1 x 10 vs 1 x 15 Combo

[shakiroin]

Can I use small 1 x 10 combo to replace a 1 x 15 being both in the same wattage ?

I'm thinking about the new high priced micro bass combos i like the size and light weight. I don't want to carry big cabs. I just want a small combo capable of perform like a 1 x 15 on the lower frequencies. It's that possible ?

Any suggestions ?

 

[BBQV]

Smaller box = less lows.
Smaller cone area = less volume.
Generally speaking.

I would go with a 12" instead of a 10", smaller than that isn't really useful for anything louder than bedroom practice.
Another option would be a micro amp with a 1x12" cab, that'd give you more choices.

 

[vin*tone]

Yeah 1x12".

 

[newbold]

get the 110 and a 110 extension cab.

smaller speakers can usually go lower but not low as loud without more of them.

 

[Gearhead17]

Can I use small 1 x 10 combo to replace a 1 x 15 being both in the same wattage ?

I'm thinking about the new high priced micro bass combos i like the size and light weight. I don't want to carry big cabs. I just want a small combo capable of perform like a 1 x 15 on the lower frequencies. It's that possible ?

Any suggestions ?

The 115 sounds lower because they typically do not spread mids and highs like a 10" speaker would. Regardless though, it's another combo amp. If you are looking at the same brand and you are looking to downgrade from a 115 combo to a 110 combo, it's not even worth it. Keep what you have for practice only. Eventually, if you want to play on stages, you will have to upgrade your rig. A heavier speaker cab will be in the running too, but there are a lot of choices out there and I feel you will find something you can handle.

Although, if you find your 115 combo to be too much, time to hit the gym! Start lifting and getting your strength up. You will get more self-confidence, more of the opposite sex, and better bass tone!

 

[efe_gallagher]

I say go for a 1x12" or a 2x10" at least. I don't think you'll get the same volume output with the 10's, but the 12" might be good enough for small venues (If they don't have a P.A.)

 

[Stumbo]

What's your budget?

 

[CL400Peavey]

The tone you will get is not dependent on the size of the speaker, but the entire enclosure design. What you will be sacrificing as you move to smaller speakers is total volume. If the cone area decreases with out a drastic increase in xMax you will be losing a lot of volume.

 

[Joe Louvar]

Smaller box = less lows.
Smaller cone area = less volume.
Generally speaking.

I would go with a 12" instead of a 10", smaller than that isn't really useful for anything louder than bedroom practice.
Another option would be a micro amp with a 1x12" cab, that'd give you more choices.

+1. This ^^^ Except, I'd go with a 15 instead of the smaller 12.

 

[cchorney]

I noticed you bolded the work "combo", signifying you really want advice to stay in the realm of combos only. This is too bad, because you are closing yourself off from gear that could be lighter, smaller, and better able to fit your needs of the moment. Think about it - a combo encloses the amp and cab in wood. So a cab alone wouldn't need as much wood, making it lighter and smaller. And you could take with you to a small practice session your micro head and a 1x10, or if its a bigger gig maybe the same micro head and a 2x10, or 2x12, or whatever. But you asked for combo advice so here is mine.

Don't get a 1x10 unless you only want to play with acoustic guitars or mandolins in small rooms, your need for volume will very quickly exceed your combo's single 10" driver's ability to produce clean tone. A 1x12 would be the minimum, and you should really plan of getting a second satellite 1x12 cab if you will be playing with louder guitar players and drummers. A 2x10 is a safer bet than a 1x12 by a little, a 1x15 safer still - assuming all have similar xMax values and similarly tuned cabs.

Really, and I hate to say it because I chased this dream for a while myself, but you're a bass player, and for us, its largely true that good tone and perceived loudness equals heavy and big. Take consolation in the fact that even just 20 years ago, stuff was even bigger and heavier. Your option after a certain point is to get a small DI box like a BDDI or VT and go direct into the PA, and skip the amp and cab entirely...


or take up harmonica - those are small and light!

 

[RickenBoogie]

+1 to all, the 1x10 will limit your volume. It's not about the wattage at all, really. Stick with the 15, or go with a separate amp and cab, still more than a 110 either way.