Mesa 6x10 vs. 4x10+2x10

twistedbydesign · #1 01-25-2011, 09:31 AM

I just purchased the M9 Carbine and a 4x10 Powerhouse Cab.
I had considered the 6x10 but they didn't have it in store and I figured the 4x10 would be enough for my needs.
Is there a major difference between running a 6x10 cab vs. running a 4x10 along with a 2x10. I thought about getting a 2x10 also later on down the road but I don't know a whole lot about running multiple cabs. I know the 6x10 is rated at 900 Watts where the 4x10 and 2x10 are rated at 600watts.
Either way I'm using 6 10 inch speakers. Just not too sure how that whole thing works.
Any insight would be great.
Thanks in advance!

Sliderbass · #2 01-25-2011, 09:58 AM

There may be some loading difference to the amp if the cabe are a different impedance but if they are the same, it should be ok.

The Powerhouse 6x10 is a BEAST! I used one on Saturday with my band and the thing was just crazy loud and clean.

**DougD** · #3 01-25-2011, 10:01 AM

You'll be fine. I run a GK 410 neo and 210 neo and love it

twistedbydesign · #4 01-25-2011, 10:04 AM

That's good to hear. As i said, i probably wont get the 2x10 till later on down the road, gotta recover from the initial purchase. But that's probably the route i'll go.

rockstarbassist · #5 01-25-2011, 10:04 AM

Should work fine.

georgestrings · #6 01-25-2011, 10:05 AM

IME, if you're going to consistantly use six 10s, you're better off with them in a single cab... Making two trips, lifting twice as many times, and carrying a 210 can get old after awhile... I used to use a 410+210, but am much happier with either a 610, 810, or 215... YMMV, but that's how I see it...

- georgestrings

twistedbydesign · #7 01-25-2011, 10:26 AM

I'm more concerned with any potential difference in sound. I'm used to hauling stuff around, in really I think it would be more convenient for my situation to have the option of NOT having to take all 6. My band plays a decent amount of larger shows but we also play a lot of smaller acoustic shows that a 6x10 would be way overkill for.
What differences in sound, volume, etc. would there be?

georgestrings · #8 01-25-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twistedbydesign

I'm more concerned with any potential difference in sound. I'm used to hauling stuff around, in really I think it would be more convenient for my situation to have the option of NOT having to take all 6. My band plays a decent amount of larger shows but we also play a lot of smaller acoustic shows that a 6x10 would be way overkill for.
What differences in sound, volume, etc. would there be?

Sound-wise and volume-wise, I think you'll be just fine... IMO, the best way to go this route is with an amp that's 2 ohm capable, and going with a 4 ohm 410, and an 8 ohm 210 - that way, all six speakers are seeing the same power...

One thing to consider - a PH210 is not very light to carry alot - I remember carrying my 210TVX as not being very enjoyable... I use a PH810 as my main gigging cab, so it's not like I'm afraid to move heavy gear - and I didn't like carrying a 210...

- georgestrings

eastcoasteddie · #9 01-25-2011, 11:00 AM

I use an SWR Goliath II 4x10 and 2x10 with my SVT 2-pro. It kills.

kosmicwizard · #10 01-25-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgestrings

Sound-wise and volume-wise, I think you'll be just fine... IMO, the best way to go this route is with an amp that's 2 ohm capable, and going with a 4 ohm 410, and an 8 ohm 210 - that way, all six speakers are seeing the same power...

One thing to consider - a PH210 is not very light to carry alot - I remember carrying my 210TVX as not being very enjoyable... I use a PH810 as my main gigging cab, so it's not like I'm afraid to move heavy gear - and I didn't like carrying a 210...

- georgestrings

I completely agree with every thing George has said in this thread, I would have said very similar things but he has already, so let me just add a plus one! Cheers.

klejst · #11 01-25-2011, 12:00 PM

I have a Mesa PowerHouse 610 and this cabinet totally rocks! Sounds very clean and is very loud. Works very well for the rock band I am in. However the 410 and 210 setup you are looking into should be alright too.

Crabby · #12 01-25-2011, 12:31 PM

I would consider another 410 if you need more volume then a single 410. Then you will have a balanced rig with equal power to each driver and no impedance issues. My PH410 gets killer loud with my M9 running at 8 ohms. You maynever need a bigger cab!

BigOldHarry · #13 01-25-2011, 12:36 PM

4x10 + 2x10 gives you total flexability. Small gigs? Covered. Medium? Covered. Big? Covered.

6x10 cabs make no sense to me.

Bigduke · #14 01-25-2011, 12:36 PM

I also have a Ph4x10 and a Ph2x10. In my opinion if you had to gig this would be the way to go because that 4x10 is clumsey and I couldn't imagine lifting a 6x10 in my truck. They sound great and if you are not pushing the volume I could not ever see there being an issue where the 2x10 is getting pushed to hard. If it means anything my original set up was the 4x10 and a 1x15 and it was real hard to eq this set up. I use a big block 750 head that I am very happy with in fact I kept this over the 400+.

twistedbydesign · #15 01-25-2011, 03:14 PM

Thanks for all the input. I definitely plan on sticking with the 4x10 and adding a 2x10. I see how the 6x10 would be ideal for some people. But i think It'd prefer the versatility of having the two smaller cabs for my situation.

georgestrings · #16 01-25-2011, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

6x10 cabs make no sense to me.

They make perfect sense for people that play in loud 2 guitar rock bands... As I already said, I was using atleast six 10s every night - what REALLY didn't make sense was having to lift out a 410, roll it into the venue, then come back out, and carry a 210 back in - when I could just tilt and slide a 610, roll it in, and be done moving cabs...

By your way of thinking, using an 810 would truly make no sense - yet, there are plenty of them being used on a regular basis...

- georgestrings

ShawnStones · #17 01-25-2011, 05:02 PM

Just my 2 cents, but maybe consider a 1 x 12 to go with the 4 x 10? Mesa 12's are awesome, and maybe be a little lighter weight than the 2 x10.

twistedbydesign · #18 01-25-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShawnStones

Just my 2 cents, but maybe consider a 1 x 12 to go with the 4 x 10? Mesa 12's are awesome, and maybe be a little lighter weight than the 2 x10.

Never really considered that. I've noticed a lot of controversy throughout the forum in regards to using different speaker sizes with a set up. Alot of ppl do it and don't seem to have problems though.
Maybe i will look into that some more. thanks!

BigOldHarry · #19 01-25-2011, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgestrings

They make perfect sense for people that play in loud 2 guitar rock bands... As I already said, I was using atleast six 10s every night - what REALLY didn't make sense was having to lift out a 410, roll it into the venue, then come back out, and carry a 210 back in - when I could just tilt and slide a 610, roll it in, and be done moving cabs...

By your way of thinking, using an 810 would truly make no sense - yet, there are plenty of them being used on a regular basis...

- georgestrings

Well, yes... an 8x10 *does* make no sense to me... But that's me.

I just like the how flexible the 4x10 + 2x10 is. However, were I having to compete with dudes with marshals, I can see the appeal of a 6x10 (once upon a time I was, and seriously considered an SWR 6x10...)

kosmicwizard · #20 01-26-2011, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twistedbydesign

Never really considered that. I've noticed a lot of controversy throughout the forum in regards to using different speaker sizes with a set up. Alot of ppl do it and don't seem to have problems though.
Maybe i will look into that some more. thanks!

This is not a good idea. You also have to think about the displacement of the cones not the supposed mentality that bigger drivers equal lower Hz. A 2x10 is equal to a 1x12 AND a 1x8, the 1x12 on it's own doesn't have a chance to compete with a 4x10. The 2x10 at 8 Ohms with a 4x10 at 4 Ohms will work, a 2x12 at 8 Ohms might work, but a 1x12 will add nothing and is simply extra weight in this scenario. Cheers.