2x12 or 1x15 for second GK cab

[TheVoiceless]

Hey TB,

I wanted to ask the great minds of TB which cabinet would you prefer as your second cab? I just purchased a GKNEO2x12 from the classifieds on TB. I am looking to add a second cab, and can't decide which cab I want.

I am running the cabs with a GK1001RBII. My previous rig was the same head with a 4x10 and 1x15, older style pre-biamp GK cabs. I was curious about 12" speakers, so I tried them out and bought the NEO2x12 based on that. They can get nice and low without becoming muddy. Plus having this is the first time I am running my amp using the biamp system. So I am getting nice treble and high mids from the NEO2x12.

Now, I can honestly say I really liked how my older 1x15 sounded on its own ( and combined ). Something about the single speaker and the full sound it produced. Which I why I was considering it when adding a second cab to my rig.

This is what I've got so far, Reasons for buying a second 2 x12--- I think they can produce enough low end for me and are easier to find used, and has a better/easier resale. But then I have two of the same cabs.

Reasons for buying the 1x15, it will fill out the low end nicely, I will have an option when only needing one cab, but hard to buy/sell used.

So what combination are you a fan of. Any insight is very appreciated.

[Wadge]

The mere fact that a 15 is bigger than a 12 need not necessarily mean that the 15 will go lower. There are other factors at play.

As much as I like 15's I would go with another Neo 2x12.

[blackba]

If you do a search you will see some threads on how it is generally best to not mix speaker sizes. Thus my vote is for another 2X12....

[RickenBoogie]

Yes, 2 of the same, always.

[kosmicwizard]

4x12 is killer! Grats! Cheers.

[PSPookie]

Yeah, with a second 2x12 people in the 1st 4 rows will have their faces melted and you will get planty of lows.

[TheVoiceless]

Originally Posted by blackba

If you do a search you will see some threads on how it is generally best to not mix speaker sizes. Thus my vote is for another 2X12....

I was going to mention, that I've heard about phasing issues when using mismatched speakers.

I used to run a 1x15 with 4x10 cabs, and can honestly liked the sound, but would rather avoid the phasing issue. I could tell that my overall sound was not unified.

[basswalker2004]

Originally Posted by TheVoiceless

Hey TB,

I wanted to ask the great minds of TB which cabinet would you prefer as your second cab? I just purchased a GKNEO2x12 from the classifieds on TB. I am looking to add a second cab, and can't decide which cab I want.

I am running the cabs with a GK1001RBII. My previous rig was the same head with a 4x10 and 1x15, older style pre-biamp GK cabs. I was curious about 12" speakers, so I tried them out and bought the NEO2x12 based on that. They can get nice and low without becoming muddy. Plus having this is the first time I am running my amp using the biamp system. So I am getting nice treble and high mids from the NEO2x12.

Now, I can honestly say I really liked how my older 1x15 sounded on its own ( and combined ). Something about the single speaker and the full sound it produced. Which I why I was considering it when adding a second cab to my rig.

This is what I've got so far, Reasons for buying a second 2 x12--- I think they can produce enough low end for me and are easier to find used, and has a better/easier resale. But then I have two of the same cabs.

Reasons for buying the 1x15, it will fill out the low end nicely, I will have an option when only needing one cab, but hard to buy/sell used.

So what combination are you a fan of. Any insight is very appreciated.

I'm using a little MB150S/112 with an Aguilar GS112 and it sounds great. The GS112 is a very deep warm cab.
I've heard the Bagend 115 used as an extension and that does a nice job as well. just my 2 cents

Oh and some of the best rigs I've ever heard and played had mixed speaker sizes... 10's, 12's 15's etc... I think it is how they are set up etc...

[Hutzbordello]

Mark Bass 2-1X12's or 2X10 w/ 1x15 - Whats better??

[TheVoiceless]

Originally Posted by Hutzbordello

Mark Bass 2-1X12's or 2X10 w/ 1x15 - Whats better??

Thanks!!

Well I have always been a fan of "trust your ear", but I really don't have the luxury of doing an apples to apples comparison.

I would have to lean towards the second 2x12. I did crank the lows on the one I own, and it did get low enough for my taste. Plus the resale, and used market value.

I do like the idea of the matched cabs.

[Daniel Piper]

I have both of these cabs. I find that the 212-II has (to my ear) a slightly fuller low end at low and high volume, in relation to it's midrange output. The 115-III sounds a little more boxy. Two of either would be awesome though.

To be honest, I find the 212 easier to pick up, as the handles are higher. I love both cabs.

[TheVoiceless]

Originally Posted by Daniel Piper

I have both of these cabs. I find that the 212-II has (to my ear) a slightly fuller low end at low and high volume, in relation to it's midrange output. The 115-III sounds a little more boxy. Two of either would be awesome though.

To be honest, I find the 212 easier to pick up, as the handles are higher. I love both cabs.

Cool, was hoping to hear from someone with experience with these cabs. I am looking for the "rock sound". Rumbling lows, but with clarity and articulation in the mids and highs. "FULL" is a word I would use for the sound I am looking for.

The other reason I considered the 1x15 as apposed to a second 2x12, is that it may sound more focused. Where the second 2x12 may be too powerful, and could get muddy.

But I am leaning 2x12.

[Daniel Piper]

I'm pretty sure the neo series isn't really too capable of mud, unless you try real hard to eq it in.

When I've had to run both cabs together (outdoors and larger gigs) I haven't noticed any notes disappearing or being louder. Sounds good to me.

[Daniel Piper]

As an aside, there are a few well loved 'mixed driver size' cab combinations out there:

Genz Uber 212 w/ 410

TC 210 w/ 212 etc.

[TheVoiceless]

Originally Posted by Daniel Piper

I'm pretty sure the neo series isn't really too capable of mud, unless you try real hard to eq it in.

When I've had to run both cabs together (outdoors and larger gigs) I haven't noticed any notes disappearing or being louder. Sounds good to me.

Not sure which set up you mean? I am guessing both, 2- 2x12's and 1-2x12 & 1-1x15?

[TheVoiceless]

Originally Posted by Daniel Piper

As an aside, there are a few well loved 'mixed driver size' cab combinations out there:

Genz Uber 212 w/ 410

TC 210 w/ 212 etc.

Yeah, I know I've seen other people using mixed cabs, with no problems. I also know some cabs come with a combination of speakers built in.

I'm still leaning towards the 2x12, but this has me scratching my head. I wish I could find these two cabs on display near me so I could compare.

Oh well

[TheVoiceless]

Originally Posted by Wadge

The mere fact that a 15 is bigger than a 12 need not necessarily mean that the 15 will go lower. There are other factors at play.

As much as I like 15's I would go with another Neo 2x12.

LOL!! My mother in-laws boyfriend is nicknamed Wadge

[Daniel Piper]

2 212s are symmetrical

Symmetry is cool.

[DavePlaysBass]

I believe Norm Stockton uses the 212 plus 115 combination with a 1001. I personally really like my Neo115 as an easy to move stand alone cab. But cannot comment on how it blends with the 212.

[Daniel Piper]

That is pretty cool to know.