Is the Harley Benton the best guitar cab for the money? Let's see how it compares to the mighty Mesa 2x12. Both have Vintage 30's. Do they sound the same?
Ugh. You're so right. Makes this an inaccurate comparison. It's far enough off the cone darkening up the tone on the HB cab. He'd have to redo this and get on his hands and knees with a flashlight and really get the mic positions more similar.
I was thinking the same thing. I’ve had both cabs (still got the Mesa) and when I A/B’ed them I thought the HB was the brighter of the 2. It’s also worth noting that the Mesa has British made v30s as opposed to Chinese made in the HB, which I suspect is the main contributor to the tone difference between the 2. I do agree that it’s difficult to say which one is “better”, they just sound different, with different characteristics. The HB might be a better match with one amp while the Mesa with another. I did prefer the Mesa with my Dual Rec because it rolled off the fizz a bit more, which is why I sold the HB. Sometimes I do wonder if it was worth it as the Mesa cab is a real back breaker to lug around!
@@tianlee3487 No bro this is where you are wrong in the difference, in the tone its not because of the speakers are made in china. There manufacture the same as British speakers = Same specs, only thing is they pay china people way less to make them. The tone difference is the in cab and wood Mesa uses 18 mm Baltic birch really good wood that haves a'lot of resonate, as for Benton is just plywood its a big difference plywood muffles sounds alot. "I own both cabs to" I bought a Messa for A rig like venues and Benton B rig for crappy bars Gigs and they both sound almost the same, hence Messa cab is bit more louder cause of the wood. Thoe's two on top comment are clueless they think its because of the mics are put differently lol.
@@criot1124 here’s a vid comparing British (Mesa) v30s with Chinese in the same HB cab ua-cam.com/video/iXEiPtH5BgY/v-deo.html. As you can hear, there is a big difference in characteristics, even though the cabs are the same.
Wow, this is very random. But I was looking for a review of this cab and instantly recognised your face in the thumbnail! I met you about 6 years ago in a certain RH recording studio while visiting from Scotland - you were there recording guitar with your band Reign. I remember you said I was bringing good luck because you nailed all the takes when I was in the control room, haha. Anyway, very useful review! Glad to see you're still shredding.
Wow so good to hear from you. I'm so glad that you remembered me. I do remember having that conversation with you! How cool 😎 I hope you are doing well
I’m glad I saw this video. I’m actually looking at a subzero cab with a single 12” chinese v30. I’m just a home player and have been considering a mesa mini rectifier along with the mini cab. Your vid has helped me make the more sensible decision. I could hardly tell the tone differences in your vid. Great work!
Excellent comparison Jarrod. When I was at your place and we did the comparison upstairs, it was very difficult to distinguish the difference between the two. That included tone, air movement/compression and cabinet vibration. I might add, the physical size of the extension cabinets is different. Which may have an impact on the overall sound/tone quality in a more intimate setting, Such as your studio downstairs. What I would have enjoyed doing, was taking apart the backs on the cabinets and examine the elements of cabinet construction. That could make a fundamental difference. Based on what I heard at your place and in this review, the H/B is a very good bang for the buck. Keep up the excellent work. Cheers!
Great video. Can't wait for your next one. I got the HB as a birthday gift for my grandson, who is 12 yrs old. Maybe in a few years he'll be able to discern the subtle differences in tone from various manufacturers. But, when he hooks this up to his Joyo Amp and one of his guitars, I'm sure he'll think it's awesome. Also, check out Phil McKnight's review of the HB as well.
I agree with you. They sound different, but I can't say one seems to be better than the other. I went for the vertical HB cab, seems sensible to have it pointed more towards my ears.
Great review! There was a difference, but perhaps not enough to justify the price point. Nice to know what ever you looking to spend one can't go wrong with either one. Also, Jarrod needs to do an instrumental album / EP ASAP!!!
The Harley Benton are birch plywood. The boogie are also birch, but I'm pretty sure it's a thicker cut. As for the high end, that could be the difference between the Chinese v30 in the HB and the English v30 in the boogie. I toured one spring and summer circuit with mine. It was rolled around in a trailer. It's still in the same shape it was when I started. The mail guy dropped it on my steps and put a big dent in one of the front sides. Thomann gave me a 50% refund.. so I paid $100 for the cab, and scored a pair celestion vType (brand new in box) from a local cabinet maker for $120. So $220 and I've a Celestion v type loaded HB 2x12 wired at 4 ohms mono and 8 ohms stereo... Because, why not.... best investment I made for a short tour. I sold all my other cabs because of all the compliments I got on the HB..
7 years owner of a HB 2x12 (I live in Italy and I think I was one of the first when they came out). Not even a scratch on the tolex yet, even though I did not play many live shows...No complaints. It has sturdy handles and isn't heavyweight. Anyway I swapped the v30's because I really hate those speakers, especially with my bright Jcm800... Put some g1265 instead and now sounds warmer and darker.
Both sound awesome to me . I liked the fatness of the HB and that drop d chord at end riff . Has great sustain . The Mesa , of course sounds awesome , as well . But for the price ! I am with you hard to go wrong ! Great suggestion about road worthy case to . That would defeat the train of thought the HB would suck as a gig cabinet. Great Suggestion with common sense ! I was very suprised the Mesa had a bit more treble to me . Great demo video . Great Playing !!
Hello David, thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate the kind words as well. The Harley Benton is a good cab but I don't know if I would take it out on tour if you know what I mean. The Mesa cabs are tried and true and built like tanks. I can't say enough dramatically I just ordered another Harley so I can do and episode about budget rigs. I sold the other one but I think I will keep this one because it's nice to have around the house. It does have a little bit darker sound and I can use it for profiles when I'm ready to profile with it and my Kemper
For me they sound pretty much the same in every video so far. The HB is a little bit boxy, not too heavy, but still nice and detailed and the Mesa is a little bit muddy, but with a lot of balls. With the Clean channels they both sounded very similar. I haven't played them live tho, but for recordings this is my opinion. Very nice video!
One cab for me was a game changer was the vertical 2x12 slant recto cab. I've been a Marshall fan for years and only stepped into the Mesa world when trying the little Mark 5:25 head. Went to the store to buy a set of strings, came home with a Mesa head! My favorite smaller cab was the Marshall 2x12 (1936) but the slant recto 2x12 definitely has more projection to the sound when you're playing with a hard hitting drummer. At home they both sound great but like with all Mesa gear, it's stuff that begs to be played loud and hard. The 2x12 recto slant cab projects as much as a 1960 Marshall 4x12 and makes me wonder whether I should take the plunge and get a Recto oversized 4x12.
Swampster70 do you ever feel the slant recto go a bit off when playing the distortion channel riffs and have bass all the way up? I am trying to know if just mine or all do same
Clean they sounded almost identical. Dirty the Mesa was way more defined especially in the mids and highs with tighter bass. That being said the HB cab sounded good for the price.
Great video! I was really looking forward to this video. The HB did really well! But I would say the Mesa does do the treble better, the HB sounded almost like there was a slight loss of volume to it when compared to the Mesa. I’d still say for $200, it’s pretty damn good! Great video!
Nice video and nice playing too. Is the Harley Benton Cab closed or open back and would you know if the speakers are 8 or 16 Ohms. Thanks. Phil NYC area
For the price, it works for me. I have a Fender Roc Pro 1000 head I need a cab for, and I think your mic was off on the HB, to be fair. It should give me all that thunderous growl I am accustomed to.
Nice info!! I just bought a 100w marshall silver Jubilee, but I'm on the budget for the matching cab so I thought maybe a 2x12 will do just to Practice and fiddle around.do you think the HB would do justice to pull some metal tones??
they are UK made V30s...so it makes all the difference...price tag of 1 UK V30 = 2x CHina V30s...and it sounds fuller than the chinese one from basically anywhere you would buy (Thomann, etc)
@@vladzubac5360 The “fuller” descriptor could be from simply breaking in the speaker itself or about 25 other variables. In addition, there is a different part number for the OEM cone used for the China made V30s although Celestion denies that there are any differences but take that how you will. Yes, Mesa does voice their own V30 which is unique and they have their own flavor. In fact Marshall uses UK V30s in certain cabs as well. Gold Peak Acoustics UK literally relocated their Celestion manufacturing operations to China including the equipment used to build the exact same speakers. I don’t enjoy this fact any more than the average consumer but it is a fact nonetheless. I own cabs from HB, Marshall, Orange, and Mesa cabs w/V30s and find no discernible difference in the speaker itself outside of Mesa’s own spec. The Mesa cabs are fantastic but the HB cannot be beaten for value and even according to Celestion themselves the, China made V30s stock are identical to their UK made counterparts. Cheers and enjoy your cab!
I was not aware of that. I own a Mesa 2x12 cab and just assumed they were made in USA. That is o.k. The U.K. is good. There is a difference between China speakers. USA for sure. I a/b my Mesa with HB. Mesa is better in many ways. I would rather pay more money, I may sell my HB, everyone wants to screw me, X12 extension cabs of any kind especially the Vertical are more money
@PunchingMegaTree Who documents silly things like this. It's all in the ear and there is a difference. Plus the Mesa speaker is voiced differently than a standard Celestion.
Basicly you can by the HB with 2 or 3 of their guitars and those are really nice too, for the price of the mesa. That being said i think the Mesa is slightly better but not by much.
It's all a matter of taste. I have the Harley Benton 212, but after your video I would prefer the Mesa sound-wise. But with a different signal chain, it can sound quite different.
Thanks for the comparison. Although the price is pretty much unbeatable the Benton cabs unfortunately have a tonal quality I really don't like. Kinda sounds like the Cab is having a stuffed nose and a towel wrapped around it.
I don't have a Mesa cab, but I do have the HB. I can testify that it sounds like what you hear in the video. I have also an ENGL with V3Os and honestly I like the HB more. It's a very good cab for Metal, might be too dark for other styles. My Les Paul on a "Gary Moore tone" doesn't sound good through it, but with the same tone it sounds fantastic through another cab I have with Eminence Private Jacks. But the Eminence sound like shit for Metal, whereas the HB sounds ballsy, aggressive and scooped. If you are a Metal player, you will LOVE it..
So couldn’t you put eminence coax speakers like the mission Gemini speaker cabs in the Harley Benton? Cheaper mission engineering Gemini? What are your thoughts. Might be great for modelers
Thanks for the comparison. To be honest, this is exactly what you should expect if you buy the EXACTLY same speakers but only in a different wood housing...
If you still have both cabs would you be willing to do a video with the Mesa compared to the HB with the Mesa speakers in it? It's a big ask but I do wonder how much is the cab and how much is the speaker / mic placement
I know this is an older video, and I've watched several similar 'shootouts'. I appreciate your honesty and rooms, guitars, amps/pedals are going to make a tonal difference.. anyone especially those like myself that have been playing for awhile, but are tonally OCD appreciate your efforts.. People need to realize that what sounds good to some does not sound good to others. I myself fall into the trap where I have pretty decent equipment, but I compare my 'music room' tone to studio mixed sounds.. At the end of the day.. A) we all have to start somewhere B) We all can't afford the (subjectively) best of the best.. at the risk of talking too much..thank you for your time and efforts! My advice to anyone is the same that has questions about upgrading an exhaust system on a car... sure... do your research, but get out there and hear/try things for yourself before plinking down the almighty dollar (or whatever currency) .. Give this guy a like and subscribe because most of us would not take the time to do what he does...kudos to you!
They do sound different. Whether good or bad. It is a bit subjective. Beauty is in the ear of the beholder!! The price difference doesn't match the sound difference. That's for sure. I ended up getting the Marshall 2 x 12 vertical cab (the one that leans back at a slight angle) and configuring the cones in stereo. Stereo out of my FatMan 100% tube amp (no treble, no bass, no nothing. Only volume). So I get my sound at the pre amp stage with 2 sets of pedals in parallel. One a crunch and the other closer to metal. The reverb are different so it fills the sound like if I had 2 guitars at the same time. Price was the main thing for me. I wasn't prepared to pay lots for a cab. I also have a Bose L1 compact that sounds superb but there is something about air being shifted that is difficult to describe.
All Mesa's by default, (that is unless a special order) 2X12's , are two 16ohms speakers, wired in parallel for total of 8 ohms impedance : and all mesa's 1X12's, are by default one 8 ohms speaker . Exact Same thing as the HB
My understanding (which could be wrong) is that the Mesa speakers are made custom for them by Celestion in the UK, where standard off-the-shelf and OEM Vintage 30's are all made in China. I thought both cabs sounded good, but the Mesa edged it out for me with clearer mids and highs. It really it comes down to preference. The price on the HB makes it a no-brainer though. You could swap in any speakers you want (I'm putting a set of Eminence Texas Heats in mine) and still come in way under the price for the Mesa. Anyone want to buy a set of VIntage 30's cheap?😁
I've got a Mark V, 2x12 mesa rect cab and the HB 2x12 V cab. They sound awesome together. Try this: Pull out the dampening material out of the HB and see what it sounds like then, it comes even closer to the mesa, I found.
I'm 2 years late to the party but is this a fair comparison? I'd like to see it done with both cabs sitting on casters. I know it sounds strange but we know it could make a difference
Hi I see you like JP type of play. Do you like the Mesa 2x12 with V30 or do you prefer it with the C90? I saw a lot of reviews saying the Mesa 2x12 with V30 sound fizzy. Do you think the same? If it's the case do you think with the EQ from Mark V I can get rid of the fizzy?
That’s something that could be fixed by amp adjustments. Add some presence or treble. I mean, I guarantee 100% that you could make them both sound nearly thee exact same by small adjustments and you’d never be able to tell which is which
I do not know anything about EVH cabs. Good luck. They will make a good backup if needed. I am trying to sell mine. I am insulted by the 200.00 offer. I took the risk and will not lose a dime.
I'm a firm believer that the toan is in the hands and in your head , I went to try out for a band and they provided a cab for me so I didnt have to lug my krank 412 down there , they let me use their guitarists old cab which was a spray painted line6 cab (he got a marshal straight cab) I have an og krankenstein and I shit on the other guitarist with the "shitty" cab as they put it but my rig is more established than their guitarists was he had a heavy 3120 or whatever maxx Cavalera I think ,but their jaws were on the floor with the sound I was getting out of that cab nailed that rare rareform ATB sound , I didnt end up taking their offer to join them haha
It has amazed me how different they sounded carrying the same model of speakers, or at least claming it... Wich lead me to the cuestion: Its about the construction of each of them, or maybe is it due to the using time of each? Maybe the mesa's speakers have been more in use, so they are more kinda broken in, the movement parts are softer and they give the target sound, whereas the HB its barely brand new and the foams and materials are not broken in, so they sound duller and less crispy? Im not stating at all, its just a guess, but in my experience, that matters a lot. Again, just a guess... - They have to cost more for some reason, though... That's for sure.-
Well the Mesa obviously sounds better lol but the Harley Benton sounds really good too for how inexpensive it is. I just ordered one myself and this review makes me feel a lot better about it
I LOVED the "roadworthy" comment. I've seen guys pamper expensive gear and praise its "roadworthiness" while literally just throwing their budget gear around without a care then whining about how "unroadworthy" the stuff was when they broke it. Most any gear will last you a fair while if you take care of it like you actually WANT it to last.
Great video. My 2 cents is the mics look like they are in different spots relative to the speakers placement and the cabinets are different shapes which implies the speakers are in slightly different orientations as well. It surprises me that these 2 cabs aren't more different.
Yes I did place the mic in the same spot on the speakers. Because the cabs are built differently and the speaker placement in those cabs is different, it looks like I mic'd each speaker differently but that is not the case
Honestly to me yes, the quality of the cab is also really nice! They last a long time I had a Mesa for over 15 years and it was still working when I sold my Mesa.
@@TONEWARSgearshow yeah no worries. I've been looking into 212 cabs and while the big brand ones do sound better, I don't think it's worth 3-4x the cost. I'm gonna buy my first tube amp soon so I'm just watching a bunch of comparison videos.
@@TONEWARSgearshow I'm considering prs mt15 or a evh 50w 6l6 or el34 stealth head. I will probably get a horizon precision drive or amptweaker tight metal pro for the overdrive.
Use your dials on your gear to make up for these minute differences. Work with what you have and use your money more wisely. So im going with the Harley as the better choice.
I bought the Vertical, I think that is right one on top of the other. Nice handles etc. I have a Mesa Boogie 2x12 right next to it. I a/b with a Mesa boogie Express plus 5/50 and a Carvin V3M. I think the Mesa sounds better. I have hardwood floors. I do not think a paying audience would know the difference with the right pedals, P.A., and sound operator. I paid after shipping about 240.00 for the HB and the Mesa were going for 600.00 at that time. The Mesa boogie right now are close to 1000.00. The speakers are better, comes with casters and the speakers are better. The price point, HB is certainly a loss leader for the brand. I would never buy a guitar. Once you buy from these people you own it. No one is going to pay return shipping. There were 2 different carriers involved. Well packaged and no international cc fees. I got lucky. I would not do it again. I just got lucky.I use the HB for cleaner stuff as well.
This quote needs to be drilled into guitar players heads. "I do not think a paying audience would know the difference with the right pedals, PA, and sound operator." Man you said it. Dont forget the actual playing.
TONE WARS , yeah please, evh 2x12 VS Harley Benton Or Mesa 2x12. I just bought the evh 5150 iii 50w with the Harley Benton g212 vertical, and I want to know if it’s sounded better with the evh or keeping the HB....
From where I sit, it's clear that the mic on the HB cab is more off-center from the speaker cone. That's a lot of what you're hearing.
I noticed that too! The mic positioning is very important especially when comparing two different cabs.
Ugh. You're so right. Makes this an inaccurate comparison. It's far enough off the cone darkening up the tone on the HB cab. He'd have to redo this and get on his hands and knees with a flashlight and really get the mic positions more similar.
I was thinking the same thing. I’ve had both cabs (still got the Mesa) and when I A/B’ed them I thought the HB was the brighter of the 2. It’s also worth noting that the Mesa has British made v30s as opposed to Chinese made in the HB, which I suspect is the main contributor to the tone difference between the 2. I do agree that it’s difficult to say which one is “better”, they just sound different, with different characteristics. The HB might be a better match with one amp while the Mesa with another. I did prefer the Mesa with my Dual Rec because it rolled off the fizz a bit more, which is why I sold the HB. Sometimes I do wonder if it was worth it as the Mesa cab is a real back breaker to lug around!
@@tianlee3487 No bro this is where you are wrong in the difference, in the tone its not because of the speakers are made in china. There manufacture the same as British speakers = Same specs, only thing is they pay china people way less to make them. The tone difference is the in cab and wood Mesa uses 18 mm Baltic birch really good wood that haves a'lot of resonate, as for Benton is just plywood its a big difference plywood muffles sounds alot. "I own both cabs to" I bought a Messa for A rig like venues and Benton B rig for crappy bars Gigs and they both sound almost the same, hence Messa cab is bit more louder cause of the wood. Thoe's two on top comment are clueless they think its because of the mics are put differently lol.
@@criot1124 here’s a vid comparing British (Mesa) v30s with Chinese in the same HB cab ua-cam.com/video/iXEiPtH5BgY/v-deo.html. As you can hear, there is a big difference in characteristics, even though the cabs are the same.
Wow, this is very random. But I was looking for a review of this cab and instantly recognised your face in the thumbnail! I met you about 6 years ago in a certain RH recording studio while visiting from Scotland - you were there recording guitar with your band Reign. I remember you said I was bringing good luck because you nailed all the takes when I was in the control room, haha. Anyway, very useful review! Glad to see you're still shredding.
Wow so good to hear from you. I'm so glad that you remembered me. I do remember having that conversation with you! How cool 😎
I hope you are doing well
Just want to point out that the Harley is on the floor while the mesa is on wheels up off the floor.
I’m glad I saw this video. I’m actually looking at a subzero cab with a single 12” chinese v30. I’m just a home player and have been considering a mesa mini rectifier along with the mini cab. Your vid has helped me make the more sensible decision. I could hardly tell the tone differences in your vid. Great work!
Man I’m so glad I found your channel again! Embarrassed to say I forgot the name but I forget the names to some of my favorite songs haha
Thanks for commenting. I'm glad you found it as well. Welcome back!
Interesting! I was expecting a weaker, more trebly sound from HB and a tighter sound from Mesa. Thanx for the sharing!
Excellent comparison Jarrod.
When I was at your place and we did the comparison upstairs, it was very difficult to distinguish the difference between the two. That included tone, air movement/compression and cabinet vibration.
I might add, the physical size of the extension cabinets is different. Which may have an impact on the overall sound/tone quality in a more intimate setting, Such as your studio downstairs.
What I would have enjoyed doing, was taking apart the backs on the cabinets and examine the elements of cabinet construction. That could make a fundamental difference.
Based on what I heard at your place and in this review, the H/B is a very good bang for the buck.
Keep up the excellent work. Cheers!
Thank you Dave!! I was amazed at how different the HB sounded in my studio compared the my living room
Nice review. Thought you might rip HB up, but you kept it honest, like always. Rock On!
Thank you. I always try my best to be honest sonthat people can have the best information b4 they buy
Great video. Can't wait for your next one. I got the HB as a birthday gift for my grandson, who is 12 yrs old. Maybe in a few years he'll be able to discern the subtle differences in tone from various manufacturers. But, when he hooks this up to his Joyo Amp and one of his guitars, I'm sure he'll think it's awesome. Also, check out Phil McKnight's review of the HB as well.
You are an AWESOME granddad!
You’ve got to be the coolest grandpa ever
Thank you for your thoughts
I agree with you. They sound different, but I can't say one seems to be better than the other. I went for the vertical HB cab, seems sensible to have it pointed more towards my ears.
Still using it? Thoughts on sound/construction quality?
Great review! There was a difference, but perhaps not enough to justify the price point. Nice to know what ever you looking to spend one can't go wrong with either one. Also, Jarrod needs to do an instrumental album / EP ASAP!!!
Thanks Aaron! I definitely want to do a solo song/ep someday soon
such quality content, I'll gladly subscribe.
The Harley Benton are birch plywood. The boogie are also birch, but I'm pretty sure it's a thicker cut. As for the high end, that could be the difference between the Chinese v30 in the HB and the English v30 in the boogie. I toured one spring and summer circuit with mine. It was rolled around in a trailer. It's still in the same shape it was when I started. The mail guy dropped it on my steps and put a big dent in one of the front sides. Thomann gave me a 50% refund.. so I paid $100 for the cab, and scored a pair celestion vType (brand new in box) from a local cabinet maker for $120. So $220 and I've a Celestion v type loaded HB 2x12 wired at 4 ohms mono and 8 ohms stereo... Because, why not.... best investment I made for a short tour. I sold all my other cabs because of all the compliments I got on the HB..
It's definitely a great cab. I still love it. I'll be using it a lot
You made this on my birthday!
7 years owner of a HB 2x12 (I live in Italy and I think I was one of the first when they came out). Not even a scratch on the tolex yet, even though I did not play many live shows...No complaints. It has sturdy handles and isn't heavyweight. Anyway I swapped the v30's because I really hate those speakers, especially with my bright Jcm800... Put some g1265 instead and now sounds warmer and darker.
Both sound awesome to me . I liked the fatness of the HB and that drop d chord at end riff . Has great sustain . The Mesa , of course sounds awesome , as well .
But for the price ! I am with you hard to go wrong ! Great suggestion about road worthy case to . That would defeat the train of thought the HB would suck as a gig cabinet. Great Suggestion with common sense ! I was very suprised the Mesa had a bit more treble to me . Great demo video . Great Playing !!
Hello David, thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate the kind words as well.
The Harley Benton is a good cab but I don't know if I would take it out on tour if you know what I mean. The Mesa cabs are tried and true and built like tanks.
I can't say enough dramatically I just ordered another Harley so I can do and episode about budget rigs. I sold the other one but I think I will keep this one because it's nice to have around the house. It does have a little bit darker sound and I can use it for profiles when I'm ready to profile with it and my Kemper
The harley benton would be great for bar gigs
For me they sound pretty much the same in every video so far. The HB is a little bit boxy, not too heavy, but still nice and detailed and the Mesa is a little bit muddy, but with a lot of balls. With the Clean channels they both sounded very similar.
I haven't played them live tho, but for recordings this is my opinion.
Very nice video!
I ordered that HB cab, it is built GREAT. I swapped out the V30s for GT1275s because I like those speakers more.
Is definitely a great value
Great vid man, I just bought one.
One cab for me was a game changer was the vertical 2x12 slant recto cab. I've been a Marshall fan for years and only stepped into the Mesa world when trying the little Mark 5:25 head. Went to the store to buy a set of strings, came home with a Mesa head!
My favorite smaller cab was the Marshall 2x12 (1936) but the slant recto 2x12 definitely has more projection to the sound when you're playing with a hard hitting drummer. At home they both sound great but like with all Mesa gear, it's stuff that begs to be played loud and hard. The 2x12 recto slant cab projects as much as a 1960 Marshall 4x12 and makes me wonder whether I should take the plunge and get a Recto oversized 4x12.
Swampster70 do you ever feel the slant recto go a bit off when playing the distortion channel riffs and have bass all the way up? I am trying to know if just mine or all do same
Clean they sounded almost identical. Dirty the Mesa was way more defined especially in the mids and highs with tighter bass. That being said the HB cab sounded good for the price.
great video, thanks
Great video! I was really looking forward to this video. The HB did really well! But I would say the Mesa does do the treble better, the HB sounded almost like there was a slight loss of volume to it when compared to the Mesa. I’d still say for $200, it’s pretty damn good! Great video!
Thanks buddy. I'm sure a different mic (sm57) may help with the treble too. I would definitely recommend the HB to anyone
I would go as far as to say that, from a recording standpoint, that’s a plus! If the HB attenuates volume without sacrificing tone, that’s a HUGE win!
Nice video and nice playing too.
Is the Harley Benton Cab closed or open back and would you know if the speakers are 8 or 16 Ohms. Thanks.
Phil
NYC area
I preferred the Harley Benton! It had a great tone and clarity when you were playing with gain and playing the chords - the clean sounded great too.
It's really a great cab for the price
Whatever it is, you sound great man! Mind sharing your signal chain? Thanks man! Hope you keep on doing good stuff.
For the price, it works for me. I have a Fender Roc Pro 1000 head I need a cab for, and I think your mic was off on the HB, to be fair. It should give me all that thunderous growl I am accustomed to.
Nice info!! I just bought a 100w marshall silver Jubilee, but I'm on the budget for the matching cab so I thought maybe a 2x12 will do just to Practice and fiddle around.do you think the HB would do justice to pull some metal tones??
Mesa custom voices their speakers
they are UK made V30s...so it makes all the difference...price tag of 1 UK V30 = 2x CHina V30s...and it sounds fuller than the chinese one from basically anywhere you would buy (Thomann, etc)
@@vladzubac5360 The “fuller” descriptor could be from simply breaking in the speaker itself or about 25 other variables. In addition, there is a different part number for the OEM cone used for the China made V30s although Celestion denies that there are any differences but take that how you will.
Yes, Mesa does voice their own V30 which is unique and they have their own flavor. In fact Marshall uses UK V30s in certain cabs as well.
Gold Peak Acoustics UK literally relocated their Celestion manufacturing operations to China including the equipment used to build the exact same speakers.
I don’t enjoy this fact any more than the average consumer but it is a fact nonetheless.
I own cabs from HB, Marshall, Orange, and Mesa cabs w/V30s and find no discernible difference in the speaker itself outside of Mesa’s own spec.
The Mesa cabs are fantastic but the HB cannot be beaten for value and even according to Celestion themselves the, China made V30s stock are identical to their UK made counterparts.
Cheers and enjoy your cab!
One thing to keep in mind is the Mesa has English made V30s.
Mesa also make their cabinets with Chinese V30s so i wouldn't bet on that
I was not aware of that. I own a Mesa 2x12 cab and just assumed they were made in USA. That is o.k. The U.K. is good. There is a difference between China speakers. USA for sure. I a/b my Mesa with HB. Mesa is better in many ways. I would rather pay more money, I may sell my HB, everyone wants to screw me, X12 extension cabs of any kind especially the Vertical are more money
@PunchingMegaTree Who documents silly things like this. It's all in the ear and there is a difference. Plus the Mesa speaker is voiced differently than a standard Celestion.
thank you a lot for your opinion! can you compare also the Marshall silver jubilee 2x12 cab if it's possible?
Basicly you can by the HB with 2 or 3 of their guitars and those are really nice too, for the price of the mesa. That being said i think the Mesa is slightly better but not by much.
It's all a matter of taste. I have the Harley Benton 212, but after your video I would prefer the Mesa sound-wise. But with a different signal chain, it can sound quite different.
The high clarity of the MB stands out to me. But can a setting increase the treble or presence for the HB?
About time Tito
Lol!!
WHEELS VS. NO WHEELS WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE RIGHT OFF
yes it will
How?
Thanks for the comparison.
Although the price is pretty much unbeatable the Benton cabs unfortunately have a tonal quality I really don't like. Kinda sounds like the Cab is having a stuffed nose and a towel wrapped around it.
I don't have a Mesa cab, but I do have the HB. I can testify that it sounds like what you hear in the video. I have also an ENGL with V3Os and honestly I like the HB more. It's a very good cab for Metal, might be too dark for other styles. My Les Paul on a "Gary Moore tone" doesn't sound good through it, but with the same tone it sounds fantastic through another cab I have with Eminence Private Jacks. But the Eminence sound like shit for Metal, whereas the HB sounds ballsy, aggressive and scooped. If you are a Metal player, you will LOVE it..
So couldn’t you put eminence coax speakers like the mission Gemini speaker cabs in the Harley Benton? Cheaper mission engineering Gemini? What are your thoughts. Might be great for modelers
Thanks for the comparison. To be honest, this is exactly what you should expect if you buy the EXACTLY same speakers but only in a different wood housing...
My pleasure. Both cabe arr very good IMHO. It's amazing how there's so many variables regarding tone in a wooden box
The Mesa cabs use Vintage 30s that are British made
If i wasnt mistaken though arent mesas v30s voiced differently specifically for their cabs?
That is everything I read on Mesa Speakers.
If you still have both cabs would you be willing to do a video with the Mesa compared to the HB with the Mesa speakers in it? It's a big ask but I do wonder how much is the cab and how much is the speaker / mic placement
I know this is an older video, and I've watched several similar 'shootouts'. I appreciate your honesty and rooms, guitars, amps/pedals are going to make a tonal difference.. anyone especially those like myself that have been playing for awhile, but are tonally OCD appreciate your efforts.. People need to realize that what sounds good to some does not sound good to others. I myself fall into the trap where I have pretty decent equipment, but I compare my 'music room' tone to studio mixed sounds.. At the end of the day.. A) we all have to start somewhere B) We all can't afford the (subjectively) best of the best.. at the risk of talking too much..thank you for your time and efforts! My advice to anyone is the same that has questions about upgrading an exhaust system on a car... sure... do your research, but get out there and hear/try things for yourself before plinking down the almighty dollar (or whatever currency) .. Give this guy a like and subscribe because most of us would not take the time to do what he does...kudos to you!
What was the starting song? Loved it
A different question for everyone:
HB 2x12 > Mesa 1x12 ??
I mean, tone quality etc. or Mesa it’s always better ?
Thanks!
The Harley Benton is an amazing cab. The MESA is an super amazing cab (in my opinion).
They do sound different. Whether good or bad. It is a bit subjective. Beauty is in the ear of the beholder!! The price difference doesn't match the sound difference. That's for sure. I ended up getting the Marshall 2 x 12 vertical cab (the one that leans back at a slight angle) and configuring the cones in stereo. Stereo out of my FatMan 100% tube amp (no treble, no bass, no nothing. Only volume). So I get my sound at the pre amp stage with 2 sets of pedals in parallel. One a crunch and the other closer to metal. The reverb are different so it fills the sound like if I had 2 guitars at the same time. Price was the main thing for me. I wasn't prepared to pay lots for a cab. I also have a Bose L1 compact that sounds superb but there is something about air being shifted that is difficult to describe.
What is the impedance of the speaker elements in the cabinets?
It seems that it is 16 ohm for the HB but what is it in the MB?
All Mesa's by default, (that is unless a special order) 2X12's , are two 16ohms speakers, wired in parallel for total of 8 ohms impedance : and all mesa's 1X12's, are by default one 8 ohms speaker . Exact Same thing as the HB
My understanding (which could be wrong) is that the Mesa speakers are made custom for them by Celestion in the UK, where standard off-the-shelf and OEM Vintage 30's are all made in China. I thought both cabs sounded good, but the Mesa edged it out for me with clearer mids and highs. It really it comes down to preference. The price on the HB makes it a no-brainer though. You could swap in any speakers you want (I'm putting a set of Eminence Texas Heats in mine) and still come in way under the price for the Mesa.
Anyone want to buy a set of VIntage 30's cheap?😁
Try a Barefaced 2/12 H ! Just got one . . Love it !
I'll have to check one out. I'm glad you like it
I've got a Mark V, 2x12 mesa rect cab and the HB 2x12 V cab. They sound awesome together. Try this: Pull out the dampening material out of the HB and see what it sounds like then, it comes even closer to the mesa, I found.
Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for commenting. I will definitely look into this. Thank you
Dampening material? Inside the cab?
You connect both cabinets to the Mark V? Hmmm that’s cool i might do that
This guy has wheels on Mesa , and none on the HB
Will make a huge difference
The floor damping alone
Great video mate!
Just wonder, what cause such difference???
Mesa speakers have their own voicing to other v30
I'm 2 years late to the party but is this a fair comparison? I'd like to see it done with both cabs sitting on casters. I know it sounds strange but we know it could make a difference
Hi I see you like JP type of play. Do you like the Mesa 2x12 with V30 or do you prefer it with the C90? I saw a lot of reviews saying the Mesa 2x12 with V30 sound fizzy. Do you think the same? If it's the case do you think with the EQ from Mark V I can get rid of the fizzy?
I don't think the V30 speakers sound fizzy at all. I really like how they sound. even if they did, you can always EQ the amp to take some of that out
I wonder if any of the difference can be linked to the speakers not being broken in.
Hi, but is it ok for Kemper? Is it a FRFR cabinet?
Nice!!👍
is there volume difference i hear when comparison two cab here ?
Would have been cool to eq the HB to match the Mesa, then show us the settings
This all can be tweaked with EQ...i'd say save money and go for Benton
I thought the Mesa had better note separation and the HB a more compressed feel; also, like he said, heard more top end on the Mesa . . .
The Mesa will work way better in the mix. That fizzy edginess in the high gain tones will make the guitar track significantly better.
That’s something that could be fixed by amp adjustments. Add some presence or treble. I mean, I guarantee 100% that you could make them both sound nearly thee exact same by small adjustments and you’d never be able to tell which is which
I just ordered a set of the Bentons. I'm very curious to see how they sound compared to my EVH cabinets
I do not know anything about EVH cabs. Good luck. They will make a good backup if needed. I am trying to sell mine. I am insulted by the 200.00 offer. I took the risk and will not lose a dime.
Sooo... what were the results? How did they differ ?
@@nicksherman88 the Bentons have a lot more bottom end and mix great with the EVH gear, I would recommend them to anyone
I have a 16ohm EVH 2x12 with v30’s and was thinking about getting the Benton as well. Might have to pull the trigger!
how long have you had the mesa? difference could be due to age and higher use on the mesa...
I just got the Mesa 2x12 cabs a few months ago
Im curious if you take the casters off the mesa and have it on the floor like the Harley will you loose that top end?
Good question. I have found that when I remove the casters it just resonated through the floor more. The top end pretty much remained the same
There definitely is a difference but I feel a 10 band eq pedal in the loop could make them similar. I do like the differences in each tho.
I'm a firm believer that the toan is in the hands and in your head , I went to try out for a band and they provided a cab for me so I didnt have to lug my krank 412 down there , they let me use their guitarists old cab which was a spray painted line6 cab (he got a marshal straight cab) I have an og krankenstein and I shit on the other guitarist with the "shitty" cab as they put it but my rig is more established than their guitarists was he had a heavy 3120 or whatever maxx Cavalera I think ,but their jaws were on the floor with the sound I was getting out of that cab nailed that rare rareform ATB sound , I didnt end up taking their offer to join them haha
It has amazed me how different they sounded carrying the same model of speakers, or at least claming it...
Wich lead me to the cuestion: Its about the construction of each of them, or maybe is it due to the using time of each?
Maybe the mesa's speakers have been more in use, so they are more kinda broken in, the movement parts are softer and they give the target sound, whereas the HB its barely brand new and the foams and materials are not broken in, so they sound duller and less crispy?
Im not stating at all, its just a guess, but in my experience, that matters a lot.
Again, just a guess...
- They have to cost more for some reason, though... That's for sure.-
Well the Mesa obviously sounds better lol but the Harley Benton sounds really good too for how inexpensive it is. I just ordered one myself and this review makes me feel a lot better about it
They seem to chugg differently but the cleans and leads sounded similar.
They should sound different. The messa should have a version of the vintage specific to messa
Mesa on castors ! HB on floor ?
Would a pinch of EQ resolve ? Could you try making the HB sound like the Mesa !!
I find using a BBE in the loop helps to open the sound up a bit and gets it closer to the Mesa
I LOVED the "roadworthy" comment. I've seen guys pamper expensive gear and praise its "roadworthiness" while literally just throwing their budget gear around without a care then whining about how "unroadworthy" the stuff was when they broke it. Most any gear will last you a fair while if you take care of it like you actually WANT it to last.
2 totally different sounds. Sound great either way. Bang for the buck with great sound though going hb.
from other vids...the MB 30's seem to have more mids and highs........
Mesa no doubt. Crispier and much clearer plus it looks badass!
Thank you, for once someone doesn't try to dismiss a less expensive speaker by saying "good for its price" or similar.
Aren't Mesa cab's ported? Also if the Mesa isn't new it's speakers are already broken in.
Great video. My 2 cents is the mics look like they are in different spots relative to the speakers placement and the cabinets are different shapes which implies the speakers are in slightly different orientations as well. It surprises me that these 2 cabs aren't more different.
Yes I did place the mic in the same spot on the speakers. Because the cabs are built differently and the speaker placement in those cabs is different, it looks like I mic'd each speaker differently but that is not the case
they do sound different but is it worth $600 more?
Honestly to me yes, the quality of the cab is also really nice! They last a long time I had a Mesa for over 15 years and it was still working when I sold my Mesa.
I’d say no :) because mixing can take care of any issues you might have and the sound is good enough for practicing
I actually liked the Harley more in this video. For $230 It's a super steal.
Thanks for commenting. Yeah it's a great deal, especially considering the quality and the sound you get out of it.
@@TONEWARSgearshow yeah no worries. I've been looking into 212 cabs and while the big brand ones do sound better, I don't think it's worth 3-4x the cost. I'm gonna buy my first tube amp soon so I'm just watching a bunch of comparison videos.
@@amirtak9886 what amp are you considering?
@@TONEWARSgearshow I'm considering prs mt15 or a evh 50w 6l6 or el34 stealth head. I will probably get a horizon precision drive or amptweaker tight metal pro for the overdrive.
@@amirtak9886 the EVH 50w Stealth is unbeatable for the price. All 3 channels are great. The el34 50w has a terrible blue channel
Use your dials on your gear to make up for these minute differences. Work with what you have and use your money more wisely. So im going with the Harley as the better choice.
The Mesa sounded better in my opinion but not $500 better. So Harley Benton in my opinion did really well with their product. It's a win for HB.
I bought the Vertical, I think that is right one on top of the other. Nice handles etc. I have a Mesa Boogie 2x12 right next to it. I a/b with a Mesa boogie Express plus 5/50 and a Carvin V3M. I think the Mesa sounds better. I have hardwood floors. I do not think a paying audience would know the difference with the right pedals, P.A., and sound operator. I paid after shipping about 240.00 for the HB and the Mesa were going for 600.00 at that time. The Mesa boogie right now are close to 1000.00. The speakers are better, comes with casters and the speakers are better. The price point, HB is certainly a loss leader for the brand. I would never buy a guitar. Once you buy from these people you own it. No one is going to pay return shipping. There were 2 different carriers involved. Well packaged and no international cc fees. I got lucky. I would not do it again. I just got lucky.I use the HB for cleaner stuff as well.
This quote needs to be drilled into guitar players heads. "I do not think a paying audience would know the difference with the right pedals, PA, and sound operator." Man you said it. Dont forget the actual playing.
It’s not just the brand that you buy.
People need to understand that with the HB you are getting the Chinese made version. Still a good speaker but sounds slightly different.
Or I could buy one of each and have a good stereo sound.
I was just going to say. If you use either of them live the normal audience won’t tell a difference! HB for the price is a great buy!
You're correct. Also, if you want it a bit brighter, mic placement/choice will take care of that.
Quote from my girlfriend: “it’s juicy. But not $600 difference juicy.”
Mesa sounds like it has more clarity, and a bit more treble.
Mesa sound tighter n lil crispier honestly but its kinda expenssive
Have to agree with Andrew Stonerock, biggest difference is probably the origin of manufacture on the speakers
not 100% positive but it looks like the mic is more off center on the HB, no?
The speakers are placed a little bit differently on these cabs. I placed the mic in the same exact spot on each speaker
mesa 2x12 vs Evh 2x12 cab please
I'll see if I can get an EVH cab
TONE WARS , yeah please, evh 2x12 VS Harley Benton Or Mesa 2x12. I just bought the evh 5150 iii 50w with the Harley Benton g212 vertical, and I want to know if it’s sounded better with the evh or keeping the HB....
'uuuge difference. Mesa 2x12 is great speaker, a bit sick of hearing everywhere
The Mesa has a fuller tone. But you can't beat the bang for the buck in the harley benton lol
If the cabs are using the same speakers, what makes Mesa sound significantly brighter, therefore imo better?
Voicing of the speakers and the thickness & quality of the wood can make a difference
The HB is clearly better mostly because of the price
I like the Tone of the Harley Benton better, its not as piercing as the Mesa cab :)
Killer