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Mesa PH 212+115 or 212+212?

theholeinthings

theholeinthings

Dec 1, 2012
69
11
Carbondale, Illinois
#1
So I currently have an 8 ohm Mesa Powerhouse 212 but I want to get a second cab to run with my GK 800rb. I'm trying to decided between a second Mesa 212 or a 115. I know a second 212 will sound great but I kind of like the idea of having a 115 for versatility and portability. Does anybody have experience with the 212+115 combination versus the 212+212? Thanks in advance.
 
#2
a well-worn topic around here.

get the second 2x12, that's guaranteed to have the best sound matched with the current 2x12.
 
#3
walterw said:
a well-worn topic around here.

get the second 2x12, that's guaranteed to have the best sound matched with the current 2x12.
Click to expand...

+1 agreed. My rig(s) use all the same size drivers: large venue 8-10, small venue 1-15. Never mix drivers in my experience, the gear heads here on TB warned me when I first joined but I had to try (I knew better right?). Had 2 1-18's and a 4-8 cab. One year after that I was about $500 lighter with a cab combination I really didn't like... bought a used Ampeg 810 and love it.
 
#4
Odd to be rocking an 8x10 and quoting Bill Fitzmaurice ^.

There might be a couple or ten 2x12 + 1x15 users here that would affirm it works for them. You can be sure it will have some unique tone features but no way to predict if you will like it.

But it is guaranteed that doubling up the 2x12 will rock.
 
#9
Between those two choices I agree that a second 2 12 is the way to go.

Now If you said 2 12 or 2 15 I would say go with the 2 15 because I know from my own experience that 12's and 15's sound sweet together but you need an equal number of drivers. I will admit I am no expert, it just has worked for me. My 12's were not real good ones so now I rock all 15's.

Without a doubt the safest and surest way to go would be with another cabinet that matches what you already have.

Cheers!

MJW
 
#11
theholeinthings said:
Thanks for the suggestions. I was hoping to hear of any experience anybody has had with 212+212 versus the 212+115 but I guess based on what has been said here, I should just go with the sure thing (212+212).
Click to expand...

I have a Bergantino HT115 that I could run with one of my PH212's but I don't think it would be a real apples to apples comparison to a PH115/PH212.

Recently Tom Bowlus recommended the PH210/PH212 combo. Food for thought.
 
#12
Arthur U. Poon said:
Recently Tom Bowlus recommended the PH210/PH212 combo. Food for thought.
Click to expand...

Yup. I have not tried the PH115 or a second PH212 with my PH212, but I was extremely impressed with how the PH210/PH212 stack sounded. In fact, it's probably going to lead to me selling my PH610...

That being said, I do think that the double PH212 stack would be not only a "safe" route, but a "kick @$$" route, as well. :bassist: :bassist: :bassist: :cool:
 
#13
walterw said:
a well-worn topic around here.

get the second 2x12, that's guaranteed to have the best sound matched with the current 2x12.
Click to expand...
Hi, I was thinking about matching a 212 and a 115 with a V4B and wanted to hear what guys had to say about that combo. You mentioned that this is a well worn topic, can you point me to a thread to read about it, thanks!
 
#14
Billy Dutton said:
Hi, I was thinking about matching a 212 and a 115 with a V4B and wanted to hear what guys had to say about that combo. You mentioned that this is a well worn topic, can you point me to a thread to read about it, thanks!
Click to expand...
search for "matching cabs" or "mixed cabs" or "4x10 and 1x15" for endless hours of fun.

the basic principle is that for strong coherent low end you want all the same kind of bass cab; differences in phase response and "group delay" and other technical things mean that mismatched cabs run together might not sound as strong and "even" as identical sets of cabs of the same general output and quality.

PA companies don't mix different kinds of subs together for the same reason, they might not have as coherent a low end and might even "fight" each other at certain frequencies.

ideally, different models of cab from the same company will be designed to be close enough in behavior that they sound OK together, but that's not the same as being the best combination. if you want to guarantee a good result, find a cab that sounds good to you and if you want "more" get a second cab exactly like it.
 
#15
walterw said:
search for "matching cabs" or "mixed cabs" or "4x10 and 1x15" for endless hours of fun.

the basic principle is that for strong coherent low end you want all the same kind of bass cab; differences in phase response and "group delay" and other technical things mean that mismatched cabs run together might not sound as strong and "even" as identical sets of cabs of the same general output and quality.

PA companies don't mix different kinds of subs together for the same reason, they might not have as coherent a low end and might even "fight" each other at certain frequencies.

ideally, different models of cab from the same company will be designed to be close enough in behavior that they sound OK together, but that's not the same as being the best combination. if you want to guarantee a good result, find a cab that sounds good to you and if you want "more" get a second cab exactly like it.
Click to expand...
Thanks Walter, good info....digging in deeper now
 

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