Reviewer Mark Stein
Manufacturer Acme Sound Ltd. Usa
Model Low B-2 Speaker Cabinet
Price $395

Dimensions 23"H x 15.75"W x 16.5"D
Wattage 350 watts RMS
Speaker(s) 2 10", 1 5" mid range, 1 Ferrofluid cooled horn
EQ n/a
Effects n/a
Controls level controls for the midrange speaker and horn
Other n/a
This is a kick-ass little cabinet! Not your normal 2x10 + horn, Acme's approach was to design a full-range cabinet for bassists; afterall, haven't you always wanted to sound like what you do when going di to a mixing board? These cabinets have virtually no coloration to them, and in fact sound like something might be missing when you first hear them. What's missing is that midrange coloration most cabinets have that we're all used to hearing. You quickly realize that the mids and low mids are extremely clean and transparent. Acme wanted a small cabinet that would handle low B's accurately; to do so, the 10's" were beefed up at the expense of midrange clarity; they added a 5" speaker, horn and 2-way crossover. This resulted in an incredibly punchy, CLEAN bottom-end as well as great mids and highs. Since the character of the bass is determined by the mids, the results are the best small cabinet you've ever heard. One trade off is that these cabinets are definately power hungry; you'll need at least 200w. I'm running 350w and have replaced a Hartke 4x10... and am louder and clearer on stage. To be totally tricked out, I'd recommend 2 2x10 cabinets and a stereo power amp. I can't imagine a gig that you wouldn't be loud enough on! Construction is rock solid: steel mesh grill, carpet, stacked corners and alluminum strips on the edges and ports. Weight is under 50lbs. The November Bass Player has a great in-depth review that better explains their design philosophy and reviews their B-4 4x10 plus midrange/horn cabinet. They have begun using the Acme cabinets to review amps/preamps along with SWR, Eden, and Hartke, so that oughta tell you somethin about these killer cabinets!

*editor's note : Acme's B2 cabinet can only be purchased direct. To reach Acme Sound, call (800)226-3583; Fax (303)783-8766;

Construction 100%
Loudness 90%
(they need power!)
Clarity 100%
Tone 100%
Size/Bulkiness 100%
Value 100%
Overall 98%
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