8x10 vs two-4x10s?

[WarBeer]

Curious, are there any sonic differences between an 8x10 and two 4x10s? ...assuming the cabs have the same speakers.

 

[abarson]

Assuming the same speakers and the same design fundamentals, there won't be a sonic difference.

 

[Jaco who?]

It depends a lot on how they're built. Both the Ampeg 410he and 810s have dividers between each pair of drivers so they sound pretty similar. If they all share the same internal volume, the 810 might have more low end extension. This also assumes either both are ported, or both are sealed designs.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Easier to answer if we know which 8x10 and 4x10 you are comparing.

 

[agedhorse]

Generally, separate versus sealed air spaces (with identical speakers) won't show much if any difference due to internal volume, but may due to cavity resonance, difference in bracing effect, etc.

 

[Wasnex]

It depends a lot on how they're built. Both the Ampeg 410he and 810s have dividers between each pair of drivers so they sound pretty similar. If they all share the same internal volume, the 810 might have more low end extension. This also assumes either both are ported, or both are sealed designs.

The 410HE has slightly smaller chambers than the 810E. People report that a pair of 410HEs is slightly leaner down low. I doubt it's enough to really worry about. Many also say that in most situations they prefer tilting and rolling an 810 VS dealing with a pair of 410s. The exception is when you must actually lift the 810; such as a high stage or when the gig is up a flight of stairs.

 

[deff]

The 410HE has slightly smaller chambers than the 810E. People report that a pair of 410HEs is slightly leaner down low. I doubt it's enough to really worry about. Many also say that in most situations they prefer tilting and rolling an 810 VS dealing with a pair of 410s. The exception is when you must actually lift the 810; such as a high stage or when the gig is up a flight of stairs.

I had a 410HE for a bit. It felt heavier than the 810 and was much more of a pain to carry around. Granted stairs would likely be easier, but I'm still not lifting a 410HE upstairs by myself. They always sounded like they were skewed a little higher to me. Not that it was a bad thing, just seemed that way to me.

 

[Wasnex]

I had a 410HE for a bit. It felt heavier than the 810 and was much more of a pain to carry around. Granted stairs would likely be easier, but I'm still not lifting a 410HE upstairs by myself. They always sounded like they were skewed a little higher to me. Not that it was a bad thing, just seemed that way to me.

In addition to being tuned slight higher, the 410HE has a tweeter.

I think I would prefer a pair of 410HEs to an 810E. The first rig I ever bought was a brand new SVT and 810. No amount of EQ could make the 810 produce the nice airy highs I like.

My last touring rig gave me the choice of an Eden D210XLT, D410XLT, or both. Most of the time I used only the D210XLT and it was plenty. I would have preferred a second 210.

 

[johnnynitro]

I have the 2 410he's. And have had the 810 Sold the 810. They do sound allot alike . I couldn't really tell too much between the two. Maybe the low end thing ? I keep the horn (Clacker) low or near off. And I shy away from too much bass knob. I like the look of the 2 410s better. But that's Moot ! I did the 2 410s for transpo reasons. Honestly tho. Theirs no were I play that a single 410 won't do. And were pretty loud. But am always wanting to use the 2 410s ! Not sure about what one is an easier move tho,

 

[JKB1957]

Same sound. 4 X 10s easier to move. Go with the 4 X 10s.

 

[57pbass]

I use a Bergantino REF 210 and have a second REF 210 when I play at the larger rooms or on the outdoor stages. Combined they make a great 4x10.
The sound doesn’t change but there’s just more of it.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Curious, are there any sonic differences between an 8x10 and two 4x10s? ...assuming the cabs have the same speakers.

Not sure about the sound, but the 810 cab is a lot easier to transport that two 410s.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

In addition to being tuned slight higher, the 410HE has a tweeter.

I think I would prefer a pair of 410HEs to an 810E. The first rig I ever bought was a brand new SVT and 810. No amount of EQ could make the 810 produce the nice airy highs I like.

My last touring rig gave me the choice of an Eden D210XLT, D410XLT, or both. Most of the time I used only the D210XLT and it was plenty. I would have preferred a second 210.

I have two Eden 210 cabs one XLT and one XST, but only use two cabs when outdoors or if we are really spread out on stage. Other than that, I use the XST cab and like you said, is more than adequate for most gigs.

The reason is for ease of transport and it’s modular.

Sidebar… With regard to my thread on Tenors having issue due to bass frequencies, Do you think you using the XLT (mid Hump) might be a better choice than the XST which has a flatter response, but and extended low end? Thanks.

 

[ac100X]

The "sonic difference" is you don't hear me bitching about my back as much.

 

[Wasnex]

Sidebar… With regard to my thread on Tenors having issue due to bass frequencies, Do you think you using the XLT (mid Hump) might be a better choice than the XST which has a flatter response, but and extended low end? Thanks.

Hard to say for sure. Try both and have a discussion with the tenor.

 

[InhumanResource]

I have the 2 410he's. And have had the 810 Sold the 810. They do sound allot alike . I couldn't really tell too much between the two. Maybe the low end thing ? I keep the horn (Clacker) low or near off. And I shy away from too much bass knob. I like the look of the 2 410s better. But that's Moot ! I did the 2 410s for transpo reasons. Honestly tho. Theirs no were I play that a single 410 won't do. And were pretty loud. But am always wanting to use the 2 410s ! Not sure about what one is an easier move tho,

I ran the same rig for years, even if i I didn’t need as much volume. The sound of both cabinets is so much fuller than the single 410HE that it wasn’t worth splitting them up. Sounded like an 810 to me but I never had the chance to A/B them.

 

[Ric5]

Curious, are there any sonic differences between an 8x10 and two 4x10s? ...assuming the cabs have the same speakers.

A 4x10 is easier to carry

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Curious, are there any sonic differences between an 8x10 and two 4x10s? ...assuming the cabs have the same speakers.

Yes. Two 410s would probably have more low end. Chances are very likely that the 410s are made with more internal volume than half the single 810 cab. So, when you put them together, it would make a bigger cabinet.



In most cases, the box makes the speaker.

In all cases, the box makes the speaker speak.



This is a hypothetical, logical response. I have a 410he, I have an 810e, I dont have 2 410he cabinets to compare the end result.

But, depending on the internal volume of the 3 cabinets in question...yes. There could very well be a difference between the two set ups.

 

[agedhorse]

With sealed speakers, small differences in internal volume generally has minimal impact compared with ported speakers.

 

[baxter_x]

I played for many years with two SWR Goliath III. I could really notice a difference when cabs were stacked and side by side. And I prefered when they were side by side. They had the same mass and the presence of a an 810.
When stacked something was lacking, I felt I had to push more power in for a result that was not really convincing.
Unfortunately I noticed this before switching to a single 810 cab.
But I think @agedhorse already covered the subject