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Not another cab/driver mixing thread....

JEDBass

JEDBass

Mar 10, 2009
503
136
West Hartford, CT
#1
Well, I know the argument over whether to mix different driver sizes in a stack or not had been around for some time, with plenty of people on both sides, not to mention the science behind it all. But what I'm wondering is a more specific question. For anyone who's had experience with Bergie HT115's and HT210's, what sounds better to most people's ears, a pair of HT115's, or an HT115/HT210 mix? Obviously an argument can be made in favor of using two of same cab by strictly adhering to science, but that would be ignoring real life practice (of course throughout the room and not just 3 feet in front of the stack). Just curious!
 
#3
JEDBass said:
Obviously an argument can be made in favor of using two of same cab by strictly adhering to science, but that would be ignoring real life practice (of course throughout the room and not just 3 feet in front of the stack).
Click to expand...
adhering to science is ignoring real life practice? not sure i buy that.
 
#4
I think what he meant to say was that despite the science behind it, mixed cabs can sound good...and I'd agree they can.

Two 115's or a 115 and a 210 is a decent sounding stack. However, why not use the science behind it and leverage it in your favor?

For example, whichever of the two (115 or 210) gives you the clearest mids and highs, put that one on top (regardless of what it looks like, or what you think a 115/210 stack should look like).

If the 115 is on top your good to go. If the 210 cab is the brightest in the mids/highs, put that one on top AND stack it so the 10's are aligned vertically. That way you won't have any problems hearing those mids and highs if you aren't directly in front of it.

Or, ignore the science behind it all and just do whatever you think looks the coolest. Better yet, mix and stack the cabs in whichever manner someone says sounds the best, because they'll know more than you how it should be anyway. ;)

Personally, I like both...stacked 115's and a 115 with a 210, and I've arranged them many different ways with pleasing results. As to the Bergs themselves, I have no experience with them, so you'll have to wait for someone else's opinion on them.
 
#5
Jimmy,

I definitely didn't mean it in that way. Sorry if it came across like that, as I certainly respect those that have done their scientific research on this topic. What I meant is that some people may choose to only follow the golden rule and not actually try to compare how they really sound mixed, while claiming as fact that the mixed set of cabs will sound like junk. Some of the better things invented were done my mistake or by combining things that wouldn't normally make sense. Why would it be any different here?

It's doesn't really matter to me what looks cooler, at least to a reasonable extent; it's what sounds better to the band and the crowd. If it's the 2 15's, great. If it's the mixed Berg's, great too. I know it's a crapshoot when it comes to mixing cabs, with varying results. That's why I made sure to specifically mention these cabs, and not just a general statement about 10's and 15's. That'd be sure to start a new war!
 
#7
I get a kick out of those that think a 1x15 will add super lows to a 4x10 when most good quality 4x10s have better low end and power handling than most 1x15s.

For several years, I ran a 1x15 (no tweeter) + 2x12 (no tweeter) very successfully with a G-K 800RB. Sometimes bi-amping, sometimes full-range. The 1x15 was an extra large, heavy duty road cab made by a company called "Dynamite" from St. Louis. Loaded with either a JBL K-140 or EVM 15B, it provided BIG low end. (Hurricane Katrina claimed that one).
The 2x12 was a Cerwin Vega that I never knew what application it was designed for, but sounded good with that 1x15.
 
#8
Agreed on the perception of what a 15" can do versus a 4x10 (or in some cases a 2x10 - see Acme!). There's a bunch of variables when you think about it; and it's greatly multiplied by how many different drivers and cab designs there are out there, nevermind which head/bass you're using.

That's why I'm trying not to get into a general discussion, and instead focusing on these particular cabs. What pertains to the HT's may or may not have any relationship whatsoever to a similar setup from SWR, GK, Eden, Epifani, Aguilar, etc.

Of course, I welcome anyone's opinion on this, as long as we are all able to be open minded about it and at least somewhat civil :)
 

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