• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Wattage vs Greater Speaker Surface Area!

Mark Andrew

Mark Andrew

Dec 2, 2016
748
799
47
The Netherlands
#1
So I know this has likely been covered in some shape or form and is dependent on multiple factors but. If we talking identical enclosures and speakers working within listed parameters would a 210 (or any for that matter I suppose) running at 200w (Premium speakers enclosure rated at 400w RMS) be louder than 2x (2x10)(second identical cab) running at 100w-130w? The reason I ask is that I have a smaller cab at 4 ohms for smaller gigs and am thinking of adding an identical second for a vertical stack to replace one of my big rigs also allowing a modular 810 should needs must. However the power drop of running these in series may make this a pointless excercise for my smaller heads.? Anyone with advice on surface area Vs wattage aspects? Many thanks
 
#2
Which amps specifically are we talking about here?

Technically, I believe that in the scenario listed above there might be a slight advantage to the pair of cabs, but more info on the amps is needed to make sure that all of the variables are accounted for.
 
#3
I can't quote any formulas. Anecdotally, speaker surface area has won the day everytime in my experience. I run a 30W amp (Ashdown LB30) with a 410 or 610 all the time. It will get stupid loud. So, 100 or 130W through 4 10" speakers should still be louder than 200W through two of the same speakers in am equivalent cab.

Someone would have to beat me over the head with some of that science..... stuff.... to convince me other wise.

Bus as @Kro said, just telling us what exact gear we're talking about would probably help.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bassdirty
#4
Cabs would be running delta-lites 2510's thread is written with the Trace Elliott Elf in mind with occasional mini max use I imagine....would be a second one of these maybe basslites likely delta-lites have both available....
 

Attachments

  • IMG-20180222-WA0000.jpg
    IMG-20180222-WA0000.jpg
    143.9 KB · Views: 64
  • 20171111_160421_optimized.jpg
    20171111_160421_optimized.jpg
    150.4 KB · Views: 61
#5
Mark Andrew said:
Cabs would be running delta-lites 2510's thread is written with the Trace Elliott Elf in mind with occasional mini max use I imagine....would be a second one of these maybe basslites likely delta-lites have both available....
Click to expand...

Thanks, I think I understand better now what you're trying to accomplish.

IMO the answer to this question:

Mark Andrew said:
However the power drop of running these in series may make this a pointless excercise for my smaller heads.?
Click to expand...

... is usually that the exercise isn't worth the effort, unless you like carrying a lot more cab for small returns.

But hey, you could always pick up another Elf, split your signal, and one run one to each cab! :p
 
  • Like
Reactions: agedhorse
#6
Thanks for your opinion. In reality the elf plays backup to the mini but I am curious how it would perform. The intention is not taking the 410 115s out of the practice room and using 1 or 2 210s.... Although the old Txs are not light weight (ply is 3/4 I believe) in construction a neo 210 is really managable. So chances are I would usually have a second with me should the plan go ahead. The single 210 is greatly improved with the new drivers and HPF but still falls short in a rock combination and getting it up at ear hight works wonders. Maybe just an empty 210 as a stand :) ha ha....
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back