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Choosing Speaker Sizes

vitalitymusic

vitalitymusic

Oct 28, 2008
59
5
37
Chicago, Illinois
#1
First off, I don't wanna hear how much you despise behringer products.

I'm currently using an Ampeg SVT-410HLF cab with an Ampeg SVT-3PRO head which is actually my brother's and he's eventually gonna want it back. That being said, I'm gonna need my own rig. I've been looking at the Behringer Ultrabass BB Series Cabs which seem to have good ratings and reviews. That'd be a bit of a downgrade from the Ampeg set up, but money is tight. What I can't decide on is getting the BB410 or getting the BB210 & the BB115 or even getting two BB115's. Would 4 10 inch speakers sound better than having 2 10 inch speakers and a single 15 inch speaker, or 2 15 inch speakers and vice versa. As for the head, I'll probably end up going with the manufacturer recommended BX4500H head, although I'm curious about the BVT4500H & BVT5500H (Ampeg rip-offs! lol). :bassist:
 
#2
I own a Behringer BB410 however it is in the process of being sold because I don't use it very much and need the money more, also prefer sealed cabs now.

Haven't had any experience with other B cabinets but I'd think the BB410 is the best bang for the buck and you can always stack another 410 or 115 with it.
 
#4
BTBplayer said:
I've had most cab configs and what sounds best for my rig and I keep going back to is 4x10's . My set up is significantly better with them as opposed to 15's ,12's ,8's , etc

(Solid state - Tech 21 sansamp RBI / QSC power amp)
Click to expand...

Pantsman said:
I own a Behringer BB410 however it is in the process of being sold because I don't use it very much and need the money more, also prefer sealed cabs now.

Haven't had any experience with other B cabinets but I'd think the BB410 is the best bang for the buck and you can always stack another 410 or 115 with it.
Click to expand...

Thank you both for your input. BTBplayer, one of the reasons I was thinking of getting the BB210 & BB115 or two BB115 was because they'd be stacked and much higher than the BB410 itself. I remember reading something from Ampeg saying that they use 10 inch speakers because they're most efficient or something along those lines.
 
#9
I would recommend getting the 4x10 and a Single 15.
The 4x10 cabs normally will cover just about any sound that you are looking for they just need a little reinforcment from the 15.
IMHOP
I have a 2x15 cab and it definentaly doesnt have the mid punch and mid bass that I like to get up over the guitars thats were the 4x10s come in.
Another thing that I have learned is that you cant judge a rig or cabinet until you have put it in the mix,I have sworn that I have found the best set up ever and I put it in the mix and it fell flat on its face.
After a while you get a better Idea of what will cut through and what wont.
Steve
 
#10
When the brother asks for the rig back, "Just Say NO!..." You have IMO one of the finest cabs on the planet right now. You better start comparing fast because I think you are going to be disappointed with most cabs compared to that SVT-410HLF. I wish all my 810's were dual 410HLF's. That cab just pumps air like there's no tomorrow. You might be able to do better with the amp, but I won't part with my my 410. Its overshaddowed by all the big cabs and just sits there. I keep it plugged in and I use it daily. BOB

PS I also pat it on the top and say NICE CABINET to it whenever I walk by it. Sure I'm nuts but you'll have to pry it from my cold dead fingers.
 
#11
Try Acoustic, they sound really nice and I are a great value.

I don't own one yet, but I was really really satisfied at Guitar Center playing on the B200H with a B115 and a B410. The head is really nice and have lots of tone-building options. It also has the nice warmth an Ampeg has despite not having any tubes. I plan to purchase the B200H with a B115.

You won't be satisfied with the Behringer. I own a practice amp, and I hate it, it always buzzes on the lower notes.

Just my 2c's.
 
#12
I would strongly recommend looking at higher quality used cabinets rather than new Behringers. Even a dirt-cheap and battered old Peavey would be a better buy!

Alex

P.S. Although I strongly avoid Behringer on ethical grounds I do have to concede that some of their electronics are good value for money. Their speakers on the other hand are appalling.
 
#13
I was once in your spot, thinking the same way.

I tried a Behringer 115 and 410 at GC and was not happy with their power handling; especially the 115 farted out rather easily.

For this reason I would not recommend the BB115. In my opinion, if you really want Behringer, stay with 10" speakers; if you want a stack, get a 410 and a 210.

I know you're drawn to Behringer cabinets, but consider Avatar Speakers. The Behringer BB410 is $299 at musicians friend, the Avatar B410 is $429 direct. For the extra $130 you're getting possibly the best drivers made (Eminence), with true massive power handling ability, that will do the long haul comparable to cabinets costing twice as much. I have an Avatar 212 and a 210 and they SLAM.

Bottom line; DO NOT get cheapo speakers for bass! Bass guitar is a torture test for any speaker, you really want to get cabinets with decent drivers. This is a place to find GOOD quality drivers in a good box, built by a great company. Viola, Avatar Speakers!
 
#14
FuxxBoxVoodoo said:
I would recommend getting the 4x10 and a Single 15.
The 4x10 cabs normally will cover just about any sound that you are looking for they just need a little reinforcment from the 15.
IMHOP
I have a 2x15 cab and it definentaly doesnt have the mid punch and mid bass that I like to get up over the guitars thats were the 4x10s come in.
Another thing that I have learned is that you cant judge a rig or cabinet until you have put it in the mix,I have sworn that I have found the best set up ever and I put it in the mix and it fell flat on its face.
After a while you get a better Idea of what will cut through and what wont.
Steve
Click to expand...

Well, if I were to stack the BB410 and BB115, the load on the head with be 2.67 Ω, but the minimum load for the BX4500H is 4 Ω.

ChrisB2 said:
I was once in your spot, thinking the same way.

I tried a Behringer 115 and 410 at GC and was not happy with their power handling; especially the 115 farted out rather easily.

For this reason I would not recommend the BB115. In my opinion, if you really want Behringer, stay with 10" speakers; if you want a stack, get a 410 and a 210.

I know you're drawn to Behringer cabinets, but consider Avatar Speakers. The Behringer BB410 is $299 at musicians friend, the Avatar B410 is $429 direct. For the extra $130 you're getting possibly the best drivers made (Eminence), with true massive power handling ability, that will do the long haul comparable to cabinets costing twice as much. I have an Avatar 212 and a 210 and they SLAM.

Bottom line; DO NOT get cheapo speakers for bass! Bass guitar is a torture test for any speaker, you really want to get cabinets with decent drivers. This is a place to find GOOD quality drivers in a good box, built by a great company. Viola, Avatar Speakers!
Click to expand...

Wow, the Avatar Speakers' website (www.avatarspeakers.com) looks like a joke. Though, it would be nice to own Eminence drivers.
 
#15
If you haven't already looked in the TalkBass Classifieds, I would strongly recommend that you do so. There is always plenty of high quality equipment here at very reasonable prices. Also, look into ebay. From my experience, you can get more for your money buying used, especially if you are on a tight budget. First, go to a store where you can try different equipment. Once you've decided on what you like, start seaching the sources mentioned above. Be patient and eventually you will find something good that you will not outgrow in a short time. I also noticed someone mentioned Avatar speakers which are reasonably priced and very well thought of here at TB. In any case, follow the advice to not buy low quality speakers for bass guitar. All of that said, from my experience, you can't go wrong with a 410 cabinet of decent quality.
 
#17
What do you mean "Looks like a joke"? The Avatar cabs are the best cab for the money,period.I'd put mine up against any boutique cabinet for sound quality,and construction. I've had my 410 and 212 neo for almost 2 years,and haven't looked at any other cabinets.Look a little closer at the Avatar website,and read the Bass Player mag reviews of the 2 bass cabs.They pretty much hit the nail on the head.Spend the extra few bucks and get an Avatar.It's worth it.
 
#18
I've had an Avatar B212 Neo for two years and am very happy I made that choice. A few weeks ago I had a chance to use an SWR Goliath III 4x10 that was already set up at the gig. I was going to use their amp also, but I used my own so I could get a better comparison between the Goliath and the B212.

I was using a five-string Ibanez BTB with Everly strings that I've used alot with the B212, and an EA Micro 300 with a Tech21 Acoustic DI. I actually expected the Goliath to blow the B212 away, but wow, was I surprised. The Goliath sounded pretty good, but it just didn't have it on the very low notes, especially considering the difference in price between the two cabs. The B-string sounded muted compared to what I'm used to with the B212. I think the B212 is a great choice.

BTW, I think Avatar's web site is just fine. It gives you what you need to know about their products. Too many bells and whistles on the web site usually translates into higher prices of the products to cover higher costs.

Lloyd Howard
 
#19
73jbass said:
What do you mean "Looks like a joke"? The Avatar cabs are the best cab for the money,period.I'd put mine up against any boutique cabinet for sound quality,and construction. I've had my 410 and 212 neo for almost 2 years,and haven't looked at any other cabinets.Look a little closer at the Avatar website,and read the Bass Player mag reviews of the 2 bass cabs.They pretty much hit the nail on the head.Spend the extra few bucks and get an Avatar.It's worth it.
Click to expand...

I meant the website layout does not look very professional.
 

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