2*12 or 2*10?

teejoo · November 23rd, 2006, 10:38 AM

I'm about to get me a cheap cabinet. Either a "Harley Benton" (it's the home brand of a German online store) 2*12 cab or a Laney 2*10 cab.
I'm leaning more towards the Laney as it is a "real" brand as well as it's size weight and portability.
Now for the question... What's the difference in sound between a 2*10 and a 2*12? Bass response? Loudness? etc...

Bill · November 23rd, 2006, 12:59 PM

Some of this can be tweaked by what speaker model you choose. In other words, an efficient 10 inch can be louder than an inefficient 12 inch, and it can be bassier, too.

But if you put in the same brand and model of speaker, one in a 2-10 configuration and one in a 2-12, you find:

Two 12s have more surface area, move more air, so they're louder.

They are slightly slower to respond, because they have more mass to move. 2-10s have a quicker attack.

The 12's have more bass, but in theory could sound flabbier if not matched right to the amp. They also have stronger emphasis in the lower mids.

The 10's have more upper end and could cut better in a band situation. They have stronger emphasis in the upper mids.

The 2-10 cab will be smaller and lighter. Your back will always vote for the 2-10's. But they'd vote for 2-5's in a lunch box if they could.

So it depends on what you're using it for, what you're using it with, and who else is playing what. As an extreme example, a solo jazzer looking for a deep mellow tone might head for the 12s, as might a clean country player, while a blues guy looking to cut through in a band might go for the 10's. But there have been plenty of guys who've picked the opposite in those situation with great results.

Soldano ROS · November 23rd, 2006, 01:38 PM

My main amp is a Soldano Reverb-O-Sonic 2 x 10 and it does just nicely. For heavier rock 12" speakers are the way to go.

6942 · November 23rd, 2006, 10:14 PM

I'd go with the 10 inch speakers.
Won't have the real deep base and volume of 12 inch speakers.
But ALL things being equal, I think they have more of an "upside."
If your a metal head/heavy distortion type, then definately go with the 12's.
Steve

Sarge · November 24th, 2006, 09:20 AM

Yea, I got me one of those also...by far the best amp I've ever owned or will own. Cured my amp gass for sure. I had the "S" mod done and it sounds fantastic! Glad to see that someone else has one on the TDPRI...I never hear of anyone discussing them here. For the "big" stuff I use a Peavey 5150 1/2 stack. A few times I ran the Soldano into my Randall Titan 4X12 w/ V30's but it was over kill. Now I run the Soldano thru a Mesa Boogie 1X12 Theile Cab or a 150 watt Peavey MS verticle 2X12...really adds some thump!

November 23rd, 2006, 10:38 AM	#1 (permalink)
teejoo TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 65	*212 or 210?* I'm about to get me a cheap cabinet. Either a "Harley Benton" (it's the home brand of a German online store) 212 cab or a Laney 210 cab. I'm leaning more towards the Laney as it is a "real" brand as well as it's size weight and portability. Now for the question... What's the difference in sound between a 210 and a 212? Bass response? Loudness? etc...

November 23rd, 2006, 12:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Bill Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 2,667 59 Photos	Some of this can be tweaked by what speaker model you choose. In other words, an efficient 10 inch can be louder than an inefficient 12 inch, and it can be bassier, too. But if you put in the same brand and model of speaker, one in a 2-10 configuration and one in a 2-12, you find: Two 12s have more surface area, move more air, so they're louder. They are slightly slower to respond, because they have more mass to move. 2-10s have a quicker attack. The 12's have more bass, but in theory could sound flabbier if not matched right to the amp. They also have stronger emphasis in the lower mids. The 10's have more upper end and could cut better in a band situation. They have stronger emphasis in the upper mids. The 2-10 cab will be smaller and lighter. Your back will always vote for the 2-10's. But they'd vote for 2-5's in a lunch box if they could. So it depends on what you're using it for, what you're using it with, and who else is playing what. As an extreme example, a solo jazzer looking for a deep mellow tone might head for the 12s, as might a clean country player, while a blues guy looking to cut through in a band might go for the 10's. But there have been plenty of guys who've picked the opposite in those situation with great results. __________________ B i l l B a e c k A journal of our year in London

November 24th, 2006, 09:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
Sarge Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pgh,Pa Age: 53 Posts: 3,549	Soldano R.O.S......... Yea, I got me one of those also...by far the best amp I've ever owned or will own. Cured my amp gass for sure. I had the "S" mod done and it sounds fantastic! Glad to see that someone else has one on the TDPRI...I never hear of anyone discussing them here. For the "big" stuff I use a Peavey 5150 1/2 stack. A few times I ran the Soldano into my Randall Titan 4X12 w/ V30's but it was over kill. Now I run the Soldano thru a Mesa Boogie 1X12 Theile Cab or a 150 watt Peavey MS verticle 2X12...really adds some thump!

November 23rd, 2006, 01:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
Soldano ROS TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Age: 48 Posts: 80	My main amp is a Soldano Reverb-O-Sonic 2 x 10 and it does just nicely. For heavier rock 12" speakers are the way to go.

November 23rd, 2006, 10:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
6942 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Western Maryland Posts: 1,597	I'd go with the 10 inch speakers. Won't have the real deep base and volume of 12 inch speakers. But ALL things being equal, I think they have more of an "upside." If your a metal head/heavy distortion type, then definately go with the 12's. Steve