Different speakers maybe?

[Pickface]

Hi All,
Lately I've been stepping out in front of my amp during sound checks. I've noticed that once I have my amp sounding just the way I want it to on stage, once I walk out past the fronts it sounds terrible-ragged, trebley. I'm using a Marshall 1936 cab w/ one Vintage 30 and a Heritage.(Ive noticed this with other amps too so I'm thinking it's not just this amp). I can't always be miked so do you think different speakers, other than the Celestians Im using, would help? I've been thinking about trying the Weber Silver Bell, Blue Dog combo. Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[Blue_Fingers_Jay]

Re: Different speakers maybe?

It's not just you and your amp.

Some guitars players use something in the middle of the speaker cloth to cut down the highs. I've used duct tape in some speakers, just a cross in the middle of the speaker cab it does work.

Have you tried something like this? Alot cheaper than a new speaker and it's really easy to try, I say you having to loose.
There are some after market gadgets to do this, I can't remember the name of the **** things, but someone here will chime in.

 

[B2D]

Re: Different speakers maybe?

There are some after market gadgets to do this, I can't remember the name of the **** things, but someone here will chime in.

Weber Beam Blockers, IIRC.

 

[Pickface]

Re: Different speakers maybe?

Yeah, Beam Blockers. Made by the Weber Speaker Co. I just put 2 in my 1936 cab. I haven't had a chance to try them yet, and it would be great if that's all it would take. But I've got a feeling that it's going to take something more...like a 100 watt amp or a 4X12 cab. or something.(my aching back)

 

[Blue_Fingers_Jay]

Re: Different speakers maybe?

Weber Beam Blockers, IIRC.

Thanks bro, that's it.
Great avatar BTW.

http://www.webervst.com/blocker.html

 

[ksmith63]

Re: Different speakers maybe?

beam blockers work great but seem to kill lots of the highs too. i prefer to use 2 of them on the bottom speakers of a 4x12.

 

[Rowan]

Re: Different speakers maybe?

Whats your amp and EQ settings? If the beam blockers don't work and EQ change doesn't work you might want to get a pickup swap. What guitar and pickups are you playing on?

 

[Pickface]

Re: Different speakers maybe?

I'm using a Les Paul classic thru a Marshall DSL 50 w/1936 cab. Like I said, I like the sound I'm getting on stage. It's when I get 20 feet out front, past the PA that the tone turns to crap. The sound I'm getting is not projecting. Also, it isn't just this amp/cab. I tried this w/a JTM60 1X12 and a JCM600 thru a 1X12 closed back cab. I wonder if the PA cabs and monitors, all being carpet covered, might doing something to keep ALL the freqs from getting out....? What do you think?

 

[marvar]

Re: Different speakers maybe?

I'm using a Les Paul classic thru a Marshall DSL 50 w/1936 cab. Like I said, I like the sound I'm getting on stage. It's when I get 20 feet out front, past the PA that the tone turns to crap. The sound I'm getting is not projecting. Also, it isn't just this amp/cab. I tried this w/a JTM60 1X12 and a JCM600 thru a 1X12 closed back cab. I wonder if the PA cabs and monitors, all being carpet covered, might doing something to keep ALL the freqs from getting out....? What do you think?

The carpet coverings have nothing to do with it.
What you are experiencing is 'coupling', the point at which the speakers couple, or the multi-speakers sound comes together (focus) usually 20-30 feet in front of a closed back cab. This is what the audience is hearing from your amp. This concept is also figured in when designing PA cabinets, whether they will be designed as long-throw or short throw.
This also comes into play with alot of guitarist- using multi-speaker closed back cabs, they stand a few feet in front of their amp and complain that they can't hear themselves, yet, 20 ft away, their amp is peeling paint off the walls.
I used to run the same setup (1 V30,1 G12H30) but lately, I prefer the tone of matched speakers. (all greenbacks)
Short of re-adjusting you amp and settings, have you ever tried an open-back cab?
You have a few choices to make- either be happy with the sound you hear, or be happy with the sound the audience hears. Personally, I prefer to play to the audience.
You could always do like Neil Geraldo (Pat Benitar) and turn your amps to face the back of the stage! lol
Otherwise, I don't know what to tell you, we mic everything, and play at lower volumes, and use open back 2x12 cabs, so this isn't an issue for me.
P.S. as an afterthought, your PA might not be in phase- or, the combination of your amp and the PA is throwing one source acoustically out of phase with each other.