Stacking order of cabinets

Eric Braunstein · #1 12-07-2010, 10:43 AM

I just got a Mesa M9 Carbine with a Mesa Powerhouse 4x10 and a 1x15. My plan is to stack the two cabs on top of each other, and then put the head on top of that (pretty standard). My questions is, is there any specific order the cabs should be stacked in? Does it make a difference at all?

Twocan · #2 12-07-2010, 10:45 AM

I'd put the boom at the bottom and the smaller speakers towards ear level.

Vintage Guy · #3 12-07-2010, 10:46 AM

I have always put the 15 on the bottom. That way I can hear the 4x10 with the horn better.

Din Of Win · #4 12-07-2010, 10:47 AM

i don't think it makes a difference really... when i don't use my 2x15 and opt for my 4x10 + 1x15 i actually put the 1x15 on top of the 4x10... they're miss-matched cabs (acoustic and peavey) and they just stack sturdier that way.

brndn123 · #5 12-07-2010, 10:48 AM

Typically the cab on top will SEEM louder because it is closer to ear level. Most people tend to put the punchier cabinet on top, however its all in preference. Hope this helps

T-Bird · #6 12-07-2010, 11:24 AM

Hi.

I run the 115 on the bottom, 410 on top as well.

Somehow it looks "right".

And YES, I do know that there's all sorts of disadvantages of doing so

.

Regards
Sam

Bassamatic · #7 12-07-2010, 11:32 AM

The 15 on the bottom will allow some coupling with the floor to help the bottom end.

mowburger · #8 12-07-2010, 11:36 AM

I run a 410 on bottom and my 18" on top, it seems to hit my chest better that way, but then again I'm not into a sparkly top end, and horns/tweets always seem harsh to me. man It looks imposing an 18" cab looking you in the eye hahahaha,,,
I mean mwa hahahaha *evil laugh

BassmanPaul · #9 12-07-2010, 11:38 AM

As the 4x10 will probably go deeper than the 1x15 AND handle more power and be more efficient, it would be advisable to put the 1x15 on the top. That way you will be able to hear signs of distress from the 1x15 hopefully before you blow it. A 4x10 + 1x15 pairing is a lot short of ideal.

bolophonic · #10 12-07-2010, 11:40 AM

Despite all the talk on TB about how you are SUPPOSED to do it, I recommend stacking the cabs however they LOOK coolest.

RickenBoogie · #11 12-07-2010, 11:44 AM

+1 to bassmanpaul's post, 15 on top, since it's less able than the 410 is, and everything else he said.

doctorpunch · #12 12-07-2010, 11:45 AM

I mix it up.

I run a 2x15 with an 8x10. The 2x15 is an old B25 and the 8x10 is a SVT classic. The 2x15 is smaller and shallower than the 8x10 so size wise it makes sense to to put it on top but having the 2x15 on the bottom helps with the overall response. If the stage is big enough I put them on either side of the drummer, 8x10 towards the lead guitar player and 2x15 next to the rhythm...who so happens to play a 2x15 as well so it makes a nice wall on either side.

BassmanPaul · #13 12-07-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bolophonic

Despite all the talk on TB about how you are SUPPOSED to do it, I recommend stacking the cabs however they LOOK coolest.

In spite of the potential damage to the equipment?? "Cool" is all very well and good but if you blow a speaker mid gig, trust me, it's going to be a very long, uncomfortable night!

Eric Braunstein · #14 12-07-2010, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

As the 4x10 will probably go deeper than the 1x15 AND handle more power and be more efficient, it would be advisable to put the 1x15 on the top. That way you will be able to hear signs of distress from the 1x15 hopefully before you blow it. A 4x10 + 1x15 pairing is a lot short of ideal.

Both cabinets are 600W RMS according to Mesa. My understanding was that this means they can both handle basically the same load. Is that wrong?
I don't actually have the cabs yet so I could still change the order if this is a bad combo.

rockstarbassist · #15 12-07-2010, 12:16 PM

No it's not a bad combo. Just anytime mixing drivers you need to be careful and not overdrive one cab vs. the other. However those are extremely awesome cabs and with an M9 won't come close to blowing them so no worries.
I would just try it out- there's no "right" way to do it. I mean hell TB at large just found out you can stack 210 cabs on their sides about a week ago, so you're way ahead of a lot of people. :facepalm:

:lol:. So just see which cab you prefer to hear better as the higher one obv will be closer to ear level. When I had a Mesa PH410 and 212 I actually put the 410 on the bottom b/c I prefer the tone and hit from the 212. Now I just have a single 212 and can still hear it just fine.

Enjoy! That's a killer Messuh setup breaux.

tdub0199 · #16 12-07-2010, 12:17 PM

screw it, be PUNK and don't stack them at all..... just toss em' on stage and play em' where they lay... seriously I have always put the 15 on bottom and the 410 on top.... there is NO wrong or right in this case

BassmanPaul · #17 12-07-2010, 12:19 PM

If you do a search on the subject you should find all the information/pros and cons of the pairing. You must also remember that the ratings of speakers usually refer to the thermal power they can handle. That's the power before they melt.

BassmanPaul · #18 12-07-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockstarbassist

I would just try it out- there's no "right" way to do it. I mean hell TB at large just found out you can stack 210 cabs on their sides about a week ago,

That IS the right way to stack a 2x10!

babebambi · #19 12-07-2010, 12:26 PM

the M9 COULD blow both of those cabs ...
I ran the M9 with four HT115 and I was afraid to crank the bass

rockstarbassist · #20 12-07-2010, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

That IS the right way to stack a 2x10!

Like i said- some people just now figured that out, so just commenting!