DISCLAIMER: THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONG READ!
Bass player here!
I needed an FRFR because I’ve been asked to join some gigs using a guitar (I am a former guitarist) and I really didn’t want to buy an amplifier for that.
So, since I normally use a StompXL on my bass with all my patches, bells and whistles, going directly to a mixer on the PA using the Output and a TRS cable, I decided to give it a try and use a proper FRFR to use with both: guitar and bass.
This is why I purchased a 12inch model and not an 8inch, moves less air, less definition on low ranges and usual stuff..
Anyway, this is the story:
- Saturday afternoon: purchase on Thomann website
- Thursday of the following week the cabinet is in my living room, Turin, ITALY (total 5 days!!!)
Great Thomann!!!
The box had a “hole” and it was accepted “with reserve” but once opened the package, everything was fine.
Now let’s go deep:
Build quality: plastic but appears to be solid and sturdy
Handles: 3, one on top, two on the sides, 14kgs easy to carry
LED on/off: present on the front, blue color, you can decide whether you want it or not from the panel on the rear.
Use it vertically: 4 rubber feet, very stable
Use it horizontally: good position and angle
Rear panel: this is how I will use it. From my StompXL a TRS cable will be connected to Input1, then I can have Input2 with a cable FROM the PA so to use it as a regular monitor (say… I want to have on my monitor the guitar on the other side of the stage or the singer…), then there is an OUTPUT to be connected to the PA to return my signal.
All connections are XLR, balanced. Great!
On the real panel you will have a display and an easy-to-use knob that will allow you to:
- Front LED on/off
- Use one of the built-in cab simulations (of course for me is OFF)
- Use one of the three different equalization modes (PA, guitar 3 bands, guitar 5 bands) again, from e is OFF
- Reset
- I don’t remember what else
The two INPUTS have a volume level to select the best taste depending on what you are looking for, and the main level is on the display for the final volume.
Then, power cord and ON/OFF general switch.
As soon as I can, I will test it in the studio, not at home where volumes need to be adequate to where I am, and next Friday first gig and I need to be ready before that date.
I guess I will sell my amp (an Aguilar) and cabs…
From what I’ve experienced so far, wow, this thing is LOUD!!!