Debating on 4 or 8 ohms

[Eekum]

So, I have a GK MB500 and I love the amp. 4 ohms, 500 watts. Just a killer amp.

I'm looking to pick up a 212 cabinet to go with it (one that can handle 500-600 watts). I can't decide if I want to get one in 8 ohms or 4 ohms though. I am 95% sure I will never get or need another cab so I'm leaning towards the 4 ohms version.

Can anyone offer up some suggestions between the two versions? Pros and cons? Is there any danger to over powering the cab? Etc.

Thanks!

 

[Stumbo]

Which cabs are you looking at?

 

[jlepre]

I would think that a 212 at 4 ohms should cover mostly anything. Where do you play and what do you need as far as coverage?

 

[agedhorse]

Look at it as 2 x 8 ohm 112's and see if that might help you make your decision

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Unless you are in a crazy loud band and may need 4 12's, a 4 ohm 2x12 should handle anything if it is a quality cab.

 

[Eekum]

Which cabs are you looking at?

I am looking at the GK MBE-II 212 cab in 4 ohms. If I can find one, I don't think they make them anymore because everywhere is out of stock. My budget is around $500, I could probably go to $600 but that's it.

 

[Eekum]

I would think that a 212 at 4 ohms should cover mostly anything. Where do you play and what do you need as far as coverage?

Small to medium clubs and bars. Most with FOH support. I play rock, two guitarist and a drummer.

 

[jlepre]

You will have to go used then. It's $799 and in stock at Sweetwater.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...lI6NM7ITgWE_jx911sYP83MUSh5uYoihoCCtMQAvD_BwE

 

[patrickj]

Get 8.

I have 2 212 cabs in 4 ohms and the only way I can drive them is 2 of the same amp (Bugera Veyron) or my rack power amp rig.

I did the whole 4 should be louder than 8 thing. Don't really regret it because I like having a backup amp jic, but it is more gear to bring.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Go for an 8Ω cabinet. The difference in volume between the 8 and 4Ω versions will be hardy detectable.

 

[Eekum]

You will have to go used then. It's $799 and in stock at Sweetwater.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MB210-2--gallien-krueger-mb210-ii-2x10-inch-500-watt-ultra-light-bass-combo-with-horn?mrkgcl=28&mrkgadid=3248788608&rkg_id=0&product_id=MB210-2&campaigntype=shopping&campaign=aaShopping - Core - Bass&adgroup=Bass - Bass Guitar Amps&placement=google&adpos=1o1&creative=226299461021&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjwqNnqBRATEiwAkHm2BP2swvHHHf2gybJQMPyQndlI6NM7ITgWE_jx911sYP83MUSh5uYoihoCCtMQAvD_BwE

That's a 210 and a combo amp. I am looking for just the 212 cab. Like this:
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/amp...-krueger-212-mbe-ii-2x12-bass-speaker-cabinet

 

[jlepre]

That's a 210 and a combo amp. I am looking for just the 212 cab. Like this:
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/amp...-krueger-212-mbe-ii-2x12-bass-speaker-cabinet

Sorry I meant THIS one. Still $789
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...qWARIAJGlHjubiGoXjTA2h2yL5cQiS5BoCxVwQAvD_BwE

 

[agedhorse]

Go for an 8Ω cabinet. The difference in volume between the 8 and 4Ω versions will be hardy detectable.

In this case, because the (real) power handling is higher than the amp, there won't be any (significant) impact due to "power compression", and since the two drivers are 8 ohms, there's no potential penalty in sensitivity either.

In THIS case, there will be no difference between a single 4 ohm 212 or 2 of the 8 ohm 112's.

 

[jlepre]

In this case, because the (real) power handling is higher than the amp, there won't be any (significant) impact due to "power compression", and since the two drivers are 8 ohms, there's no potential penalty in sensitivity either.

In THIS case, there will be no difference between a single 4 ohm 212 or 2 of the 8 ohm 112's.

Now there you go...getting all "TECHIE" on us... hehe

 

[Wisebass]

Hi Eekum

Small to medium clubs and bars. Most with FOH support. I play rock, two guitarist and a drummer.

With FOH support a 212 8ohm cab "should" do the trick. On the other hand, when you play rock -

More is always better!!! (a tiny little bit more headroom hurts nobody )

A good 212 4ohm cab (or two 112 8 ohm cabs) can get the best out of your amp.

In THIS case

Now there you go...getting all "TECHIE" on us... hehe

That' s his hobby!


greetings

Wise(b)ass

 

[Orion1985]

(Cautiously offering advice that differs from that of agedhorse) It seems like an 8 ohm 212 will cover the needs that you've given and you still have the option to go bigger if you wish. If you know for a fact that you don't want to use two cabs then the 4 ohm cab will probably be better, but I would want the option to go bigger.

 

[agedhorse]

Going bigger will benefit from a bigger amp as well as additional cabinets. The bigger amps are more often (not always) capable of driving a 2 ohm load.

 

[MTN.bass72]

I am looking at the GK MBE-II 212 cab in 4 ohms. If I can find one, I don't think they make them anymore because everywhere is out of stock. My budget is around $500, I could probably go to $600 but that's it.

Small to medium clubs and bars. Most with FOH support. I play rock, two guitarist and a drummer.

This fEARful 12/6 will fit the bill perfectly and leave more to give, if needed. No I'm not affiliated with the seller.. I've owned one, and now use a Fearless F112. Amazing cabs!! Could negotiate $600, but trust me, the extra $50 is well worth it

 

[Eekum]

Okay thanks for the input everyone!

I should have asked this in my original post but...

I am currently using the Carvin BRX 10.2 bass cab. It's 4 ohms and sounds pretty great with my MB500. Would a 212 sound better or just move more air or both? I don't want to overload my current 210 even though it's handling is 600 watts

 

[DrThumpenstein]

I am looking at the GK MBE-II 212 cab in 4 ohms. If I can find one, I don't think they make them anymore because everywhere is out of stock. My budget is around $500, I could probably go to $600 but that's it.

I've got that cab and it is very efficient and plenty loud. (Also light, <40 lb.) I got mine used 3 years ago for ~$350-400. I'm really happy with the sound I'm getting from my one-trip rig these days!

Realistically, if you need to move more air than one of these, you should probably be going through the PA. But if your amp will do 2 ohms, you should be able to run 2 of them. Not that I think you would really need to.