Description
GENZLER AMPLIFICATION is proud to announce this update to our original BA12-3 design — the new BA12-3 STR (straight version). Identical to the original straight cabinet design, this model now features a top-mounted recessed bar handle.
The Bass Array concept is a unique approach to bass instrument loudspeaker design. Although the same size as many premium 12” and tweeter cabinets this speaker system is so much more complex and rewarding to the performer.
This innovative design blends the benefits of a 12” vented bass reflex design with the performance and pattern control of a 4 x 3” neodymium driver line array element. The benefits of combining both design platforms in an extremely compact cabinet are exponential for the player:
- Full, deep, low frequency response from the high efficiency 12” ported woofer — doing what it does best. Excellent support of the low B fundamental of 5 string instruments.
- A selective crossover point overcomes the “beaming” (pattern narrowing) effects of a full range signal being reproduced by larger low frequency drivers.
- Lowers midrange and high frequency distortion by allowing the use of small, high performance cone transducers that would otherwise be unsuitable without the increased acoustic sensitivity obtained by the array design.
- This design provides a more open, smoother midrange and high frequency response because of the ideal natural characteristics of the mid-high frequency array when compared to a conventional tweeter that cannot reproduce the crucial midrange frequencies without pattern control or un-natural distortion.
What this means in the context of performance is the most focused, defined, musical, smooth and seamless response possible throughout the BA12-3’s entire full-range bandwidth. Additionally the placement of the Line Array in front of the 12” woofer further provides a type of “single point source” projection—think of it as concentric speakers, one inside of the other, in the same linear plane. Also due to line array principals the all-important mid and high frequencies have a much wider horizontal dispersion with a more controlled vertical pattern. This offers the most even projection possible around the perimeter of the stage and audience.
And now with the addition of our new BA12-3 SLT, slant version, the options for stacking both the straight and slant cabinets offers a variety of configurations which can enhance tonal details, projection and dispersion depending upon the venue or stage requirements.
Michael Emmerling –
I confess: I used to be a big rig guy. For over 20 years I’ve been using rack-mounted pre- and power-amps and the obligatory 2 410 cabs. Sure, the sound was big but required a big car, big muscles and a fair bit of room. And it sounded good only in a few select spots on the stage.
All that changed when I had the opportunity to try the BA12-3 and the 212T. The 212T sounded great but the BA12-3 had something special going on. I decided to get 2 BA12-3 (#33 and 34 so an early adopter!) which gives me the option of using one (generally rehearsals) or both for all gigs. The Magellan 800 joined as soon as it became available and I haven’t looked back.
Playing my own basses (5 and 6 string, fretted and fretless) I can’t remember a single occasion where I had any issues dialling in an outstanding sound. “Dialling in”””” means tweaking the EQ just a tiny little bit and play around with the two contour settings since the amp combined with the two BA12-3 cabs is already incredibly analytical and precise while being extremely musical at the same time. Very occasionally I use the drive channel as well.
The amp is built like a tank with a great weight that’s not too light (and feels flimsy) but just right. All pots are super-smooth and super-responsive – even the slightest bit of turn makes a difference. It’s also really nice in terms of haptic experience, just the right amount of “”brush treatment””.
And as regular as clockwork I get comments on how good the sound is (no-one comments on my playing 🙂 ) whether I carry the bottom end in venues up to 150-200 people or use the amazing DI to go through the PA. From rock-solid B string to double-stops and chords higher up, everything is crystal-clear and balanced with just the right amount of heft. And I’ve never been short of enough volume although with this rig it’s not really a question of how loud but more a case of just right – it fills the room without impacting on the other instruments or the singers.
I really can’t see myself NOT using this rig until the end of my playing days (which hopefully is still a fair way away). The only thing I would consider is either swapping one of the BA12-3 cabs for a slanted one, or maybe add one. That’s it. Big thank you to everyone at Genzler for providing this amazing set and forget gear!