Will a move from a Mesa Diesel 4x10 to a Diesel 2x15 be much of an upgrade?

cyprus · #1 09-18-2011, 05:03 PM

Hey guys,
I play in a thrash band and use a Genz SM12.0 into a Mesa Diesel 4x10 (regular, not deep version). I love the sound overall, but lately I've been wanting something that has a lot more low end and "oomph." I've heard great things about the sound of the Diesel/RR 2x15 and have been gasing for one.

I'm just wondering if it'll make much of a difference? I've read that these cabs can fill up huge rooms and clubs, but I've also heard of guys who have sold them and gone for an 810 due to lack of volume or low end.

What do you gents suggest?

Gearhead17 · #2 09-18-2011, 05:21 PM

You would be better off getting another 410 Diesel. The 215 is not going to be that much louder than the 410 - the difference will not be worth it even if it is.

More speakers equals more oomph and low end. Still though, let the PA system do the heavy hitting on the low end. Bass cabs are best for monitoring, not filling a room with loud bass tones and bunches of low end. If you want to do sound from the stage and the PA you are playing through does not have subs, get two or more 810's and some ear plugs. Have fun!

RickenBoogie · #3 09-18-2011, 05:29 PM

+1 it's more of a lateral move than a step up, and truthfully, if you want more low end, you need more speakers. Another 410 would kill.

Tim1 · #4 09-18-2011, 06:24 PM

I am one of those guys who sold my Diesel RR215. Yes, it was loud and punchy but it was voiced with too much of an upper-mid emphasis for my taste and playing style at the time. I used to run it with a 400+.

beyondthe48 · #5 09-18-2011, 06:31 PM

for thrash you need 10's. i would think a 15 wouldnt be punchy enough, and probably wouldnt cut the mix either.

NecroticImbecil · #6 09-18-2011, 06:43 PM

wned the Diesel 4X10 and the 2X15. Found that the 4X10 had more low end while the 2X15 had stronger midrange. When I started using a downtuned 5 the 2X15 did not like the low A at loud volumes. For once it looks like I agree with everybody else. Love the 2X15, but don't think it's what you want.

tombowlus · #7 09-18-2011, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NecroticImbecil

wned the Diesel 4X10 and the 2X15. Found that the 4X10 had more low end while the 2X15 had stronger midrange. When I started using a downtuned 5 the 2X15 did not like the low A at loud volumes. For once it looks like I agree with everybody else. Love the 2X15, but don't think it's what you want.

+1 I own both a Diesel 2x15 and a Diesel 4x10 (deep version). Overall, I slightly prefer the tone of the 2x15, but the 4x10 definitely has more low end. I've never tried a non-deep Diesel 4x10, but it would make sense that the deeper cabinet would have more low end response. Perhaps you can find a deep version of the 4x10?

Of course, with the ShuttleMAX 12.0, you could always drive them both!

JimmyM · #8 09-18-2011, 08:19 PM

Ya, it's a fallacy that a cab with 15"s will always go lower than a cab with 10"s.

georgestrings · #9 09-19-2011, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

+1 it's more of a lateral move than a step up, and truthfully, if you want more low end, you need more speakers. Another 410 would kill.

Agreed - IME, the Diesel 215s are more about mids than lows...

- georgestrings

cyprus · #10 09-28-2011, 12:21 AM

Thanks for all the replies guys!
Sorry I didn't get back sooner, the family's packing up and moving and internet has been out.

My GAS flame has been extinguished... For now.

I've been messing with my 4x10 these last couple days, and I've started to fall in love with it again. I also played an outdoor show this past weekend, and my little boogie was receiving tons of compliments. I've been convinced to stick with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

+1 I own both a Diesel 2x15 and a Diesel 4x10 (deep version). Overall, I slightly prefer the tone of the 2x15... Of course, with the ShuttleMAX 12.0, you could always drive them both!

I might just do that in the future. I don't think I'll be selling my 4x10 anytime soon, and the 2x15's pop up at very reasonable prices every so often. I'm still interested in their sound and keep hearing such great reviews. I might just save up and get one some day.

Alex1984 · #11 09-28-2011, 02:03 AM

The RR215 is a beast. Sounds great for finger style, and great when paired with a 400+ or my YBA-3. It tends to sound best when paired with a darker and smoother amp. It's not too much louder than the 410, but it has a lot of character, and those who has heard them loved them.

I ultimately sold it because I didn't like how it paired with the Ampeg SVTs though, too honky in the mids with both the head and the cab having a big emphasis on mids.

Sartori · #12 09-28-2011, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beyondthe48

for thrash you need 10's. i would think a 15 wouldnt be punchy enough, and probably wouldnt cut the mix either.

I don't agree.

You don't "need" a certain size speaker for any genre. It really depends on the box. From what I've heard, though, I doubt getting a Diesel 2x15 would give you more low end, though with its mid emphasis it probably would be great for thrash.