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Need help deciding on a 2x10 or 1x15 combo!

L

lespaulmarshall

Dec 26, 2008
233
5
Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
www.google.com
#1
Hey guys,

As the title states i'm unsure of what to get. I know that the 15 inch speaker will give me better low end sounds etc etc, but would just like some more input. At the moment I've got my eyes on the BA300 combos by Ampeg - it just looks sexy (Invalid Link Removed, or Invalid Link Removed ) Does anyone have this rig that can provide positive or negative input?

I play acoustic covers in my duo band - but play rock and funk myself. We play medium size clubs and pubs, and are getting into more private functions. Price isn't really an issue as I'm after clarity and tone. Also I'm unsure if I should go for a combo or head and cab set up, but suppose that a combo is easier for transport etc.

It's probably worth mentioning I have been playing bass for nearly 8 years now - but have only really got into real gigging.


Cheers in advance guys!
 
#4
Well its not the same gear but I'll tell you that I recently returned and exchanged the Markbass CMD 151P (1 15 speaker) for the CMD 102P (2x10 Cab). I couldn't be happier with the 2X10 vs the 1X15. I changed over because I wanted a faster, more responsive speaker, but I couldn't believe how much more air the 2X10 moves vs a 1X15. In my case both cabs had the same head (500w LMII Head).
 
#5
It's all a matter of taste. You want more high end, get the 210. You want deeper bottom end, get the 115. But I'd stay away from Ampeg. The horrible company of idiots that bought Ampeg a couple years ago is about to go out of business apparently, and until it gets sold to someone who knows what they're doing, I'd shy away.
 
#7
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#8
I'm personally not a combo type of guy. I like the options a head and cabs rig gives.
If you go with a combo, and you play rock. Go with a combo that has a external speaker jack and enough power to drive both internal and external speakers. This way you have the option of adding another cab when the drummer goes to heavier sticks and the guitar player decides one 4-12 isn't enough!
I'd go with a 2-10 combo,(use it at rehearsals, very moderate gigs,) add a 1-15 cab or preferably a 2-12 cab for the rock times.
 
#9
Also be sure to check the internal speaker impedance and the amps' minimum load on any combo you consider. Many combos have an internal 4-ohm speaker(s) in order to use the maximum power from the amp. If the amp is only rated to drive a 4-ohm minimum load then you can be hooped regarding adding another cabinet.

e,g, 4 ohm internal + 8 ohm external (in parallel) = 2.6 ohm = too low for many amps.

What the combo's make you do is unplug the internal speaker in order to connect the external. If you do this with an external 8-ohm cabinet, you will get less power from your amp.

For example, that Eden cabinet on Ebay is 400W with a 4-ohm internal ... the question is "what is the minimum load the amp CAN drive?"... Well, if you look at the picture of the back panel, near the "speaker output" cable for the internal speaker, it says "600 watts at 2 ohms"... Yeah! That means you could add another 8 or 4 ohm cab, keep the internal connected, and the amp WILL handle the load (and give you more power)!

However, most amps these days DO NOT handle 2 ohms, so be sure to check.

This is one example of why separate amp/cab can be good.

Your other expansion option is to make sure the combo has a direct-out so you could run a line to the PA for the bigger gigs.

Here's a link regarding speaker impedance. http://www.bcae1.com/spkrmlti.htm

Hope that makes some sense... ;-)

Myself... I run an Aguilar 2x12 (4-ohm) cabinet with a Hartke LH500 (500 watts at 4-ohms). The 12's sound great... a good compromise between 10's and 15's, I think. No need for a second cabinet (and I can't given the Hartke is min. 4-ohm load!) But... I can change cabinets altogether if I want.
 
#10
lespaulmarshall said:
Hey guys,

As the title states i'm unsure of what to get. I know that the 15 inch speaker will give me better low end sounds etc etc, but would just like some more input. At the moment I've got my eyes on the BA300 combos by Ampeg - it just looks sexy (Invalid Link Removed, or Invalid Link Removed ) Does anyone have this rig that can provide positive or negative input?

I play acoustic covers in my duo band - but play rock and funk myself. We play medium size clubs and pubs, and are getting into more private functions. Price isn't really an issue as I'm after clarity and tone. Also I'm unsure if I should go for a combo or head and cab set up, but suppose that a combo is easier for transport etc.

It's probably worth mentioning I have been playing bass for nearly 8 years now - but have only really got into real gigging.


Cheers in advance guys!
Click to expand...

You really have to try them, firsthand. Cab/speaker config is only a very basic general guideline in terms of possible sound qualities. You could very easily find a 2*10 with the sound characteristics you thought the 1*15 would have- and vice-versa. Try the amps, ideally A/B them if possible. Your ears have to be the judge.
 

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