Bass Cabinet Speaker size and why?

[swarfrat]

I call this the "Dorm Fridge". Definitely needs to have "Front Towards Enemy stencilled across the front. HPF, compressor, GK. 2-112's. That'll do.

 

[skyline_01]

Never owned a cab/combo with anything other than 4x10", 2x10", 1x12" or 2x12" in my ~35 years of playing. Always seemed to work for my needs.

The only cabs I own ATM are a Tecamp M212 and a Euphonic Audio Wizzy 12 M-line, and they'll more than cover any situation I can throw at them.

 

[Kevorargh]

I started with a 1x15, moved to 4x10s for a long time, downsized to 2 2x10's, then no speakers for a bit (amp head into PA), Then 1x12s (first Eden, then DNA), and finally to my RevSound 2x10 cab. I like 10s and 12s the best. I also like lightweight, and RevSound is awesome in that regard as well as tone.

 

[jdjk7]

What’s your Favorite speaker size and Why?
I found 12” speakers in late 90’s and never went back except when I couldn’t bring my own,and had to use what was there.
Of course to get there I owned and gigged w/1x18, 1x15, 2x15 8x8, 2x10, 4x10 (x2)
8x10,1x12,2x12,4x12.
Or use them as stack with different combinations.
And Having to do bunch of gigs with other bassist and bassists in duo,trio situation or more,sometimes with drummers or w/o drummers but that’s a whole another thread…….

From what I've found, speaker size can be a remarkably inaccurate indicator of precise tonal qualities. Different speakers of the same size can be voiced differently, and cabinet design also plays a big role. FWIW, I have tended to use 10s, both in combos and cabinets, and an Ampeg PF-50T with a 15. My first rig had an 18'' in a blue spraypainted rolling cabinet, but that wasn't as much of "my choice" as opposed to what I could scrounge up.

But now I plan to downsize to a two 1x12 setup using Barefaced Super Compacts with my combos staying in the closet as spares.

 

[Razman]

5". When you have 24 of them together working harmoniously, they get a lot done and spreading the load mitigates thermal compression. My next favorite is 8"; I've owned two or three Henry the 8x8 cabs, and will probably own another one day. Not as tight as my PJB stack but more lows and great tone.

 

[lbbc]

I use a Genz Benz 6.0 210T shuttle for gigs....plenty of sound at 375 watts and 36 lbs.

I also have a Genz Benz 6.0 12T shuttle for rehearsal at 32 Lbs. One time I linked the 112 and the 210 cabinets together....they sounded great (at 600 watts) but I don't need that much headroom anymore.

I once had a Genz Benz 212 neo ...that was SWEET!!!

 

[BradH]

I have used 2) 210's / 1) 410 / 1) 15 & 410 together.
But I love the sound of my Bergantino 212. It weighs only 47 lbs. & sounds great.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I like my sealed 810 cab for jamming with others.

My practice amp has a 12 which I like for playing alone at home.

 

[StereoPlayer]

I liked 15” a lot in my younger years(still do). Then I went to an 18” for many years and they hold a special place in my heart for those.
Now, I used exclusively 10” speakers. I have two 8 Ohm 2x10’s and one 4 Ohm 2x10.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

I always preferred 12s.
1st rig was a Fender Bassman 4x12, and then Ampeg 4x12s, retro-fitted with Eminence drivers, IIRC.
Our rehearsal space at the time had an old 18” Cerwin Vega cab I really didn’t care for. (being polite)
Some of my colleagues played through 15s, but the “highs” were too limited for my tastes.
In the 90s, I jumped on the 410 band-wagon. (If I could only go back in time - it was much easier rolling a 412)

About 10 years ago, I got the 212SVT, and preferred it over the SVT cab I had (other than the height).
I’ve since added Aguilar SL112s, Genzler 112 & 212 Cabs.
I know it’s not supposed to matter these days, but 12s are my “comfort zone”.

 

[StereoPlayer]

I call this the "Dorm Fridge". Definitely needs to have "Front Towards Enemy stencilled across the front. HPF, compressor, GK. 2-112's. That'll do.

I saw this in another thread. Nice rig!

 

[Jefenator]

I was going to say, hard to go wrong with a good 12. Then I just realized I am not currently using any!
I have a 15 (Bag End S-15D) that is more compact & hi-fi than typical, a Bergantino HDN210 that is nice and light and shallow and an Acme Low B-1 that has crazy solid low end for a 1x10.
The right 1x12 is on the short list for my next acquisition.

 

[Berniez40]

I go with a 1x10 and 2x8 setup. The trick here is the quality of the speakers themselves and their construction. I don't like Whizzer Cones, but, a Quality Whizzer is at least okay. I have a practice amp with a cheap whizzer which farts out on a low E---so basically sounds like crap.
My performance 10" is just a straight up Faital that is amazing as far as a good solid sound goes, and it can handle a load. 300 watts of thump without too much boominess. Lotsa bass---but a lot of lower mids help make that bass really flourish. The 8"s are Faitals as well, but again---quality is the issue here. If you think a cheap 10" Whizzy sounds like crap----try a pair of cheap 8's. OUCH. The Faital 8's can capture all your Mid and Upper mids, with a touch of treble, without the hiss that comes from whizzers or tweeters.

 

[Chris_will_do]

In the end I chose my GRbass 1x12 because of punch, clarity, 450 watt RMS/AES at 98 spl and just about 11 kilos. My ears and my back dig it.

 

[micguy]

I build my own cabinets, so I start with Thiele/Small parameters, not diameter.

 

[agedhorse]

I build my own cabinets, so I start with Thiele/Small parameters, not diameter.

Yup, the easier and more predictable way.

 

[micguy]

Yup, the easier and more predictable way.

My approach only makes sense if you want the results to be boring - what you predicted from simulations. If you want adventure, chaos, and surprise in your results, my approach sucks.

 

[StereoPlayer]

@agedhorse
Slightly off topic here but…

could I place a speaker cabinet facing the floor, say 3-5” raised up. It’s just a thought I had.

 

[ebo]

I know this is TB blasphemy, but since 95% of what my audience hears is FOH, it just doesn’t matter to me that much anymore. I currently use a 1x12 as a monitor and like it. My favorite’s were a 1x15 and 4x10, used together. Had a Traynor 8x10 rig of doom once which was fun too. Those days are OVER!

 

[TTPbass1]

Used to love 15", then 2x10 + 1x15; until I discovered 12", never went back.

Usually use a 1x12, but for larger venues just add another to make a 2x12