Double Bass Most Versatile Powered Speaker for Double Bass

Michael Drost

Michael Drost

Oct 16, 2009
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Grand Haven, MI
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#1
Folks,

I know this subject has been beaten to death, so to speak. I am going to throw another thread into the mix anyway.

What is the most versatile/efficient powered speaker for double bass?

Here are my needs:
1) Weight(I like the one load idea)
2) Dependablility
3) Volume for trio-big band
4) Overall sound

I have a Yamaha DBR10, which is quite nice. However, I'd like some real world input about others: QSC K10 vs K12, Yamaha DXR10, DBR 12 etc.

Thanks!

PS-I use the EDB-2 Preamp
 
#2
MDrost1 said:
Folks,

I know this subject has been beaten to death, so to speak. I am going to throw another thread into the mix anyway.

What is the most versatile/efficient powered speaker for double bass?

Here are my needs:
1) Weight(I like the one load idea)
2) Dependablility
3) Volume for trio-big band
4) Overall sound

I have a Yamaha DBR10, which is quite nice. However, I'd like some real world input about others: QSC K10 vs K12, Yamaha DXR10, DBR 12 etc.

Thanks!

PS-I use the EDB-2 Preamp
Click to expand...

While I used a QSC K-8 for several years, it wouldn't likely keep up with a big band. They are extremely dependible, they weigh 27 lbs, soundwise with a Headway EDB-2 or especially a Grace Felix, they can sould pretty good. However, if you are going for quality I think either the MAS 18, or possibly 16 are going to be lighter and better sounding. Either of those two speakers can be powered.

Ric
 
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#4
Eric Hochberg said:
I've been using the house K12 at a monthly gig I play with quartet/drums. Sounds good and enough power although I have the levels up pretty high. It is kind of large and heavy so you might look into the powered MAS 18 as Ric suggests. You may also be able to get a powered MAS 45.
Click to expand...

How does the K12 sound to your ears
Eric? The power section is exactly the same as K8 and K10, but the K12 has
better low end frequency response.
It should sound significantly better than the K8, unfortunately, as you said it’s a lot larger and heavier. At that size, and volume levels Mike’s 4x5 especially a powered one would be ideal. Since the house furnishes the K12, all you have to do is bring the bass. :D :thumbsup:

Ric
 
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#5
Ric Vice said:
How does the K12 sound to your ears
Eric? The power section is exactly the same as K8 and K10, but the K12 has
better low end frequency response.
It should sound significantly better than the K8, unfortunately, as you said it’s a lot larger and heavier. At that size, and volume levels Mike’s 4x5 especially a powered one would be ideal. Since the house furnishes the K12, all you have to do is bring the bass. :D :thumbsup:

Ric
Click to expand...

The K12 has a plenty of low end, as you say, and is very clear and pretty natural sounding. I'm using a Baggs Gigpro as the preamp as I need it for phantom for the Stat B. I could use some more eq ideally, but as you wrote, all I have to do is bring the bass. I've used my 45 and Doubler in that room and they get a more "centered" sound than the K12.
 
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#6
MDrost1 said:
I have a Yamaha DBR10, which is quite nice. However, I'd like some real world input about others: QSC K10 vs K12, Yamaha DXR10, DBR 12 etc.

Thanks!

PS-I use the EDB-2 Preamp
Click to expand...

I use the very same speaker and preamp! however, I use the speaker stand as well, to bring it up to ear level - depending on the situation. I have found the dispersion is quite ok when other performers on stage want more bass. did not leave me wanting more volume so far, but then it is always jazz/contemporary ensembles where I use this combination. if the situation demands and floor permits, I will also use it as a wedge behind me.

I have played one extensive rehearsal and then gigged with friend's K12, which, as mentioned above, did have a great low end, but in the end decided it was too heavy, and I also ended up cutting bass / raising HPF - this convinced me that I do not need to go that low frequency wise with the powered speaker.

when I compared 10s to 12s (both K and DBR), I did not find the sonic differences drastic or justifying the weight/price difference. DXR vs DBR pretty much the same conclusion - the former costs 130€ more, and while the amp is more powerful, it is also heavier and I just do not need that kind of volume for personal monitoring or PA in a band setting. the DXR has a better handle though ;)

I also considered JBL EON 610 (bluetooth connection with your smart device for some great in-depth sound tailoring), but they were just entering the market and Android app was not ready - deal breaker for me. had two Mackie DLM8, both had "frying oil" sound with the volume zeroed, so they went back - they also could not handle anything lower than open A string on DB at the lowest usable level. maybe it was just those two units. apparently DLM12 is nice, but it is also double the price of Yamaha. also, the digital interface of DLM did not convince me. JBL EON 515 was great, but way too large and heavy. I am quite content with my Yamaha.

sometimes I need to be creative with EDB-2: EQ can indeed be applied to both channels, but I sometimes wish for separate EQ for each channel. luckily, most of the times applying notch to one and EQ to the other makes things work, along with moving the pickup&mic around a bit. (I use piezo pickup on 1st and condenser mic on 2nd) however, having a separate HPF or at least one with a potentiometer would be even better - I am often wanting a position between bass and guitar. and yes, while I believe it is absolutely fantastic, I find the Grace Felix just too expensive (after taxes in EU).
 
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