Here’s how I think about it. Essentially, I think there are two main ways for conceptually combining cabinets, with a third variation: 1) more of the same, 2) complementary, 3) combined more of the same with complementary.
1) More of the same: this when you have a single cabinet whose sound you like, but you just want more of it. Adding multiples gives you more of that sound, enhanced by whatever coupling effect they may have together. For example, if you like the sound of the MG112T, you might just stack another MG112T on top of it.
2) Complementary: this is when the sounds of different cabinets yield yet another sound when combined. In the Genzler world, an example of this would be the great love expressed for the BA15 combined with the BA210.
3) Combined more of the same with complementary: this is when you have multiple cabinets that are similar but not exactly the same. An example would be combining the BA12 Straight and the BA12 Slant.
Personally, I tend to gravitate towards a full range sound that allows my basses to speak from top to bottom. I play 4,5, and 6 string electric basses, fretless, and upright bass. Overall, for what I do, my favorite combination is the BA10 sitting on top of the BA12, which I would consider the complementary approach, as these two cabinets are quite different, despite both being in the BA series.
The BA12 has an exceptional low end for a relatively small cabinet, yet the array speakers provide clarity up top. The main driver is a 12” Faital, and the crossover point is 800Hz.
The BA10 can produce a decent amount of low end, but its strength is really the mids and highs. The main driver is a 10” Eminence, and the crossover point is 1.6KHz.
To my ears, the combination of theses two cabinets, when the BA12 is on the floor, the BA10 on top, and the arrays aligned down the middle, yields a complete sonic spectrum with wide dispersion. I can use any of my basses with it and get a sound I’m happy with. It also excels on outdoor stages, even if there is no PA support.
Regarding combining the MG112T with the MG112T-V, I would consider that in category 3 from above, more of the same with complementary qualities. To my ears, the MG112T has a stronger bass response than the MG112T-V, but they both have a relatively forward sounding midrange, especially when compared to the BA cabinets. When combining the 112T and the 112T-V, I usually turn off the tweeter on the 112T, and, if I’m using a tweeter at all, just use the tweeter on the 112T-V at usually no more than 25%. I tend to use this combination with either an Aguilar TH500 or a Mesa D800, as this combination of speakers likes to see a little more power, and the bottom end opens up when the amp’s bass control is tuned around 40Hz. (The MG cabinets also respond well the the Mesa’s Deep switch without getting out of hand in the low end.) This combination has good punch for a more traditional rock tone, but it can be versatile for other kinds of music as well with the right EQ tweakings.
A big difference in the BA12 cab and the MG12 cabs is that the crossover point is 4.7kHz in the MGs.
Of course, having different cabinets gives you options for using individual cabinets and combinations. Alone, I tend to use the BA10 for upright bass and/or on small stages where I know there is FOH support. I use the 112T-V in a combo format with the MG350 head on small to medium size stages, especially if the stage or room can get boomy. It also works well in churches that have a lot of natural reverb. If it’s a larger room, outdoors, or where I want the finer nuances of playing to be clearly audible, I’ll go with the BA10/BA12 stack.
I’ll also add that I generally do not lift my cabinet(s) off the floor, but I understand that other people do and for good reason. I hope at least some of this is helpful.
(I know I’m evil)
