10 vs 15 vs 12: Does bass speaker size matter?

[@philipconradmusic]

I’m currently working on a follow up video with a similar experiment from the audience perspective further away from the cab. I’ll post it here when it’s ready. Thanks so much for watching and all the thoughtful comments ⚡️

[@philipconradmusic]

Here it is: Does bass speaker size REALLY matter? (10 vs 12 vs 15 in a Venue) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6HSf2mAptlgjq8

[@willfest]

I know you will probably never do this video again, but a way to test would be to have the amp in a room and an omni direction mic on the opposite side of the room and to have the exact same settings for each cabinet.. then capture the omni mic and see the wave-forms from that omni-mic.. just to see if -- well I don't know.. I heard a difference in your test actually.. I just know I prefer 15 in person but in your clips I preferred the 10's so????? why do I like the 10's in recordings sometimes but in person I like 15's ??????

[@jungtarcph]

Live?

[@OsmarOliveira]

Nice comparison! The 1x15" sounds great, but I think the 4x10" can deliver as much bass as the 1x15" in the room. The mic is isolating just one 10" speaker, so is not quite the same thing as the whole cabinet working together. That being said, the 12" response was great as well.

[@stanpopovsky]

For recording or performing in a medium to large venue, only the sound from one speaker matters.

[@Steve-fe3vt]

That's true the whole cabinet sound and the room acoustics make a difference. I have done this test myself without the microphone and the 15 sounds better.

[@philipconradmusic]

Here’s a follow up video from audience perspective in a venue: Does bass speaker size REALLY matter? (10 vs 12 vs 15 in a Venue) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6HSf2mAptlgjq8

[@OsmarOliveira]

Very cool@@philipconradmusic ! Thanks for these videos.

[@Marcink126]

Area of the 4x10 speaker cones is greater than 1x15 so 4x10 will deliver more sound in general but less low bass. The best is to use mixed gear 4x10 + 1x15 but no one will take such expensive and heavy geat :D In fact bass cabs producers does not care about us, bass players. They are putting small tweeters that start working from 5kHz with woofers. Such cabs are lacking with presence. They should use tweeters from PA cabs with large cones and large tubes.

[@SteveTheBassGuy]

To my ear the 15” is the best.

[@RobertAcurso]

Playing solo I want the 15, for sure.

[@basshoncho]

Agreed! @SteveTheBassGuy

[@flaviosan3020]

15" matches his style and genre of music for me.

[@flaviosan3020]

15" matches his style and genre of music for me.

[@flaviosan3020]

15" matches his style and genre of music for me.

[@balderasruiz]

Sound engineer for 25 years, nobody beside us could tell the difference , no audience cares or tell the difference, focus on emotion

[@JasonWright-mc6dz]

Sure.. Of course that’s true, But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still important to us/me as a player. I’m assuming that you’re a bassist does it not matter to you if you’re using 2x15” vs 1x10” with a tweeter?? In a studio setting (mic type/placement/preamp and multiple cabs/speaker sizes etc) probably excessive I agree.. And as a sound engineer you’re likely going direct into the mixer/desk more than 90% of the time anyway. BUT I will definitely say live and to a certain extent in a studio setting I far prefer a mic’d amp/cab especially for electric guitars!

[@JasonWright-mc6dz]

Also the creative/emotional aspect you’re referring to IS paramount! However, I’m not able to just “focus on emotion” if my sound/dynamic response isn’t excellent & inspiring. It’s the same to me as if my bass has excessive fret buzz, it’s incredibly difficult to play, or won’t hold tune..

[@keithklassen5320]

Meh. I can hear the difference and I'm not that skilled.

[@jaemorrison6729]

Does anyone care about bass anyways????

[@JasonWright-mc6dz]

@@jaemorrison6729 Haha, well I would say hell yah it’s the glue that connects the drums/percussion & the harmonic/melodic instruments. Also if you’re ever wondering if the bass is really that important, try listening to a band play a 2-3 songs then halfway through the 4th the bass drops out completely. Everyone who was dancing or bobbing thier heads will suddenly stop and look around like “what happened?!?”.. The bass is the foundation, the floor; if it suddenly disappears the entire band comes crashing down on top of each other!!

[@leegallatin480]

Such a well done video . I loved the frequency chart showing as you were playing , I was nerding out on that. No other guys doing these types of videos are showing the actual math/science of things. This 2x12 won me over , plus it looks like a mini fridge . I will be ordering one soon. Thanks for the share .

[@Mikko74]

yeah this was the most useful video I could find on this subject.

[@xXCracklesXx]

the 2x12 really had a even tone.

[@meyersguitars2196]

You took the words out of my mouth when you said the 10’s sounded more like the DI. I was thinking the same thing. The 15 has the most character but 10’s just sound right to my ears. Great video!

[@Wiilly97]

I've run my P Bass through a 2x12 for years now, for live and recordings, and I will never go back to 10's. I've received compliments on every single gig I have played and from producer's after the switch, the 12's are just the sweet spot👌🏻

[@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

Yup the 15” is without a doubt the best ! I used 8x10s for years until I got my first B15 20 years ago and have been using 15” speakers ever since .

[@JasDarc]

60 years bass playing and I wouldn't play through anything less than a 15. (Currently a Markbass Jeff Berlin combo. Tried their 2x10 and it just farted at anything like a usable volume. No thanks keep yer baby speakers.

[@MrDonc78]

I used a classic 810 for a while. No tweeter or ports. Thought it was great for rock with it's midrange but they have no low end. I got a mesa road ready 15 with the EV 15 oem and I've been blown away since. I paired it with my two 1x12 theile EV cabs and they easily outperform anything I've ever used. I do want to note that bag end makes an awesome 1x15 and their 210 handled my or120 on 10.

[@martinbeagley4481]

@@MrDonc78 cool, can I ask what EV you have in the two theile cabs, I have two empty cabs kicking around waiting for some 12” bass drivers……

[@MrDonc78]

@@martinbeagley4481 I have one ev12l pro line and a d12l in the other. They're both 300w. The d12l goes about 20hz deeper. It has a pro line, raw, red back, and black back with red and silver plate, and an earlier brown version? that kinda looks like an alnico speaker.

[@martinbeagley4481]

@@MrDonc78 ah cool, cheers. I have a 300w EV Black Label in one now so will try to find a similar driver for the second cab!

[@alexbarbermusic]

Awesome video dude, love the EQ overlay you do on your videos. Something I do all the time when I'm deep in the tone zone. 15" for me

[@ElectricFloridaMusic]

Watching a new Philip Conrad video always puts me in the mood to play bass.

[@AJMjazz]

Though I have a B-15 and have used it on a number of gigs, my main rig has included 12s for the better part of 35 years. Single 12, dual 12, four 12 - as you said the flexibility is a great advantage. The 12's have never let me down. Great video.

[@conorlarkin1111]

Cool video! I’m not normally an Ampeg guy, but the tones you got here were some of my favorites of yours so far! I actually found the 4x10 to be the muddiest. I think because it lacked a bit of midrange to my ear, and the 2x12 was my favorite since it seemed to have the most mids. I totally agree with your conclusion of those Ampeg cabs specifically, but I think one important thing to note is that there are HiFi sounding 15’s and vintage sounding 4x10’s. The speaker size is just one of the many things that can affect the sound of the cabinet. Speaker choice, speaker efficiency, cab design, cab material, cab rigidity, porting, etc. all play a significant role in the overall sound of the cab. It’s kind of like saying Fender guitars all sound bright and Gibson guitars all sound dark. It’s an okay generalization, but definitely not a rule. All in my opinion, of course!

[@costajeanfrancois7234]

the DI sounds great. I didn't expect that

[@THX-vp9fz]

Same. It absolutely sounds best, but its a matter of personal individual taste, like so many things in life. But on stage you want to hear and feel something directly behind you, so finding the right gear for that is a must. 15er fan here.

[@eggy68]

15” is certainly the sweet spot for the p-bass. I used to roll a 2x15 cab into dive bars at college and always got compliments on my tone. Compliments aside, I wouldn’t want to do that again! And you’re absolutely right, nothing beats the feeling of rocking the house in front of a big rig.

[@philipconradmusic]

15s are awesome

[@tommyblackwell3760]

I do miss my old 2x15" Bassman cab...and then I remember moving it! lol

[@mattcollier4767]

Excellent information! I run a 2x10 + 1x15 in my rig. Best of both worlds in my opinion. This video definitely has me itching to try some new settings!

[@robotusa88]

Me too

[@scottsmith7193]

Me too,til my back started saying no. Lol

[@chongshuenzhe3535]

I run 4x10 with a 1x15

[@nj1255]

I'm more of a 10" guy. I just like the punch you get from 10" speakers, but it also largely depends on what kind of tone you are after. For that vintage P-bass + B15 tone you really need to have a 15" speaker.

[@jamessmith-zk4co]

I love the sound of the 10's.

[@BungHunterSV650]

i use a 1 x 15 and a 2 x 10 with a mark bass head i geat a great tone i will put up videos someday lol

[@pangeaproxima3681]

ok, ok...

[@bassyey]

I like 10" on guitar.

[@nj1255]

@@bassyey on clean strat-tones they can sound really good.

[@BobbyPoulton]

Great video man. The close micing definitely favoured the 1x15. It would have been interesting to do a comparison from different points in the room you're in.

[@philipconradmusic]

Here’s a follow up video from audience perspective in a venue: Does bass speaker size REALLY matter? (10 vs 12 vs 15 in a Venue) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6HSf2mAptlgjq8

[@charlesbranch7569]

I've been playing since 19....I'm 65. Your assessment was spot on. Your opinion matched mine perfectly before I heard you give it. Great ear you have 😁👍🏾

[@TheStratpicker]

Great video. As an old school rock player, mainly finger style, the 15" floated my boat regardless of my gigging combo being a Rumble 200 (15" speaker) hooked up to another 15" cab when I need to move more air. This cab is usually driven by an Ampeg Micro VR in the rehearsal studio and sounds fantastic. The Rumble is just so portable and loud...

[@monarch_music]

Long time recording engineer here -- and I know that what I am about to say is rarely/if ever taken into account while recording and playing live. The fundamental frequency on the low E string is 41.2035 Hz -- which makes the physical wavelength of one wave cycle 27.425 ft. long! That's a long distance for the note to fully. develop. I'd love to see a test where you mic'd up the cabs exactly one wavelength away as it might yield some interesting results. Also, this means in a live setting, you could potentially hear a bass amp "better "at a slightly lower volume off stage than it would be right next to you.

[@rgortega1285]

This engineer is, correct and other postings. Distance and room size is most important but also the box fitting the speaker size, so would this test be truthful.

[@johnk190]

If that was true then you'd never get any bass out of headphones. Yes, bass wavelengths are very long but the idea they need space to 'develope' is nonsense, though rooms can reinforced certain frequencies with standing waves.

[@philipconradmusic]

Here’s a follow up video from audience perspective in a venue: Does bass speaker size REALLY matter? (10 vs 12 vs 15 in a Venue) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6HSf2mAptlgjq8

[@eatmarth]

I love that you added the frequency visualizer! I was actually surprised at how much low end discrepancy there is between the cab and DI. I started on a 15, moved to 10's and now settled on 12's, probably to corroborate your middle of the road label of 12's. In fairness there are things you can do to tame the sound of a 15, EQ and compression and such, but I do think you're still missing out if you just play a 15.

[@Streetpartymarty]

I really enjoy 15s. Consistent, warm and a certain openness in the mid range that seems to enhance the voice of the instrument. Nice review!

[@John-the-Bass]

Good work. The only weakness is that the audience listens from a distance not a short distance from the speaker cone as your measurement. I agree about the air movement. The 4* 10 has a greater speaker cone area and so moves air. My favourite is the single 15”. Thanks for the video. It is very good gear!

[@philipconradmusic]

Here’s a follow up video from audience perspective in a venue: Does bass speaker size REALLY matter? (10 vs 12 vs 15 in a Venue) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6HSf2mAptlgjq8

[@wojtan]

Clearly the best review I have seen in a long time. Thanks, man

[@craigridley9618]

Nice! For me, it’s got to be the 15”. I left slap and tap in my teens , now I mostly just play fingerstyle on a p bass, and the 15 just works. Nice hearing you talk about re-amping, and applied studio techniques. Thanks for all the hard work!

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

I bought a separate pair of 12" speaker cabs for exactly the reasons you mention at 5:32. I made the decision based primarily on weight considerations, but the ability to use the full power of the amp turned out to be a huge bonus that I did not expect.

[@derekdowns6275]

It was nice to hear this over a pair of 16" speakers. The 15" demo got my dining room window to lightly rattle as well as some items on a desk.

[@BabyDeeOmg]

This is by far the best video for this questions. You nailed and used great quality to do testing and gave us visual eq to confirm what we were hearing. I mean this is a 10/10 video my guy. Obviously video and audio quality were great man. Bro you are killing it and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@dchauser4]

Good video as always. When I roll out the full rig (which happens very rarely anymore), I have a 4x10 and a 1x15 to get the best of both worlds. My back, however, definitely prefers the straight DI option. I do think you're correct about the classic tone being the 1x15.

[@briangordon2208]

All around best config is 2x10" and a 1x15. I just bought a new Ampeg PF-500 and it is LIGHT and plenty of power and TONE!

[@jacobeperry]

I have always love the crisp, punchy lows of the 4x10. To me the 15 gets super muddy in the 75-225 range. The 12’s are ok but that crisp punch of the 10’s can’t be beat. The DI is probably my new favorite just because you can shape it and put in a backpack. ;)

[@kingstumble]

Back in the 60s--when I was very young!---bigger was always better if you were a bass player. I used to play through a Selmer Goliath cab with an 18" speaker and a Selmer Treble 'n' Bass amp. It was massive in both sound and size. After a while I bought a Selmer David 15" cab but never used them both at the same time. That was reserved for smaller venues.

[@thewetterbass]

Cool review and great advice! You make the 15” sound awesome (this coming from a 12” user)! I agree with you, having an amp “pushing” air on your back is just the best feeling…

[@williamscalzitti217]

i think there is a basic problem with this test, the mic in front of one 10" is 1/4 the power going into the 15 and half the 12s, the difference in volume (i think) skews the test.

[@kevinpelepako7381]

I currently own a 1x15 and a 2x12. I replaced a 4x10 with the 2x12 as my main gigging cabinet because it's lighter and easier to load in/out. One thing I didn't see you mention during the recording is that you were recording woofers only. For a vintage tone, that's ideal. But for more modern sounds you've got to be able to dial in a HF driver to bring out the same type of clarity you get from the DI signal. Pairing an good tweeter with any of these combos and attenuating the level appropriately changes the game quite a bit in terms of clarity and articulation and tips the scales away from the 4x10.

[@michaelanthony9068]

You affirmed my belief in my 2 seperate 12’s. I agree they are a nice hybrid of both the lows in the 15” and the crispness in the 10’s. I was surprised though by the brightness of the DI. Wow. Thank you, great video.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks so much!

[@unaufadox-productions]

Really great video man. Great setup great recording all around nice work also love the Logic EQ over the screen nice touch !

[@robertvilleneuve8272]

For me it was the 1x15 that sounded the best. Love how it covers the full low end range specially with the P-Bass with flats.

[@philipconradmusic]

I loved the 1x15 as well.

[@pclindholm]

I love the cut of the 4x10 and the low end of the 1x15. You'd think 2x12 would be a good compromise, but I just can't get into the sound.

[@hunkydorian]

Funny about that. You'd think that a 32" bass would have some of the advantages of the 34" and the 30" but it doesn't work out that way.

[@jacob.s_monarch]

for those who are confused by the options that they heard and cannot choose one - here is my advice: try a set of an amplifier and two cabinets 1x[1x15] + 1x[2x10] together. as for me - it works great! and now you have all the Hz range under your control on rather big stage. nice for contemporary styles. these cabinets you can find in a Hartke lines for example. as for Ampeg - for home rehearsals I use Ampeg micro-cl with 1 [2x10] cab - and it's doing just absolutely great for me. it has no any cons at these low volume levels.

[@jesselindsey1613]

I'm a dedicated lifelong 2x10 guy. It feels like an important part of my identity as a bassist. It has been 20+ years since I got my first 2x10 combo and its the only speaker configuration I've ever bought since, but I thought the 15" sounded best across the board in these tests. I'm having a little crisis of faith here.

[@philipconradmusic]

It’s never too late to try something new 🤷‍♂️

[@MaaziJay]

10s all day! They give more clarity. Awesome bass playing by the way🎸

[@ampthebassplayer]

I've found the Ampeg 115 I have to be not great with low B on my 5 string. I definitely prefer 10's for my playing, but I'd say you sound the best on the 115.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks dude! In hindsight I wish I had tested these with a 5 string for this reason. Thanks for watching!

[@dylangoode9393]

The content I’ve been craving, thank you!

[@jeffbrinkerhoff5121]

Higher frequency definition is more pronounced as piston area decreases. Sound is moving air so sound pressure can be equalized in different area speakers by longer cone excursion in the smaller units. All that said I'm amazed how well 5", 6", and 8" perform in the real world. Very nice video.

[@dinoduprey6676]

Hi Philip, I own and use the Ampeg BA115 .. I grew up with Ampeg since I was a youngster when my brothers had their band in the 60's .. I also inherited his 1961 Ampeg AEB-1 and the heavy transformers on the Ampeg B-18N, the 2 together sounds amazing.. The BA115 cuts through every genre and so much lighter, which I use at every event.. Love my Ampeg BA115.. Best wishes for the New Year Philip..🎸🤟

[@BruceRichardsonMusic]

The two separate 12" boxes option is exactly what I use, a couple of Bergantino HT112er, to be exact. I love the mini-stack configuration, but can use only one for a rehearsal. And they really bring the hi-fi sound, but can warm right up with a little tube emulation.

[@mdk488]

Thank you so much for making this video. I learned a lot, and it’s going to make my next cab purchase very easy.

[@iacopoliviabella8272]

Very interesting. I preferred 12 for fingerstyle (great compromise between the 10 and 15), but 15 for pick (I feel that with picking you need to compensate for the loss of lows)

[@mostyles328]

Live Stage: Any of them will sound similar in a full mix. (2x12 preferred) Studio: I prefer 15” for vintage and 10” for modern sound. (All you really need is DI and some eq/compression) Great video!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@dwaynecarroll6098]

I love my 15 inch plus horn cabinets of which I have two. I rarely use both. Might consider adding a 410 cab to the fleet and giving that a try!

[@dougbrenton8848]

It's like you knew I was deep into my hunt for a new cab... I was already gravitating towards a 2×12 but this just confirmed it for me! I have a 4×10 that has dutifully done what I needed it to, but man oh man it's a brute! Playing with a new band I need to fill out the low mids more without being swamped, the 2×12 just sounds like the perfect jack-of-all-trades. Thanks!

[@randyclere2330]

I’ve got a 2x12 Bergantino!!! It’s the best

[@sharikmarius]

Two 1x12s is the set up I settled on when I was gigging consistently. Started with the a 1x15 plus 2x10 set up, but found the packing flexibility of the 12s outweighed the output advantage of my previous set up.

[@fantomes]

Really cool to see the difference ! great work. Im curious thought can you adjust the eq to make the 10 sound like a 15 or the 12 etc etc It would be really fun to hear. How close can they get from each other. Anyway great video as alway!

[@vox1962]

I used a a single 12” EV in a ported cabinet for the longest time and it sounded glorious

[@Yestopeace365]

It was cool to hear the “cone sound” but also hearing a more distant mic pick-up to hear the cab with the horn would be interesting.

[@gerryatrix74]

20 feet away would be good, to hear how the wave develops. Always walk well down the bar at soundcheck

[@laptoples]

I totally agree you, the 15's had way more clarity, but for slap, the DI was the only one that sounded decent. I first listened on my phone and thought that, then hooked onto a Bose speaker, then listened again on JBL headphones and the outcome was the same in all cases. Great video !!! :-)

[@matthewbernard4427]

I’m old and deaf, but my hearing aids tell me the 15 sounded best on fingerstyle and slap; 4 - 10s with the pick. 12s were midrangy and sorta “meh.” Really appreciate your perspective on these vids - always approaching the subject from a musical and artistic point of view. Thanks much.

[@seanhoward5562]

I used an old 120 watt Hartke, kickback bass amp for years. It worked for most gigs. When we played festivals on a large stage, I played my amp and had DI to front of house board for main large stage speakers. That way I could hear what I was playing and I didn't need a very large bass amp and speakers for it.

[@IvanovBR]

Great video! I’ve been planning something like this for years. But now you nailed it!!!!

[@HeinzEinz]

It depends on the situation. In the test with microphone it's actually 1x10, 1x12, 1x15... it's clear that a 1x10 sounds different than 4 10’ in combination. In my opinion, the only one that really convinces on its own is the 15 inch. That's why it has prevailed for recording. Live, I'm a fan of 4x10s on stage and DI (bass driver DI) for front of house.

[@Barrysworkshop]

Agreed.

[@salshouseproductions]

I have used 15’s for 35 years. Was shocked how much I liked the 10’s. I currently own an ampeg ba115

[@joshtacker9531]

I've played both the BA115 & the BA210. The 2 are worlds apart. I found the BA115 very muddy and hard to hear in a band situation without turning it up way too loud.

[@hags2k]

It’s wild how much low frequency information is completely missing from the cabinets that’s present in the DI signal, and yet the cab sounds add so much midrange that actually makes the bass MORE audible and punchier, which makes such a difference in both the live sound recorded sound.

[@BassRacerx]

Thank you ampeg for more media! Love your products and have been using them for 15 years. Glad ampeg is releasing more product finally! I would love it if ampeg made more 4 ohm cabinets! so many lightweight amps but to get the maximum power output you need a 4ohm cab! a 2x10 or a 1x15 in 4 ohms would be great.

[@IggyYTube]

Great video Philip. I love Ampeg. 15 inch is what I love the most every time again.

[@jaidee9570]

Back when I was playing in bands, I had an Alligator 200W twin 10 combo. It sounded good on it's own, but sometimes it was a little too bright. My solution was to use the speaker output socket and connect an 18" Black Widow in parallel. It added a wonderful deep tone, the combination of the two types of speakers gave me brightness and low down bass rumble, it was a good sound. Of course it helped that back then I could pick up and move the 18" cab on my own. Here's a tip to all you young people - if you can figure out how to do it, don't get old! 🙂

[@seankent1807]

There’s something about a 1x15 for bass…I like the others too, but when I listened back with my eyes closed, it was warmer, sounder, and more dynamic sounding. Also, the only thing better than this video is the mustache. Excellent progress, sir.

[@larsetom1]

I thought the biggest difference was the 15. The difference between the 410 and the 212 was very subtle. Although, in a live setting, I doubt anybody could tell the difference. The room or venue likely makes a bigger difference...

[@airtow6766]

When I was playing professionally my favorite set up was an Altec Lansing 421-8H 15” and an Electrovoice EVM 15 B 15” both in separate sealed 5 cu.ft. Cabinets braced and damped with fiberglass. Very old school, and sounded fantastic, at least to my ear.

[@paulthelefty]

Interesting and somewhat surprising to see the 15 with more of the higher frequencies vs the 4x10s coming through fingerstyle and picked. My personal experience is 15s sound muddy to me, I have a 2x12 that I really like. And the wildcard is the horn on any of these, which were not recorded and make a HUGE difference in the tone. Great video!

[@vmstranger]

My old 4x10 SWR Goliath had a "bullet" in the enter of the cluster, so yeah, missing the horn makes a big difference - but again recorded music vs live. Sigh, really wishing I had my setup from 20 years ago now

[@jaredjohnson4207]

The 2x12 was my favorite. Seems like a great mix, and honestly liked the sound of the EQ if neutral. The 4x10 was also good.

[@jaredhouseman2094]

I prefer a 15 for recording since you can get the most variety of sound by blending in a DI. I like a multiway flat cab for live because they have better dispersion If i were to use a traditional cabs live it would probably be 2 12s since they are usually the most convenient size, have good low end, and have better dispersion than a 115 or 410

[@Southfloridelphia]

The video is well recorded and does an excellent job of displaying the difference between these drivers in these cabs. The problem with this video is that it is doing nothing to actually prove difference between driver sizes. The driver alone does not determine the sound you hear. A speaker is the driver and the cabinet. You could build a different cabinet with different tuning and make these speakers sound very similar. Then you get into different driver design of the same size. There are 15" drivers that sound closer to these 10" drivers in a different cabinet. Often times manufactures attempt to meet our expectations with their products. People who are buying Ampeg speakers with 15" drivers may be looking for a more classic B15 kind of sound. Where someone who is buying an Ampeg with 10" drivers is looking for more of an SVT sound. Ampeg wants to create products that meet customer expectations. Phil Jones makes a cabinet with nine 5" drivers and the speaker measures down to 28 Hz. What makes a speaker's sound is the driver, the cabinet and the way those two things interact.

[@jacob.s_monarch]

for those who are confused by the options that they heard and cannot choose one - here is my advice: try a set of an amplifier and two cabinets 1x[1x15] + 1x[2x10] together. as for me - it works great! and now you have all the Hz range under your control on rather big stage. nice for contemporary styles. these cabinets you can find in a Hartke lines for example. as for Ampeg - for home rehearsals I use Ampeg micro-cl with 1 [2x10] cab - and it's doing just absolutely great for me. it has no any cons at these low volume levels.

[@pmdinaz]

The 15 and DI are the closest to my ears. Live playing, I used a 2x12 and a 4x10. Now I'm at home and haven't played in years, but I'm getting the itch. Need another cabinet. Nicely done!

[@mirkomarkovic3438]

The enclosure the speaker is in makes a bigger difference than speaker size itself. That beeing said i prefer closed cabinets because of the low group delay and speaker size depends-I have 10", 12", 15"and 18" and for recording i like the 10" and 18" the best.

[@fernandodearteaga]

Totally agree about having a real amp behind me pushing the air. No comparison. Plus having total control over my EQ. I use a Hartke 210 and a Hartke 115. Love them !!!

[@joeltapp7028]

The scope graphic was really great clarity for the full lower end on the 15" speaker.

[@parkerellerbeck1674]

Sgt pepper mustache on point brother 🤘🏻

[@davidwolfriffs]

This Video really showed the Difference between Speaker Sizes! At least in the Ampeg Venture Universe. Whenever one makes Sound Comparisons i recommend listening through a proper Stereo with Real Speakers in it and not with Headphones or worse Earplugs. Because this Sound Tests are best heard in real - with the Cabs played! Headphones just give you the squeezed Version of what was actually played. But Stereo gives you the more accurate DIsplay of what was played in real. Its true that there are many Factors that make the Sound - not just Speaker Size. But Cabs are often times designed to sound like they look. So if the Cab has a big Speaker you as a Customer expect to have a big full range Sound. If the Speaker is small you would think it will sound more boxy. Now IME the 15" Speakers Cabs i tried usually had a more broad Display of the full EQ Range (Especially the MIDS). Also the Notes had more Sustain compared to 10" Speakers. 10" Speakers can really deliver big bass but it usually takes lots of them, at least 4 x 10". And surprisingly Muddiness occurs more often with 10". Why? I argue because 10" by nature have a less pronounced low End Cabability then bigger Sized Speakers they are designed to sound scooped - where the mids are less pronounced. So all things beeing equal: Size of Cabs, Amps used, same EQs and playing Technique, Usually 15" Speakers have a better midrange development and sound more open. Where the 10" sound more articulate and direct BUT a bit boxy and less open. Again just my Observation when playing numerous Cabs and AMPS in many Music stores. Im also in the proccess of deciding between 2 212 Bass Cabinets or 2 115s. So this VIdeo is really relevant for me now:)

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!

[@ChadHargis]

The 10" cab is the best sounding cab by far. Much more articulate and punchy. Less muddy. But my favorite was the DI tone. Very clean, crisp, and clear with nice tight defined lows and clear crisp highs.

[@austincampbell9171]

Totally agree playing an ampeg svt through a 8x10 is something everyone should experience

[@GinoYambao]

This is the video people should link to when theyre choosing between speaker sizes or thinking about the differences. I wish i could tell the algorithm or something, maybe save people a lot of time....

[@bb_lz9790]

For the first example, I liked all three. For the example of playing with a pick, I preferred the 15 and the 12s. For slap, I liked the 12s. That written, I really like 12s for bass and started using them going on 10 years ago. I started with 15s long, long, long ago; then found 10s in the early 2000s. Downsized and embraced 12s in the mid teens (although I do still have a 2x10 three-way cabinet). Great video!!!

[@ladeecewashuruhm6163]

I love DI the most. Very consistent

[@maddoxbruce4621]

FUCK YEAH NEW PHIL CONRAD VIDEO. the stache looks amazing

[@NelsonMontana1234]

That all sounded pretty much like I expected. Smaller speakers "speak" faster, which provides clarity, whereas a bigger speaker is fuller. I personally think 12"s are the best option for both.

[@SoMyungJung]

Awesome video. Would be interesting to compare between 2x10, 4x10, 6x10 and 8x10.

[@erikklein5296]

This was really really useful. To my ear. For the most part the 2x12 sounded the most like the 1x15a warmth while having the accuracy of the DI. I like the idea of a single 12 for small gigs.

[@xero_2003]

I used to be obsessed with the 8x10 sound, but after listening to Peter Hook, I love the 1x15 so much more

[@theglobalzrecordingproject]

When I played out I used a pair of stacked 410 cabs. For live, I loved the versatility it delivered. But, I do like the 15 for recording purposes for that classic sound. I also like the clarity and punchy tone that the SWR and Eden gear delivers, and Acme cabs are beautifully neutral.

[@plykkegaard1]

A 12" longthrow speaker carries an incredible punch compared to standard systems

[@recklesstoboggan]

Ooooooh this is sooo good! Thank you! My personal setup is an Ampeg head (all tubes, although I'm very interested in the convenience and reliability of the Venture series) into a stacked Ampeg 2x10 sitting on an Ampeg 1x15. I have it set up so it can easily/conveniently run both cabs together, or either cab individually with minimal effort. But, for me, the answer 99% of the time is both. Works for just about everything. My other, rather inexpensive (different from cheap), solid state Traynor practice amp is a 1x12 combo with a tweeter and grey carpeted finish (some call it rat fur). You know the one. It's a great pedal platform to get craZy, eXperiMental, and AMBIENt with.

[@floofthebassplayer]

Man this is interesting. The 10s have definition, but lack some bottom end. 15s just seem boomy to my ears, like there's a volume push on the low end of the EQ. 12s just feel like they round out and give the best of both worlds. Same for the pick example until you got to slapping. I think a 4x10 on the slap stuff actually worked the best, however 12s still sounded good but to my ears that clarity on the 4x10 really delivered. I use an Aguilar 1x12 so I guess I have my bias lol, but I would do 12's for their versatility.

[@zeralita0]

agree 100%. i guess 15s are good for recording if you need the most powerful low end. if i went for my first cab though i'd choose the 2x12 for its versatility - best of both worlds.

[@freq9939]

Aguilar are the best for me too. I’ve tried tons of brands and different combinations but I use their 2x10. full frequency and defined yet so round and punchy. Incredible brand

[@taylorhilyard8661]

I did the 2x10 and 1x15 thing for years until getting a 12. Best of both worlds imo. I have two single 12 cabs and bring one to small gigs and 2 to larger ones.

[@TheJimboe11]

Yeah I do the same. I’ve tried all types of cabs and have settled on two 12” MarkBass cabs. I even had a Peavey cab that had an 18 and two 10’s. Was pretty bloody heavy 😳

[@bradhb73]

Same for me.

[@MasterMeijer]

They've also made 18" speakers. Would be fun to see how it compares to a 15"

[@scottsmith7193]

Peavey Black Widow 18" was a monster

[@chrisAclaes]

The pick really highlighted the differences, I was surprised.

[@PLively]

10"s for me. Clarity and depth. Nice. The 15 sounds muddy. 12" falls short. And now I've watched this video I'll know what I'm looking for when I look for a cabinet. Thanks!

[@TheProgGuy]

It also goes to say about the speaker cab manufacturer, the speakers themselves, the design of the cabinet (ported vs sealed), and the microphone you're using...all contribute to the final sound you will record. I have a custom built (Atlas) 2x12 with no HF driver and it's all lows and low mids. I usually practice and play live in DI with darkglass pedals but as I've been recording recently, I've been using a blend of DI + 2X12 mic'd with a D6 and the low end power is MASSIVE.

[@kevindean9613]

A lot of big bands that have road crew & take pride in their sound have gone back to having back line ,I can definitely hear a difference.

[@CoffeeAndSteel]

I really enjoy the punchy forwardness of 10s. Thats why I went with a Mesa Subway 2x10 and love it. Also seems like these tests would be better blind as to remove bias? Great video either way!

[@Christh2008]

It would great to also compare the Phil jones 5 inch speaker cabs, against the 10’s, 12’s & 15’s as many folks are not convinced they are the real deal. However phill jones has a massive amount of experience in bass speaker development and it would be fantastic to see these little speakers go head to head.

[@moestafo3632]

I used to have a Mesa Road Ready Single "18. I was young and absolutely loved the warmness of that monster. Now days I am all about my Aguilar 2x12. There's something to my ear that almost all 4x10s just can't deliver, and I think it was cutting my teeth with that "18. I always seem to want something with a rounder bottom, and the 2x12 is just a perfect balance of really everything to me. 12s but more specifically 2x12s give me the closest "full stack sound" in a 45 pound cab.