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4x10 + 2x12, or 2 2x12?

LeroyRT

LeroyRT

Aug 7, 2014
52
57
GA
#1
I'm going to be doing some light touring this summer as an opener and I would love some advice. I need a bigger cab setup, but I also need to keep my small cab. I'm a 5 string player and prefer the way a 2x12 runs the fat lows. My usual setup is an ampeg PF800 through a 4ohm Markbass 2x12. Perfect, compact setup. I can't expand it because the portaflex won't push 800watts through the 2x12 and another cab.

I'm going to buy a Mesa TT800 so I can run a single 4ohm cab or two 4ohm cabs. Doing this so I can pick and choose which cab setup I want based on the venue. Now I need to know which cab to add to the 2x12. Do I run a 4x10 in addition to the 2x12 or do I play through two 2x12 cabs? My gut tells me two 2x12s are dumb, but I don't know why. I play country and I'm not going to be doing any solos or running distortion. I just want heavy bass that hits you in the chest. Do I have any other option?

I have an 8x10 ampeg that I could use, but we're going to be playing short sets and I don't need all that trouble. I also have an SVT4pro, but it's broken. It would be perfect for this discussion.
 
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#3
^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^

Full Rig 2 4-2-24.jpg
 

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#9
A single Markbass 12 in 8 Ohms.

Your current has two 8 Ohm speakers in it so this will run all speakers evenly through the Mesa amp.

It will give you a bit "more" but does not take up as much space as another 2x12.
The single can be used in small locations or as an easier practice grab and go cab.
Gets the speaker closer to your ear, can turn it a bit for better side hearing.

Three 12's is still more but not as scary to some small club owners as four 12's.

O
O
O
 
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#10
i have not been on tour but i have played an outdoor gig with my 2 GK Neo 212s. It sounded huge.

the GK 212 is my favorite cab and as stated above by @ga_edwards , more of what you already love is better (ok, not an exact quote). it was in my case anyway.

i would vote for the 2x212 option. i have also played through various combinations of those along with a GK Neo 115 and GK Neo 210. I like the double 212 the best. YMMV.

pics are for reference. obviously not at an outdoor gig, but you can see how high up it gets that speaker. great to hear on stage.

kgb
 

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#12
LeroyRT said:
I'm going to be doing some light touring this summer as an opener and I would love some advice. I need a bigger cab setup, but I also need to keep my small cab. I'm a 5 string player and prefer the way a 2x12 runs the fat lows. My usual setup is an ampeg PF800 through a 4ohm Markbass 2x12. Perfect, compact setup. I can't expand it because the portaflex won't push 800watts through the 2x12 and another cab.

I'm going to buy a Mesa TT800 so I can run a single 4ohm cab or two 4ohm cabs. Doing this so I can pick and choose which cab setup I want based on the venue. Now I need to know which cab to add to the 2x12. Do I run a 4x10 in addition to the 2x12 or do I play through two 2x12 cabs? My gut tells me two 2x12s are dumb, but I don't know why. I play country and I'm not going to be doing any solos or running distortion. I just want heavy bass that hits you in the chest. Do I have any other option?

I have an 8x10 ampeg that I could use, but we're going to be playing short sets and I don't need all that trouble. I also have an SVT4pro, but it's broken. It would be perfect for this discussion.
Click to expand...
Bass player for My Morning Jacket, Tom Blankenship, tours with a Mesa WD800 and a 4-10 cab. He’s been doing it for 2 years and is completely satisfied with the set-up.
If you’re concerned about the reproduction if the B string, go with two Acme Low B2 cabs(2-10). These were designed for your application. I have two of them (used to have 4) and a WD800 and they will definitely handle the B with no issues whatsoever. You can also stack them on end and have a nice stack, plus they’re easy to move. They also have a tighter sound than the 12s.

 
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#13
I have played 2x15's many times, but I had an SWR Silverado Special (2x12) on top of a second SWR 2x12 cab, and it would blow the two 15's out of the water but still had plenty of clarity. I now use a SW D-800+ on a single SW 2x12 as my main rig most of the time. My two SW 1x15's remain in the trailer a good bit.
 
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