Which Cab to go with a 15/6

DONZI97 · #1 08-11-2010, 03:59 PM

So I have a GB design fearful 15/6, and now I am thinking about building another to match up with it. Either a 15 sub or a 12/6/1 cube. I know Burning Skies uses the 15 sub with his 15/6, but does anyone have a
12/6/1 on top of the original design. Pros, Cons? I like the idea of having the option of the smaller full range cab for indoor practice, or small gigs, plus maybe use it as stage monitor. Any opinions would be great.

JimmyM · #2 08-11-2010, 04:02 PM

what's the point of adding a second full range cab? and a different sized one at that? it's not going to do the 15/6 any good. add the fearful 115, and if you want a smaller cab for smaller gigs and stuff, build a 12/6. but i can't see any benefit to stacking anything but a 115 under it.

billfitzmaurice · #3 08-11-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

what's the point of adding a second full range cab? and a different sized one at that?

+1. Heresy.

DONZI97 · #4 08-11-2010, 04:12 PM

well, I already have two of the most renowned bass cab experts on here responding...sweet

Bmorefoozler · #5 08-11-2010, 04:13 PM

Ukiah Bass hasa LowdownSound Round port 12/6/1 and 15/6/1 pairing.

He uses a stereo power amp to balance as best as can be. The 15 is both more efficient and capable of more max volume. He very much enjoys the pairing, and they will pair nicely, consider a 12/6/1 cube as a companion with the same footprint. The cab is designed to stack on top.
I also believe that Tom Bowlus is building the exact stack as we speak...

There are pro's and con's to both directions, tonal goals certainly matter. 1 mid and high section may not be enough for two 15" woofers with all tonal goals. You could however simply add an another exact cab with a mirrorred baffle.

I think, that it matters most on yoru personal preference. IF you want a smaller cab, adding the 12 will add something to the 15 to make a big rig, and should be enough to knock down walls, but you will be the ultimate measuring stick.

At least that's how I think I have read and digested the info, I have no personal experience with the products.

rpsands · #6 08-11-2010, 04:14 PM

The 12/6/1, with a 6nd410, matches very well with the 15/6, by all accounts. The phase behavior of the 3012Lf and 3015LF are very similar, and the same mid/hf section are obviously the same. They're designed, the cube model specifically, to stack.

The point is obvious; you get more output (not a full 6db, but close), an output source closer to your head, and a cab that weighs 30% less that you can use for small gigs on your own (or in multiple locations) and get the exact same tone profile (minus 3db of sensitivity).

With the 15 sub you gain more output, but have to run the 6 harder (so you really need an adjustable pad for the midrange, which is a pain in the butt) to achieve parity...and the 6 could easily be blown trying to keep up with two hard run 3015LFs. Hence why the 1515/66 model has two 6's.

Frankly, I wouldn't even consider the 15 sub unless you REALLY need that output. The 12/6/1 is a much better pairing for every circumstance except when you need the scads of output two 3015LFs can offer (rare).

JimmyM · #7 08-11-2010, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pearson206@

well, I already have two of the most renowned bass cab experts on here responding...sweet

well, you had one. i just read what he says and repeat it

Bmorefoozler · #8 08-11-2010, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

well, you had one. i just read what he says and repeat it

I'm a parrot too. I hope that maybe I can respond to things that saves the guru's for new questions.

Sartori · #9 08-11-2010, 05:15 PM

Um... wouldn't a 15/6 go best with another 15/6? Use both when you need the volume, and only one when you don't need to be quite as loud. They don't look that big, come on. Plus, don't they use neos?

rpsands · #10 08-11-2010, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sartori

Um... wouldn't a 15/6 go best with another 15/6? Use both when you need the volume, and only one when you don't need to be quite as loud. They don't look that big, come on. Plus, don't they use neos?

The little guy weighs about 35lbs and is roughly 2/3rds the size of the big guy @ 50lbs.

Yes, a 15/6 would pair best with a 15/6 from a volume perspective. However, it neglects to take into account the enormous convenience advantages offered by a smaller cabinet.

The three modular setups is pretty epic also. 12/6 for small gigs, 15/6 for medium gigs, 12/6 + 15/6 for large gigs.

The determiner is going to be:
How many gigs can I get by with just a 12/6?

If the answer is a lot, it's definitely a better call than another 15.

Sartori · #11 08-11-2010, 05:38 PM

Ah, see, my 15" cab IS my small rig.

lbwdog · #12 08-11-2010, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

The little guy weighs about 35lbs and is roughly 2/3rds the size of the big guy @ 50lbs.
The determiner is going to be:
How many gigs can I get by with just a 12/6?
If the answer is a lot, it's definitely a better call than another 15.

+1
12+6= small jazz gigs, coffee house, duo/trio, acoustic
15+6= medium-large rock/funk gigs, larger band
Stack= big stage/outdoor venues

I was surprised to be able to play even full band dates in medium sized venues with my Dr Bass 1260. I imagine a fEarful 12+6 with a 3012LF would be able to cover almost everything I play.

I've been using my Carvin LS1503 (w/3015LF) on most dates lately, and it's not quite as sensitive as a true fEarful, so I'm considering a fEarful 12+6 to pair with it for the big stages.
I actually have a small 1x15 cab that fits perfectly under the Carvin that I'm thinking about putting a 3015 in.

MooseLumps · #13 08-11-2010, 05:50 PM

Why is everyone always worried about a few more pounds and a couple cubic inches. In the real world, the ability to run quieter is easily accomplished with a 15/6/1 and a volume control. Why cut yourself off at the knees when they are so very close in size and weight.

Another 15/6 is my vote. That way, you don't have to worry about how your mids aren't padded to correctly match the two woofers. Also, you have the flexibility of leaving one at home for practice and one going out to gigs, or as a monitor.

rpsands · #14 08-11-2010, 05:55 PM

Because carrying a 35lb 12/6 one handed through doorways is easy, and carrying a 50lb, much larger 15/6 one handed through doorways is not.

Having played a dozen gigs with my 15/6, I wish I had the money to keep a 12/6 at home and a 15/6 at practice and gig with whichever one I need. But that's me, probably 75% of my gigs or more would be covered with a 12/6.

BurningSkies · #15 08-11-2010, 06:02 PM

The 15/sub is a different cab than the 15/6. Its crossed over differently and fills out the bottom end even more solidly than a 15/6. Together they're bone-crushing, but with more reach than a 15/6:12/anything rig would be.

Passinwind · #16 08-11-2010, 06:06 PM

Both, of course...

lbwdog · #17 08-11-2010, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

Because carrying a 35lb 12/6 one handed through doorways is easy, and carrying a 50lb, much larger 15/6 one handed through doorways is not.

Plus, not all of us are young and strong anymore. In the past two years, I've developed emphysema, lost 65 lbs. plus most of my muscle mass, and can barely lift my Goliath III 4x10 into the back of my SUV. A 50 lb. load is appreciated. A 35 lb. load is a blessing!!

lo-freq · #18 08-11-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pearson206@

So I have a GB design fearful 15/6, and now I am thinking about building another to match up with it. Either a 15 sub or a 12/6/1 cube. I know Burning Skies uses the 15 sub with his 15/6, but does anyone have a
12/6/1 on top of the original design. Pros, Cons? I like the idea of having the option of the smaller full range cab for indoor practice, or small gigs, plus maybe use it as stage monitor. Any opinions would be great.

Sounds like the 12/6/1 would be more useful to you.

If you have enough power, I don't think you'd ever likely need both cabs at the same time -- for bigger gigs just crank up the 15/6 and RULE!

The size/weight of the 12/6 will make it very user-friendly.

timbledum · #19 08-11-2010, 07:09 PM

I don't really think you can argue with a rig like burningskies...

MooseLumps · #20 08-11-2010, 07:15 PM

I guess what i'm saying is that the OP is wanting to use two together sometimes, and perhaps keep one at home for practice, and i feel that the difference between the 15/6.1 and the 12/6.1 is so minimal that downgrading to a twelve for practice is like deciding
"Instead of using my .45 to kill that fly, I'll switch to the .38 special."
The idea of using a sub is great, but you have to accommodate matching the driver's output somehow. Using the 12 is a good idea, until he needs to get louder or lower. Mixing two different speaker sizes that are putting out the same content introduces a degree of phasing and filtering that these cabs are designed to reduce. The gun analogy comes to mind.

OP, 15 sub or 15/6 are the best bets.

And if you value your gear based on the novelty of what you can do with it using one hand, more power to you.

lbwdog, that sucks. Hopefully you have a strong friend or some way to secure a lighter rig.