Low volume sound is great - I use the amp at low volumes most of the time except for gigs. I have no experience with the XL but I suspect Aspen developed it to avoid having to buy a sub. I prefer having a separate sub because I don’t bring the sub with me for keyboard gigs and then I have a lighter rig.




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what sub do you currently use?
how have you found it for practice? w/o a sub

I have a Seismic Audio Mini Tremor - I started with the Really Mini Tremor but the bass response was not sufficient. I use the sub all the time when I practice. I used the Spacestation by itself at a Farmer's Market that normally does not allow any amplification and the projection was great but not much bass response. This speaker is not suitable by itself to get the low end. I would opt for either a subwoofer or getting the new model. The stereo sound distribution of the speaker is fantastic and well worth opting for the sub or the newer model. Every time I have used it I have received comments from other band members or audience members about the sound.

You have to place the speaker properly to get the benefits - there are detailed instructions on the website and Aspen is very approachable about answering questions. He has several Stickists as customers.

Nice!!! Been thinking about getting the XL Space Station so I don't have to lug around two amps to gigs. Sort of a one size fits all amp.

It is clear that the Spacestation XL was designed in much the same way that PA cabinets are: boosting volume at the expense of low-frequency extension (see the “Speaker Cabinets” section of this for more information); 50Hz is only low for a PA main, though that specification for the Spacestation XL is meaningless without a volume specification (e.g. the ±3dB standard), and reaching that low does not make a subwoofer (i.e. not a compromised subwoofer, as I discussed in the linked post) unnecessary. Mind you, none of this speaks to the value of center-point stereo sound.

I sometimes wonder whether the description of the Stick as a “stereo” instrument influences stickists' gear selection (only the Railboard is stereo, as it provides a panning control in one of its output modes, whilst all other Sticks are dual mono).


EDIT 1: In the following video, Apen Pittman states that the Spacestation XL is “flat” to 50Hz:



That leads me to suspect that the low-frequency curve is quite steep.

EDIT 2: For the price of a Spacestation XL, one could buy any one of the single-woofer fEARful or Fearless cabs and a power amp.

The Spacestation works best if you use a stereo effects processor in front of it and adjust the width knob to taste. In addition, you need to experiment with placement - usually on the floor or in the corner (if available) is best. I get unsolicited comments (mostly from bandmates) on how easy it is to hear me - even at low volumes. I have been happy with the Seismic Audio subwoofer but I have not tried an alternative.

I most often use a AER Compact 60 amp for melody and a AER Amp Three for bass. Made for acoustic instruments really and very robust. Fantastic amps, does not color the sound very much and works great for the Stick. Also like the StepAbout pre. But gear is all about personal preferences. Preferences change depending on kind of music, how loud and a shitload of other stuff. I could play through whatever to be honest. I don’t care that much.

This is my latest Stick accessory. I bought a commercial building with a small stage. It's on the main street in a town, 10 minutes from my house. If I make enough noise, I might have to get a liquor license for the place.