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Mesa Boogie Powerhouse 2x12 and 2x10

nocalkind

Guest
Jan 22, 2016
25
15
46
I know pairing different sized cabs is generally sacrilege around here, but I'm curious about how a powerhouse 2x10 on top of a 2x12 might sound. Anyone have experience with these? Any input/opinions would be appreciated.
 
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I have both. Actually have two of each.
I hated it mixed. The two cabs require different eq'ing. If I eq'd the amp for the 210 cab, then the 212 sounded totally dull. And if I eq'd for the 212 cab then the 210 sounds way too harsh.
So I just keep them as separate rigs. Just use the two 210's, or one or two 212's as needed for the venue.
 
Thank you. Exactly the answer I was looking for. So, the question is then, get the 12s or 10s? I play fairly heavy rock and have used a Trace 1048H since the late 90's. I love the tone, but one of the cones is starting to give and the 95lb cab is a beast.
 
I had the chance and didnt like it. I also ran 2x10+4x10 for a while and it was pretty cool except that they were both 8-ohms. If I was going to pair the 2x10 I'd gamble on the 1x15. I currently use the 4x10 and 1x12 (separately although I have tried using the 4x10 as a "sub" for my 1x12). Out of the PH line I think they are the best sounding for what I do. The 4x10 is louder and has some boomy depth and heaviness that the 2x12 doesnt, the 1x12 is easy to move around and has a very clear focused sound.

I'd love to try out 1x12/1x15 (the dimensions line up if you put the 15 on its narrower side) for my hip hop stuff.
 
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I know pairing different sized cabs is generally sacrilege around here, but I'm curious about how a powerhouse 2x10 on top of a 2x12 might sound. Anyone have experience with these? Any input/opinions would be appreciated.
A lot of people successfully mix cabs.
The “sacrilege” isn’t about how they sound together.
Obviously those instances where they do sound good together, negate any “sounds bad” snootyism.

There are a number of technical problems involved in mixing cabs and some of those may eventually impact the sound. But “don’t do it” because it would sound bad is pretty far down the list.
This is mainly because it is very difficult to predict in advance how they will sound.

If you’re going to do a mismatch, I’d think a 2x10 with a 2x12 would be the pairing with the least amount of potential issues. 10 and 12 are so close in size that it may not matter that much.

Might be the bees knees. Might bring on the end of the world.
Just gotta try for yourself.
My fearless and totally baseless prediction... one bee knee.
 
I'm also considering the subway 2x12s (and/or 2x10s) for the weight savings. The extra cost isn't really an issue. I don't have a dealer anywhere near me to try them in person, so I might have to bite the bullet and buy them sight unseen. From what I gather, there aren't drastic differences in the sound of the PH and subway cabs. Opinions?
 
I'm also considering the subway 2x12s (and/or 2x10s) for the weight savings. The extra cost isn't really an issue. I don't have a dealer anywhere near me to try them in person, so I might have to bite the bullet and buy them sight unseen. From what I gather, there aren't drastic differences in the sound of the PH and subway cabs. Opinions?
Buy 'em from someone who has a liberal return policy?
 
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