5-String Bass: Cabinet and Speaker Needs

masterforrest · #1 08-20-2011, 09:43 PM

I'm thinking about buying a SWR 210T (Workingman's 2x10 Cabinet) for my rig. Is this compatible with my 5-string bass?

Or do I need a cabinet with larger speakers?

Also, please feel free to provide other suggestions. I'm thinking of pairing this cab with a David Eden WT-450 Time Traveler Head.

Thanks!

Mirios · #2 08-20-2011, 09:48 PM

My five string sounded fine through one. If it has the volume you need I would think it would be fine. I've noticed cabinet design/quality helping my low B more than speaker size. I'm a layman when it comes to cabs though.

masterforrest · #3 08-20-2011, 10:14 PM

I just ran across the frequency response for the WorkingPro 2X10.

What the heck does "98 dB SPL @ 1W1M (-3dB @ 63Hz and 18.5KHz)" mean?

What is the Hz of the lowest string of a 5-string bass?

senkakureiken · #4 08-20-2011, 10:16 PM

I beleive a low B is 31 hz.

masterforrest · #5 08-20-2011, 10:31 PM

Thank you.

I looked and their SWR WorkingPro 1X15 says, "100 dB SPL @ 1W1M (-3dB @ 40Hz and 18KHz)." Thus, a larger speaker is probably better for lower strings.

dhomer · #6 08-20-2011, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masterforrest

I just ran across the frequency response for the WorkingPro 2X10.

What the heck does "98 dB SPL @ 1W1M (-3dB @ 63Hz and 18.5KHz)" mean?

What is the Hz of the lowest string of a 5-string bass?

Keep in mind you have to take manufacturers claims w/a grain of salt.. OK an 80 pound bag of it..

What this means, if you took this cab, fed it one watt of power, placed a measuring device one meter in front of the cab and fed it white noise, this is supposedly what the frequency response/sound pressure levels would be

Bass frequencies don't go much over 3K Hz.. 18.5Khz is a useless spec.. On the other side, we pretty much ignore the fundamental.. In reality is sound that is felt more than heard. -3dB@63Hz tells me that B-string is going to be a little weak.. Low60's is obviously the first harmonic of the B which is largely what you really hear. An ideal cab for a fiver should be flat between 60-100Hz, and enough xmax (displacement limitations) to be able to use a significant amount of power before fartout (exceeding xmax)..

IMO, if you are looking for cabs specifically designed for fivers.. fEARful™ enclosures for bass/drums/keys