2x15 or 6x10?

[adivin]

Originally Posted by gregwatts2008

In my early years, I used a 2x15 cab. As I searched out my tone over the years, I came to the conclusion that a 6x10 cab is much more articulate than the 15s. There are so many variables that go into a "better" sound. I push my 6x10 SWR with a GK 2001 RB and the basses I use are all active. This works for me.

+1

[Lowactnsatsfctn]

Originally Posted by Tuned

The OBC115 uses a 400W version of the Eminence Legend CB158, 98dB sensitivity, usually another 1dB efficiency from a vented cabinet for 99dB for one cabinet, 102dB sensitivity for two.

The SWR GoLight 4x10 has 105dB sensitivity with the same 800W total power handling, meaning it's 3dB or 41% louder than two OBC115's, and weighs 10lbs less than _one_ OBC115.

No way I'm lugging 132lbs of bass cab when 56lbs outdrives it and sounds just fine to me. Who here really likes their 2x15 tone THAT much better?

I wouldn't haul those around either, My 115 cabs weigh less than an unloaded OBC115. That pair is quite a bit heavier than an your average 215. They just seem a little over priced if that's the woofer they use, its like 120$.

A lot depends on the 610 and 115 cabs of the OP. There is so many variables open without knowing the brands. He could have an average 610, and a killer custom 115. Or a killer 610 that doesn't work well with his gear

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by Tuned

The OBC115 uses a 400W version of the Eminence Legend CB158, 98dB sensitivity, usually another 1dB efficiency from a vented cabinet for 99dB for one cabinet, 102dB sensitivity for two.

The SWR GoLight 4x10 has 105dB sensitivity with the same 800W total power handling, meaning it's 3dB or 41% louder than two OBC115's, and weighs 10lbs less than _one_ OBC115.

No way I'm lugging 132lbs of bass cab when 56lbs outdrives it and sounds just fine to me. Who here really likes their 2x15 tone THAT much better?

Me. Though partly, I dislike both 4x10 cabs and SWR cabs, so your setup wouldn't work for me. I'd also guess that my 2x15 is louder than the Orange 1x15 cabs.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by back2thefuture

. Recently I acquired a 300W 8 ohm 1x15 cab and I must say I enjoy the tone more so than my 6x10.

if you're digging the tone of one 15 more than you are the entire 6x10 cab, then the choice is a no-brainer; wrangle that second identical 15 cab and you'll be lovin' it!

i'm a proud dual 15 cabs user myself.







("cough15s rulecough")

[Arjank]

Originally Posted by FretlessMainly

For what it's worth, the 6x10 has a considerably larger speaker area: 471 sq in for the 6x10 to 353 sq in for the 2x15s, so you'll move about 30% more air with the 6x10.

1. A doubling of the cone area will give you +3dB, so the 30% increase is almost inaudible.
2. On average a 15 has a higher xmax then a 10. So mechanically you probably can move more air with 2x15 then 6x10.

So, if you really like the tone of the 115 more then the 610, sell the 610 and buy the same 115 you allready have. You probably will be able to produce the same max spl then with the 610.

[sprag]

Originally Posted by Arjank

1. A doubling of the cone area will give you +3dB, so the 30% increase is almost inaudible.

Been a while since I did physics so I may be wrong but isn't db a log ten ratio? meaning 10db increase is 10 times louder and 3db increase is approx twice as loud


I love my 2 15s so much I bought a third

[Arjank]

Originally Posted by sprag

Been a while since I did physics so I may be wrong but isn't db a log ten ratio? meaning 10db increase is 10 times louder and 3db increase is approx twice as loud

10dB is twice as loud (you need 10 times the cone area, or 10 times the power in watts)
3dB is audible (you need twice the cone area or twice the power in watts)

[droopman]

Go light! I use 4 10 and 1 15. Mostly use the 4 10s to play out!

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by Arjank

10dB is twice as loud (you need 10 times the cone area, or 10 times the power in watts)
3dB is audible (you need twice the cone area or twice the power in watts)

I can definitely hear the difference between my LMIII head with one Traveler 151P @ 8 ohms and 300w, and two 151Ps at 4 ohms and 500w. If that's 3db, I'm all for it!

Frankly, since there are custom cabs out there that are so lightweight and can still outperform anything else, I don't know why we all don't want to save up for one or two of them. I'm saving for a Barefaced Compact (1x15, 27 lbs.), maybe two, or a Midget for a second cab. I KNOW it will be worth it. They will beat my Markbass cabs in every way. Why haul heavy stuff these days?

[Arjank]

Originally Posted by Russell L

I can definitely hear the difference between my LMIII head with one Traveler 151P @ 8 ohms and 300w, and two 151Ps at 4 ohms and 500w. If that's 3db, I'm all for it!

Thats not 3dB.
If your amp can put out (allmost)twice the power at 4ohms then you'll gain allmost 6dB when you have two identical 8ohm cabinets running parallel. (3dB from doubling the cone area and 3dB from doubling the watts....)

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by Arjank

Thats not 3dB.
If your amp can put out (allmost)twice the power at 4ohms then you'll gain allmost 6dB when you have two identical 8ohm cabinets running parallel. (3dB from doubling the cone area and 3dB from doubling the watts....)

Ok, I see. Anyway, it sounds great with two speakers and the extra 200w. Whaddaya think, maybe a 2db increase? A little more schlepping trouble, but not bad with lightweight cabs.

[godofthunder59]

No 10's here 15s all the way..........................sometimes I toss a 4x12 up there with the 15s

[Arjank]

Originally Posted by Russell L

Ok, I see. Anyway, it sounds great with two speakers and the extra 200w. Whaddaya think, maybe a 2db increase? A little more schlepping trouble, but not bad with lightweight cabs.

I think you'll gain 2+3dB (2 for the extra watts and 3 for the extra cab).
There are also two other things that will add some extra efficiency in the lower mids.
1. The bafflestep. Since the baffle gets bigger when you stack two cabs, the bafflestep frequency will drop to a lower frequency which, to the ear, makes the sound a bit more hefty. Sidenote:the bafflestep will increase more(to a lower frequency) when you broaden the cabinet.
2. two 15's stacked will also start to act as a line array from a certain frequency on, this will also increase the efficiency a bit (in front of the cabinet)

[warnergt]

Another 2x15 lover here.
Go for it!

[back2thefuture]

For those asking about brand/models, the 6x10 is an Ashdown ABM (China) and the 1x15 is an Ashdown ABM compact (UK). Head is an Ashdown ABM EVOII (UK).

I would definitely be using matched cabs if I decided to add another 1x15. A guy locally is selling one. Did the 4x10 thing for a while, but it wasn't for me.

My main concern is regarding loss of volume. I don't want to sacrifice so much that it becomes a downgrade. Was also concerned with pushing the smaller cabs too hard and risking damage.

[Arjank]

Originally Posted by back2thefuture

My main concern is regarding loss of volume. I don't want to sacrifice so much that it becomes a downgrade.

I don't think you'll lose any volume, if so then it's only in the mids.
If you like the sound of the 115 more then I wouldn't hesitate, sell the 610 and buy the 115.

[johnpbass]

After playing 10s and 12s for many years, I've also gone back to 2-15s.
Comes down to what sounds best to your ears though. As others have already noted, I'd say if you like the sound of the 15 better that the sound of the 610 cab, add a second 15. It's more of what you already like.

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by back2thefuture

For those asking about brand/models, the 6x10 is an Ashdown ABM (China) and the 1x15 is an Ashdown ABM compact (UK). Head is an Ashdown ABM EVOII (UK).

I would definitely be using matched cabs if I decided to add another 1x15. A guy locally is selling one. Did the 4x10 thing for a while, but it wasn't for me.

My main concern is regarding loss of volume. I don't want to sacrifice so much that it becomes a downgrade. Was also concerned with pushing the smaller cabs too hard and risking damage.

FYI, my Markbass 8 ohm 151P cabs are rated at 400w and have an efficiency rating of 100db. One cab alone with my LMIII head at 300w is enough volume for 90% of my gigs with various bands at moderate volume in medium (sometimes even large) venues. The second cab makes it 500w and, of course, adds displacement. The two cabs at 500w is loud enough without PA support for anything I do. As a matter of fact I couldn't stand it any louder. And (I'm gonna run fast after I say this), but the rig sounds as good as the Ampeg V4 + 810 I've also played at some venues.

[Calaverasgrande]

the prevailing wisdom is that you cant generalize about driver size. Not all 15" speakers sound the same, not even the same exact drivers in different cabinets sound the same. EG Sealed vs ported vs horn loaded.
That all on the table, I tend to like 15" cabs over any others. Most EV and JBL 15" instrument drivers sound fantastic to me. Give me two or more and I am happy.
IME 15 speakers have a certain upper mid emphasis that works really well with bass guitar. Especially Stingrays and Fender Jazz basses.
8x10 or 6x10 cabs may get louder, but they dont have that upper mid hump.
Well they do, but it is higher usually.

[NDpeppers]

2 1x15's all the way!