speaker size combinations and their attributes

[adrian mccullou]

I know there is lots on here in this regard. However I am looking for some specific links because I know someone has put the work in and I can't find it much to my frustration!!

I am looking for a thread that goes in depth with regard to various combos of cabs ie 410 and 212 and the general tonal characteristics they offer.

If anyone can help me that would be great. I have been searching TB for 2 hours and haven't found exactly what I am looking for.

Thank in advance.

[Bass_Pounder]

AMPS FAQ!! Info on OHMS, Allsize RIGS-OverUnderPowerCabs DIY TechTalk-Links

Scroll down a bit, there are a bunch of links to threads dealing with speaker size.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by adrian mccullou

I am looking for a thread that goes in depth with regard to various combos of cabs ie 410 and 212 and the general tonal characteristics they offer.

No tonal characteristics can be attributed to driver size and cab configuration alone. That notion is a myth. A commonly believed myth to be sure, but that doesn't make it any less fictitious.

[RickenBoogie]

Essentially, you can't judge the sound of a bass cab by the size of it's drivers. Or even how many drivers it has. Unfortunately, you have to play through each cab, and judge it soley on how it sounds with your amp, bass, and ears. And the only real conclusions you can make will only pertain to you- as we all hear things differently. On the plus side, it's an opportunity to play a bunch of cool gear.

[canadian*eh]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Essentially, you can't judge the sound of a bass cab by the size of it's drivers. Or even how many drivers it has. Unfortunately, you have to play through each cab, and judge it soley on how it sounds with your amp, bass, and ears. And the only real conclusions you can make will only pertain to you- as we all hear things differently. On the plus side, it's an opportunity to play a bunch of cool gear.

Or just buy a whole bunch of cool gear for every kind of situation or mood you may be in at any given time...

[Tim C.]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

No tonal characteristics can be attributed to driver size and cab configuration alone. That notion is a myth. A commonly believed myth to be sure, but that doesn't make it any less fictitious.

Be honest Mr. Fitzmaurice, do you ever get tired of explaining this to people?

[will33]

I've played 15's that were too bright while playing guitar through them and 10's that were too woofy playing bass through them and on and on so yeah.....


Oddly enough, the most popular speakers for that bright, twangy pedal steel/lap steel country guitar are 15's and the most widely used speakers for bass guitar are 10's.......go figure.

[adrian mccullou]

hey thanks guys. I found what I was looking for in terms of threads.

I play 2x15s. But to be very honest, i am looking for a more articulate sound without losing the low end that the 15s have loyally given me. I play flats and my style is in a more traditional vein (celtic, country, old school rock). But my new project is a little more indy rock I am beginning to open up in term of whats out there and I am interested in speaker configurations that would allow me to maintain my more vintage 15s tone but also give me the tightness and punch i am desire.
I am looking at a 410 +212 but am not sure if this will satisfy me or if I should be looking at other possibilities

[canadian*eh]

Well I use a SWR Megoliat 810 and man she does everything i want with out losing any of the bottom end...in fact it has the most bottom end of any cab i have had or use to date...and wow Can she Punch!!! I find i can get any sound i want fro that cab. can turn the horn off and get that more old school sound..or leave it one and get a really clean tight HiFi Sound... very versatile....Bets cab i have had would not trade it for anything....if you get a chance try one out you will not be disappointed!! All The Best.. Cheers Mate!!~Elliot

[m.oreilly]

for your requirements, a 'modern' 12, or pro 15 cab would do you quite well. check out the fEarful thread here for diy, or the superlative custom built 12 here

[klokker]

Originally Posted by adrian mccullou

I am looking at a 410 +212 but am not sure if this will satisfy me or if I should be looking at other possibilities

It doesn't seem like you are listening. A certain speaker combination is not the issue for you. What the cab sounds like is.

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by will33

I've played 15's that were too bright while playing guitar through them and 10's that were too woofy playing bass through them and on and on so yeah.....


Oddly enough, the most popular speakers for that bright, twangy pedal steel/lap steel country guitar are 15's and the most widely used speakers for bass guitar are 10's.......go figure.

+1.

My 1x15 is actually fairly bright sounding with guitar.

[Ray man]

Hey there Adrian,
Have you tried a nice new set of steel roundwound strings?
Steelrounds offer far more tightness, punch and articulation than flats.
They might make all the difference and then some. Meanwhile, you can keep your loyal 15's.

[craig.p]

Originally Posted by klokker

It doesn't seem like you are listening. A certain speaker combination is not the issue for you. What the cab sounds like is.

I think the piece he's missing is that combining dissimlar cabs lands about a day's drive from Best Practices, unless there's a crossover involved so each cab is handling a separate frequency range.

To the OP: don't overlook the biamping option, if you have the money for it. Wondrous things can happen. And in the long run it can save you thousands you would've otherwise spent buying and reselling cabs in some ongoing search for some tonal holy grail. Also there are cabs out there that go really deep but that also have great midrange presence because they have separate midrange drivers. If you've never played through one of those, let me tell you, it can be a real eye-opener the first time.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Tim C.

Be honest Mr. Fitzmaurice, do you ever get tired of explaining this to people?

Not to newbies, only by asking do you have the opportunity to learn. But when they ask questions and ignore the answers it makes one wonder why they bothered to ask the question in the first place.

[greenboy]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

Not to newbies, only by asking do you have the opportunity to learn. But when they ask questions and ignore the answers it makes one wonder why they bothered to ask the question in the first place.

Newbies often rule, in fact. I can't believe how many of them work at it, sometimes quickly get it, begin to ask discerning questions and offer up great observations. And they play as if their life depended on it. It's like the shelf life hasn't expired, or something ; }

[adrian mccullou]

thanks all.
I am listening to the answers and I get it.
The only reason I actually mentioned the speaker size combo is b/c someone is trying to convince me of this direction and though someone might have an insight. i got what was looking for. cheers.

[marksdbass]

avatar's website has a review of thier neo 410 & 212. The reviewer likes the combination. What's great is you can have that stack for less than $1000.00

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by marksdbass

avatar's website has a review of thier neo 410 & 212. The reviewer likes the combination. What's great is you can have that stack for less than $1000.00

Moot, unless the reviewer also tried a pair of 410 and a pair of 212 side by side with the 410 & 212. Almost any two cabs together will sound better than either alone. By the same token most matched pairs will sound better than most mis-matched pairs. Only those who've actually tried specific matched pairs side by side with specific mis-matched pairs can make a valid judgment on which option they prefer.

[lomo]

Just listen to a large Phil Jones bass cab with only 5" drivers and the notion that driver size is a major factor goes up in a puff of painfully obvious smoke.