Bass Cabinet Speaker size and why?

[Jinobass1]

In my college band, I ran through a pair of 2x15 cabs (4x15 total). Today, there are 1x15 cabs (fEarless F115) that go louder and clearer and deeper than my 4x15 setup.

I used to have a room full of cabs when I was gigging. Had a 1x8 GB cab, a 4x8, a 6x8, and a Henry 8x8. A pair of 410’s, a 115, a four 210’s, a pair of 212’s, a single 12, a single 10… had them all arranged along a wall in a bedroom and would grab which cab suited me for the gig.

Today I’ve scaled back to “just”: 1x8, 1x10, 4x8, 6x8, 2x12, 1x15, and a 4x10. Was thinking though that I could really use either a lightweight 1x12 or 2x10 in case I audition for a band. Those seem to be the perfect size for giving decent output in a band practice setting while still being lightweight and compact to easily transport.

Which 2x12??

 

[Jinobass1]

Previously:
2x12
1x15
2x12
1x15
1x15
1x15
2x10 + 1x15
4x10
4x10+ 1x15
Currently:
2x12
And
1x12

Which 12?

 

[ashtray]

Which 2x12??

When?

Using an Aguilar DB212 now. Had an Aguilar GS212, which I believe I read uses the same drivers but the cabinets sound very different to me.

I’ve also used an Eden Nemesis 212 in the past. My favorite 212 I tried was a German spec Glockenklang - but I think it was $1,000 or so, which I couldn’t justify spending at the time. (technically, the shop had two of them, and ideally I wanted them both, but at $2,000 that was over my budget and I decided for some reason I’d rather have none if I can’t buy both. In retrospect, that single 212 would have done just fine.)

 

[MIMike]

Which 12?

my current speakers are a modded Bassman cab with a pair of Eminence Basslight 2012’s.
My 1x12 is an Audio Kinesis Changeling 12 that also has an Eminence 12 in it.
(The Rumble combo doesn’t count…it’s a combo, and only has a 10” in it)

 

[3rdcurve]

I built a ported box using the Faital Pro 8PR200. It doesn't work well enough yet, for me to blog about it. There is fairly severe port turbulence, even at relatively low volume. It's completely cured by HPF, but doesn't work stand-alone, and I'd like to be sure that I really understand what's going on before going public with it.

Any updates?

 

[fdeck]

Any updates?

Not yet. My speaker building is seasonal, since it's about 40 degrees in my garage right now. And it's full of bikes. Once the winter bikes are stored away in the back yard, and things warm up a bit, I can get back into woodworking mode.

 

[chadds]

That is obvious. Like everything in this world; from vehicles to ice cream. There are, and I have several. From ok to what I'd consider the best. Point is even the best programs require valid input data. That's where the disconnect comes and requires further work. You should be able to extrapolate what I'm referring to.

There are math simulations for ice cream? Is it expensive or potentially dangerous to test ice cream?

 

[BassyBill]

After trying lots of different options, I’ve finally decided 212 cabs are the best overall on stage compromise (size and shape, power, weight, volume capability) for all sorts of different gigs. At least, they’re very much my own personal preference.

 

[bassdude51]

I used to be a die hard 15" + tweeter cabinet guy. I was always very skeptical of 10" bass speakers.

And then I took a gamble and bought an Acme Low B 2-10 cab. WOW! What a wonderful surprise! Blind fold test, sounds like a 15 cab.

Acme can faithfully produce 41 hz (the open E) @ + or - 3 db. Many cabs can not do this. (Not the loudest cab in the world but true fidelity.)

Anyway, I use an Acme dual 10 cab.

"Whatever floats your boat."

Link Removed

 

[Blues Bass 2]

I kind of like 212 cabs for a one cab gigging rig . Here's one I built that I don't own anymore . I used it at a couple of outdoor gigs and it was easy loud , deep and clear enough . Deltalite 2512 II drivers and an APT80 tweeter . Eminence specs .

 

[dawind99]

There are math simulations for ice cream? Is it expensive or potentially dangerous to test ice cream?

I'm going to ponder that over a scoop of Tillamook caramel pecan swirl on an oreo cone. No, I think it's safe. And, this is definitely my new favorite brand

 

[And I]

that's like asking what color car drives the best. speaker size in and of itself doesn't say anything about how a particular speaker inside of a particular speaker cabinet will sound...

i've owned two different sets of speaker cabs with the same cone diameter that sounded very different from each other due to differences in the speaker and the enclosure. i don't care what size the speakers are. i care how the thing sounds, and unfortunately these days, how much the thing weighs.

 

[BassyBill]

For me - the be all and end all in my search for the best possible bass cab. Loud, low and light, this cab has everything. GR Bass Aerotech 212 Slim, 4 ohm, 900 W, about 20lb of carbon fibre Nd driver bass amplification perfection.

 

[pepj]

Currently 12's or 10's ..always multiples.

 

[Passinwind]

I'm going to ponder that over a scoop of Tillamook caramel pecan swirl on an oreo cone. No, I think it's safe. And, this is definitely my new favorite brand

If you ever get a chance, the factory tour is a mega popular Oregon tourist attraction, and with good reason.

 

[chadds]

I'm going to ponder that over a scoop of Tillamook caramel pecan swirl on an oreo cone. No, I think it's safe. And, this is definitely my new favorite brand

So that's booteeqee ice cream? Does it have a pecan veneer top with the swirl? Is your spoon considered one or two pickup?

 

[LiptonJigglers]

15s every time.
I've tried everything in as many configurations as possible.
10, 2x10, 3x10, 4x10, 6x10, 8x10, 12, 2x12, 4x12, 15, 2x15, 18... and I keep going back to the 15's. There's just something about them that gives me what I want and need in my tone.
Currently using 215 for big shows and 115 for smaller shows.

 

[Ostie]

When I first started bass back in the late seventies, I played a Dual Showman into a 4x12 cab. Then a buddy loaned me a 2x15 Kustom cab, and that sounded pretty good with a Peavey amp. So I got a couple of 1x15s. Then I got a cab with 1-18 and a couple smaller drivers, I think they were 8” and a used a Mark IV for a long time. But that thing was like a Kelvinator so I got rid of it before I broke my back. I bought a 2x10 cab a couple years ago and I still have a Peavey head and a 1x15, so I have some options now.

 

[Parzival]

For me - the be all and end all in my search for the best possible bass cab. Loud, low and light, this cab has everything. GR Bass Aerotech 212 Slim, 4 ohm, 900 W, about 20lb of carbon fibre Nd driver bass amplification perfection.
View attachment 5024189

Really like this one. If it sounds as good as it looks, and I’m sure it does, it’s a winner.
I like 10s and 15s. That’s what I’ve always played and I like them equally. Can’t speak to 12s as I’ve never played them. Yet. Next cab will most likely be a 2x12. But there’s so many good cabs out there. It’ll take me forever to decide.

 

[agedhorse]

Different players like different speakers regardless of their size, nothing new about this...