2012 January - March
Right, we shall try to keep on top of the feedback this year. Please send in photos, videos or audio recordings of your cab in action: And to all our customers outside the UK, you're lagging behind the locals on providing feedback - tell us how you're getting on!
Super Fifteen - 23rd March (UK)
Just to let you know the cab arrived this morning. It looks great,fit and finish seem superb. Had a brief play through it before hooking it up to break in the drivers and wow it sounds great. Will send some more feedback after it's had some use with the band but for now just wanted to say thanks and keep up the good work. Nev
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Super Twelve T - 13th March (UK)
I got my new cab on saturday and have been running the 25hz sine wave through it for about 8 hours, I have noticed it becoming deeper and more throbbing as it breaks in so assume its just about done now . The first thing that impressed me was the packaging, full marks for making the effort to keep the cab safe . Now the good bit, out of the box and bag and wow, exactly how I like it, the silver cloth is perfect as are the metal corners, nicely vintage looking, I like the crinkly paint too . The best bit now, this cab is LOUD and sounds fantastic, I am very pleased with how clean it sounds at just below ear hurting volume, no hint of a fart, really nice deep fat bass, I have not played with the tweeter much . I bought this cab to replace two TC Electronics BC212s and it does that easily with less weight and half the loading in the car . The only miniscule point I would make is the side handles, my preference would be to have them just a bit higher so I dont have too bend quite so much but I am being picky, maybe future clients could specify handle locations ! So thanks for designing and making such a great product, I will send in a bit more when I have played it with the band a few times .
[Barefaced responds: Great stuff! Note that the side handles are where they are so you cancarry it one handed - they're at the balance point. Try it and see!;-) Look forward to the gig results.]
Update - 3rd April
Just a quick update . I have played the cab quite a lot now and am 100% happy with it, I could not ask for more . It has made life so much easier by replacing two heavier cabs and sounding a lot better, my band has never sounded so good, we just need to replace the drummers bad back now ! It has also made me realise what a great amp the Ampeg PF500 is, the S12 has really opened up the amps tonal qualities, I am hearing mids from the 5 way switch that were not there with my two BC212s ! Thanks for such a great product . Graham
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Compact - 19th March (UK)
had the first band rehearsal with the Compact and Shuttle 9.2 last night.
ran the EQ totally flat with my Warwick Corvette Std (passive) and it's amazing - for the first time not only can i hear myself but i can feel it too !!. even though the cab had been carefully run in (for approx 4 hours as per your instructions) the low end got bigger and bigger as the rehearsal went on (3 hours) but was never boomy or muddy just pure, controlled low-end with plenty of strong mids and uppers even without a tweeter. I am very impressed - after the first gig (April) i will then see if i want to pair it with a second compact or a midget-T (or not as the case may be)
top bass cabinets. This one ain't coming back to you !!!
regards,
Nick
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Big Twin T - 10th March (Finland)
I received my Big Twin T about a month ago and I've been very happy with it! I'll write some proper feedback/a review after next wednesdays gig. I have a question about the tweeter though. I often use the overdrive of my heads (GK MB Fusion) tube preamp and I've read some mixed opinions about overdrive/distortion damaging tweeters? Should I have the tweeter turned down if I use overdrive?
Regards,Otso
[Barefaced responds: The tweeter is crossed over very high and has plenty of power handling - the searing fuzz will be hurting your ears long before distortion damages it! Look forward to the gig report.]
Update - 16th March
I thought I'd finally write some comments on the cab, now that I've finally gigged with it.
Before this cab I never boosted the "bass" frequencies (around 50-60Hz shelving on most amps I think, 60Hz on my current head), because it always sounded muddy with the conventional cabs I used, but with this cab it sounds great, very defined. Especially when playing industrial rock with drop d-tuning. I don't really make any drastic adjustments on the eq in my head anymore, with my old GK 410mbx I usually had to boost a lot of the high mids to get any growl in my tone. Having a cab that weighs so little and is capable of such great SPL while putting out just about everything that is being put in by the amp tonewise is just amazing. I think this cab has ended my cab GAS for good. Although if I wanted a really small rig, the midget would the the cab I'd get ;)
Regards,Otso
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Compact - 9th March (UK)
I'll write a proper review of the Compact when Ive gigged it a bit. As per your usual feedback, my band members are all staggered by the weight/quality of sound etc. These guys have done stadium tours with Blur in the past, so know their onions!
Many thanks, Jon
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Big Twin T - 4th March (Denmark)
Let me compliment you on the big twin I bought. Great stuff. I'm especially impressed by the way it sounds when you stand in the audience! Mikkel
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Super Twelve T - 1st March (UK)
Cab has arrived looks fantastic, can't wait to plug in! Simon
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Super Twelve - 1st March (UK)
First impressions about the S12 couldn't be better. I'm very impressed after today's rehearsal. Same room, same band, same amp, same bass and same bass player as last week. The only difference is that last week I had the GS212 and for today the S12. I always really liked the sound of my Aggie. I didn't go for the S12 because I wasn't happy with my sound, I just needed something that sounded just as good, but in a more practical package. No only I'm extremely happy with the light weight and better proportions, but I'm also blown away with the sound. My tone is still there, intact, but with more bottom (with no mud) and more definition and attack, withou being harsh. I had the same settings on my amp and I was at the same time cutting through much better than before and still filling the room with a lot of bass. Another thing I noticed is that my octave pedal and my envelope filter sound much better now. The frequencies are better reproduced. I could use some extreme settings on my envelope filter that I couldn't use before. Good job! I'll keep you posted about the S12. Eddie
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Super Twelve - 4th March, 18 month update (UK)
I bought a Super 12 cab from you back in July 2010. I must say it is an absolutely awesome cab!!! I played a gary Moore tribute weekend a few weeks ago and both myself and the bassest from the other band playing, used my rig (little mark II head through the super 12 cab) and the sound was unbelievable!! Ian from the other band may have already contacted you about buying one. Ok, my problem which I need to solve is this.... I am gigging quite a lot now and will be very busy this year with festivals etc. I am wanting to get another cab and head to back up what I have. I would also like to have the flexibility to use my new cab for smaller venues but also to put it together with my super 12 for the bigger outdoor venues...although I find it hard to imagine needing more than the wattage from the super 12! I suppose im looking for an add on ( compact or midget ) which I can gig as a stand alone but will also add to what I have. The little mark II gives 500watts at 4ohms but only gives 300 watts at 8ohms as do the heads I am looking at, one of which is the Ashdown 1000 watt Little Giant (although I can get bigger heads). Can I run a 8ohm and 4ohm cab from the same head at the same time? The ohms from cabs confuses me and I dont know which way to go. Can you help me? Thanks Laurence
[Barefaced responds: Glad it's working well for you! Regarding another cab, you either need a head that runs down to 2.7 or 2 ohms, a head with two output stagesor a second head which you daisy-chain through the FX loop. The latter approach is probably the best if you gig a lot as then you have a back-up head. Does that make sense? I need to write an article on impedance because it's pretty confusing...
As your Super Twelve is tweeterless I'd suggest the Compact is your best bet as an additional cab - it's a bit mellower sounding but pretty similar overall and plenty punchy enough on its own for small gigs and the pair make an awesome stack for outdoor gigs.]
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Big Baby T - 28th February (Poland)
Cabs seems to be nice. Really clear sound with strong low end, but I need to compare it with my tecamp m212- then I let you know. I will do it at friday rehearsal and gig... ...What do You think about BigBabyT + midgetT modular rig for bigger gigs...?How You can compare bigbabyT and midget T? I like midgetT weight and dimensions... but... Midget is not much cheaper then Bigbaby... so is it worth it?Kosma
Update - 2nd March
Your cab is better than tecamp m212. ;) definitely clearer, smaller, lighter. It sounds like small PA system. Its not so loud as tecamp but we was talking about it, so it's not a problem. Bass is nice but not as big as I thought. I mean I can hear woofer "work" when I play loud on E and B strings. I have to be careful not to destroy the woofer. ;) To sum up-extremely clear, high end audio system. I like it, it stay with me for sure :) waiting for answer from You about bigbaby+ midget rig etc... (I hope you got my mail..?)Best regards and thanks for BigBaby!
P.S. Of course bass is really big for such a small cab... Don't get me wrong ;) every note I like it more and more...
[Barefaced responds: Good stuff! The woofer can handle every watt that your Markbass canpush out, don't worry about destroying it. If you're hearing noises it's almost certainly the amp distorting, not the woofer distorting. Have you broken the woofer in with the 25Hz signal? If not, how many hours of use has it had? The woofer will get deeper and fatter andthus louder as the suspension loosens up.
I wouldn't recommend the Midget with the Big Baby, they're too dissimilar to work optimally. The only good second cab with a Big Babyis another Big Baby (or Baby Sub).]
I did but only a little bit. I will do it today, after rehearsal and before gig... But I can hear-hour by hour is better, fatter, louder... And still so clear! Ok, so I have to think about next cab-I will buy babysub or another bigbabyt... But first sell tecamp ;)
Update - 7th MarchAfter few gigs and rehearsals a have to say-definitely the best cab I've ever played!! I would like to order another one... ...I will do it for sure, I can not tell you when,but as soon as possible... Now I know all procedures so it will be easy. (deposit, then pay the rest on account). I would love to order midget but you told that it's not good cab to work with Bb so...it will be another bigbabyT. Thanks for your support and your cab!
Update - 4th April
my bigbabyT seems to be enough powerful to work alone!! I really have to think do I need anything more... ;-) There is lot of persons asking about my cab on every gig! Thanks again!!! I love it! there is nothing to compare with BBt!
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Compact - 24th February (UK)
Just wanted you to know that my Compact arrived safely yesterday.
I tried it out with my GK MB500 amp, and it sounds awesome.
I just wanted to thank you for your excellent customer service and advice. Once I have tried it out with my band, I'll post a review.
Thanks,
Leigh.
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Super Fifteen - 20th February (Norway)
I'll be sending you a review after it's been gigged. But all I can say now is wow. You guys really know your stuff:)
Kristoffer
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Compact - 20th February (UK)
It was perfect!
Charlie (@ AIR Studios / Strongroom)
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Super Twelve - 10th February (UK)
Well it's been few weeks since I took delivery of my S12.I'm utterly blown away with it.It's taking some amp tweaking with my SVT 3 pro & I'm now running a virtually flat EQ - I've never done that in 30 years of playing!! It's also made my Samsamp RBI redundant.I'm seriously considering letting my amp and preamp go and getting something else.I believe you use Genz Benz to test the cabs? If so, which one and could I ask why Genz in particular?One thing I noticed with the cab that concerned me was that I can see a loose wire through one of the ports. Is this ok?I don't think it's a major problem but, thought is point it out just in case. It does move about at volume but, I didn't notice it until our singer pointed it out. It shocked me - a singer looking at my new cab!! ;)Thanks again for turning this around so quickly I'm just disappointed I didn't get one months ago!
Cheers,
Gary
[Barefaced responds: Great! I believe that's the cable that runs between the top woofer andbottom woofer - it's extra long so it doesn't rattle about. Doesn't normally show in the port but it shouldn't be a problem at all.]
....that's good to know.It's a keeper then! But I guess you knew that ;)
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Big Twin T - 9th February (UK)
Hi Alex..Just a quick note to say thank you for this wonderful cab..I have just got back off tour with Billy Ocean and used the cab on this session, it was fantastic to play with, the tone is unbelievable and so responsive..and such a delight to move around, no problems with weight here, amongst the tour were bands such as Aswad, Hue and Cry, Level 42, Sugar babes, and every bass player came up to me and asked about the cab..yes even Mark king put his status through it and started slapping the hell out of it, he was truly impressed, I have passed on your email address to them all..once again thank you so much..
Cliff
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Super Twelve T - 9th February (UK)
Just a note to say I tried the cab out at rehearsal last night. Wow! Its even better than I hoped. Even our guitarist was impressed!! I really am very pleased with it. I cant believe the sound it makes for such a light cabinet. Thanks again Simon
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Super Twelve - 6th January, 18 month update (UK)
I'm loving the cabinet, it has helped up my playing and my sound and it's also helping up my rep on the local music scene - bonus. I have had nothing but compliments from punters and fellow Muso's since getting it. A few weeks back there was even a bad case of kit envy when my band put on a gig night at a local venue with another band that we had paid to headline (the venue is notoriously difficult to get a good sound in due to it having a temporary stage and reflective walls). The bassist (who's playing I've always admired) and me got on like a house on fire and were comparing notes on kit right up until the point I fired my amp up, cos when he fired his Markbass rig up he couldn't get it to sound anywhere as defined as my rig sounded and he'd paid about 3 times the price for his set-up and then I went up at the end of the night to say how well he'd played and ended up getting more praise back for my playing. I know that I contacted you after geting my rig because I was having a hard time getting a desirsable sound out of it but I 'm sure this was mainly due to every bit of my rig being new and the limited rehearsal gig/rehearsal time I was doing at the time. Now that I have got used to all of the kit in my rig I can pretty much dial in any tone that I need and I never have a problem cutting through the mix. Kind regards
Brian
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Midget T - 10th January (UK)
I've too busy since getting my Midget T cab to give you some proper feedback and I wanted to have given it a proper testing, but I think it's about time I gave you some!
First off, the weight; How did you make it that light! I've had various comments from friends ranging from: "He must have made it with magic" to "Do you think he forgot to put in the electronics". The weight, or rather the blessed lack thereof, is an amazing change from my previous 4 x 10" which weighed more than I do. I'd advise buying the cab simply on the basis of the weight because it makes getting gear to a gig so, so, so much easier!
The next thing I noticed was the volume, frankly I was blown away by the fact that you've somehow made a cab that puts out substantially more volume than my 4 x 10" which was by no means quiet (in fact I checked with a decibel meter because I couldn't quite believe my ears!). That find certainly put to bed any fears that the new cab might not be up to the kind of gigs I usually have played. What's more, this is by no means volume without quality, I've never heard an cab that has such versatility to produce all the nuances of the different playing styles and eq settings available to a bassist. It was like being handed a completely different instrument. The top end of the sound was particularly brilliant, in fact I might even be tempted to go as far as describing the sound produced by that tweeter as "The Sound". It is exceptional. My only negative point on the cab would be the bottom end, or rather the bottom end before breaking it in and working out the right eq. When I first played the cab I would have described the bass notes as somewhat wooly and ill defined. However, having broken in the cab and fiddling with the eq (it seems that the Midget is far more sensitive to a too high gain than other cabs I've used) the bass is now well rounded and punchy. Not quite as phenomenal as the top end, but still very nice (and well worth the money). Furthermore, when playing over the whole range of the bass the cab produces a consistent, powerful and lovely sound that outmatches anything I've played through.So you know, I've been playing an Ashdown MAG 300 head thorough this cab while waiting for the MAG 600. The combination is fantastic. I get the Ashdown sound that I love and then a whole lot more. I've found myself inspired to play more and play a greater diversity of music.
My advice to anyone thinking of buying a Barefaced cab is this:
1) Do it
2) Really do break the Cab in as advised
3) Set aside a lot of time to play about with the eq to find the sweet spot that you want (this took me quite a while as it was considerably different to the previous eq I had for my 4 x 10")
4) Don't turn your gain to high (unless you wan't distortion, and even then just buy a distortion peddle) as the quality of the sound is far, far better with a lower gain and also the range of dynamics that are playable with the same tone is much greater with a lower gain (or at least this was the case for me with my Ashdown)
5) Ramp up the volume to how you like it (remembering that these cabs put out enough to really hurt!) and get playing!
There is lot's more that I could say, but I think that probably above is a goodish summary. If you want to know anything else do ask!
Cheers,
Alex
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Super Twelve - 6th January (UK)
I'm loving the cabinet, it has helped up my playing and my sound and it's also helping up my rep on the local music scene - bonus. I have had nothing but compliments from punters and fellow Muso's since getting it. A few weeks back there was even a bad case of kit envy when my band put on a gig night at a local venue with another band that we had paid to headline (the venue is notoriously difficult to get a good sound in due to it having a temporary stage and reflective walls). The bassist (who's playing I've always admired) and me got on like a house on fire and were comparing notes on kit right up until the point I fired my amp up, cos when he fired his Markbass rig up he couldn't get it to sound anywhere as defined as my rig sounded and he'd paid about 3 times the price for his set-up and then I went up at the end of the night to say how well he'd played and ended up getting more praise back for my playing. I know that I contacted you after geting my rig because I was having a hard time getting a desirsable sound out of it but I 'm sure this was mainly due to every bit of my rig being new and the limited rehearsal gig/rehearsal time I was doing at the time. Now that I have got used to all of the kit in my rig I can pretty much dial in any tone that I need and I never have a problem cutting through the mix. Kind regardsBrian Yeates
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Big Twin T - 4th January (UK)
Happy New Year! Apologies for not replying sooner, I tried to be as e-mail free over the holidays as possible...lol. Now Im back at work...... The cab is sounding great both in the home at low levels and at a couple of gigs I've done. The first was at a local pub, packed like sardines with just the Barefaced in standalone. Full sound, kicked ass, I could hear myself and so could the crowd without it being harsh or painful. Second gig was on Hogmany with DI out to the PA. On stage sound and volume was as per the pub. No need for me through any monitors. Front of house sound was "awesome" according to one totally unbiased wife of mine. During setup & soundcheck the trombone player and sound guy (both bassists) came and checked out the cab and tried lifting it.....followed by dubious looks of...."yeah thats gonna work". Post gig stripdown and they both came up again....lifted the cab....and then wandered away muttering something like " How the %*!$$% is that possible?". What can I say but hearing (and lifting) is believing! I guess more orders could be coming your way.... Best regards, Mike
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Super Twelve T - 4th January (UK)
I hope you had a good Christmas and new year!
Just wanted to drop you a line to say it was great to meet you guys before all the festivities started and pick up my Super12T. I am really really pleased with it.
Having done a few gigs since, I'm amazed at how much my old setup didn't do, at nearly twice the size and three times the weight it can't make half the sound that the Super12 can!
I love the clarity and effortlessness of the Super12, it almost begs me to give it more! Many many thanks for making such a wonderful cab!
The cab is a superb design. I love the wheels, everything is really well thought out - right down to the position of the HF rolloff (no chance of that getting knocked in transit!). I've ordered a Roqsolid cover for it now to help keep it in pristine condition.
Thanks again guys and keep up the good work!!
All the best
Bren