• Registered: 2010-01-30
  • Posts: 3

Topic: Carol Ann OD2 and speaker cabinet

Hi Joe

This is my first post so hopefully will reach you.Have not stopped watching the Live at the Royal Albert Hall DVD think this has got to be one of my most favourite live dvds of all time! I have noticed that your tone on the dvd seems to have such excellent clarity notably on Stop and Happier Times-the tone on those particular tracks makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up-absolutely stunning!

I have read that you used your Carol Ann and Jubilee when recording those tracks-correct me if my information is wrong-and I was wondering whether that was the same on the dvd and if you could possibly guide me specifically on the Carol Ann? I have been looking at a possible purchase of the new OD2 which I understand you had input into and wondered if you could advise firstly whether I would gain tonally by opting for the 100 watt version over the standard 50 watt and other than volume what I would gain by going for the 100 watt? Also as I would be just initially running this head in my rig and not paired with anything else,what speaker cabinet you would recommend to use with it.I know Carol Ann offer a 1x12 with a EVM-12L or a 2x12 with Celestions Lead 80's but what size cabinet/speaker combination would you recommend and also any other manufacturer to get the best from the tones on offer? Just as a final point,if I were to purchase the Palmer Speaker Emulator and link the head through that to the cab would that also offer a few extra options?

Sorry for a long first post but hope you can help as really respect your knowledge in this area.By the way I dont know if you can remember back to your last visit to the Robin 2 at Bilston here in the UK,but I sent a framed picture I had taken of BB King back to you-hope you liked it and hope to get to meet you one day.

Very Best Wishes for the year ahead!

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Carol Ann OD2 and speaker cabinet

Welcome to the forum!  Joe may be able to chime in here but I'll take a crack at it in the meantime.

In regard to the OD2, Joe would probably recommend the 100 watt version.  All of Joe's amps are 100 watts because of the clean headroom, the ability to clean up better, less compressed tone, more articulation at high volumes, and the fact that he plays decent sized venues.  If you are playing a small pub or bar I don't think you would need 100 watts.  It wouldn't really matter IMO because the Carol Anns have really good master volumes and you'd likely get killer tones at any volume.

As far as speaker choice, Joe runs EV12Ls in all of his cabs.  If you are chasing Joe's tone that is probably the best speaker.  They are expensive, very heavy, but offer a nice flat EQ response.  Not to mention, with a 200w rating each, you could handle just about any amp at full bore which is another reason why Joe loves them.

Lastly, with the whole Palmer thing, it's just a live/recording tool to address certain issues.  If you run into wedges sometimes you can get phasing issues with a complicated rig like Joe's.  Also, they are helpful if you like to run a line to a PA system so that the FOH can better control the overall volume.  It's not the same as a real mic, but there are perks.  You don't have to learn the art of good micing, you get a much more consistant tone night after night, and it sounds very good.  Downsides are that they are pricey, may require rack-mounting, and due to the heat they put off you may need to give it 3 rack spaces (one above and below) to get proper ventilation.  I'd check out the more compact Palmer PDI-09 if you'd like a more practical alternative to the PDI-03.

I hope this helps, and again welcome to the forum!

         -Justin

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2010-01-30
  • Posts: 3

Re: Carol Ann OD2 and speaker cabinet

Justin

Many thanks for the welcome to the forum,long overdue getting on here.Thanks for taking the time out to give some input into the questions I raised.This is the great thing about forums like this,like minded people with knowledge.I have to confess allowing for ventilation on the palmer was the basic thing I didnt give consideration to but I will know now so thanks for that.It does sound the right way for me to go from a recording point of view and for keeping a great sound live so will look at the options on these.

Yeah I am very impressed with the Carol Ann OD2 think an order for this will be winging its way to them in due course.I was aware of Joe using the EV's and having read what you have said I think that may be the way to go.

Again Joe,any input you can give on the topic from your experience,to add to what Justin has said,would be great!

Thanks again

Mark

  • Registered: 2009-07-16
  • Posts: 105

Re: Carol Ann OD2 and speaker cabinet

You should also speak with Alan Phillips, maker of Carol Anne. He noted in a recent thread that asked the differences between the two (50 and 100 watt) that unless you are playing Large halls the 100 watt version is almost unusable. Particularly with a high powered speaker like a 12L.

If you go 100 watts- Get a baffle for live, and an additional acre for your studio. tongue

That said- The OD2 and OD2r are really great amps- I just got done demoing a Tucanna and that is a REALLY great rig. If you play faster single note stuff these have exceptional clarity-

  • Registered: 2010-01-30
  • Posts: 3

Re: Carol Ann OD2 and speaker cabinet

Great info guys very helpful,50 watt it will be then big_smile.I have emailled Alan for some extra info on the amps etc as to date I am not aware of a dealer in the UK which is a real shame so hopefully will hear back from him over next few days but good to hear you recommend them.

As an added note,maybe one of you or someone else out there may know the answer to this question.I have noticed that when Joe mikes his cabs the mikes are on the Z Bars and positioned at the bottom corners of the cabs rather than old school positioning of the speaker (ie-on a boom arm on a stand).Forgive my ignorance on this as it is all a bit new at the moment and this is partly the reason I have joined the forum to benefit from other peoples experiences,but can someone explain the benefit of miking the way Joe does,is this again down to the volume he is playing at and is the best position to avoid any issues when miking or is there an added benefit in sound quality? It also seems like a very quick way of setting up miking the cabs.

I have been reading elsewhere about the plexi screens Joe has been using and different people making the recommended V shape ones so will have to do a bit more research on this and source the 1/4 thickness panels here in UK.If anyone has any info on this front again would be appreciated especially on the hinges to best use and any sources for materials in UK.

Thanks again

6 Reply by Zimuel (edited by Zimuel 2010-10-16 01:40:22)

  • Registered: 2010-10-08
  • Posts: 1

Re: Carol Ann OD2 and speaker cabinet

I suggest to you to look for your speaker's cabinet in ikea. Actually, I bought my cabinet in this online store. There are many choices of cabinets that I think one of them is suitable to your speakers.

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