Atomic CLR: wedge vs cab, low volume performance

[Verne Bunsen]

Hello all,

After much hemming, hawing, second-guessing and re-considering, I have just pulled the trigger on a Line 6 Helix; I'm so excited about this that I could just about puke, but that's a different thread. It's about 4-6 weeks out, so I've got that long to figure out how I'm going to get the sounds out of the Helix and into the air. This is a big departure for me as I've long been a tube amp / analog signal path guy. As such, I really want to give this new rig the tools IT needs to sound as good as it can. I don't want a killer piece of gear to be neutered by a poor performing speaker. So between things I've read here and other research, I keep coming back to the Atomic CLR. Seems like the one to have. Given that, I have a couple of questions for folks who actually have experience with them.

They come in two configurations: wedge and cab. The price point is the same and they seem to have the same technology, is there a difference between the two other than the physical dimensions? I'm inclined to lean toward the cab version as I could put it on my amp stand and have something that feels familiar. Also the cab version is actually in stock....

Most of the reviews I've encountered make comment that there is plenty of volume on tap, but the other end of the spectrum is also relevant for me. Do these units perform at "bedroom volume"?

Thanks in advance for any input!

VB

 

[Timmsie95]

You, my friend, are torture...
I've been spending most of my time lately looking into this sort of thing, because I plan on buying a Helix Rack when I can. I was first going to get a Mission Gemini 2 powered cab, but then found Matrix, and now I'm going for a GT1000FX power amp and FR212 cab. It's the most versatile I could find, because I can also run a stadard 412 through the power amp.
I did also look at the Atomic cabs, and I'm pretty sure the wedge and cab are the same exact thing in a different enclosure. The cab may give you a sense of more bottom end, because of the angle of the speaker, but other than that, I believe they are the same.

When you get it, and have the time to run it through it's paces, post your views on it! I've been absolutely obsessed with the thing since it came out...  :icon_thumright:

EDIT: Now I've gone and looked into the CLR's a bit more and I think I want a pair... It will Allow me to get a 4 space rack instead of a 6 space.. Thank you... haha

 

[Verne Bunsen]

Always glad to help others spend their money, haha! I looked at the Gemini 2 and the Mission FR212 as well, I like that they still have the guitar amp look about them.

When you get it, and have the time to run it through it's paces, post your views on it! I've been absolutely obsessed with the thing since it came out...  :icon_thumright:

You can count on that. I'd venture that you probably won't be able to get me to shut up about it...

 

[Timmsie95]

I Can't really decide which monitors I'll end up going with...
There seems to be so many mixed opinions about all the FRFR's, I can't trust seeing one bad review, when I've seen so many good reviews about them. I think they're probably all amazing, just certain people may have had a bad experience with them.

 

[stratamania]

Personally I would go for a wedge for versatility. Good review of it in this video. You can also use the wedge like a cab or put it on a pole.

[youtube]QcJpPd2Hd4E[/youtube]

 

[Timmsie95]

Would there be enough room on the wedge to put a rack on top of it, if you have it on it's side?  That's how I'd be using it in most situations. (Not my post, but I'm interested too)

 

[stratamania]

It certainly seems possible. Here's someone doing it. But certainly a rack would sit nicely on two of them ( GAS Alert warning )

By the way the Matrix products you mentioned are also good. The customer service from both Atomic and Matrix I've found to be very good. I don't think you'd go far wrong with either.

http://youtu.be/zGvMrPXvqIk

 

[Verne Bunsen]

Personally I would go for a wedge for versatility. Good review of it in this video. You can also use the wedge like a cab or put it on a pole.

That is a good video. It was his Helix video that was really the clincher for me. Don't know his body of work, but I always enjoy his videos. The versatility of the wedge is a pretty convincing point.

 

[stratamania]

Yes, Pete Thorn, is doing some of the best demos on YouTube, he is quite a prolific sideman. You can check him out on his website http://www.peterthorn.com

He is also quite active on some other forums.

Also his album Guitar Nerd, is well worth checking out.

http://www.peterthorn.com

 

[Timmsie95]

His video on the clr, and on the helix both turned me towards the two, haha.  I like his videos.

 

[Verne Bunsen]

Also his album Guitar Nerd, is well worth checking out.

Thanks for that! Streaming it as we speak whilst I work on this Black Korina Strat of mine. Life is good!

 

[Cagey]

[The CLRs] come in two configurations: wedge and cab. The price point is the same and they seem to have the same technology, is there a difference between the two other than the physical dimensions? I'm inclined to lean toward the cab version as I could put it on my amp stand and have something that feels familiar. Also the cab version is actually in stock....

Most of the reviews I've encountered make comment that there is plenty of volume on tap, but the other end of the spectrum is also relevant for me. Do these units perform at "bedroom volume"? 

I have two Atomic Active CLR wedges, and love them. I considered the traditional rectangular configuration, but they're not quite as versatile and they're an odd size to put anything on top of them without looking goofy. Sound-wise, I'm sure they're the same. So where's the versatility? Positioning. The wedge can be used as a low backline aimed up or out, a front stage monitor,  and a high backline aimed out. They have a TON of power and can hit 120db-130db SPLs cleanly all day long, so volume is not an issue in any event. The cabs aren't as much good in any low position or as front stage monitors. You may only ever use the wedges in one role, but it's good to have options and if the cost/performance is the same, why not get it all? The only caveat I might add is that trapezoidal-shaped boxes don't stack as well as square/rectangular ones. But, they're fairly light (45lbs). Put on top of other stuff for transport.

As for high/low volume differences, I live in a condo and so generally only play at low volumes. But, they sound fantastic. No difference in tone from high volume like you get with many speakers. Other than the Fletcher/Munson effect due to our ears rather than the speaker's performance, they sound great no matter what you do. You just have to compensate your EQ if you're gonna crank 'em, which is true of any speakers. Some guys even end up creating different presets set up specifically for at home or live levels.

I put one on a pole on either side of my DAW, with the rack under one of them on a frame stand. 

 

[Logrinn]

That is a seriously impressive setup!

 

[stratamania]

What are the boxes underneath your stands Cagey ?

 

[Cagey]

Those are a pair of Carvin LS1202 PA speakers. I bought those originally for the AxeFx, but wasn't as impressed as I thought I'd be. They're full-range and sound great, but they're designed for PA systems so they're not flat-response and are more like high-power handling stereo loudspeakers than you'd like for a modeling amp.

 

[Verne Bunsen]

Thanks for all of that Cagey, excellent info. To reiterate what Logrinn said, that is a killer rig you've got there!

 

[stratamania]

Thanks Cagey.

 

[Timmsie95]

Just when I thought i had made up my decision with a pair of active cabs, I'm consitering the wedges... Haha.
Maybe one of each..

 

[Cagey]

Those CLR wedges are active. 600 watts each. They'll take your head off.

 

[Timmsie95]

The drummer I usually play with is very loud. They'd be put to good use..  :laughing7:
My thinking is with one cab style, and one wedge style, I could put the wedge on the cab for a stacked backline look, or use one as a backline, and one as a monitor wedge, or even put the wedge on the cab in the slant position.