What is the difference between 2x10 or 4x10 Bass Cabs?

[diosito]

Regarding sound?

I have a Peavey TNT 115 Bass amp (with a 15 speaker).
I'm thinking of switching to a Bass Cab but I do not know the difference between the speackers sizes regarding sound.

I already got a Gallien Krueger 400RB.
Any recommendations?

Thanx!

[billfitzmaurice]

Simplistically a 4x10 has four tens, a 2x10 has two. Their low frequency response is the same, all that differs is their power handling and output capability. But in the mids and highs the 2x10 configuration is far superior, as a pair of them can be stacked vertically. Having drivers side by side halves midrange and high frequency dispersion, and you can't hear mids and highs that go past you at knee level.

But if you're asking about tone and response of tens versus fifteens there is none based upon driver size alone. There are a dozen variables that determine tone, driver size isn't one of them.

[panama]

double the speakers?

[diosito]

I'm just trying to decide which configuration is better. Based on my reasearch so far, 2x10 seem better.
Apparently is lighter and "tighter".
How many watts and which brand would be the second question ...
The Gallien Krueger Head I own only throws 22 wats or so ...
This is tough ... too many options!

[chokeslam512]

A 410 has MOAR. Really it depends on the cabinet dimensions when the same speakers are used.

[panama]

You have a 22 watt solid state head?

[Son of Bovril]

The biggest difference to you is going to probably be volume... more speakers = more volume. hence a 410 is just about always louder than a 210

if you play a 5-string I would recommend the 410 over the 210 as many 210's can't handle the B-string as well as a 410.

and lastly IMO rather have more volume than not enough...

edit: if you are asking about a 410 vs two 210 cabs then ignore my post

[jazzblade]

Much depends on the power (read loudness)of your guitarist, drummer and the room you are playing into.

I Think head 400rb does 240 watts into 4 ohms and 150 into 8 I believe. (not sure of the version you have.)

I personally like 210's because they are light and to my ears sound very tight. the decision you have is do you buy a single 210 at 8 ohms so u could add another down the line or just get a 4 ohm to max the output of your amp.

I suggest a 8 ohm because some place down the line your going to get a larger amp (at least 300 watts into 8 ohms)and a 8 ohm gives you better options later to add a second cabinet. The difference it perceived volume between running it 4 or 8 ohm would hardly be noticeable in a single cab..

[diosito]

Originally Posted by panama

You have a 22 watt solid state head?

Sorry. I meant 200 watts or so

[WJGreer]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

But in the mids and highs the 2x10 configuration is far superior, as a pair of them can be stacked vertically. Having drivers side by side halves midrange and high frequency dispersion, and you can't hear mids and highs that go past you at knee level.

Perfect, Bill. After going back and forth between 410s and 2x210s for 25 years, I have settled on a pair of 210s for this reason exactly.

Oh, and also...my opinion is that no matter how light the build materials are, 410s are clunky and hard to move. Even at 60 pounds, a cabinet that is almost as wide as a door, equally tall, and 15" to 20" deep is hard to get around. I always put casters on mine, making the move no different than antything else on a dolly.

[Jimmy Stump]

Why not start out with an 8 ohm single 2 x 10" cabinet and see if it meets your needs? If you need another, buy another 8 ohm. These mate to produce a 4 ohm load and you'll have lots of jam. Some built today have neodymium woofers, and are very light.

The downside of course is that a pair of 2 x 10" cabinets will cost more than a single 4 x 10".

[BassmanPaul]

I agree on the price issue but a pair of 2x10s is so much more versatile that a single 4x10. I do stack my pair vertically.

Paul

[vinxbass]

I too have a PV TNT115 and use it for a Jam session that I host twice a month. It does a fine job.

My other rig is a Carvin BX500 w/BRX10.4 and BRX10.2 neo cabs. For small to medium sized gigs I use just the 2x10 stacked vertically, it sounds great. Depending on the mood I'm in sometimes I bring the 4x10. For outside gigs I use both cabs and it sounds great.

The 4x10 is going to give you a bit more bottom end plus increased volume.

EDIT: Both my cabs are 4 ohms. When I run them together they are at 2 ohms.

[dannylectro]

I use an older GK 400RB mated to an Ampeg 4X10 cabinet w/horn. It sounds great and is as loud as I'll ever need. The cabinet is rated at 4 ohms - important for the GK if you want it to develop full power.