Mixing drivers vs. mixing cabs with same drivers

prokfrog · #1 03-29-2010, 11:01 AM

I've seen a bit of debate about running say a 410 with a 115, and the phasing issues is causes. What is the opinion here about mixing different brands, but with the same size drivers? Assume the boxes wont be the same size.. thanks!

rpsands · #2 03-29-2010, 11:03 AM

Different brands is less of a gamble if you're using the same surface area. Most commercial cabs use drivers in a similar range of specs, particularly near the same price point.

However, phase is a driver specific function, so you absolutely can have phasing issues using a different pair of 4x10s for example.

Really though the main issue is differing sensitivities and max output - that's why a 15 and a 410 is a bad idea, generally.

prokfrog · #3 03-29-2010, 11:19 AM

Thanks. this is helping me narrow my decision for a new lightweight cab. I have another thread going here in the amp forum asking suggestions for a sub 35 pound cabinet. I currently have a 210, and a 112 which i currently run together for most gigs, and is very loud. i'm looking for a "one hand carry" that would handle the majority of my needs on it's own. So i think I'm at the point where i'm looking for a light 112, and then will bring my other (heavier) 112 when I need the extra horsepower..

rpsands · #4 03-29-2010, 11:31 AM

Get a 115 with a Kappalite 3015 and the light ply from Don @ LDS. They come in around 30lbs and are way louder than any commercial 1x12 or 2x10 both in sensitivity and max volume.

BassmanPaul · #5 03-29-2010, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prokfrog

i'm looking for a "one hand carry" that would handle the majority of my needs on it's own.

If you are looking for this maybe you should become a guitar player!!!

Paul

prokfrog · #6 03-29-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

If you are looking for this maybe you should become a guitar player!!!

Paul

Will becoming a guitar player undo my spinal fusion?

**butchblack** · #7 03-29-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prokfrog

Thanks. this is helping me narrow my decision for a new lightweight cab. I have another thread going here in the amp forum asking suggestions for a sub 35 pound cabinet. I currently have a 210, and a 112 which i currently run together for most gigs, and is very loud. I'm looking for a "one hand carry" that would handle the majority of my needs on it's own. So i think I'm at the point where I'm looking for a light 112, and then will bring my other (heavier) 112 when I need the extra horsepower..

2 questions. First, Prokfrog, how do you like the 210 112 combo? I have a MB 210 and an Avatar SB 112 neo. I haven't had a chance yet to try the 2 in a real world setting.

Second, is the compatibility between cab configurations primarily a function of speaker area? For instance the 410/115 pairing the 410 has a bit under 2X the speaker area of the 115 (314 versus 177 sq in) where the popular 210/115 pairing the area is rather close (157 versus 177 sq in) I'm running a 210/112 (157 versus 113 sq in) which would put the difference a bit more then the 210/115 but not nearly as bad as the 410/115. Am I also correct in assuming that everything else being equal (which it never is) the cab with the greater speaker area will be the louder of the two?

JimmyM · #8 03-29-2010, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butchblack

Second, is the compatibility between cab configurations primarily a function of speaker area? For instance the 410/115 pairing the 410 has a bit under 2X the speaker area of the 115 (314 versus 177 sq in) where the popular 210/115 pairing the area is rather close (157 versus 177 sq in) I'm running a 210/112 (157 versus 113 sq in) which would put the difference a bit more then the 210/115 but not nearly as bad as the 410/115. Am I also correct in assuming that everything else being equal (which it never is) the cab with the greater speaker area will be the louder of the two?

the compatability is based more on phase relationships than speaker area, although speaker area does count for something. and yes, all things being equal, the greater speaker area will make one cab louder than the other.

prokfrog · #9 03-29-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butchblack

2 questions. First, Prokfrog, how do you like the 210 112 combo? I have a MB 210 and an Avatar SB 112 neo. I haven't had a chance yet to try the 2 in a real world setting.

Second, is the compatibility between cab configurations primarily a function of speaker area? For instance the 410/115 pairing the 410 has a bit under 2X the speaker area of the 115 (314 versus 177 sq in) where the popular 210/115 pairing the area is rather close (157 versus 177 sq in) I'm running a 210/112 (157 versus 113 sq in) which would put the difference a bit more then the 210/115 but not nearly as bad as the 410/115. Am I also correct in assuming that everything else being equal (which it never is) the cab with the greater speaker area will be the louder of the two?

Hi Butch!

Well, I can only speak from experience, but the notion of more speaker surface seems to be true when talking about "loudness".

I have an early 1990's Carvin V210 (no tweeter) @ 4ohm, and an Avatar SB112 (non-neo) @ 4ohms also. I stack them vertically. When run together, the 210 definately overshadows the 112, and I find myself dialing out mids to compensate for the carvins "honk" as the volume increases. This sucks because the Avatar sounds way better than the carvin, but sometimes I need the horsepower...

**butchblack** · #10 03-29-2010, 12:49 PM

I know what you mean. My MB 210 is plenty loud enough by itself for pretty much anything I do but I like the sound of my Sb 112 too much to give it up. The good news is that I seem to dial the MB 210 in very close to what I used to run with the backline 600 so I suspect that the two sound similar. Plus the MB210 fits on top nicely when the SB 112 is horizontal.