Anyone not against mixing speaker sizes?

[Tinderbox]

I'm looking for a second cab to add to my 410. Right now, it's between the Marshall MBC115 (which would aesthetically match the rest of my rig) and the Avatar B210 Neo. I love the 410, but I would not get a second one because it's a burden to carry around.

Most of the threads I've looked at here are filled with people who are against mixing sizes because of phase problems. That's got me leaning towards the 210.

I'm looking for some positive reviews of mixing sizes to balance to scales on my decision.

[JimmyM]

Won't get it from me. I've tried mixed cab rigs before...some sounded alright and some not so good, but I've never liked any of them as well as I liked matching cabs, even before I knew anything about the science of audio.

That said, who am I to argue with those who say they like their mixed cab rigs? They like them, end of story. And matching 410's also aren't perfect acoustically...instead of phase problems, they push all the highs and uppermost mids toward the center of the cab due to a soundwave reaction called "speaker beaming" (too tired to explain it but easily found in an internet search). But I love a good 810 cab and would never sell mine because it rules. But other folks are bothered by it so they might want a different design that doesn't beam highs and upper mids.

So to some people, some things matter, and to others, those same things don't. In the end, it's your money.

[One Drop]

I use other people's reviews and suggestions to help me make an informed decision. Asking for the opinions you want to hear seems a backwards way to make a decision. if you are set on it, just do it, you don't need anyone's permission.

[Mokebass]

Not here.

Without going into detail, my experience is no need to mix speaker sizes. Depending on the venue, a good 4 or 8x10 or good 15, even without going through the PA should be enough.

Only caveat may be some high end expensive cabs...hello Accugroove... with different speaker sizes in the cabinet but cant comment as have not used them.

[Calaverasgrande]

I have had a couple mixed rigs. The best sounding ones were 2x12 and 15 and 4x10 and 2x15. But beyond speaker sizes different brands of the same size speaker sound much more different. I used to run a 1x15 EV and a 1x15 JBL. One sounded big and pillowy, the other deep and punchy. Immense bass sound.

[bassybill]

I like my 210 and 115 rig - the two cabs bring different stuff to the table. I know of the technical issues but I can't say I've noticed any problems on stage. Works for me.

[James Judson]

PA guys mix and match speakers/cabinets all the time. They apparently do not come here. Mixing and matching cabinets is a hit or miss thing and your results will vary. You will only know when you try. Or you could find someone that is successful and copy them.

It does make a lot of sense to match a good sounding cabinet with another just like it.

[soulman969]

Used 2x10 and 1x15 and 2x10 and 2x15 but the only 4x10 I used was a stand alone cab. I was advised not to match a 15 cab to it so I didn't.

[kevteop]

What if you wash a speaker, maybe because it got sick on it, and it shrinks?

[Mokebass]

Kev you not helping.

Maybe get a Hartke and just hose it down.

[phatbass]

Phase problems are a cab wiring issue, not a speaker size issue.

[Jenra]

I don't like mixing of 410s and 115 - although i like the mix of 410 and 212 makes up quite a good sound - I use TC electronics rebel stack which stacks in any way i want it to, therefore letting me spread the sound as i want to

[monkeyking]

I used a 410 and 115 way back in the 80's. Sounded good to me. I've also done 210 and 115 and that sounded good too. Of course, back then a lot of PAs had a lot less power and a lot less low end than you commonly see today.

I stick with one cab these days because it's a simpler and I don't need the volume. Either a Berg 410 or the 3 way Avatar.

It can be pricey to mix by trial and error, so opinions are good.

[Rune Bivrin]

Originally Posted by phatbass

Phase problems are a cab wiring issue, not a speaker size issue.

Only correct as far as the lowest frequencies are concerned. As the frequency rises the wave length gets shorter. The differences in distance from the cone surfaces to the ear will cause phase differences, with reinforcement and cancellation depending on frequency and listening angle.

I'd say the most important thing to consider when mixing cabs is how the power will be distributed. Mixing an 8 ohm 410 with an 8 ohm 115 will have them share power equally, which may or may not be a good idea. Mixing an 8 ohm 410 with an 8 ohm 210 will have twice the power per driver in the 210 cab compared to the 410. Which will almost certainly be a bad idea...

[sad_katz]

Honestly, buy whatever that floats your boat. Mixing non-identical cabs will generate some sort of phasing issues but exactly where the phasing issue occurs and by how much it changes the overall tone no one can accurately predict. It's kind of like gambling with your hard earned money.

If you like the speaker combination, then by all means. Just make sure you actually hear and play the combo in person and not buying them sight unseen.

[Windreaper]

Originally Posted by James Judson

PA guys mix and match speakers/cabinets all the time.

PA guys use crossovers.

[vbchaos]

I play an Ashdown ABM4x10 and an older version of the GallienKrueger 210 BLX. I like the combination - The Ashdown is lower/muddy, the GallienKrueger is easier in the highs. Honestly I play this combination because I am still busy updating my rig and the 2x10 will make way for a matching ashdown 2x12, but up to now I really like this combination. If matching cabs is a problem and it sounds that good now, I stay curious

[gfaulkner]

Originally Posted by Mokebass

Kev you not helping.

Maybe get a Hartke and just hose it down.

So thats what Hartke speakers are good for,I've been wondering about that. Anyhoo,2x10&1x15 was a set-up I used for a long time and loved it,I don't play as many gigs that require that volume now,so a 2x10 does fine.Mixing cabs can work but it depends on room size and band volume as a whole.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by James Judson

PA guys mix and match speakers/cabinets all the time. They apparently do not come here. Mixing and matching cabinets is a hit or miss thing and your results will vary. You will only know when you try. Or you could find someone that is successful and copy them.

It does make a lot of sense to match a good sounding cabinet with another just like it.

The different sized drivers in large PA's are crossed over so there is very little or no frequency overlap.

[Nev375]

Different size speakers sometimes works ok, but sometimes it doesn't.
Same size speakers always works ok.

On the plus side, many people could not tell the difference anyway. Much of our hearing is what we think we want to hear.