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extension cab: 2x10 or 1x15?

#21
crguti said:
I like bottom-end, so the best choice will be the 1x15, but i've heard that a 1x15 doesn't sound good by itself. It needs to be paired with a 2x10. In the other hand, with another 2x10, I can have a consistent rig for small and big gigs, but I won't get the low-end I want.
I'm talking out of my ass? I'm new to bass rig, so any help is appreciated.
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As far as bottom end and driver size, it depends on the driver and design of the cabinet.

Regarding a 1x15 sounding good by itself, again depends on driver and cabinet design. A single cab with 1x15 can sound great. I've been using my Electo-Voice 1x15 for gigs on and off for near 20 years now.

I know the tech stuff, along with a million opinions can be a bit overwhelming. There are some basic "rules of thumb" you will learn as you gain experience, but I've seen the rules broken so many times with great results. So don't sweat that too much.

Most importantly, go play a bunch of 1x15 cabs. If you find a good sounding stand alone 1x15 that you like, chances are pretty good it will do well paired with another cab.
Remember. In the beginning, the most important ears to please are you own.
 
#24
Jonlattier said:
I think it is better to have different size speaker cones. The different serface areas will respond to different frequencies better. !
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That's the commonly accepted reasoning behind it. The problem is that it's not true, and is to acoustical engineering as voodoo is to modern medicine.
 
#26
crguti said:
Well, Acoutic Engineers use that fact to design hi-fi cabinets. Different size speakers with crossover.
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And that's where the vast majority of bass and hi-fi cabs, and PA as well, differ. Hi-fi and PA cabs are engineered to work using different size drivers with crossovers; with a few rare exceptions bass cabs are not. And it's not just the size of the drivers that differ, it's all of their specs, as opposed to electric bass eights, tens, twelves, fifteens and eighteens, which are all woofers with very similar specs, many using the same magnet structures and voice coils.
 
#27
NGJBeaner said:
If it is any help I have an SWR Redhead 210 paired with an Eden 115 cab and I love it. I switch back and forth between that and a Genz Benz 410 depending on the size gig but I love the tone on the 210/115 together.
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Which do you use for bigger gigs - the 410 or the 210/115?

I suspect most people reading this thread would be using a single cab for smaller gigs and the additional one for bigger gigs. I've got a combo that has a single NEO 12" speaker and, like the OP, am considering what to buy as an extension - a matching 12, a 15 or perhaps even a pair of 10s.

What's clear from this (and other) threads is that there is no consensus on whether you should match the extension with the original or not - some voices raised on both sides of that particular argument. Possibly more voices for matching than not - but it's close!!!

In an ideal world, taking your existing combo and a familiar bass to a shop and trying all the possible extensions would seem the way to go. That, or have a friendly shop who'll "lend" you a couple of extensions to try out (since a gig or rehearsal setting may be the best place to really tell the difference between options).

Following this thread with great interest!

R
 
#28
billfitzmaurice said:
And that's where the vast majority of bass and hi-fi cabs, and PA as well, differ. Hi-fi and PA cabs are engineered to work using different size drivers with crossovers; with a few rare exceptions bass cabs are not. And it's not just the size of the drivers that differ, it's all of their specs, as opposed to electric bass eights, tens, twelves, fifteens and eighteens, which are all woofers with very similar specs, many using the same magnet structures and voice coils.
Click to expand...

+1

My advice it to pay very close attention to every word this man says. :cool:
 
#29
Unless biamping, get the 2x10.

I did the fullrange 2x10+15 for a decade. Thought it sounded good most of thee time. But there was something off about it in terms of what I'd call "focus" when driven loudly.

Then actually compared it to something else that didn't do that. Wow. All the stuff about matching drivers and vertical stacking suddenly made sense.

I like 15's. But won't pair them with full range 10s anymore.
 
#31
Having similar decision issue on an external cab for my Ashdown MAG 115-300 to obtain the full power without compromising the sound that I already like. I emailed Ashdown about options and the 2 x 10 was suggested that "An 210 will add much more mids and cut through in a band where you need it". By the way, fast reply and have been very helpful of all my questions.
 
#32
Bluebase: I've been using the 1X15 and 2X10 combo for many years now and love it. I would have to agree with Ashdown on what they said. However your comment "without compromising the sound that I already like" tells me you should find a matching Ashdown 15. If keeping the sound that you already like is your priority then you already answered your own question.
 
#33
vail_bass said:
sounds good, though I would counsel against 'locking in' with the drummers foot ever. My advice to all musicians, especially bass players is to 'lock in' with the hi- hat. The groove will feel much better that way. In fact, I would suggest paying a lot less attention to the kick drum, especially if the drummer is any good. The meter and 'feel' is in the hands.
Click to expand...

I agree with locking in with the hi hat - I also lock in with the snare as well - I found that sometimes playing live it was too hard to hear the bass drum and if you focus on the hi hat or snare you can at least have a visual cue as well. Ultimately it comes down to the drummer - if they are good everything should fall into place

my two cents
 
#34
StoutFellow said:
What's clear from this (and other) threads is that there is no consensus on whether you should match the extension with the original or not - some voices raised on both sides of that particular argument. Possibly more voices for matching than not - but it's close!!!
Click to expand...
nah, the consensus is overwhelming for matched cabs, both from experience and by the science.

ask any sound company if they use mis-matched subs on their PA systems!

some people like the mis-matched stuff because they have it and it works. a 2x10+15 will sound louder and bigger than a 2x10 by itself, so it's technically still an improvement.
 
#36
5port said:
Bluebase: I've been using the 1X15 and 2X10 combo for many years now and love it. I would have to agree with Ashdown on what they said. However your comment "without compromising the sound that I already like" tells me you should find a matching Ashdown 15. If keeping the sound that you already like is your priority then you already answered your own question.
Click to expand...

Just had a 3 hour rehearsal with my new Ashdown 115 Deep cab. It does what I wanted in boosting the output, plus gives me a great sound adding more dynamics than I expected – with a bigger cab. It takes the 115-300 from a nice combo (altough not strictly a combo) to being a great rig that delivers the sound that you would can be happy to gig with.
 
#37
anonymous101511 said:
sounds good, though I would counsel against 'locking in' with the drummers foot ever. My advice to all musicians, especially bass players is to 'lock in' with the hi- hat. The groove will feel much better that way. In fact, I would suggest paying a lot less attention to the kick drum, especially if the drummer is any good. The meter and 'feel' is in the hands.
Click to expand...

"Drummer lock In": Actually if you can hear to beat in his ensemble and accentuate and add extra spice, you will wake up any Mojo around...
 

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