• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Is double the speaker worth half the watts?

MVE

MVE

Aug 8, 2010
4,042
6,563
#1
I have a 4ohm Berg CN212 being pushed by my Demeter amp that is only stable down to 4.
Thinking about getting another matching CN212 and running them in series at 8 ohms.

My question is: How does twice the speaker area at twice the impedance compare?

It seems 3-400 watts pushing four 12s would be more fun than 700 watts pushing two.

Thoughts?
 
  • Like
Reactions: J-Mags
#5
I don’t think I’ve ever pushed either the amp or the cab to either of thier limits.

I was more thinking about the fullness and feel of moving more air, even at relatively lower volumes.
 
#6
All else equal, half the power through twice the speakers is a wash.

On the other hand, twice the power through half the speakers you might expect would end in tears.

I expect the full power going into two drivers is compressing a bit and you could get a reasonable amount of MOAR with your plan.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rollie 55
#8
Well, you'd always have a spare speaker... I do wonder, after the first few sets, how often the second cab would get carried in.

Having separate cabs in series would worry me, I think it would be all too easy to get it wrong. Maybe it would be better to rewire the cabs to be in series internally and make them 16ohm? Then you'd also have a much stronger motive to do the extra carrying!
 
  • Like
Reactions: RobertUI and dralionux
#10
I run my Demeter VTBP-M-800DJ into a CN212.
I know every one has different needs, but it's hard to imagine you are not getting a lot of volume out of that combination.
They are pretty well matched too .. 800w Demeter into a 700w rated Berg CN212 (pretty efficient too at 104db)

FWIW, I have run the 2ohm stable Mesa D-800+ into a 2.67ohm "CN312" stack (CN212 + CN112) from time to time.
Sounds good, and very big, but honestly it does not overwhelm the Demeter/CN212 rig.

the OP may want to consider a 2.67 or 2ohm stable amp.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MVE
#11
MVE said:
I have a 4ohm Berg CN212 being pushed by my Demeter amp that is only stable down to 4.
Thinking about getting another matching CN212 and running them in series at 8 ohms.

My question is: How does twice the speaker area at twice the impedance compare?

It seems 3-400 watts pushing four 12s would be more fun than 700 watts pushing two.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Are you playing gigs where your current rig isn't loud enough? I've done outdoor gigs with one HDN212 and the sound guy didn't have to put me in the PA.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dralionux and MVE
#13
pfschim said:
I run my Demeter VTBP-M-800DJ into a CN212.
I know every one has different needs, but it's hard to imagine you are not getting a lot of volume out of that combination.
They are pretty well matched too .. 800w Demeter into a 700w rated Berg CN212 (pretty efficient too at 104db)

FWIW, I have run the 2ohm stable Mesa D-800+ into a 2.67ohm "CN312" stack (CN212 + CN112) from time to time.
Sounds good, and very big, but honestly it does not overwhelm the Demeter/CN212 rig.

the OP may want to consider a 2.67 or 2ohm stable amp.
Click to expand...

Thanks, your comparison with the three 12s is most helpful.

Yeah, its not really a matter of volume as much as “size”.

To me, even at low volume, two cabs barely on sound “bigger” than a single cab.

I guess, for now, I’ll stick with my single cab.

Thanks everybody, all of your responses have been very helpful and very much appreciated.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dralionux and chris_b
#15
My question is: How does twice the speaker area at twice the impedance compare?
Click to expand...
Doubling the cone area increases sensitivity by 3dB. Doubling the impedance lowers the average amp output by 3dB. The result is a wash from that standpoint. But there’s more to it than that.

It seems 3-400 watts pushing four 12s would be more fun than 700 watts pushing two.
Click to expand...
You’re not pushing two 12s with 700 watts. The drivers are rated at 350 watts each before the voice coils burn out. The actual power they can take before excessive distortion is more like 150 watts each, and you probably seldom send them more than half that, so by no means do you lack the power to drive two cabs. I bet a pair would be a lot more fun than one, even if you don’t technically need it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jeff7bass, wesonbass, mcnach and 2 others
#16
Mr. Foxen said:
Running your amp at lower wattage is healthier for it, last better running cool.
Click to expand...
I’ve never ( in 47 years) trashed an amp running it to its specs.

My oldest is a Crown microtechnology purchased in 1986.
Ran one side “@ 4 ohms for 2-18 subs.
The other side @ 2 ohms pushing 4, 8 ohm monitors in parallel.

Still ticking.
 
#17
Is more better...yes.
Is bigger better...yes.
Math? We dont need no stinking math!
Am I always right...thats a big no!
But seriously...I do play through a pair of GK MB Fusion 800 amps pushing a pair of GK NEO 212s...its earthskaingly loud and matched perfectly...the amps put out 560W at 8ohms, the cabs are rated at 600W and are 8ohms, never a need to go up past 9 o'clock with the volume, and being modular, I can use half the rig for smaller gigs and get the same tone.
Not sure if and how this helps you, I get lost sometimes ;-)
Rock on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CalBuzz51 and mikewalker
#19
Running your amp at 8 ohms will make it happier (cooler - half the current will help it live long and prosper). So, the amp will run half the power (roughly), but the added efficiency will, on axis at low frequencies, make up for it. And each speaker will be getting about a forth of the power it would if you ran one alone, so they'll be happier as well. Your back may not like it, but if each speaker is reasonably light, it's a good way to go.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back