4x10 + 1x15 = Heaven

Lichtaffen · #1 06-02-2010, 08:51 AM

I was never really a believer in tall stacks, but last night I tried my Markbass LMII into my Markbass 4x10 and an EV 1x15 that was lying around the rehearsal space. What a monsterous difference! My tone just came alive. The dynamics were amazing, I barely had to touch the strings and the bass sang. When I dug in the tone was so aggressive. It was the first time the band asked me to turn down. Being an ex-guitard who swore by 4x12 cabs, I'm surprised I never went down this path before. I figured I'd stay small and lightweight since I own a VW Golf, but now I'm convinced. I see a Markbass 1x15 in my future.

I'm just raving, feel free to chime in.

jelwood · #2 06-02-2010, 08:56 AM

Congrats!

However, did you consider that it...

Could have just been that the speakers were more at your ear level? Not to sound mean here, but back when I just had a 410, it really made a difference to elevate it off the ground some so that it was more leveled with my ears. Try doing that without the 15 if you can, see if you can get the same tone you were loving. Might just save you a couple of bills!

Lichtaffen · #3 06-02-2010, 09:04 AM

I thought about that too. I should just unplug the 1x15 and see if there's much of a difference. Plus when you run two cabs from the Markbass LMII it switches from 300 watts to 500. As long as I'm in this band I know I'm welcome to use the 1x15. I wouldn't buy one until I really needed to. Thanks for the advice. You weren't being mean.

billfitzmaurice · #4 06-02-2010, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lichtaffen

I thought about that too. I should just unplug the 1x15 and see if there's much of a difference.

There will be. Running virtually any two cabs together will sound better than either one alone. That's just the nature of how speakers work. There's nothing particular magical about the 4x10 and 1x15 combination. It's actually a mis-match.

BassmanPaul · #5 06-02-2010, 09:29 AM

A 4x10 and a 1x15 is not a match made in heaven. The 4x10 will be more efficient, handle more power and probably go lower than the 1x15. The single cone will limit your systems abilities.

Paul

stratovani · #6 06-02-2010, 09:30 AM

Must be nice to be young. My old age and bad back prevent me from lugging these monstrous cabinets around. 100-watt combo DI'd into the PA for me!

metalinthenight · #7 06-02-2010, 09:34 AM

I recently traded m 8x10 for my Aggie 410 and 115 and I like it alot. I was worried about the whole height issue too (i need to have the cabs up near my ears).

I still love this combination though. I guess you could argue that its all about the cabinet design, but I really like the way these cabinets are working for me. Glad to hear you like the set up!

bobwhite · #8 06-02-2010, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stratovani

Must be nice to be young. My old age and bad back prevent me from lugging these monstrous cabinets around. 100-watt combo DI'd into the PA for me!

FYI--Markbass cabs are so light, even someone my age can do it. Bet you can move them, too.

To the OP--did you change your eq settings/filters on the head any? I have another thread where I have been working with a new SD800 and a TRV102P and TRV151P and the amp's eq settings and filters have really shaped up the sound with these cabs.

Lichtaffen · #9 06-02-2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobwhite

FYI--Markbass cabs are so light, even someone my age can do it. Bet you can move them, too.

To the OP--did you change your eq settings/filters on the head any? I have another thread where I have been working with a new SD800 and a TRV102P and TRV151P and the amp's eq settings and filters have really shaped up the sound with these cabs.

That 4x10 is so deceptively light. I'm 40 (not over that hill just yet), but I need to lug these alone, but I can maneuver this cab around very easily especially through doorways.

I played with the setting a little bit, but I'm the kind of guy who changes settings constantly, so my opinion on this won't matter. I like the way Markbass amps sound like the bass you're playing. I felt they were too clean until I used this setup. With this setup there is some grit in my sound when I dig in. I did turn the low bass EQ down and bring up the mids to compensate and it blended nicely with the sound of the band.

We're playing a cookout in a couple of weeks and I can't wait to use this setup live. I usually complain about not being able to "feel" my sound, but maybe that has to do with the height of the 4x10 as a previous poster mentioned.

Lichtaffen · #10 06-02-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

A 4x10 and a 1x15 is not a match made in heaven. The 4x10 will be more efficient, handle more power and probably go lower than the 1x15. The single cone will limit your systems abilities.

Paul

Paul,
Do you think it's better to run 2 4x10's instead? I'm open to suggestions. My intention for buying a 4x10 over anything else was because I wanted the sound closest to an 8x10 without the weight.

change-jug · #11 06-02-2010, 01:41 PM

I`ve been running a newer Fender 410 with my first 115(also a fender cab) powered by a Ampeg SVT-350. I mainly did it as a joke so I could tease my buddy/guitar player and tell him I had a full stack. Even though the 115 cab is older and kind of crappy the combo is really loud(and I have to admit,it`s awesome to have a stack). I agree though, I think some of it has to do with one of the cabs being at ear level. Some one said that it`s a mis-matched combination. Can some one explain?

kesslari · #12 06-02-2010, 01:46 PM

First - cool that you've found a sound you like! That's great.
Now some details:

2 cabs will tend to sound better than 1, and getting your 410 up off the ground also helps.
So you've found "better" and that makes you think about "best" (or at least "even better still!")

The trick would be to get hold of another good 410 and A/B the two stacks. It's hard to say which will sound better (and which you'll like better) without doing so. It's *likely* that 2 410's will sound better than a 410 and 114, but it's not 100% certain. Your ears are your best guide.

BassmanPaul · #13 06-02-2010, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lichtaffen

Paul,
Do you think it's better to run 2 4x10's instead? I'm open to suggestions. My intention for buying a 4x10 over anything else was because I wanted the sound closest to an 8x10 without the weight.

IMO it's always better to match your cabinets. That way they are both in phase and you'll have minimal problems with the mating. I went the 2x10 route. One to rehearse, two to gig and all four when I'm in the mood!

Paul

rockambo · #14 06-02-2010, 03:33 PM

Personally, I love the sound of a 15 coupled with 10s. Recently, I've been using 210s with a 115. My days of hauling 90 lbs cabinets are over, but when I did use them, the 115 was lighter so it sat on top. I've only tried two 410s a couple of times, but it seemed to lack some of the warmth and fullness of the 15. 2 410s have a punchy and intense attack, though. I completely agree with all the comments about keeping your amp at ear level. You'll never hear yourself when you're standing over an amp sitting on the floor.

FunkMetalBass · #15 06-02-2010, 03:40 PM

I have a 4x10 and a 1x18. I use a stereo crossover and a stereo power amp.

It beats any 4x10 + 1x15 combination I've ever heard.

Musicman20 · #16 06-02-2010, 03:43 PM

Nothing wrong with mixing speakers as long as it sound good, especially if its the same brand.

Buster Brown · #17 06-02-2010, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobwhite

FYI--Markbass cabs are so light, even someone my age can do it. Bet you can move them, too.

+1,000 !!

Age should NOT be a determining factor when considering MB stuff! I'm nigh on 60 and my CMD121P is a JOY to lug around!!

Unfortunately, it's the SVT4Pro and the 8X10 that breaks my back...

JimmyM · #18 06-02-2010, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

IMO it's always better to match your cabinets. That way they are both in phase and you'll have minimal problems with the mating. I went the 2x10 route. One to rehearse, two to gig and all four when I'm in the mood!

totally agreed paul, but with one caveat...if you like your mismatched rig and get a good sound of it, keep it. i certainly wouldn't go up to victor wooten and tell him he's screwing up by mixing 10"s and 15"s. but what you say is still very true...the laws of audio physics don't magically go away just because someone likes their rig

Eminor3rd · #19 06-02-2010, 10:22 PM

Definitely try two 4x10's

canadian*eh · #20 06-02-2010, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lichtaffen

Do you think it's better to run 2 4x10's instead? I'm open to suggestions. My intention for buying a 4x10 over anything else was because I wanted the sound closest to an 8x10 without the weight.

Speaking as a former owner of a 410 115 setup I would say Yes It is better running 2 410's!! Thats what i switch too and have not regretted it in the least.. Finely Have the Low end and Punch i was always looking for Could not be happier!!! Best Of luck In your search for Better sound!! Cheers mate!!!~Elliot