1x12 vs 1x15

[MTN.bass72]

Easy, my Greenboy Audio Fearless F112..

 

[MycooLeeyun]

I think a 212 is kind of the money spot in terms of a one cab do it all box.
That’s what I would pick if it was an option. Probably a 115 after that.

I picked 115, because the thread was about having only one cab and the choice was 112 or 115.

Lots of guys picking option C - 2 12s.

Yeah, it's sounding like another 112 is the best option at this point.

 

[MycooLeeyun]

Easy, my Greenboy Audio Fearless F112..
View attachment 3558096

Looks sweet!

 

[MycooLeeyun]

Really appreciating all of the feedback here! I'm leaning toward adding another 12 to the mix, but I've been to gigs where the bass player was using 115 and his tone was godly.

 

[Kro]

Yeah, it's sounding like another 112 is the best option at this point.

As always, try before you buy. I've had the rare gig where a typical traditional 112 would likely have been just enough for my needs, and I've had gigs were a typical traditional 115 would have been pushed to/past its limits.

I do kind of wonder if your feeling of "missing something" may just be due to not having enough cab for your own personal needs... I've felt that way even with certain 212s.

But only you can make that determination.

 

[The Bass Clef]

The construction of the cabinet affects the sound way more than 12 vs. 15. A crappy 15” cab can have way less response and volume than a really good 12” cab.

 

[Al Kraft]

The construction of the cabinet affects the sound way more than 12 vs. 15. A crappy 15” cab can have way less response and volume than a really good 12” cab.

+1...and I would add that "construction of the cabinet" includes its design and tuning/voicing. Cabinets are systems that work to produce sound in certain way, not just a speaker, wiring and a box. All elements are important and (within reason) the diameter of the speaker is actually one of the less important variables IMO.

 

[Al Kraft]

Really appreciating all of the feedback here! I'm leaning toward adding another 12 to the mix, but I've been to gigs where the bass player was using 115 and his tone was godly.

If you can find a way to try out 2-112's I think you may be shocked at how much more that second matching cab adds over the single 112. This surprise outcome has occurred with every brand's 112 when I added in a second matching cab. That 115 depth you describe may jump out of the dual 112 cab set-up, and the same would hold true if you just went to a dual 12" driver cab over a single 12" driver cab IME.

 

[MycooLeeyun]

If you can find a way to try out 2-112's I think you may be shocked at how much more that second matching cab adds over the single 112. This surprise outcome has occurred with every brand's 112 when I added in a second matching cab. That 115 depth you describe may jump out of the dual 112 cab set-up, and the same would hold true if you just went to a dual 12" driver cab over a single 12" driver cab IME.

Thank you for that clarification. I think I'm going to grab a second 112. Just wondering if the Berg HD112s are the 2 that I want! So many great cabs out there, want to make sure I get something that suits my playing style.

 

[Al Kraft]

Thank you for that clarification. I think I'm going to grab a second 112. Just wondering if the Berg HD112s are the 2 that I want! So many great cabs out there, want to make sure I get something that suits my playing style.

I have played a single HD112 and then immediately after added a second cab - it will put a smile on your face and make you wonder how 1+1 seems to equal more than 2. Assuming you are going from a single 8 Ohm cab to a twin matching cab set-up and your typical SS head will produce roughly double the output at 4 Ohms, you will get close a theoretical 6 Db increase in volume (real world 4-5 dB IMO). That is a significant change you can hear, but the depth and fullness of the tone is something that is harder to describe with numbers and IME is quite significant as well.

Berg products are top quality in my book, but there are a lot of great choices out there depending on what kind of voicing you like. If I had to buy without hearing first, IMO Bergantino is always a safe bet.

 

[MycooLeeyun]

I have played a single HD112 and then immediately after added a second cab - it will put a smile on your face and make you wonder how 1+1 seems to equal more than 2. Assuming you are going from a single 8 Ohm cab to a twin matching cab set-up and your typical SS head will produce roughly double the output at 4 Ohms, you will get close a theoretical 6 Db increase in volume (real world 4-5 dB IMO). That is a significant change you can hear, but the depth and fullness of the tone is something that is harder to describe with numbers and IME is quite significant as well.

Berg products are top quality in my book, but there are a lot of great choices out there depending on what kind of voicing you like. If I had to buy without hearing first, IMO Bergantino is always a safe bet.

Your knowledge is greatly appreciated! It's hard to go wrong with a pair of Bergantinos.

I'm going to see if I can add a second. At least I'm gig ready that way. I'm not currently playing in bands but it's always nice to always be ready just in case something pops up. Right now I'm just jamming in my bedroom with friends and recording.

Thanks again!

 

[Chickenwheels]

Really appreciating all of the feedback here! I'm leaning toward adding another 12 to the mix, but I've been to gigs where the bass player was using 115 and his tone was godly.

The speaker/cab is only part of this equation. Other factors include bass, technique, position of cab, room shape/size, sound and volume of other band members, number of people at gig, temperature. Crazy stuff, but often overlooked.

 

[Jigmay]

I had a 12" Bergie several years ago. I bought a second 12" Bergie and the sound multiplied. It didn't help "a little." It helped an enormous amount. More bottom (still well defined), more mids, more low-highs, more volume, etc.

My suggestion would be to get a second, identical if you can, 12" cab. You will be quite surprised.

^^^^^ My Experience exactly^^^^^^

I have a Bergie 1x12, and wanted more depth and girth. Bought another Bergie 1x12 and now its there in spades along with definition. I can also add that even at about 40watts coming out of my Quilter BB800 it has an authoritative sound. Really surprised by that.

I also like the fact that I can still take one small and light cab to a gig. I vote for getting another Bergie 1x12.

 

[MycooLeeyun]

^^^^^ My Experience exactly^^^^^^

I have a Bergie 1x12, and wanted more depth and girth. Bought another Bergie 1x12 and now its there in spades along with definition. I can also add that even at about 40watts coming out of my Quilter BB800 it has an authoritative sound. Really surprised by that.

I also like the fact that I can still take one small and light cab to a gig. I vote for getting another Bergie 1x12.

Going to pick one up this week !

 

[MTN.bass72]

Looks sweet!

Thanks! It sounds even better..
This rig easily keeps up with a loud guitarist, electric drums that are loud too, keys, and four vocals. With more volume to give, if needed

 

[tonybassman]

the size of the speaker alone means absolutely nothing, it depends entirely of the box it's housed in, and there are speakers of all sizes with very different characteristics...

we could recommend cabs, if you want something to have a different character from what you have, and/or keeping to certain size/weight restrictions... but a choice purely between 12 or 15 makes little sense.

Agree 100%

 

[gigetto]

In my opinion 15" is better in warming sound if you play blues.

 

[dave_bass5]

Ive gigged quite a lot with a Vanderkley 1x15, yet struggled with a Barefaced BB2. Its not that the BB2 wasnt loud enough, but it just seemed to lack punch and mid kick.
Im just about to start gigging with just a Fearless F112, which im hoping will bring the best of both (and then some).

 

[Evil Funk]

i have a GK410, GK212 combo and a MesaSW115.

I only gig with the 115 now. It is deeper and more articulate, as well as being noticeably louder than the 212. Volume is about the same as the 410, but the 410 gets too thick for my tastes when louder. All of them can keep up with a loud drummer without any PA assistance needed. I don't think a 12 alone would be enough for me as i felt the 212 was average performing at best.

I was surprised that it was so easy to gig with the 15 by itself (with lots of volume to spare). Selling off my remaining gear as they serve zero purpose now.

Here's my setup that i gig with each week... "single-trip" setup.

 

[frankie5string]

Go figure I played through that exact same rig about three weeks ago and it was pretty tubby sounding and not very articulate. I never liked the GK212, myself - I felt like that cab took far too much away for being a 2x12 driver cabinet.

i have a GK410, GK212 combo and a MesaSW115.

I only gig with the 115 now. It is deeper and more articulate, as well as being noticeably louder than the 212. Volume is about the same as the 410, but the 410 gets too thick for my tastes when louder. All of them can keep up with a loud drummer without any PA assistance needed. I don't think a 12 alone would be enough for me as i felt the 212 was average performing at best.

I was surprised that it was so easy to gig with the 15 by itself (with lots of volume to spare). Selling off my remaining gear as they serve zero purpose now.

Here's my setup that i gig with each week... "single-trip" setup.