A Bass Cabinet is the foundation of any bass rig. It projects your bass sound and is available in both active and passive versions. The most common speaker sizes are defined by their cone diameter, usually ranging from 8 inches to 15 inches. Each size offers different tonal characteristics: clear and defined highs, punchy mids that cut through the mix, or deep, powerful lows that you can feel. Many modern Bass Cabinets also use neodymium magnets and lightweight cabinet materials to reduce weight and ensure easy transport.
The most common speaker sizes at a glance:
The cone size plays a major role in shaping tone: smaller speakers provide fast response and articulate highs, while larger speakers deliver deeper, more powerful bass. Many bass players combine a cabinet with multiple 10" speakers and an additional cabinet featuring a 12" or 15" driver to achieve both punch and clarity. Modern Bass Cabinets often include a built-in tweeter with a crossover, sometimes adjustable, to enhance the upper frequency range and provide a detailed hi-fi sound.
When selecting the right Bass Cabinet for your amp head, two specifications are essential: power handling in watts and impedance in ohms. Impedance refers to the electrical resistance of the cabinet’s speakers and must always match the amplifier’s output impedance. For example, if you want to use an 8-ohm Bass Cabinet, make sure your amplifier has a matching 8-ohm output.
Note: The total impedance of connected Bass Cabinets must always comply with your amplifier’s specifications – never above or below. Detailed guidance can be found in your amp’s manual or obtained from our service technicians.
Some of the most popular lines include the Fender Rumble Bass Cabinets, the legendary Ampeg SVT 8x10 Bass Cabinet, and the Hartke HyDrive Cabinets with aluminium/paper cones. Players seeking heavier tones often choose Orange or the high-power Darkglass Cabinets rated up to 1000 watts. For compact and portable solutions, the Markbass Standard and Markbass Traveler Bass Cabinets are top recommendations.