Ampeg 4x10 vs. 6x10 vs. 8x10

mattyydub · #1 10-21-2011, 07:31 PM

Hey guys, so I got a headlining show coming up, and I believe it's time to upgrade my firepower from my little combo amp. I've already decided on an Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head, but I'm having issues picking an appropriate cab size. I play gigs pretty often, mostly at local, pretty small venues with maybe 60-100 people, but I don't want an opportunity to come up and be out of luck with my sound.

That being said, I'm trying to figure out if I should go with the SVT-4x10, 6x10, or 8x10. Reading reviews it actually seems like people prefer different ones for more than just sheer power and volume. I hope to get over to Guitar Center soon to try them out, but I want all the opinions I can gather. I would love to hear what you guys think, thanks!

Bongokid · #2 10-21-2011, 08:35 PM

I wanna buy a set of Ampeg 412 and stack em'. 812 cab baby.

SactoBass · #3 10-21-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bongokid

I wanna buy a set of Ampeg 412 and stack em'. 812 cab baby.

Yikes! I would hear that all the way up here in Sacramento!

Colonel Monk · #4 10-21-2011, 09:02 PM

What's up Matty?

I've been doing the exact same searching the past few weeks, but with the SVTs little 100W bro ho ho the V4BH.

Now, 810s are king when yer sportin' an SVT - everyone knows that! I had one for a few years about a decade ago. They are tough to move if you don't have a van or a truck.

Half an 810 is the 410 HE cabinet. They are sealed just like the 810 and have from what I've been told, the same character and an almost identical sound.

Easier to move? Sure, generally.

If you have two of the 410 HE cabs you have an 810! But for smaller gigs you can leave one at home.

The other options from Ampeg are the 410 HLF and the 610 HLF - these are ported cabs that have a deeper bass response. Some people like them, some think they are muddy.

I'm told they like alot of power, you would have that solved with the SVT.

I ended up getting the 410 HE, as that signature ampeg punch really cuts thru a live mix. The 410 HLF and 610 HLF might not cut as well, don't know.

One thing to keep in mind is that the 410 HE is only available in 8ohm. The SVT CL is configured to do 4 ohm or 2 ohm loads. Not sure if this is an issue but I'm sure of these guys will jump in.

FWIW, I used to use my SVT II with a smaller 8 ohm cab the SVT-48HE, and never had any problems. Usually, when you have issues is going the other way, trying to run a 4ohm load off the 8ohm tap.

Have fun!

Sinomis666 · #5 10-21-2011, 09:33 PM

Hi I've just brought a 410hlf& it's is so far great! Been usin it with my classic but,there is alot of bottom end, I like mids!so I just set the mid freq setting to "1" I've normally play 300 to 500 cap venues but I only need to be heard on stage so in my opinion a 410 hlf is all I need & the pa does the rest,but now I've got three arena dates supporting meatloaf so here goes the real test of wether or not it can cut it on a arena style stage!

waleross · #6 10-21-2011, 09:48 PM

It narrows down to the 410HLF or the 810 either one or both, IMO pass on the Ampeg 610HLF ....

JimmyM · #7 10-21-2011, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waleross

It narrows down to the 410HLF or the 810 either one or both, IMO pass on the Ampeg 610HLF ....

I like the 610HLF. It's not as low as the 410HLF, and if you don't think the 810e goes low enough (sacrilege but there are a handful of people who feel that way), the 610HLF falls nicely in between the two.

the dude · #8 11-09-2011, 07:28 PM

Had all 3 (410hlf, then 610hlf, then 810.)
Sold the 410 and 610.
The 810 is my last big (more than 210) cab.

hulchihulch · #9 11-09-2011, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattyydub

Hey guys, so I got a headlining show coming up, and I believe it's time to upgrade my firepower from my little combo amp. I've already decided on an Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head, but I'm having issues picking an appropriate cab size. I play gigs pretty often, mostly at local, pretty small venues with maybe 60-100 people, but I don't want an opportunity to come up and be out of luck with my sound.

That being said, I'm trying to figure out if I should go with the SVT-4x10, 6x10, or 8x10. Reading reviews it actually seems like people prefer different ones for more than just sheer power and volume. I hope to get over to Guitar Center soon to try them out, but I want all the opinions I can gather. I would love to hear what you guys think, thanks!

I've always leaned towards either going all out or not. If you are playing headlining shows in medium and up venues with an SVT buy the 810. Not only is it important to you to have your dream rig but it does something for all those watching. You'll feel more confident and the fans will see the "Show" they paid to see and all the beautiful gear that goes with it. I say go all out and go big... what do you have to lose!?

vistacruiser · #10 11-09-2011, 07:57 PM

I bought the 610hlf for it's size, and use a '77 SVT head. It was too boomy for me, even plugged into bright. I really like the 810 sound so I closed up the ports with a small plywood panel, it has helped quite a bit and it sounds great, but still not an 810. Get the 810.

rodl2005 · #11 11-09-2011, 08:07 PM

Imo, for size/tone/weight-
the Bergantino NV610 is the best option if you're looking for the sealed SVT810 sound in a smaller, more manageable package

BogeyBass · #12 11-09-2011, 08:44 PM

4x10=pass 6x10pass 8x10 ok 2x8x10 =good.

serious thou i agree alot with hulchihulch and his attitude and opinions on showmanship.
for sure agree "going all out or not" in fact not really a excuse to not get a 8x10.

sure you can "get away" with most venues with a 4x10....but then you think ' maybe another 2 speakers would be nice....but then if your going to lug 6 why not 8?

i already played a 8x10 and when we booked bigger shows and then a tour.....i found myself lugging around 2 x 8x10.
was it for shear over the edge volume...ummmm kinda...but it was more a presence thing and a extremly full sound...no volume madness...just presence and tone.

so when i went to a "lighter" rig i went back down to one 8x10.
and now a pair of 2x15. But i still drag around that 8x10 even for living room or home jams.
so if my old grumpy butt can drag around this tank....time to step up. Is the 8x10 the best sound in the world...no....but when i plug it in, it will sound like bass. trust me it will sound like BASS

punkrockmike · #13 11-10-2011, 01:15 AM

i've owned all three, and agree with bogey bass. 410 was barely ok. paired it with a 115 and that was a little better. tried out a 610 and that blew the 410 115 stack away. the 610 was also REALLY easy to move around with the built in dolly AND side handles. but then eventually i had the same thought that BogeyBass had, "if your going to lug 6 why not 8?" got a great deal on an 810 (which seem to be going for really cheap these days) and im never lookin back. by far the best tone ive heard (and FELT) thus far. it is a bit heavier and doesnt have the side handles which were really nice for snaking through tight spaces (like the stairways and doorways to the basement shows my band usually plays) but the sound and feel is well worth it. thinkin about getting a 215 to put next to it