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1x15" vs. 4x10" ?

Matthew J Davis

Matthew J Davis

Mar 11, 2023
42
24
59
Santa Rosa CA
#1
I am a "doubler" (half the gigs I do are on upright and half are on Fender Bass. For one band I play both on the same gig). I have a Genzler Magellan 800 Watt amp head with a Genzler 1x12" Bass Array cab (with the tweeters in front). Thats my main rig. When I play Fender Bass (typically a P with flats) in a six piece country band in big halls I put the 1x12 on top of a 1x15 Electo-voice cab. It sounds pretty good but am contemplating replacing the 1x15 with the Genzler 4x10 bass array for a punchier tone. Any thoughts on the difference? The Genzler 4x10 is pricey, almost $2000!
 
#6
The Bass array 112 comes in a STR and SLT version. I suggest adding the version you don't have.

These are 8 ohms cabs and they are rated for 400W with a 98dB 1W/1m sensitivity.

A pair of them will result in an 4 ohm load, 800W of power handling, and about 101dB 1W/1m sensitivity.

At 400W the calculated SPL of a single 112 is [Log(400) x 10] + 98 = 124dB.

At 800W the calculated SPL of two 112s is [Log(800) x 10] + 101 = 130dB.​


The 410 is a 4 ohm cab with a 1200W power rating and 104dB 1W/1m sensitivity.

At 800W the calculated SPL of a single 410 is [Log(800) x 10] + 104 = 133dB.
​
If you run the 410 and 112 the amp needs to be able to handle a 2.67 ohm load. The MG800 is rated 800W at 2.67 ohms. The 410 will draw 2/3 of available power.

The 410 will get 800 x 2/3 = 533.3W
SPL at 533.3 = [Log(533.3) x 10] + 104 = 131.3dB​
The 112 will get 800 x 1/3 = 266.6W
SPL at 266.6 =[Log(266.6) x 10] + 98 = 122.3dB​

That is a 9dB difference in SPL

I believe the combined SPL of both cabs will be abput 133.9dB. So you gain less than 1dB by adding the 112.
 
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#8
I have had in my posession a Hartke 410XL (paired with a gen1 GK 400RB) ever since that combination was "all the rage" back in the late 80s (I think). I always thought it sounded pretty good+ with a P or G&L P-type (with rounds), but GREAT with my 1941 Kay M100 upright with a standard Fishman. I elevated the cab about 18" off the floor and had a parametric EQ racked with the amp to notch a couple frequencies when necessary, but that rig sounded really good and would get remarkably loud with no problems. Just my FWIW. Good luck in your search.
 
#10
Some points to consider.

As highlighted by Wasnex' sums a 410 (all else being equal) is a much bigger and louder cab than a 1x15. If this is an advantage fine. If it's not then a 2x10, which is much more on a level with a 1x15, could be worth considering.

Frequently repeated wisdom here is that driver size doesn't make any difference. This is exaggerated, but its certainly true that its only one of a number of factors. The difference between a random 1x15 and another different 1x15 may be as great as between a 4x10 and a 1x15.

Different styles of cabs, especially from different vendors, may not live well together. Ideally one would would trial the whole rig in a band situation, but that's hard to arrange.
 
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#12
Standalone said:
As in put it under? If so, why?

Anyway — OP I recommend a second matching cab. Barring that, I prefer 15”s for portability. FormDB and Electric
Click to expand...

OP seemed new (to this topic) and not aware of the problems this config (1x12 + 4x10) would create: Half the power from the amp would go to the 1x12, and the other half would go to the 4x10 cab. In this config, you'd be over powering the 12 and underpowering the 10's (comparatively) resulting in "not the effect" he's seeking in terms of "punch" from the 10's. Additionally, the 1x12 will be 8 ohms and the 4x10 is more likely to be 4 ohms, thus presenting a value to his amp of < 4 ohms. Unless he has one of the few amps that are stable at 2 ohms, he'll risk causing damage to his amp. Guess you may have not understood this too. :bassist:
 
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#13
Standalone said:
As in put it under? If so, why?

Anyway — OP I recommend a second matching cab. Barring that, I prefer 15”s for portability. FormDB and Electric
Click to expand...

That was my first inclination: add a second matching 1x12. If nothing else, it promotes the desired modularity & rig height while simultaneously satisfying my OCD.

Riis
 
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#16
I’ll second the suggestions for adding another 12” bass array, or third the suggestions—

Adding two more BA 12 cabs would give you a flexible rig to cover just about any situation, and with a more predictable outcome (assuming you really like how the 12 sounds/feels). Since the Magellan is good w/ 2.6Ω, you could have a tall 312 stack that is plenty “punchy”. And I would guess it’s easier to hear on stage than a relatively squat 410.

Sure, that’s even more expensive than just getting the 410, but the 12s seem to show up more often in TB classifieds or used on Reverb.

Two straights with a slant on top would make an excellent stage monitor.
 
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#17
tb-player said:
The Genzler Bass Array 410 is a killer cab! Worth every penny. With that in mind, I'm not sure I would pair a 112 with it. Might be a good question for @Jeff Genzler
Click to expand...
Yes, for a single cab solution the BA2-410-3 cab cannot be beat. We do have a few doublers using that cab.
I personally would not consider using the smaller 12" BA cab in top. You won't hurt anybody as pointed out here, the output of the 2 cabs could be considerable.
For the OP, send me a PM if you have more specific questions.
 
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