Small vs Big Cabs – Worth the Trade-Off?

[Kenyd]

Hi all,
I’m thinking about switching from a 2x10 to a 4x10. How much difference does cab size actually make in punch and low-end clarity? Any experiences?

 

[Stevorebob]

I’ve never played big cabs in a mall. Not sure which would prevail.

(I’ll show myself out.)

 

[Redbrangus]

Broadly and generically speaking, doubling the number of drivers should result in a 3dB increase in volume, but it would depend on what 410 cab and what 210 cab you're talking about. Is ANY old 410 louder than ANY 210? Maybe not; I think there are probably good 210s that outperform mediocre 410s, but -- again, generally speaking -- a 410 should be louder than a comparable 210 cab. Whether this translates to more 'punch' is subjective, and it doesn't necessarily result in better 'low end clarity' either. It's highly dependent on which cabs you're talking about.

Also, switching from an 8Ω cab to a 4Ω cab would result in your amplifier producing more power, presuming you have a solid-state amp and that it will safely drive a 4Ω load, which virtually all of them do. This would also result in more volume, but again, not necessarily more 'punch' or more low-end clarity.

Personally, I kinda hate the 410 form factor generally and would much rather have two (matching) 210s for the modularity it offers.

 

[el murdoque]

A 210, swapped for a 410 with the same make and the same speakers:
-You'd halve the ohms, therefore doubling the output from the amp (provided it's a solid state amp), which gains you +3dB
-You'd double the speaker surface, getting you another +3dB.

+6dB does not sound like much, but it's a lot. You more likely than not get better dispersion, and it feels like there is a lot more substance to your tone. In a very loud room, where I drowned in the mix with one cab, adding a second, identical cab got me to the point where I was not only clearly audible, but also able to drown out others, should I wish so.

 

[Swerve]

Made a big difference for me. I tried keeping things small using 1x12, 2x12, 2x10, but in moderately loud rock and rock/country groups it just didn’t cut it. You could hear me but it wasn’t the same type of weight and presence as when I switched to a 4x10.

 

[shoot-r]

Hi all,
I’m thinking about switching from a 2x10 to a 4x10. How much difference does cab size actually make in punch and low-end clarity? Any experiences?

Do you like the sound/tone you get with your present 210 cabinet?

If you do, get a second matching 210 cabinet for a modular 410 set-up.

Stack the two 210's in the vertical for when you want more mid/highs clarity by having the top driver up nearer your ears.
Set them down low and side by side for when you want added low-end from the floor coupling effect.
Use one cab for small jobs and rehearsals, both cabs when you need more volume, presence, fullness and projection.

I've been gigging with two 210 cabs for near 19 years now, I'll never go back to the standard 410 format.

 

[JamesGrant]

Yep, very substantial difference. Wouldn’t go back to a single 2x10.
Tone is ‘bigger’ and can deliver whatever tone you want at a higher volume.
Have gigged with two 2x10 (including the old heavy Eden cabs) and currently gig with 4 x 10 (GR bass AT 410) - 12kg, 1200WRMS - game changer.

 

[MCS4]

In my opinion there is not necessarily a difference in "punch" or "low end clarity" specifically, because to me those are terms that apply more to the overall tone and character of the cab rather than the size. However, you will definitely get more volume and overall presence with a 4x10.

 

[Clark W]

Hi all,
I’m thinking about switching from a 2x10 to a 4x10. How much difference does cab size actually make in punch and low-end clarity? Any experiences?

I'd get a 2nd 210 identical to what you have already.

 

[yodedude2]

another vote for two identical 2x10s here ~

 

[rpk19]

I ditched my 8 ohm 4x10 for a pair of 8 ohm 2x10s several years ago. It's easier to to carry, and the same amp can produce 300 watts into 8 ohms with one cab or 500 watts into 4 ohms with both.

 

[murphy]

410 all day.......and night!!!!

 

[Pings Bass]

you get 2x the punch, heft, slam and pop...


...in your back when you're loading


thankyou I'll be here all week don't forget to tip your servers

 

[Aloe]

it depends on how loud you need to be.

a 'square' 410 is a more directed speaker than a vertical 210, i.e. will have more high end loss off axis. the best of two worlds is a vertical 410 (people usually stack two vertical 210s to get this).

I have two vertical 210s and I'd say, both of them give a bit cleaner lows, more low mids and more highs as well (due to raising the directional tweeter off the floor; I turn off the tweeter in the bottom cab, but I still press a -6dB button on second while playing both). this said, for quieter setups I'm perfectly content with only one. and yes, your perception and cabs might vary from what I have.

 

[Thumpin6string]

IMHO if your 210 is 8 ohms, I'd add another 8 ohm cab. Pretty much the same output as a 4 ohm 410. I went from an Epifani 4 ohm UL410 to an 8 ohm UL210 and an 8 ohm UL112. IMHO, they way outperform the 4 ohm 410. In addition, they are easier to haul, and I have the versatility to use just one cab when a 410 would be too much.

 

[J Wilson]

It's all totally subjective to the user's ears, but generally I would prefer the portability and the coupling to two 210's to a single 410.

I DID play a mall, in the food court. Went crazy having to smell Sbarro for two hours, man did I get hungry.

 

[gepettus]

IMHO if your 210 is 8 ohms, I'd add another 8 ohm cab. Pretty much the same output as a 4 ohm 410. I went from an Epifani 4 ohm UL410 to an 8 ohm UL210 and an 8 ohm UL112. IMHO, they way outperform the 4 ohm 410. In addition, they are easier to haul, and I have the versatility to use just one cab when a 410 would be too much.

This is the way Grogu

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Hi all,
I’m thinking about switching from a 2x10 to a 4x10. How much difference does cab size actually make in punch and low-end clarity? Any experiences?

This depends on the design of the cab. In general, today’s cab designs are so much better than the were 30 years ago. If you are thinking of switching cabs , the first thing is to throw the old wives tales. One, bigger speakers create more low end than smaller ones. Second, more speakers aways significanly increases volume and sound quality.

I’m not an engineer by any stretch of the imagination, but if you want to know how a specific cab is going to improve your lot, start by reading and understanding the performance specs including the frequency response graphs, then try it out.

 

[mikecd1]

I'd get a 2nd 210 identical to what you have already.

That's what I did and it exceeded my expectations, but nice to still have the ability for using one cab for lower volume gigs. Very happy with the results.

 

[Clark W]

That's what I did and it exceeded my expectations, but nice to still have the ability for using one cab for lower volume gigs. Very happy with the results.

I have a GK Neo IV 212, it stays on stage at church. Then for everything else I have two Markbass Traveler 151P (115) cabs @ 37lbs ea and two Traveler 102P (210) cabs @ 33lbs ea.

The 115s are my fave. A single 210 turned vertical though works really well for small acoustic gigs. And here lately I've been using both 210s for Friday night stuff. Just so easy to carry one in each hand. And four 10s carry a lot of punch.