FRFR cabinets

R

rbc

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I was curious if anyone here has some opinions about FRFR (Full Range, Flat Response) cabinets. I've been doing some searching and found:

The Matrix FR12 is a powered, full range, flat response cabinet with DSP functions:

http://usa.matrixamplification.com/speakers/fr12.html

The AccuGroove FRFR line:

http://www.accugroovellc.com/frfr

The Avatar G212:

https://avatarspeakers.com/shop/guitar-cabinets/traditional/g212-traditional-frfr/

And KPA Solutions (Marco Wendel and Tilman Ritter) FRFR cabinets:

http://www.kpa-solutions.com/frfr-cabinets/

I'm planning to use one with Rockman gear, but I know that folks running amps like the Kemper Profiler Head use these sorts of cabinets.
 
It's expensive, but check out Mission Engineering Gemini. They have a 1x12 and I have the 2x12 (the Gemini 2). I absolutely love it. Below is a video I did last weekend showing the Temple Audio pedalboard, but if you go to 30 secs in, it's me playing through my Artemis amp -> Suhr Reactive Load -> Axe2 (only for cab IR) -> Gemini 2. The audio is just the cameras microphone. I think it's the closest thing to having that "cab in the room" feel because it is a 2x12 cab. On my Axe, if I remove the mic and post processing from the patch, it can get really close.

Also check out the Friedman ASM, I have always wanted to try that as well. There is a used one for sale in SF Craigslist as well (not mine, just saw it).

 
There are a diverse range of opinions. I have a Matrix Q12a that I think sounds great. The Mission Engineering, CLR, and Friedman also have their disciples who will proclaim their favorite to be the best of the best. I suspect they all can get the job done and sound great.

I'd just look for a good deal to pop up for one of them and be done with it (which is what I did).
 
I have the Friedman, 2 Atomic CLR's and 2 XiTone's. The Friedman is awesome but heavy and awkward to carry so it stays at rehearsal. The CLR's are perfect for creating your presets on so they stay at home for that purpose and to practice at home with. But I gig with my XiTone's. They sound amazing. Crystal clear but with a good cab like quality punch to them. My buddy just did a FRFR shootout at his studio with all the top names. All his friends brought their speakers in. Mission, Matrix, Friedman, Atomic CLR and XiTone. The XiTone won. It had the great clear sound along with the cab ooomph.
 
I cannot speak from personal experience as I sold my AX8 before I got to try a FRFR (bad move)

But I did a ton of research and at the time the consensus was that the Atomic CLR and Friedman ASM were the kings but after seeing Victim5150's post I would be eager to try the XiTone.

My aim would be as close to a real guitar cab sound as I could get. Not sure if that is more important to you than FOH sound.
 
Do you want a FRFR that looks like / is in a guitar cab format? If not there are many options. I'm using a Roland CUBE Street EX for a FRFR stereo monitor, that I can run to my PA.

If I was looking now, I'd consider Turbosound:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TFX122MAN
1100W

or if you need more power, and want to spend more:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TFM122MAN
2500W

I'd also have a look at the Mackie DLM8 or DLM12, both are rated at 2000W, and are small, lightweight:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DLM8

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DLM12

not pushing Sweetwater, but AFAIK they're one of the few that carry Turbosound

I plan to try my Helix LT using my AMPLIFi 150 this weekend, I just got the adapter for the 1/8" TRS Aux In (on the 150) to run stereo inputs.
 
I use 2 Matrix FR10 cabs. I AB'd them next to the CLR Neo and was amazed at how they sound, they definitely held their own. At 21 lbs each, they were my top pick and I have zero regrets.
 
cardinal":1i5puhxf said:
There are a diverse range of opinions. I have a Matrix Q12a that I think sounds great. The Mission Engineering, CLR, and Friedman also have their disciples who will proclaim their favorite to be the best of the best. I suspect they all can get the job done and sound great.

I'd just look for a good deal to pop up for one of them and be done with it (which is what I did).
Click to expand...

Agreed. I think unless there is something specific you are looking for to eliminate some brands, then all of these listed are going to be good. I went with Mission Engineering because I wanted stereo and really liked the real cab dimensions/look.
 
I really liked my ASM. I know everyone raves about the Atomics, but I far preferred the Friedman and thought it had a lot more of a real cab feel. I sold it because it was just too much for my needs and got a new set of nearfields. They don't feel like a cab either, but neither does an actual cab at apartment volumes. If volume is an issue for you at all, I definitely recommend going with the best nearfields you can afford over an FRFR. Not sure if that's the case for you, but that's the only reason I went to Axe, so I figured I'd mention it. I've been really happy with my decision to go that direction.
 
victim5150":33iczzyo said:
I have the Friedman, 2 Atomic CLR's and 2 XiTone's. The Friedman is awesome but heavy and awkward to carry so it stays at rehearsal. The CLR's are perfect for creating your presets on so they stay at home for that purpose and to practice at home with. But I gig with my XiTone's. They sound amazing. Crystal clear but with a good cab like quality punch to them. My buddy just did a FRFR shootout at his studio with all the top names. All his friends brought their speakers in. Mission, Matrix, Friedman, Atomic CLR and XiTone. The XiTone won. It had the great clear sound along with the cab ooomph.
Click to expand...
What exact XiTone's are you using?
 
Lord Toneking":12nxvtix said:
victim5150":12nxvtix said:
I have the Friedman, 2 Atomic CLR's and 2 XiTone's. The Friedman is awesome but heavy and awkward to carry so it stays at rehearsal. The CLR's are perfect for creating your presets on so they stay at home for that purpose and to practice at home with. But I gig with my XiTone's. They sound amazing. Crystal clear but with a good cab like quality punch to them. My buddy just did a FRFR shootout at his studio with all the top names. All his friends brought their speakers in. Mission, Matrix, Friedman, Atomic CLR and XiTone. The XiTone won. It had the great clear sound along with the cab ooomph.
Click to expand...
What exact XiTone's are you using?
Click to expand...
The powered 1x12's. I believe it's called The Walliman. I have 2 older versions of this one.
http://www.xitonecabs.com/models/active ... index.html
 
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