Need some opinions about bass rigs... 4x10 vs 2x10

naskoj36 · #1 12-01-2011, 10:08 AM

Hi everyone. I'm just curious, do you recommend using a 1x15 + 4x10 over a 1x15 2x10 setup? I mostly play in big churches and the usual outdoor gigs. I'm just asking because I want to hear some opinions before I decide to invest in a 4x10 or a 2x10. Any recommendations?

christw · #2 12-01-2011, 10:16 AM

Several things you're about to hear several times:

1) Mixing speakers and sizes is not a great idea. It can cause sound issues that others will no doubt elaborate on. You should probably just get a 410, 2 210's, or 2 115's.

2) Go for the 210/115 if you're dead set on one of those rigs. A 115 is about equivalent to a 210. A 410 can take way more juice than a single 15 can. The 15 will be fast to give up first.

3) DO NOT run the 410 + 115 for the above reason unless you keep the 115 on top and know how to listen for the speaker overdriving.

Atlanta Dave · #3 12-01-2011, 10:23 AM

What about a 410 and a 2x15?

collins81 · #4 12-01-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlanta Dave

What about a 410 and a 2x15?

what about 2 8-10's with 4 big ben 18" cabs? If you're going big, why not complete overkill!

naskoj36 · #5 12-01-2011, 10:34 AM

hahaha I wish I had the money... plus that is a little too much overkill...

naskoj36 · #6 12-01-2011, 10:37 AM

sounds good but I'm kinda on a budget. I already have the 115 and I'm looking to add just a little bit more power to that (for now) but that is a good idea for the future...

naskoj36 · #7 12-01-2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlanta Dave

What about a 410 and a 2x15?

Really sounds good but im on a budget. I already own the 115 and I'm really leaning towards buying the 4x10...

christw · #8 12-01-2011, 10:44 AM

Well, if you're happy with that 115, add another identical 115 and get more of what you've got. A 210 of the same line probably wouldn't be voiced differently enough to have something different to add but might be different enough to hurt your tone by cancelling certain frequencies with the 15. That said, it may not either. Go try both and let your ears decide?

If you buy the 410, you might as well use the 115 for smaller gigs and the 410 for bigger gigs. Using them together, the 15 is a liability IMO.

naskoj36 · #9 12-01-2011, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christw

Well, if you're happy with that 115, add another identical 115 and get more of what you've got. A 210 of the same line probably wouldn't be voiced differently enough to have something different to add but might be different enough to hurt your tone by cancelling certain frequencies with the 15. That said, it may not either. Go try both and let your ears decide?

If you buy the 410, you might as well use the 115 for smaller gigs and the 410 for bigger gigs. Using them together, the 15 is negligible and a liability IMO.

sure, thanks for the advice... I really think I'm just gonna go out and try out a whole bunch of amps and see what comes out of that... thanks!!!

walterw · #10 12-01-2011, 08:25 PM

while looking, be mindful of christw's advice; if you dig the 15 you have now, the cheapest way of expanding your rig properly is a second identical 15 cab.

most music stores (and even some amp manufacturers) don't seem to have a grip on why the 4x10 +15 thing is not so great, or just sell it because it's asked for, everybody involved "hearing with their eyes", unfortunately.

the trap to avoid is that when testing stuff, adding a 15 to that 4x10 you're checking out probably will sound bigger and louder than either cab by itself.

the thing is, it probably won't sound as good as a stack of two matched cabs. (a second 4x10 under it instead would crush it.)