Combining a 208 with a 115, 212 or 210?

[dnp41]

Hi Guys,

I'm seriously thinking about getting the TC BG250-208. I like the sound, and will mainly use it as a practice amp. However for the occasional gig where I would need to bring my own amp (and we are talking small bars with 15-150 people) I would like to use an extension cab. However so many chooses...

I'm looking at some Ashdown cabs, as they are very affordable, and wondering if I could best combine the 208 combo with either a 115, a 212 or a 210 cab.

I play a precision with a pick, am a fairly heavy hitter and usually cut some mids to prevent it from becoming overly barky. So I'm kinda leaning towards the 115.

I know it's a big generalization with speaker sizes and that it boils down to a lot a things, but I'm still curious about what you would pick to combine with a 208 (and why?).

Thanks guys!

 

[cfsporn]

Get another matching TC 2x8 as that's the only way to get more of the sound you know you like.

 

[dnp41]

Get another matching TC 2x8 as that's the only way to get more of the sound you know you like.

but.. but... more of the same doesn't cure my GAS drool

But seriously, a little extra low end couldn't hurt so I'm curious what you'd recommend

 

[dnp41]

My 2-8 LDS cabinet probably has as much if not more real low end than many larger cabs with 10s, 12s, 15, etc. in them. Does the TC you want (from your description you don't even own it, yet, so keep your options open, here) provide a good bottom end on its own?

Played it a couple of times, but indeed, don't own it yet. For a small combo it has low end, but it is by no means ground shaking thunder.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

You get no gravitas from small bass speakers.

Edit: at least from a single one. I have a Crazy8 and it sounds amazing. But even two are no match for good, bigger speakers. Now if you had a slew of those eights....

 

[taylor16]

I kind of like mixing cabs sizes if appropriate. A 210 and a 115 are fairly similar as far as cone area and work well together. I imagine a 208 and 115 would be fine as well.

 

[dnp41]

I kind of like mixing cabs sizes if appropriate. A 210 and a 115 are fairly similar as far as cone area and work well together. I imagine a 208 and 115 would be fine as well.

A 208 with a 112 would make a similar (only smaller) match in cone are as a 210 with a 115... perhaps also worth to consider?

 

[CL400Peavey]

but.. but... more of the same doesn't cure my GAS drool

But seriously, a little extra low end couldn't hurt so I'm curious what you'd recommend

You should GAS for a cab that actually meets your tonal needs.

Adding a 115, 210, or 212 doesnt specifically add more low end. It will net you more volume, which our brains interpret as more low end. But that will come down to the cabinet specifically in question.

As an example if you look at the GK neos, the 115 is the most mid range focused to my ear, the 212 is the most balanced, and the 410 has the most low end with and a little shy in the mids.

 

[ThisBass]

Material of the cone, thickness and cone geometry have an influence on partial cone resonance at the midrange/treble.
Very often this resonance characteristic is perceived as helpfull "midrange voicing" cause it helps the bass guitar to stay well in the mix.
It does not mean that these drivers are less efficient at the low-end or would provide less normalized low-end response.
But the ears interprete those mid voiced speakers as less low efficient cause there is a selective gain at the midrange/treble.

Some enhanced low end response of around 5Hz is actually rather subtile than really a ton but, worth enough to get it if it meets personal sound goals.

Speciously imposed by distinct midrange voicing of a driver may totally miss the point.
To the contrary a midrange scoped sound may fake more of total low-end but it's not.

 

[Gaolee]

but.. but... more of the same doesn't cure my GAS drool

But seriously, a little extra low end couldn't hurt so I'm curious what you'd recommend

Fix the 208 to be a 408. Be heard on the moon.