A question I expect entirely subjective answers to.....

[Standalone]

A 115. Lighter and suitable for the size club.

And for larger gigs, another added 115 becomes a world class stack that still has individual cabs that are easy to carry.

Also, more subjectively, I have come to like fifteens. They are my sound, especially my Bag Ends

 

[Kirk Bryant]

If the PA was good, I'd just take a Bergantino neo112 or possibly the neo210.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Portability would be my number one deciding factor if I was forced to go smaller than 2x12 (which is the smallest I really enjoy playing on stage). This means MY choice would probably be a lightweight 1x15. Or even better, a lightweight 1x15 combo.

But if we're talking about TONE rather than portability this question is impossible to answer without actually testing the exact cabs in question. I'm sure I would prefer the tone of 1x15 from some manufacturers and 2x10 from other manufacturers.

 

[MattZilla]

Full PA support? Like, you're DI'ing in and instead of a shaker platform and IEM's you're using a bass amp as a personal monitor?

If I'm sitting down on a low chair/stool, 215.

Really, 2x215 or whatever column that reaches to your shoulders will let you set an ultra low actual room-loudness and simultaneously have your body & ears bathed in your sound.

If the soundguy listens with their eyes, they'll be horrified. If they have a brain and you have a decent DI, you'll be their favorite bassist.

I'll never see actual sense in the trend of kilowatt shinblower bass rigs in a world where most venues have full PA support any more than I see sense in people using full size pickup trucks as daily commuter cars.

Really, a good DI and shaker platform + custom IEM's is the way to go these days for any gig bigger than a coffeeshop.

 

[Dirtnap]

"Subjective," and "irrelevant to the question asked" are not the same thing.

 

[micguy]

that's funny, I practice in my bedroom with my 600-watt amps and gig with the fifty-watt amp. strange.

Not at all strange. Who wants to move heavy gear?

To the original question, I've played my last few hundred gigs without an amp or speaker.

 

[msb]

Modern 12's are the old 15's.

 

[BoogieZK]

So, like any good GenX player, I've had pretty much every possible amp combo possible, from SVT's to Peavey's to SWR's to Edens and so on and so on.
If you were looking for a cab - SMALL cab - and it was being powered by a 50W tube head - would you want a 2x10 or a 1x15? Why? And don't cheat say "both." Yeah, yeah, yeah. But lets pretend you can literally only bring one to this gig - mid-sized club with a PA.

2x10 for better sensitivity, more volume if you will.

 

[Ggaa]

115. Subjectively, IME, with a HPF and a contemporary amp with EQ, 15s can do 10s better than 10s can do 15s. If you want to.

 

[eban3]

So, like any good GenX player, I've had pretty much every possible amp combo possible, from SVT's to Peavey's to SWR's to Edens and so on and so on.
If you were looking for a cab - SMALL cab - and it was being powered by a 50W tube head - would you want a 2x10 or a 1x15? Why? And don't cheat say "both." Yeah, yeah, yeah. But lets pretend you can literally only bring one to this gig - mid-sized club with a PA.

For a small rig i've been using a Genz benz Neo rig 1 12"& tweeter for years but with a Mark bass lil tube (about 350 watts at 4 ohms ...............50 watts way underpowered for my taste

 

[SLO Surfer]

I own a 2x10 and a 1x15, and I'd bring the 2x10 if I could only bring one. It covers more sonic range.

Not all 2x10's and 1x15's are the same though, that's just how mine are voiced. If I owned a different brand and model, my choice may be the other way around.

 

[bassdude51]

Ha ha, I guess I missed that memo.
View attachment 5289424

A bit of PA assistance with the 50 watt amp. Otherwise, good point!

 

[Ostie]

2x10. Because I have two of them to choose from.

 

[BaltBass5]

I'm gonna be THAT guy and say 112.
I used to play 10's and even an occasional 15 but found that 12's are the way to go!

 

[hennessybass]

If I had to pick one, I'd probably go with my current 210.
Although, I've had a lot of good times with a 115.

Form factor, power handling, voicing are things to think about.

I think voicing is going to be VERY different between most 115 and 210 cabs. I know - technically - "speaker size doesn't matter," but I sure feel like there are some pretty common universal characteristics.

I'm not a fan of single 112s. I am a big fan of 212s in terms of a best-all-around for most things working-man's cab.

 

[bassdude51]

Subjective answer..........if after stronger bottom sound, the 1-15. If after a stronger mid-range (cut through), 2-10. IMHO

Both cabs would be fairly close, depending on the brand of cab. IMHO

(I think that I'd rather lug around a 2-10 over a 1-15. IMHO)

 

[cnltb]

More often than not, amps and cabs are provided and I don't need to bring one, so I don't.
My next amp purchase is likely going to be a set of 2 1x10s and a good and light and simple head.

 

[SloFingers]

Ha ha, I guess I missed that memo.
View attachment 5289424

That looks like the Jackson County Expo center

 

[Jefenator]

The sensitivity spec should be in the objective realm. I wouldn't ignore all other metrics in pursuit of it - but IME a few extra dB can be nice to have when you're pushing wattage in the double digits.
I also subjectively like the way the Bag End S-15D sounds.

 

[brianrost]

I always used 1-15 cabs, never 2-10 until I switched over to 1-12 cabs in the late 90s.

Those Bag Ends kick butt, BTW. I also liked the old Mesa RoadReady cabs.