Thoughts on mixing/matching speakers

[Johntb]

I have 2 different speakers one is an Eminence Swamp Thang and the other is a WGS (don't remember the model). They are both 8 ohm and both have their own sound. One brighter and one darker. I am thinking it would make a good sounding combination.

I plan on wiring as 8 ohms with an option for 16 ohm for another amp I will be starting soon.

Will be doing any harm to them?

Any suggestions or thoughts?

[Ed_Chambley]

If you have the cab already, give it a try.  What I have found is it is desireble to have both speakers within 2 spl.  For instance, a 101 Tonker with a 100 Celestion gold.


Both the same are fine as well.  Not all will work like you might think.  Sometimes you get some cancellation if you do have on center board in the cabiet like an old Bassman Cab if oyu plan to use a closed back cab.


The idea is to get the best of both, but sometimes you get the least of each.  It will not hurt a thing provided the wattage of each is enough.  When doing a 2, 12 I usually use 8 ohm, wire series for 4 ohms, parallel for 16 and each individual at 8 ohms.  This way you can use one speaker when the situation may be too loud with 2.


Check the WSG model specs on spl and wattage and if close to the Swamp Thang.  Bolt them in and give it a try.

[Johntb]

Thank you for the reply.

I'll have to look at the WGS watt rating. From what I remember the Swmp Thang is 150 watt and the WGS is around 80 or watts both are 8 ohms.

Thanks again,

John

[jjasilli]

I'm a fan of mixing speakers: Lot's of info on the web.  Google: "using different speakers guitar"


*The speakers should be the same impedance, as you say.
*If different Watt ratings, double the W value of the lower rated speaker: E.g, a 20W speaker + a 50W speaker combo is good for 40W, not 70W.
*Different efficiency ratings (SPL) could lessen the desired synergy, but won't harm anything.

[Johntb]

*If different Watt ratings, double the W value of the lower rated speaker: E.g, a 20W speaker + a 50W speaker combo is good for 40W, not 70W.
*Different efficiency ratings (SPL) could lessen the desired synergy, but won't harm anything.

Good to know. Thank you.

[sluckey]

I have one of each of these two speakers in a 2x12 vertical stack Sunn open back cab. Bass on the bottom, lead on top. I really like this combination.

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[Johntb]

I have one of each of these two speakers in a 2x12 vertical stack Sunn open back cab. Bass on the bottom, lead on top. I really like this combination.

That was going to be my next question. Vertical or horizontal if they're mixed matched. I have one horizontal open back with matched Fender specials from an old M 80 Chorus amp. in a cabinet I made. That one sounds really good. I'll have to try to make one in the next couple of weeks vertical.

Thanks.

[jojokeo]

Both the same are fine as well.  Not all will work like you might think.  Sometimes you get some cancellation if you do have on center board in the cabiet like an old Bassman Cab if oyu plan to use a closed back cab.


The idea is to get the best of both, but sometimes you get the least of each.  It will not hurt a thing provided the wattage of each is enough.  When doing a 2, 12 I usually use 8 ohm, wire series for 4 ohms, parallel for 16 and each individual at 8 ohms.  This way you can use one speaker when the situation may be too loud with 2.

Ed, I think both paragraphs need editing? (opposite of what you're saying)

[Ed_Chambley]

Ed, I think both paragraphs need editing? (opposite of what you're saying)



Well then Joe, let me be clear.


If you use cabinets, closed back with a center baffle, Like some Bassman Cabs, there is no chance of any cancellation within the cabinet.  In extreme cases, you may get some cancellation at about 6 meters, but usually not.


The idea of using different sized drivers with crossovers removes potential cancelation in a Hifi speaker, but with a guitar speaker that is a 12", all have similar (of shoud) frequency response.  When looking to expand your sound with different types, it is important to insure thought is placed for one to have the high tones you want without the second speaker mixing a harsh high in or even harsh harmonics.  For instance, if you really like the midrange of a Greenback (and why shouldn't you?).  Add a Greenback with an Altec 417 and the Altec will hold together and stay clean which in turn will destroy the midrange of the Greenback.


I have found what works most of the time when using 2 , 12's.  To me, AlNiCo magnet speakers have smooth highs when they compress, but lack bottom so I would use a ribbed cone AlNco and a Celestion Ceramic, which ever you preference.  Get both close to the same SPL and wattage.

[shooter]

I usually use 8 ohm, wire series for 4 ohms, parallel for 16

for technical clarity, maybe this statment needs amending, otherwise take every speaker you have, mix n match til you find a pair that gives you that giddy feeling 

[jojokeo]

Shooter picked up on what I was trying to politely get to - ie correct the errors in Ed’s paragraphs. Even though I know what he meant it was only to clarify so others do not get the wrong idea/info.


The 1st paragraph implies you will get cancellation in a cab with a center board as in a Bassman cab due an important incorrect word in a key place in the sentence.


The second highlighted paragraph was a simple series/parallel mistake.


Ed, not trying to pick you apart, just clarify things. I always appreciate your valuable experience and insightful comments.

[Ed_Chambley]

I usually use 8 ohm, wire series for 4 ohms, parallel for 16

for technical clarity, maybe this statment needs amending, otherwise take every speaker you have, mix n match til you find a pair that gives you that giddy feeling 

Fine, I will clarify more. I build 2, 12 cabs from pine and Burch. They are similar to a baseman cab, but taller to allow for a baffle which can be closed or open. Either side, one open one not, both open or not. These are built 3/4 pine or birch and fingerprinted. There are 4 rolling casters, but only 2 swivel. All interior boards are covered with Robotex, which is the material used in luxury cars to keep out exterior noise.


The back panels are 3 pieces so open back is an option as well. Since I generally play wet/dry, I install a single jack plate with 4 inputs. The 2 that are 8 ohm, I can use individually. Another is wired series (and pardon me) 16 ohms and another parallel for 4 ohms.


There are always 4 handles. 2 on the top like a vox and 2 inset on the ends. This way if I need to I can lift it over another piece of gear. I forgot, the casters remove. I prefer my cab on the floor.


With this said, you can see each individual speaker must work by itself and sound good. If you want to know some experiments I have made with speakers, let me know. Again, I prefer an Alnico for clean, blues. Think weber 12A125 and Celestion greenback for a pair. The Weber sounds like a Jensen or similar and a greenback is the sound of classic rock, but not limited.  Both of these speakers breakup at about the same volume, but the greenback crunches mids whereas the weber compresses and is dominate in upper mids and highs.


Also,  since you can, plug in a Blackface deluxe to one 8ohm and a 18 watt marshall into the greenback. Use the 18 watt for hard hitting overdrive and use the Deluve for clean and modulation effects. Remove the top 2 pieces from the weber side and close the port. Your effects will be more ambient, but you will never lose your main tone, or have effects make it sound mushy. Leave the 18 watt closed, but open the port and it will make the bottom more solid which an 18 watt needs