mixed cabs: tempted

[scottfeldstein]

8. So I can use it with another 8 ohm cab if I want to. Like my Neo 212.

 

[agedhorse]

i don't think anybody can rationally argue that two mis-matched cabs will sound weaker than one of those cabs by itself...

unless one of the cabinets has reversed polarity. I always recommend double-checking any cabinet purchase and especially any used piurchase.

 

[scottfeldstein]

True, but even ostensibly matched cabs can have that problem.

 

[stambroker]

Although I just recently replaced my 410RBH with two Neo 212's, I've been playing around with the 410 while I wait for it to sell. The 212Neo + 410RBH combination is suprisingly nice and the two wildly different tones compliment each other very nicely. Of course, I prefer the two 212's as it's a more uniform, controllable tone but the 212 + 410 has a LOUD wall of sound tone. If I was playing in a non-traditional band that lacked a guitarist/keyboard player I would probably be more willing to go crazy with mismatched cabinets

 

[scottfeldstein]

My worry isn't the differences in tonal voicing. It's the difference in how many watts they can take before breaking up. I'm betting the 410 can take a higher twist of the volume knob than the 212. Even though the 212 is probably a better cab in every way (better speakers, better construction, etc), you can't ignore the it only has two drivers to divide that signal to instead of four.

So, like I warn others... I won't be able to push my 410 to its max potential if it's hooked up to the 212. Which probably isn't a big deal. But it could become one if I am trying to get the volume level I was able to get with the Ampeg 810 classic cab.

 

[stambroker]

I think that the MB500 would work fine with both cabinets, at any volume, but I can understand your caution. Happy bassing!

 

[agedhorse]

True, but even ostensibly matched cabs can have that problem.

Of course.

 

[DrumsAndBass]

I use a 1x15 with a 1x18. Each cabinet has its own EQ and amp. Neither one has a tweeter or midrange. I love the tone.

 

[scottfeldstein]

Hey, another weird thing about these particular mixed cabs. They both have those plastic GK cleats on the corners for easy stacking, but they aren't the exact same W and D dimensions.

They DO seem to be the exact W dimension, so I could probably get the top front corners of the 410 to meet the bottom-front corners of the 212. But the rear corners would not meet, as the 410 is a couple inches deeper than the 212.

Think the two cleats would stop the 212 from boogying off of the 410? Think it would sit flat enough to put the head on top?

 

[xring]

Once upon a time I ordered 2 Aggie S410's. AFTER they shipped the 1st one, they told me that I basically got the last one. They also stated that they would sell me a second cab at their cost. I chose the GS212. I have no regrts as they play very well together. I sometimes wonder if the 2-410's could even sound better...

 

[will33]

Hey, another weird thing about these particular mixed cabs. They both have those plastic GK cleats on the corners for easy stacking, but they aren't the exact same W and D dimensions.

They DO seem to be the exact W dimension, so I could probably get the top front corners of the 410 to meet the bottom-front corners of the 212. But the rear corners would not meet, as the 410 is a couple inches deeper than the 212.

Think the two cleats would stop the 212 from boogying off of the 410? Think it would sit flat enough to put the head on top?

It'll stack fine, it's only a couple degrees away from being flat, I've played on stages worse than that, not along the run of the whole stage mind you, but within the footprint of the bass rig.

Any 2 cabs are louder than one, mismatched or not so your output needs are met. If you'd walk around the venue, you would hear the bass sounding different in different areas and also with a hotspot when centered on the rig, both the result of mismatched cabs and narrow dispersion but for $199, you can't go wrong if it works at all. Enjoy it, and save up for another 212.

 

[scottfeldstein]

I expect these will sound just fine together. It's just that I'll have 100% of the 410 weight and size, but only, say, 75% of its potential output while it's used with the 212.

On the other hand, I have a big cab and a smaller cab (in addition to being able to use them together). So that's three rig options as opposed to the two I would have had.

Ultimately I'll get that second Neo 212. But for now I think I'll let it ride. Might even buy me a new guitar first. I got my eye on the Ibanez SoundGear SR505.

 

[will33]

The output capabilities depends on the excursion limits of both cabs (xmax) in addition to their spl. While one has 4 budget 10's and the other 2 supposedly better 12's they might not be that far apart. Either should be able to play a couple hundred continuous watts clearly without farting out, maybe more if you don't mind a little grind. Basically crank 'em up until one or the other crys uncle. Don't know where the line is until you cross it right?

 

[scottfeldstein]

The output capabilities depends on the excursion limits of both cabs (xmax) in addition to their spl. While one has 4 budget 10's and the other 2 supposedly better 12's they might not be that far apart.

I was thinking this exact thing! I hope it's very close indeed.

Basically crank 'em up until one or the other crys uncle. Don't know where the line is until you cross it right?

Exactly my plan.