Yet another cab configuration question.

Hector_G · #1 10-01-2011, 09:34 AM

I have a Hartke Hydrive stack. A 1x15 and a 4x10.
I purchased these before I had read the numerous threads about buying two identical cabinets for optimal performance. I am pretty happy with my current set up, but I think I'm going to buy another 4x10 to match and use both of those.
I'm going to be left with my 1x15 sitting there. (no one will buy it, I've tried to sell it already)

Here's the question, what would be the outcome of using all 3 cabs? I'm getting the Carvin B2000 that can go down to a 2 ohm load so I would be able to use all three cabs at once.

Now let me preemp all the comments such as, "You don't need it" and "Why would you even use that much volume."

Let's discuss just for the sake of argument.

It would mainly be for the WOW factor and yes, showing off.

Also, my thought would be, I could boost the hell out of the bass and and have a deep rumble without really having to push the cabinets anywhere near their limitations. Mulitple speakers running at lower volumes can give clearer response, ya know?

Having a 15" cab with 8 10"s. Phasing? Cancellation? Horrible idea all around?

4x10 on the bottom, the 15" in the middle, and the other 4x10 on the top.

A lot of the places here in town don't have PA support and you have to rely on your rig solely. And to play the huge bass and effects heavy dance music we're doing, it's just a thought to use all three cabs.

Discuss!

BurningSkies · #2 10-01-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hector_G

I have a Hartke Hydrive stack. A 1x15 and a 4x10.
I purchased these before I had read the numerous threads about buying two identical cabinets for optimal performance. I am pretty happy with my current set up, but I think I'm going to buy another 4x10 to match and use both of those.
I'm going to be left with my 1x15 sitting there. (no one will buy it, I've tried to sell it already)

Here's the question, what would be the outcome of using all 3 cabs? I'm getting the Carvin B2000 that can go down to a 2 ohm load so I would be able to use all three cabs at once.

Now let me preemp all the comments such as, "You don't need it" and "Why would you even use that much volume."

Let's discuss just for the sake of argument.

It would mainly be for the WOW factor and yes, showing off.

Also, my thought would be, I could boost the hell out of the bass and and have a deep rumble without really having to push the cabinets anywhere near their limitations. Mulitple speakers running at lower volumes can give clearer response, ya know?

Having a 15" cab with 8 10"s. Phasing? Cancellation? Horrible idea all around?

4x10 on the bottom, the 15" in the middle, and the other 4x10 on the top.

A lot of the places here in town don't have PA support and you have to rely on your rig solely. And to play the huge bass and effects heavy dance music we're doing, it's just a thought to use all three cabs.

Discuss!

If you were to do it, I'd put the 15 on top, that way you'll hear it when it starts to complain. And since the stack will be about 9 feet tall and very unstable on most stages, having the lighter 15 on top will mean your concussion may be non-fatal.

BassmanPaul · #3 10-01-2011, 09:59 AM

Mixing a 15 with a 4x10 is bad. Mixing a 15 and an 8x10 is much much worse!!!! In a word don't!

Hector_G · #4 10-01-2011, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

If you were to do it, I'd put the 15 on top, that way you'll hear it when it starts to complain. And since the stack will be about 9 feet tall and very unstable on most stages, having the lighter 15 on top will mean your concussion may be non-fatal.

Believe it or not, the whole speaker stack would barely be over 6 feet tall. With no casters on, every cab measure exactly 2 feet tall.
And around here, most of the venues don't even have stages. But yeah, I would try to test it out somewhere safe first to see if it could even handle all the vibration.

groove pump · #5 10-01-2011, 10:27 AM

PLEASE post a snapshot or two of this setup if you use it at a show!!!

You know, you could set up that uber-stack and maybe just run sound out of only one or two of the cabs, sort of like the wall-o-sound you might see on stage at some super-cheese show, right? The bottom cab could be your "elevator" to get your sound up closer to your ears on stage.

I don't suppose your crew does any Spinal Tap?

Hector_G · #6 10-01-2011, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groove pump

PLEASE post a snapshot or two of this setup if you use it at a show!!!

You know, you could set up that uber-stack and maybe just run sound out of only one or two of the cabs, sort of like the wall-o-sound you might see on stage at some super-cheese show, right? The bottom cab could be your "elevator" to get your sound up closer to your ears on stage.

I don't suppose your crew does any Spinal Tap?

Unfortunately it's going to be a while until I actually do get this set up completed. Oh but trust me, I will be posting pictures of it.
And very true. The 15 can just be for show. But I just really want to see what Bill has to say about it or any of the other Jedi masters of sound.

will33 · #7 10-01-2011, 11:08 AM

Put the 15 on the bottom and don't plug it in, just use it as a stand for the other 2. Nobody will hear the difference anyway.

billfitzmaurice · #8 10-01-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hector_G

But I just really want to see what Bill has to say about it or any of the other Jedi masters of sound.

The additional output that the 15 will give would be inconsequential, probably not worth hauling the cab.

Hector_G · #9 10-01-2011, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

The additional output that the 15 will give would be inconsequential, probably not worth hauling the cab.

I figured as much. As my understanding is that a 15 roughly equals the output of a 2x10.

As far as hauling it around, it's really no problem. Mostly for the aesthetics and show.

But would the use of it be...
harmful to the overall sound (phasing, etc...)?
inconsequential?
small volume boost?

BassmanPaul · #10 10-01-2011, 11:44 AM

In answer to the above question:

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

The additional output that the 15 will give would be inconsequential, probably not worth hauling the cab.

will33 · #11 10-01-2011, 11:47 AM

If you must use it for "wow factor", stack it on top so you can hear when it starts straining.

335guy · #12 10-01-2011, 11:54 AM

I agree the 15 will be overrun by the (2) 4x10's and hardly worth the hassle of hauling it around. That said, I recall many years ago playing with a bassist who used the classic Ampeg SVT 300 watt tube head and 8x10 bottom. He wanted more low end and added a Traynor folded horn 18 ( YB-18A ) that gave him a little more bottom end. Ideally, if one wants to real low defined bass, IMHO, a bi-amped system is better. Chose a high quality, sub woofer and quality mid/high cab with an electronic crossover and quality power amp, along with a pre-amp, for an amazing sound. This setup is pretty old school, but still awesome. I heard a guy many years ago playing a Rick through a good bi-amped setup. Best, clearest, deepest bass tones I ever heard. Of course today, the PA generally does this job and the bass player just needs good, onstage monitoring.