Finally - The Right Combination of Cabs and Amps

[wespaul]

Alright! I started building these cabs to address deficiencies in my stage sound (bass player). First came the T39, 24" wide with dual 10" BP102s. Biggest single improvement ever. Funny how when you solve one problem, other lesser problems suddenly become more noticeable. So, here I went with an OT12. A few problems getting it right, but finally - a lesser improvement, but sure easier to pack. Finally, the way I was biamping it became my focus, so I got the Ampeg SVT 4 Pro on ebay. Eureka!

It costs me a lot of work to load in and set up, but I finally found an on-stage sound that makes it a lot of fun to play! I had the feel-it-in-your bones lows without being rumbly and muddy, and articulate mids and highs that let me hear the pitch of every note through the audio clutter on stage. The overall tone I had this weekend was musical, expressive without being obnoxious, and just killer for the kind of music we play. I no longer have to dial in too much high end just to cut through the mix!

.......of course, this search for better gear never ends, does it? Now I'm building the WH 8 (probably with the Eminence Beta-8A, for vocals and maybe a bit of steel guitar and acoustic guitar) to see if I can find a way to hear my vocals better on stage. I am also beginning to wonder about the potential positive effect of re-tubing the preamp stage, but I am quickly learning that is a very cluttered debate. Tung Sol, JJ, EH, oh my god it goes on and on.

I like to believe that I am nearing the point of diminishing returns when it comes to the bass rig. Tweaking and fine tuning for the fun of it is all that's left. The monitor is exciting, though. Can't wait to finish it.

[davygrvy]

I am also beginning to wonder about the potential positive effect of re-tubing the preamp stage, but I am quickly learning that is a very cluttered debate. Tung Sol, JJ, EH, oh my god it goes on and on.

Yup! It makes for some good evening fun after dinner. I had good luck with a J/J ECC803S for the standard phase inverter circuit. It holds the top-end pretty well compared to a normal 12ax7. A good replacement for a 12au7 is a J/J ECC99 but draws more filament current and might do even better with some some more plate current (smaller value plate resistor) for lowering noise floor and distortion even more.