Help with active speakers sizes

[Medford Bassman]

Currently my band uses (2) Mackie SRM450v1 for vocals, (2) 2x15 Yamaha passive cabs powered by yamaha power amp for all instruments to include drum, and (2) 18" subs powered by a crown power amp running out of our AUX 6 thru crossover.

Lately, the vast majority of our gigs have been small affairs where I just place the SRM450's on poles connected to the subs and running everything with a crossover point of about 100hrz. It has been more than enough at our gigs.

We really like the idea of getting rid of the big yahama cabs and its power amp and switch to another powered cab.

I can't decide on whether we should go with a 12" or 15" powered cab. I read some articles where it seems to say if you're using sub, ( we always do) you're better off getting 12" cabs because you'll get a better result in the mids than 15" cabs.

Our drummer is worried we'll lose the thump of the drums with 12". I have noticed when we use the Mackies only with the subs it does seem my bass really weakens when I get around the "A" note on the G string because past that it's not coming thru the subs.

So, I really could use the help of my fellow TBers. I'd like to hear your opinions and experience between the two. Thanks.

 

[MrDOS]

In my experience, you can't judge a PA cab's sound just by the driver sizes. I would recommend that you listen, if you can.
Most folks don't split things up like you listed above. The aux-fed subs are a good idea, but most folks have everything that is through the PA going through one good system.

YMMV

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

In my experience, you can't judge a PA cab's sound just by the driver sizes.

That's my experience as well.

The best way IME is to try to listen as many PA systems in use as possible before making the decision.

Regards
Sam

 

[TimmyP]

The 450s are decent boxes. If the blend from them to the subs is right, all is well. There will be no inherent improvement by going to a 15. In fact many 15" tops have worse mids, especially off axis. If you want new tops, I'm a Yorkville U15 fan. The 15 goes up to only 300, so no midrange problems (it's a three way box, is available powered, and pairs array very well when you need wider coverage).