Two 2x10 or one 4x10?

[HMZ]

Just wondering what you guys think. I have always gone for the two 2x10 myself. The thinking is I can use one in smaller clubs and two for outdoor of larger venues. I also think the 2x10 are lighter for loading.

I've noticed a lot more guys with 4x10 tho and just wondering why? Cheaper or just easier to move one cabinet?

 

[el murdoque]

pros and cons IMHO:
+easier to lug around (even if you might have two trips to the car)
+Modular - you can use one if 2x10 is enough
+vertical stacking
-you're limited to 4x10 if your amp does not go to 2ohms

So unless you need the occasional 8x10 setup, 2x2x10 is quite cool.
I'm doing the same thing with 12's because 4x10 is just short of what i need when things get loud.

 

[SteveCS]

If I had the option of two cabs, I would have a 2x10 and a 1x15 just to move a bit more air in those larger venues... Over the years I have used 2x15 (HH), 4x12 (Marshall) and 2x8+1x15 (Peavey 1516 with EV drivers). By a country mile I preferred the sound of the 1516 but would have liked it in two boxes.

 

[Jim Carr]

Two 210's are excellent. Flexible, modular, easy to move and fit in a vehicle. Plus, if you have a 2 ohm capable head and can find a 4 ohm 410 made by the same maker with the same drivers, you can then choose between one 210, two 210, and a 610 made from a 210 + 410. I did this for several years until fEARful 15/6/1 made things even better.

 

[chris_b]

I had a Bergantino AE410 and replaced it with 2 AE210's. That was a fantastic sounding, modular rig.

I wouldn't run a 410 again after that experience. 2 good 210 cabs rule, for all the reasons the OP states.

I mostly run 12's these days but the Berg CN210 sounds very interesting.

I used to run a 210 and 115 rig. IMO good, well designed 10" cabs handle as much low end as a 15 ever did.

 

[johnpbass]

I've become a big fan of a pair of 210s vertically stacked!

 

[theduke1]

It all depends on the condition of your body. It is much eaiser to haul 2x210 cabs vs a410. To my ear the sound is comparable.

 

[Mystic Michael]

Just wondering what you guys think. I have always gone for the two 2x10 myself. The thinking is I can use one in smaller clubs and two for outdoor of larger venues. I also think the 2x10 are lighter for loading.

I've noticed a lot more guys with 4x10 tho and just wondering why? Cheaper or just easier to move one cabinet?

If the two 2x10 configuration works better for you (it would for me as well), then it really doesn't matter what other guys are using. IME, it is a mistake to assume that others may have a better grip on things than you, just because so many of them use an approach that may be different to yours. They might have found a superior solution...or they might just be following the herd, because they haven't got a clue. The way to evaluate such matters is on their merits.

The risk here is to fall victim to the logical fallacy known as ad populum: "A million satisfied shoppers can't be wrong." Of course they can. They could just all be "wrong" together.

MM

 

[The Chuck]

band name "POPULUM"

You can use if you like.

 

[Fuzzbass]

The vertical 2x10 stack looks funny, but I love it. The upper speakers are closer to ear level, so I can hear the midrange punch so much better. This is especially valuable on tight stages where I'm right in front of my rig.

I move 'em with a folding hand truck: its 7" wheels move much more easily than the typical 2" or 3" casters on a 4x10, and I don't have to bend over to push. (Of course a 4x10 can also be moved via hand truck)

 

[iualum]

If I had the option of two cabs, I would have a 2x10 and a 1x15 just to move a bit more air in those larger venues... Over the years I have used 2x15 (HH), 4x12 (Marshall) and 2x8+1x15 (Peavey 1516 with EV drivers). By a country mile I preferred the sound of the 1516 but would have liked it in two boxes.

Not sure what you mean. If you mean a 210/115 rather than a 2x210 or a 410, the additional Vd of the 210/115 is tiny. Has no effect at all.

 

[iualum]

Just wondering what you guys think. I have always gone for the two 2x10 myself. The thinking is I can use one in smaller clubs and two for outdoor of larger venues. I also think the 2x10 are lighter for loading.

I've noticed a lot more guys with 4x10 tho and just wondering why? Cheaper or just easier to move one cabinet?

If someone can afford the additional bucks, a 2x210 rig is the way as opposed to a 410.

The single best reason from my perspective is being able to run a "vertical" 410. Gets the drivers much closer to your ears, allowing you to hear everything so much better.

 

[BassmanPaul]

I think that a lot of players just buy what they see other folk using. Very few of them know what dispersion is or what it does. I too use the vertical pair of 2x10s , Acme in my case. You can just see them under my left arm in my avatar.

 

[SteveCS]

Not sure what you mean. If you mean a 210/115 rather than a 2x210 or a 410, the additional Vd of the 210/115 is tiny. Has no effect at all.

Agreed, but to my ears, the 210 + 115 provides a more rounded bottom end that just 410 and therefore sounds more solid.

 

[tjh]

.. a thread from way back that may help OP ...

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/two-210-vs-410.322252/

 

[iualum]

I think that a lot of players just buy what they see other folk using. Very few of them know what dispersion is or what it does. I too use the vertical pair of 2x10s , Acme in my case. You can just see them under my left arm in my avatar.

Absotively .

 

[Fat Steve]

Agreed, but to my ears, the 210 + 115 provides a more rounded bottom end that just 410 and therefore sounds more solid.

 

[DwaynieAD]

I'd trade my 410 for two 210s in a heartbeat

 

[DwaynieAD]

he said "to my ears" so he's fine.

 

[strictlybass_ic]

2x210's is my vote. 410 box is big and clunky to move around, plus you get flexibility for small or large gigs. Vertical stacking with a small amp on top is where it's at. Yes my 410/115 monster stack was awesome, but my skinny stack is still close to ear level, way easier to schlep, and does the job just fine.