Combining 4 ohm and 8 ohm cabinets for best sound, worth it?

[drewonedge]

So I have a Mesa 800+, which is capable of running @ 2 ohms, I am currently using a Genzler 410 cab which is 4 ohm. I am considering adding a Genzler 115 to the 410 for the occasional Big Gig and just to have a heavy hitting low end, vibrate your shirt kinda sound.
I have ran 2-4 ohm cabs together before, but I question if it is worth it to combine a 4 ohm and an 8 ohm cab together, since the 4 ohm will have double the power than the 8 ohm? The 115 cab I am considering is only offered in 8 ohm.
I'm looking for any thoughts or feedback regarding this type of setup? I know that this setup will work fine with my amp @ 2 ohms, I just want to know if this is a desirable combination?

 

[Killed_by_Death]

4x10" will see 533 Watts max, now divide that by 4 = 133 Watts/speaker
the 15" will see 266 Watts max, which is double that of each 10"

If the 4x10" were instead a 2x10", you'd have a closer match.

 

[drewonedge]

4x10" will see 533 Watts max, now divide that by 4 = 133 Watts/speaker
the 15" will see 266 Watts max, which is double that of each 10"

If the 4x10" were instead a 2x10", you'd have a closer match.

Right, that about where I thought I'd be with power distribution. Which is why I am questioning if it would be a worth while setup? The Genzler salesman says "it will sound amazing", but I would rather hear from non sales people on this.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Right, that about where I thought I'd be with power distribution. Which is why I am questioning if it would be a worth while setup? The Genzler salesman says "it will sound amazing", but I would rather hear from non sales people on this.

It works good, that 15 is a high powered 15 so it will be ok.
Remember you have the middle line array of speakers that are giving your mids and highs just like on the four ten so it matches better than a "standard" 15.

Or get the Genzler 2x10 array and you will have even distribution to each speaker and a bonus that when you do not need the 4x10 you have the smaller 2x10 to take. Then when you need destruction, stack your six ten.

 

[ahc]

In the Genzler thread I believe there is a user or two who use this cab setup. IIRC the reports were good.

 

[agedhorse]

I'm assuming you are talking about the Bass Array cabinets.

Yes, this will work well and the power distribution between the cabinets and drivers will in this case be very good. The sensitivity below 100hz is also close enough that I don't see any issues either.

 

[drewonedge]

Thanks for the replies! Yes, I currently have the Genzler Bass Array 410 4 ohm and was considering purchasing the Genzler Bass Array 115. I'm very happy with the 410, just looking to add some heavy bottom to the mix.
Where I rehearse, there is an 18" PA Sub that is 8 ohms that I have tried with my 410, running my Mesa 800+ @ 2 ohm. The 18 is somewhat noticeable, but its obvious the 410 dominates the sound output.
I have an Eden 212 XLT 4 ohm cab that I will try out with the 410. I just have my head wrapped around the idea that I need a 15" speaker to achieve that shirt rumble low end.
Too bad I can't try out the Genzler 115 just to see if I like it. Maybe I will look for someone familiar with that setup.

 

[agedhorse]

2 of the Bass Array 410's would probably be overkill, but imo that would be the "best" combination, an 810 equivalent.

 

[Ric5]

So I have a Mesa 800+, which is capable of running @ 2 ohms, I am currently using a Genzler 410 cab which is 4 ohm. I am considering adding a Genzler 115 to the 410 for the occasional Big Gig and just to have a heavy hitting low end, vibrate your shirt kinda sound.
I have ran 2-4 ohm cabs together before, but I question if it is worth it to combine a 4 ohm and an 8 ohm cab together, since the 4 ohm will have double the power than the 8 ohm? The 115 cab I am considering is only offered in 8 ohm.
I'm looking for any thoughts or feedback regarding this type of setup? I know that this setup will work fine with my amp @ 2 ohms, I just want to know if this is a desirable combination?

I mix cabs … I have one 1x18, two 1x15, and three 2x10, they are all 8 ohms and all about the same volume inside the cab. mixing a 4x10 and a 1x15 is not a good idea and mixing a 4 and 8 ohm cab is not a good idea

 

[agedhorse]

mixing a 4 and 8 ohm cab is not a good idea

This is not necessarily true.

For example, mixing a 4 ohm 410 with an 8 ohm 210 is actually the ideal combination because the power is spread evenly across all 6 drivers, and the sensitivity versus impedance ratio is exactly the same.

 

[shadven]

Get another 4x10, you'll move a lot of air and be much happier.

 

[Ric5]

This is not necessarily true.

For example, mixing a 4 ohm 410 with an 8 ohm 210 is actually the ideal combination because the power is spread evenly across all 6 drivers, and the sensitivity versus impedance ratio is exactly the same.

I would tend to agree … but I would also rather use 2 2x10s that are 8 ohms each …

 

[agedhorse]

I would tend to agree … but I would also rather use 2 2x10s that are 8 ohms each …

Which is exactly the same as a 4 ohm 410 for purposes of this discussion.

 

[Ric5]

Which is exactly the same as a 4 ohm 410 for purposes of this discussion.

well not exactly … 2 2x10s are a lot easier to move and lift and set up and tear down. I used to haul huge cabs when I was young … now I use smaller 8 ohm cabs

 

[agedhorse]

For the purposes of THIS discussion.

 

[walterw]

I'm very happy with the 410, just looking to add some heavy bottom to the mix.

the obvious answer would be the matching 2x10 array cab, that would balance everything perfectly and the overall result would indeed be more "heavy bottom".(remember, a 15 isn't necessarily going to have more "bottom" than an equivalent 2x10)

we have that very stack at the store and with a typical 800w micro head on top it sounds relentless.

also if you get the angled version it'll be that much easier to hear when you're standing in front of it

 

[Ric5]

For the purposes of THIS discussion.

also you can stack 2 2x10s in a vertical array or point them in different directions … and they will fit in small cars easier

 

[agedhorse]

the obvious answer would be the matching 2x10 array cab, that would balance everything perfectly and the overall result would indeed be more "heavy bottom".(remember, a 15 isn't necessarily going to have more "bottom" than an equivalent 2x10)

we have that very stack at the store and with a typical 800w micro head on top it sounds relentless.

also if you get the angled version it'll be that much easier to hear when you're standing in front of it

Agreed, but where's the "overkill"

also you can stack 2 2x10s in a vertical array or point them in different directions … and they will fit in small cars easier

Again, not for the purposes of THIS discussion.

He was asking about 8 ohms versus 4 ohms when combining cabinets. The particular cabinets he is asking about do not stack well vertically due to the array type mid element.

Your comments do apply in the context of a different discussion.

 

[dbase]

Just stick to one good 15 cab and be done with it.

 

[james condino]

It is easier to resell the 8 ohm cab; everyone likes to add more cabs, but not everyone has a head that can go down to 2 ohms.

I love all the closet keyboard experts who like to argue basic science & engineering with Agedhorse, acting like he is in sixth grade and you can somehow one up him on the playground....