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Mixing same size drivers?

TwinBass

TwinBass

Oct 5, 2007
278
10
Spokane, WA
#1
I get that the optimum setup would be all matching drivers/cabs. I'm curious about mixing brands of drivers/cabs. I have a Peavey 4x10 at 4 ohms, an Ampeg 2x10 at 8 ohms, and a Peavey T-Max head that can handle 2 ohms. I've connected my 4x10 and my 2x10 (2.667 ohm load) and it sounds just fine to me. I'm thinking of adding another 8 ohm 2x10 cab to get a full on 8x10 (500w @ 2 ohms) setup.

What are the disadvantages to this 4x10 + 2x10 + 2x10 (different cabs/drivers) type of setup?

Are there any special considerations for tweeter levels with this setup?

Extra credit: What would adding a 1x12 instead of a 2x10 (4ohm 4x10+ (8ohm 2x10 +8ohm 1x12) do to everything? (/searchesforflameretardantgear)
 
#3
Mr. Foxen said:
Same disadvantages for different drivers regardless of their diameter, because diameter isn't a very relevant factor. Unpredictable response.
Click to expand...

+1

OTOH, if it sounds just fine to you then why not? If you have walked around in front of the cabs to hear how it sounds from various angles and are pleased, that should be satisfactory. Keep in mind that each cab addition is a role of the dice, especially if each addition is different.
 
#5
I also find since different cabs are voiced differently they are not all complimentary. I currently have my Epifani 3x10 and my Markbass 4x10 running in a stack... it sounds very meh, they do not play well together. It is rather loud though and it is nice having the highs right next to your ear.
 
#7
I should add that I also have an Aguilar TH350. It's mainly a smaller home/practice head, but it could also serve as a backup head. I know it can only handle 4 ohms. I would probably pair it with my 4 ohm 4x10 Peavey (duh... had that cab for forever and love it) but thinking about other scenarios...

Mixing a 2x10 Ampeg and another 2x10 or 1x12 cab... can I expect more than "unpredictable response" or "non-complimentary"? Would there be actual problems? I read lots about the downsides of mixing a 1x15 with a 4x10 due to the power handling of the 1x15 vs the 4x10, and I get think I get the mechanics behind it... but a 1x12 and a 2x10 or two different 2x10s?
 
#8
The unpredictable response IS a problem, unless you like a handful of notes to be wildly loud, a handful of notes disappearing out of the mix, and the rest will be with varying degrees of response.
 
#13
TwinBass said:
I've connected my 4x10 and my 2x10 (2.667 ohm load) and it sounds just fine to me.
Click to expand...

It's not how it sounds to you that matters but how it sounds out in the room. As you are running it, the system is fine from an electrical standpoint. Driving it's 2.67Ω with a 2Ω stable amplifier is also fine.

You need to go out into a typical room and listen at various areas to see if the two cabinets complement each other or cancel at various frequencies.
 
#14
Guitar ain't bass!

Guitar cabs are mostly just boxes to hold the speakers, while bass cabs are almost like drivers just to energize the cabs!
 
#15
edbass said:
In the uber boutique world of guitar, it’s often de rigueur for players to mix driver types in a single cabinet, and get this; that cab is often an open backed box that hasn’t been WinISD’ed at all!
Can you believe it???

Obviously those morons don’t read talkbass, or they would know that can’t possibly sound good… :D
Click to expand...

Have you ever noticed that when you stand directly in front of a guitar cab, the highs almost take your head off? Then when you move two feet to the side those highs all but disappear?
 
#16
edbass said:
In the uber boutique world of guitar, it’s often de rigueur for players to mix driver types in a single cabinet, and get this; that cab is often an open backed box that hasn’t been WinISD’ed at all!
Can you believe it???

Obviously those morons don’t read talkbass, or they would know that can’t possibly sound good… :D
Click to expand...


Perfect example of not knowing a thing about cab design, but feeling the need to throw in a snarky comment.
 
#17
To OP. You have no said which model Ampeg 210 you have. If it is the SVT-210HE, you have one of the deepest, darkest and loudest (in the lows!) 210 cabinets I know of. It is also quite power hungry. It uses the same drivers you will find in the SVT-410HLF, known for its deep, loud bass. I doubt the unspecified Peavey 410 will work very well with it, at least compared to what an ideal 210 + 410 rig would give you.
 

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