Does bass speaker size REALLY matter? (10 vs 12 vs 15 in a Venue)

Summary

In this detailed video, a bass player and engineer explore the nuances of different speaker cabinets (410, 115, and 212) through reamping in a controlled venue setting. By using high-quality omnidirectional microphones, they compare how each cabinet sounds from both the bass player's and audience's perspectives. The discussion covers the impact of various speaker configurations on tone, how personal player preferences influence sound, and how room acoustics play a role. Ultimately, the video emphasizes that gear choice is subjective, and what matters most is the player's comfort and the music's overall feel.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Burd Ring' is a custom-built recording studio designed for controlled, high-quality live recording tests in a small venue setting.
• 🎸 The video focuses on reamping guitar and bass performances using a super clean interface, with identical performances sent through different speakers and cabinets to evaluate tonal differences.
• 🔌 A reamping box is used to convert the clean signal from the computer back into an instrument-level signal suitable for the amplifier.
• 🎤 High-quality microphones, such as the QTC 40s, are used for capturing the sound from the perspective of the audience, providing a detailed and accurate representation of how the rigs sound in the venue.
• 🎶 The mics capture the audio in a controlled, high-quality venue with a carefully treated room that includes bass traps and acoustic panels.
• 🔊 Different speaker and cabinet configurations (4x10, 1x15, 2x12) are compared to evaluate tonal differences from the audience's perspective, especially focusing on the differences in how bass frequencies are captured.
• 🖥 The DI signal to the house (direct input to the sound system) is noted for its consistency and control, providing a balanced and even tone compared to the speaker setups.
• 🎛️ Each speaker configuration (410, 115, 212) brings a unique tonal quality—410s have a fuller low-mid sound, 115s offer a bigger bottom end, and 212s sit somewhere in the middle.
• 🎧 The bass player's perspective reveals that 115s provide more air and depth, while 410s tend to bring more authority in the low mids, and 212s are a hybrid between the two.
• 🎤 The final tonal preference is subjective: players often favor the sound that feels best for them on stage, and this translates into better performance overall, regardless of audience perspective.
• 🎵 The conversation also touches on how different musical styles (e.g., slap bass or traditional playing) may benefit from specific cabinet setups, with the 410s excelling in technical music and the 15s being more suitable for classic bass tones.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of reamping the musical examples in the video?

The main purpose of reamping is to send the clean, unaltered recording through different speaker cabinets to evaluate how various speaker configurations sound in a live venue, all while keeping the performance consistent and controlled.

How does the reamping process work in this setup?

The clean performance is sent from the computer via a reamping box that converts the signal from line level to instrument level, allowing it to be fed into an amplifier. The signal is then output through different speaker cabinets, and high-quality microphones are used to capture the sound as it would be heard in a live setting.

Why is the QTC 40 microphone chosen for this recording?

The QTC 40 is chosen because it is known for its flat frequency response and low distortion, making it an ideal reference mic to capture the sound of the cabinets with high detail and accuracy, especially in a controlled room.

What makes the sound captured from a live venue differ from the direct input (DI) sound?

The live venue sound differs due to room acoustics and the interaction between the speaker cabinets and the environment. The DI sound is cleaner, as it bypasses the room and speaker interactions, while the venue sound includes room ambience, reverb, and reflections that influence the overall tonal character.

What differences were noted between the 410, 115, and 212 speaker cabinets?

The 410 was described as having a fuller, slightly muddier sound with more emphasis on the low mids. The 115 had a stronger low-end presence and clarity in the bottom frequencies, while the 212 sat somewhere in the middle, offering a hybrid sound that didn’t clearly lean toward either the 410 or 115.

How do speaker cabinet preferences relate to the bass player's experience on stage?

The bass player's personal preference plays a significant role in the sound choice, as the feel and tonal response they experience on stage can directly impact their performance. A bass player may prefer a cabinet that makes them feel more comfortable, even if it doesn't result in a major difference in what the audience hears.

What is the importance of adjusting EQ for the room during live performances?

Adjusting the EQ for the room is crucial for a balanced sound, especially to prevent issues like excessive boominess or muddiness. A responsible bass player will adjust their amp settings to fit the acoustics of the venue, ensuring their sound cuts through the mix without overwhelming the audience.

Why do different playing techniques (like using a pick versus fingerstyle) impact tone?

Different playing techniques, such as using a pick versus fingerstyle, introduce varying attack and articulation to the strings, which results in tonal differences. For example, using a pick can add more attack and volume, making it more suited for cutting through the mix in a live setting.

What is the conclusion regarding the best speaker for a bass player?

The best speaker is subjective and depends on the bass player’s personal preferences and playing style. For more old-school or laid-back music, the 115 may feel the best, while for more technical or slap-based playing, the 410 might outperform. The 212 is a good hybrid option for players who need versatility.

What overall advice does the engineer give to bass players when selecting gear?

The engineer advises that while evaluating different cabinets is important, the most crucial factor is how the player feels when performing. Selecting quality gear is important, but ultimately, the music and how the player connects with it are the most significant factors. The gear should serve the performance, not overshadow it.