bottom was full and defined, good mid clarity and "enough" top end. I say "enough" because, initially, I wasn't blown away by the high-end response but I'll get onto that later. Well, near the end of the first set, my sound just cut out. I later tracked this down to a bad pot in my bass but at that time, I thought it was the amp and just switched to the pre/post that I had set up and ready to go. I've newly made a bridgeing cable to draw the full 800W @ 8 Ohm and wanted to try it in the second set, anyway. Was underwhealmed by the amp's performance for the remainder of that set and through the second. Clip light was almost constantly on and sound was distorted. High-end (G-string) was almost non-existent. To be fair, it's a sh*t venue, with sh*t punters who, at the best of times, aren't interested in the band but tonight it was a particularly bad atmosphere with a few fights happening. I was in a pretty crap mood and couldn't wait to get out of there. Second gig. A "working man's club", this time with a dep guitarist in addition to the regular one. Quite a large venue, the stage is about 2 1/2' off the ground, deep and very wide. Wasn't sure about how solid it was, so I raised the cab off the stage about a foot with a flat wooden foot-step. What a difference! It looses a bit of bottom end by "de-coupling" but managed to EQ most of it back in on the LMII and enhance a part of the mid that makes it sound really aggressive and grinding. Nice! Not only that but I now have all the highs I could want, probably because the cab is higher up and closer to the level of my ears. The only problem tonight is that with the LMII being so light, it vibrates and slides right off, cutting my sound again! Not wanting to mess around sorting it out mid-song, I switch again to my back-up amp. This time, I've only got one channel () going into it. None of the distortion of the previous night and not a bad sound at all, although I've not had a chance to muck about with the EQ, so have lost a bit of the high end but and the mid grind has gone but still a more than passable sound. It actually sounds "louder" than when it had the 800W going into it! This tells me that if I want to put loads of power into this cab, I'm going to need a better power amp. However, it was more than loud enough with the 240W and wasn't even all the way up. Third gig, again with the dep guitarist. I've found the problem is with my bass' pan pot and dialling it all the way over to the precision pup is a good work-around (have my P with me, just in case). Also, not leaving the LMII on top of the cab this time and didn't have a problem all night. This time, I put the cab on the floor again but angle it upwards. Jackpot! Enough of bottom end and plenty of mids and highs. In all, a very balanced sound but I tweak the bass up upward, anyway. It's now a very full sound which is more that loud enough with the volume knob at about 2/3 of the way up and and gain at 1-2 o'clock, so putting out just over 200W. I'm using the overdrive pedal tonight and when I turn it on, can really clearly hear the "grind" in the sound, which I can't always (I have earplugs in all the time). At one point, we all play exactly the same thing and it the band's sound sometimes muddies up but tonight I can latch onto the bottom end of my sound and it's all fine. I hit my overdrive and cut right through. So, although it took a bit of trial-and-error, I've found what works for me. All in all, the cab worked well in all situations, accurately relating the sound that was put in, bad as well as good. I had a few concers with this cab: 1) I wouldn't be able to hear any high-end well enough, so still wouldn't be a "one cab solution". 2) I couldn't get on with the strap handle. 3) It might be too bulky. Sufficed to say, my fears were unfounded but the jury's still out on the "handle" front. I can always screw some on if it really bothers me but it might be that I'm just not used to it. I can carry it against my chest through narrow doorways without skinning my knuckles, which always pisses me off. I plan to put some rubber feet on it, as a lot of the surfaces in the places I play are smooth. I would also like to see a 1/4 inch jack in addition to the speakon, like my schroeder 1x12, to give a choice and to enable those people whose amps only have one output to chain them. Although I have enough adaptors, I'm going to make up a speakon to speakon cable to save messing about. Sorry guys, Alex isn't getting this one back: you'll have to wait for the next batch. However, I'll most likely be moving on some of my other cabs and almost certainly the Schroeder, as I can easily get that sound from the Compact and it's not much heavier.

[b]Product: [/b]BarefacedBass The Compact - [url="http://www.barefacedbass.com/thecompact.html"]http://www.barefacedbass.com/thecompact.html[/url] [b]Price paid:[/b] £425 including delivery [b]Features : 10[/b] Tough one, this: there aren't a lot of features to talk about. In my opinion, simplicity is a very good thing and the features that are there are outstanding. ====== 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 would also like to see a 1/4 inch jack in addition to the speakon, like my schroeder 1x12, to give a choice and to enable those people whose amps only have one output to chain more than one cab. I'm sure that if I'd asked (and paid!) for it, Alex would have wired one in, providing he could have found a sealed 1/4 jack socket to use. [b]Sound Quality: 9[/b] Amp: Markbass LMII Bass: 4-string, TBC JT400-PJ Playing style: finger and plec Effects: MXR Bass Blow Torch Music: Indie/rock covers I find that I get a very balanced sound out of this cab but it took trial and error on my part, as with any new equipment. I've used it over the bank holiday weekend, a total of 3 gigs. What's working best for me so far is having it on the floor but tilted upward. The only reason I'm giving a 9 instead of 10 is that I'm currently used to having a tweeter so miss the very top end, which is odd because I hate tweeters! Just have to get out of that mind-set. I fully realise its a personal thing. [b]Reliability/Build Quality: 9[/b] I've seen major manufacturers not put out cabs as well built as this one, especially not at this price. Great attention to detail, from the positioning of the speakon socket, to the coating used, to the grille padding to keep it from rattling. I'm not so keen on the stacking corners and may well put some rubber feet on it in addition. As for reliability, I've got 60-70 gigs left to do this year, so watch this space. I'm pretty sure I can pack in about 10 years worth of abuse in that time, in the hands of another bassist. [b]Customer Support: 9[/b] Alex really takes the time to make sure you know and understand your needs what you're getting. There was a slight delay in getting the cab but understandable, as he's just one guy! [b]Overall Rating: 10[/b] Despite some very minor niggles, which are more personal opinions, I'm enormously satisfided so far. Easily the best sounding sigle cab I've ever owned and more importanly, a "compact" one cab solution that saves space and my back! I can clearly hear everything I need to, no matter where on the neck I play. I would love to see barefaced really take off, it certainly deserves to! IMO, you simply won't find a better single cab, single speaker solution and certainly not at this price. It just ticks all the boxes: Light? Check Compact? Check Great sound? Check Lound? Check

[quote name='Etienne' post='452022' date='Apr 1 2009, 10:44 PM']Sorry Alex, I completely jumped the gun there! Sorry to everybody else waiting for their Compacts, for getting their hopes up! Oh well, only a few extra days to wait...[/quote] I also was shivering with antici.... ... ... ... ... ... .... ...pation

[quote name='fekalizatorius' post='419792' date='Feb 26 2009, 07:28 AM']Of course, if I find them S/H, I'll go for them. Maybe some of you guys could give me pointers/tips, which cab to choose. My expectations are simpe: a reasonably priced cab, which doesn't weigh as much as my 4x10", and has enough low end for metal/rock music (5string). Cheers, Fek.[/quote] Going back to the original question, what advice would we give fekalizatorius? Given his budget, I would point him in the direction of Dangerboy's 1x15" cab [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=39142"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=39142[/url] I'm frankly surprised someone hasn't bitten his arm off for it at that price.

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='425699' date='Mar 5 2009, 01:24 AM']But she already knows. Result? Women rule the bass world.[/quote] They certainly do in my house! So what I'm getting from this, right or wrong, is that by a rule of thumb the more cone surface area the more LF is produced, whether that be a single large driver (bass bin) or multiple smaller ones (8x10" 'fridge'). Or is my horribly over-simplifying matters making you speaker aficionados tut and shake your heads in exhasperation?

[quote name='basswesty' post='423231' date='Mar 2 2009, 02:22 PM']Yes they are nice cabs. Our guitarist works for Laney and I have had the pleasure of trying all the Nexus cabs and both the heads. The heads are nice but have a few too many knobs and buttons on for my liking. As for the cabs, I had a Barefaced compact in the end. Smaller, louder, lighter and a better sound. [/quote] That's definately worth considering! The difference in price (delivered) is about £70, which is not much these days and as you say, the barefacedBass compact is significantly lighter. That's a significant factor in my decision. Will see how I get on with my 2x12 mini rig first, sounds good at home but will naturally need to see how it cuts it live.

I'm trying to gather some intel on these 1x15 cabs. They seem pretty good value for a light-weight, fairly compact 1x15 and it can handle 400 Watts. Have only found 1 review so far. Anyone got any experience or managed to find any more impartial reviews?

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='422129' date='Mar 1 2009, 01:06 AM']Exactly. For a lot of players the rig is just a prop [/quote] Which is why Geddy Lee is known to have fake tumble driers behind him (being a Tech 21 endorsee...)! IMO, if you're going to have a "prop", might as well make it amusing or quirky. Sorry for the thread highjack! Also have a relevant (probably stupid) question: if driver diameter has minimal effect on frequency generated and it's all down to cabinet tuning, why are PA subs traditionally loaded with 15" or 18" drivers, especially in higher power applications?

Suitable for posting a bass in. Actually there's two; one of the "angled" variety, which fits perfectly into the rectangular one. Also some bass shaped bubble wrap. Protected a bass fine on it's way over from the US. To be picked up from Enfield or where ever I happed to be playing on a weekend in Essex.