I'm selling my SWR900 and (2) 4x10 Goliath cabs to reduce weight. Still considering Markbass but leaning toward Mesa Subway Cabinets. I'm primarily a classic rock player. Looking for recommendations on a 1x15 with a 2x10, or should I get (2) 1x15's?, or maybe a 1x12 for my second cabinet when needed? I'd most likely buy the TT80 if I go with Mesa.
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Mesa Subway Combination Recommendation
- Thread starter JesterBassman
- Start date
The Subway line of speakers are designed to work together, so it's practically impossible to create a "bad" sound. Best advice is to try to listen to them first to see which you prefer. I went with the 112s due to size/weight and have no complaints, and the TT-800 cured my Amplifier "GAS", so I like that choice. 
I think the first thing you need to figure is how many dBs you need. Judging from your old stack, that is a lot of loudness a 112 is not going to replace. If it were me and I wanted to keep the same volume, I’d consider two 115 cabs for all the times you don’t need two cabs. Or buy the 215 cab as it would be more cost effective. . JMO.
I think 2 15s would be great. I have the 112 and the 115. The 112 is very midrange and cuts nicely. If I had more space I would get two 15s though, they're fantastic cabs.
- Feb 12, 2006
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- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
You might take a look at a single 410 or a pair of the 210’s.
The 210 is my favorite in the lineup. Deep and punchy. Handles a ton of power, so I’m unlikely to blow the speakers unless I do something stupid. I have a 1x15 also and it sounds great too, I just really love the 210.
Well… I’ve got the 112, 115 and 410. Impressive how much sound the 2 singles put out. Im sure 2 115s would kick serious butt. However, for me, the standout is the 410. Unreal authority. Low end for daaaaaaaaays. Takes EQ extremely well. Will cut people’s heads clean off if you want.
Wish I had a need for the 215.
Wish I had a need for the 215.
The 1x15 is my favorite Subway cabinet, it has a special sound that no other cab has....so I would go with 2 1x15's. In fact, I DID do that 
They do. And occasionally, as a result, so do I.
Plenty loud for outdoor gigs with minimal PA support for a power pop style bar band, takes eq and pedals really well, and can render your bass’s natural sound and your playing amazingly well (sometimes too well). Paired with my little old D-800, they always deliver.
If you are OK with moving a 4x10 around that's certainly a way to go but I have found that a pair of 1x12 cab's will work most anywhere. These days most of my gigs are in places that hold 1-200 people and I've been using a single 12 cab with no problems.
I'm going to echo the 2 1x15's. That is a great sounding cab, and two will have plenty of output. More low end and smoother mids to my ear than the 12 cabs, and more natural and accurate than the 10 cabs. As for amps, Mesa or Markbass would sound good through them.
The TT 800 shut down my GAS for sure. And the Subway 15 is Amazing!! So much versatility.
I have subway 410s and 210s. Using D800+. The nice thing about using 2 210s is the height since the speakers are diagonal. I have been using this rig for over 2 years/ 200 shows and it has been dead reliable and sounds amazing.
I don't understand the urge to mix different cabs, even if they are 'designed to work together'. If you start with a very good sounding speaker cab, what are you trying to accomplish by adding another, different sound source? If you want/need more volume, add more of the same type of cab; they'll have a better chance of coupling advantageously than two dissimilar sources. IMO, the only remotely plausible justification for mixing and matching cabs is to try to compensate for response deficiencies in the cabs -- deficiencies that the Subway speaker systems don't really have.
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I've owned and gigged 1-12s, 1-15s, and 2-10s--and played around with all kinds of two- or three-cab combinations. I settled on a pair of 1-15s as my fave.
Plenty of upper bass booty, when I want that. Deep and wide enough, when I want that. Nice midrange clarity without being harsh or honky. The Subway 15s are unlike any other 15 cabs I've used. Pretty much they'll do whatever you dial up on the amp.
Just IMHO, IME.
I have a few subway cabs (112, 115, 210, 212). My favorite is the 210 & 115 together. 2 115s would also be killer.
I didnt like the 112 with the 115 that much.
I didnt like the 112 with the 115 that much.
