Question Which arrangement is better?

[Powman]

easiest is to try and see what you like.

stacked vertically, CG is kind of high. Seems easier to knock over to me.

at the wavelengths bass guitars work at, a couple inches of misalignment isn't going to matter. Especially since the cone centers are already at least 12" apart.

That is also my fear...side by side looks way more stable...

 

[smallequestrian]

That is also my fear...side by side looks way more stable...

No.

Honestly, if you are playing in a rowdy enough band where there is a serious chance of getting your stack knocked over, then you probably need a bigger rig anyway because most likely your playing metal or punk.

I would probably stack them so that the combo was on its side if you are still concerned about it.

 

[adouglas]

A tip re stability....

Loop a zip tie loosely through the speaker grille of the lower cabinet, and feed your cable up through it. That way if you inadvertently walk too far and yank the cable, you won't pull the amp over.

Ask me how I know.....

 

[T Alan]

Stacked, you'll hear yourself better ....but they look cooler side-by-side. So I say side by side for photo ops. : D

 

[RaginRog]

Definitely STACKED...I think it's easier for one to hear it having them stacked as opposed to having it side to side.

What kind of gigs will you be playing? Or type of music?

 

[RaginRog]

That is also my fear...side by side looks way more stable...

It won't be too much of a risk if you keep it up against a wall....then, perhaps invest in a wireless system for added measure. You'll get the best sound with it closer to a wall, and your drummer will appreciate being able to hear you better.

 

[Powman]

It won't be too much of a risk if you keep it up against a wall....then, perhaps invest in a wireless system for added measure. You'll get the best sound with it closer to a wall, and your drummer will appreciate being able to hear you better.

I have a wireless system so hearing it will not be a problem...

I have two gigs coming up so I can do some experimenting...

Thanks for all the good tips guys...and keep 'em coming!

 

[Powman]

Definitely STACKED...I think it's easier for one to hear it having them stacked as opposed to having it side to side.

What kind of gigs will you be playing? Or type of music?

Small bars mainly. Pop and classic rock...

Our lead vocalist is female, so we end up doing some stuff I never never would buy or listen to...eg P!nk, Avril Lavigne. Funny thing is I enjoy playing it still. That stupid P!nk song "Leave me alone, I'm lonely" has a really fun bass line.

 

[Powman]

A tip re stability....

Loop a zip tie loosely through the speaker grille of the lower cabinet, and feed your cable up through it. That way if you inadvertently walk too far and yank the cable, you won't pull the amp over.

Ask me how I know.....

Brilliant suggestion. I will do that if I end up stacking...

However, if I understand things correctly then the best sound (less areas of cancellation) will occur when the speakers are as close together as possible. Well the 12 inch speakers will actually be closer together by a few inches when the cab and combo are side by side rather than stacked.

Finally, I did experiment in the basement and I could detect no difference between the two arrangements. I even took my sound level meter out and measured the loudness at various points...there was no difference except the obvious effect of distance. But even that was not exactly as expected which was a loss of 6 dB every time the distance was doubled...

I am guessing that this is all due to the reflected sounds in the room.

I think either arrangement might work fine...

 

[Powman]

No.

Honestly, if you are playing in a rowdy enough band where there is a serious chance of getting your stack knocked over, then you probably need a bigger rig anyway because most likely your playing metal or punk.

I would probably stack them so that the combo was on its side if you are still concerned about it.

I could stack on the side. There are protective "feet" that appear to allow for both upright and sideways configuration.

Funny you mention the rowdyness...

We just got a gig in a bar that is allowing fewer and fewer bands because of violence problems with the kids. But because we are in our 40's, they figured we will bring in the crowd they want...money for beer and food, and too tired for fisticuffs

 

[maddog]

wavelength at 42 Hz is approx. 27 feet.

to be 90 degrees out of phase, causing the most destructive interference, you'd need to be 13.5 feet closer or farther to one than the other. This is assuming you have no reinforcing surfaces such as the floor and walls of a basement. A few inches ain't going to matter, especially when you got room reflections.

If you are going for more low end reinforcement, I'd put them both on the floor. If you want to hear yourself and you want the audience to hear you a bit more distinctly I'd stack them one on top of the other. If stacking them both oriented vertically seems precarious, I'd stack them, one on top of the other, with their axis oriented horizontally.

No two venues are alike.

oh ya, and stop analyzing things so much and just play the damn thing.

 

[Movielife]

I suggest stacking. But, I worry about things falling too!

I also worry about lightweight heads being dragged off the top of cabs....but i've left my hardcore punk band now, so hopefully I can worry a little less. I will still worry though!

I noticed that my LM3 just 'works' so well with the EB sound, and I've no idea why they pair up so well. Im guessing its because the EB sound is very individual and powerful, the Markbass amps do not colour or spoil it. They just let them sound like the should.

I did have a good quality MIJ Fender Precision which i sold, but that didn't sound as alive as the Stingrays or my new USA Fender P's. I think if you put good quality into Markbass, you get amazing results.

Enjoy your setup!

 

[Movielife]

In addition, if you are worried, put them both on their sides...or side by side.

 

[oli@bass]

If you're worried, use somebody else's rig

 

[smallequestrian]

However, if I understand things correctly then the best sound (less areas of cancellation) will occur when the speakers are as close together as possible. Well the 12 inch speakers will actually be closer together by a few inches when the cab and combo are side by side rather than stacked.

Finally, I did experiment in the basement and I could detect no difference between the two arrangements. I even took my sound level meter out and measured the loudness at various points...there was no difference except the obvious effect of distance. But even that was not exactly as expected which was a loss of 6 dB every time the distance was doubled...

I am guessing that this is all due to the reflected sounds in the room.

I think either arrangement might work fine...

Coupling will happen whether the cabs are side by side or right next to each other. Though there is coupling in both configurations, the dispersion of the sound will not be equal. The sound dispersion will be superior if they are stacked on top of each other. This is not debatable.

You can't tell anything in the basement because as Maddog explains, you are still too close to the speakers.

 

[MK Bass Weed]

My thoughts are:

Go with Smallequestrian's suggestions...my engineer talks just like he does...I have a 'halfstack' with 2 - 2x10 Cabs Stacked...and works based on what he said in his previous posts.

When he says 'The sound dispersion will be superior if they are stacked on top of each other. This is not debatable.', well, google search this stuff...the cards are 'stacked' in his favor, get it?

You will be able to hear yourself better, without dousing the band and the stage with so much low end, coupling with the stage..the soundman will take you out of the house after the first song anyways!

Stack and let us know.

To keep you rig from falling over...Just put a full beer on top of it..that way, if your careful NOT to spill the beer, your rig is cool.

Cheers,

m

 

[Powman]

oh ya, and stop analyzing things so much and just play the damn thing.

Darn tootin' good advice...

Your Physics stuff was pretty impressive though...

 

[Powman]

I noticed that my LM3 just 'works' so well with the EB sound, and I've no idea why they pair up so well. Im guessing its because the EB sound is very individual and powerful, the Markbass amps do not colour or spoil it. They just let them sound like the should.

Enjoy your setup!

I concur...the Music Man basses have so much character and the Markbass amps let that shine through well.

 

[Powman]

Coupling will happen whether the cabs are side by side or right next to each other. Though there is coupling in both configurations, the dispersion of the sound will not be equal. The sound dispersion will be superior if they are stacked on top of each other. This is not debatable.

You can't tell anything in the basement because as Maddog explains, you are still too close to the speakers.

Good point guys...

Here's what I will do...when we do our next gig in two weeks, I will have have someone else walk around the venue and listen while I play some test sounds.

 

[Powman]

Oh, I am also going to email Markbass to get Marco or Peter's advice...will report back with the response when I get it.

Cheers!