I'm sure that this has been asked here before, but I'm curious what type of cabs people here on Talkbass prefer - Rear Ported, Front Ported or Sealed cabs - and why??
Thanks for your input!
Thanks for your input!
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I've pretty much always played through front ported cabs (usually 4x10's), but I recently got a pair of Markbass Marcus 102 rear ported cabs to lighten the load of my bass rig. I always liked my front ported cabs, but so far I'm really pleased with the Marcus 102 rear ported cabs. I haven't had a chance to gig with the Marcus cabs yet because my old band is just starting back up again after a long hiatus. I'm kinda worried there may be some stage set ups where my sound may be hindered by rear ported cabs. That's kind of the reason that I started this thread. Thanks to everyone who participates in this poll thread. Your opinion is greatly appreciated.
I like and what I have owned are Front Ported, also cabs that I do not like and will never own are also Front Ported.
It is the total package more than the hole.
It is the total package more than the hole.
Non-expert opinion, I'd just not put the back right up against a wall.
It makes no difference to me. A good cab is a good cab regardless. I own both front (GK and Genz Benz) and rear ported (TC Electronic) and have never had any issues even when playing outdoors with either.
My latest DIY cab is side-ported.
I have a rationale: The port is parallel to the longest dimension of the box, allowing it to be as large as possible to minimize turbulence.
I have a rationale: The port is parallel to the longest dimension of the box, allowing it to be as large as possible to minimize turbulence.
I dunno, isn't this a bit like whether I like my beef fried, grilled or roasted? It's all dependant on the rest of the recipe?
I’m in the, “If it sounds good, it sounds good” crowd.
I've always liked sealed. I've had both...I like my note now. A ported with tube sag is a little much for me. So...AG700 and a Berg NV610. I just bought a Hartke HD210 for smaller stuff which is sealed too.
But I do think that rush of air you feel with ported cabs is pretty cool
But I do think that rush of air you feel with ported cabs is pretty cool
I've owned about a dozen cabinets - and I've never given the direction of the ports much thought. One cab was sealed, one had the port on the bottom (or the side, depending on the orientation) and the rest were front ported. I like the rush of air when you push them hard. Feels like a waste to blow that against the back wall.
Back wall becomes a factor for me. Some stages are boomy, and usually the rear port becomes more of a factor for me on those stages.
Obviously careful placement is your friend.
Aside from that, I don't really care as a rule.
Obviously careful placement is your friend.
Aside from that, I don't really care as a rule.
Didnt vote since there is no "who cares" option.
As long as it sounds good, who cares how it is designed?
I've heard great cabs with all designs
Depends on the cab and the context its going to be used in.
I’ve played through all three types of cab and there were many times when I liked what I was hearing regardless of which type of cab it was. But that’s not the same thing as saying I liked every cab I ever played through.
I tend to have better luck with front ported cabs for what I do and how I play. But that’s just me. I wouldn’t try to read anything into it other than that.
I’ve played through all three types of cab and there were many times when I liked what I was hearing regardless of which type of cab it was. But that’s not the same thing as saying I liked every cab I ever played through.
I tend to have better luck with front ported cabs for what I do and how I play. But that’s just me. I wouldn’t try to read anything into it other than that.
You forgot to add option 4: Carrots!
I don't much care whether it's sealed, shelf ported, round ported in the front, of ported in the back. It totally depends on how the thing sounds. They each have different design parameters and a skilled designer can make any of them sound good. I've used all three types.
Personally I currently used a front shelf ported 410 cab now and as that old Hammer song sings, "Can't Touch This!". By far and away it's the best cabinet I've ever used or even heard, and loud enough that I'll never need to take an 810 with me.
Here's my DNS-410 by DNA:
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Been playing sealed cabs primarily for the last few years, to avoid over excursion that can happen with ported designs when doing stuff like looping and dropping things an octave (half speed). Having some ported cabs built, to get the low end extension I'm missing but maintain power handling. Always have preferred front ported to avoid the barrier effect when setting up next to walls.
JeezyMcNuggles
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I don't like the rear ports because it tends to throw out the boom without me noticing it. Kinda sends it bouncing around the back walls. Front ports mask a lot of the mids that I need to hear myself on stage. Therefore, I prefer sealed. The sound is the sound. Tight, loud, and clear.
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
I've owned all three and still can't hear a noticeable difference.
Couldn't care less as long as I get what I want out of it.