Which Cab is Right for You?
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
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1:03 - Play Thru Portion
I often get asked which cab should I get if size and portability is not a concern. Well this week we dive into that topic, and you can decide for yourself.
Signal Chain:
Gibson Les Paul Custom
Maxon OD808 ( For the main heavy part)
Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster ( Ch.1*clean* and Ch.3 Modern*)
Mesa Boogie 4x12 and 2x12 as depicted in the video.
Shure Sm57 -- Focusrite OctoPre Dynamic--Focusrite Clarett 8Pre
** These are raw guitar tracks folks- not studio wizardry**
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I jammed with a 4x12 for a while and I just bought a 2x12. I use the 4x12 at band practice and the 2x12 at gigs. The 2 speakers are driven harder than the 4 and I love that sound. The 4x12 has it's own presence the 2x12 can't duplicate though. Can't go wrong with either.
" I love that sound." Way cool. Cheers!
I want to hear them both together, I really think that a 4x12 as your main and double tracking or micing the 2x12 and maybe using a ribbon on the 2x12 and a dynamic on the 4x12 would sound super good!
If you can only have one cab, go for the 4x12.
If you can get both, get both.
The 2x12 travels better and is similar enough to be a good substitute for the 4x12 in a pinch, but different enough to serve as a different texture option for recording.
You hit the nail on the head- cannot go wrong with either. All depends on your intended application and if its going to be moved frequently.
I do enjoy the 4x12 not for reasons you tick- but each speaker has its now slight characteristics- so one cab, 4 different variations of the same speaker- can really help things sit well in a mix, with little to no backend work.
Thanks for watching and your observation!!
At one time I had the 4x12 and got frustrated often due to the big bottom end and no matter how much EQ editing I did it was still too much. I got rid of them, unfortunately! Today, I purchased the 2x12 Recto cabinet and after hearing your comparison I think I'm going to be happy. there is a more midrange and less low end to Thant the 4x12. The 4x12 still are nice but... I'm going to run a VHT power amp with a Bogner Uberschall Synergy module and a parametric EQ with my EMG's hum bucker.
Ohh man! I bet that set up will sound mean as hell!!! Yea 2x12's are perfect - honestly much of that low end that you get from playing a 4x12 is more self serving than not. If I was a giving artist - Id rock a 2x12 all day. If I was a recording artists/producer - Id get a 4x12 simply for the versatility of having 4 speakers, with each having their own voicing.
4x12 no doubt
Right on! Thanks for watching!
Only thing perhaps screwing up the test a bit is the mic placement. Both mics seem to be going straight at the cone, which on the 2x12, yea of course it would suffer greatly from a more brittle tone if the mic is right over the speaker cap. Maybe angling the mic a bit on both would help?
right on and great input... My intent here was just to give a straight across the board example of the differences in these cabs. There is no question that both cabs are highly regarded studio and live work horses. I will certainly consider different mic position in the future. The position in this video is actually on the edge of the dust cap and cone right where they meet. I wouldn't want to subject you folks to straight center dust cap examples - that would just be wrong - hahaha
Alright, just couldn't tell it was on the dust cap edge. Maybe even better test would be to test both on angled, and then a different test trying to get optimal mic best sound out of mic placement for both. For instance I have a mesa 2x12, but I notice I have to angle it more than I normally would on my 4x12 (not mesa, but custom made and similar).
I have both 2/12 and 4/12 There's a reason people have been using les Paul's with a head and a 4/12 for decades...its killer. For rock metal hard rock. Whatever. I say man up and take your 4/12 to gigs. Good video man. That Silverburst.... I'm jealous!
Thanks Dom! Your observation is also spot on! The LPC is a sweet player man- she obliges your complements!
The clean parts sounded identical. The difference between the crunch sounds was so dramatic, the 2-12 treble seemed really pronounced and fizzy. im inclined to think the mic position was different or something like that. How much attention was given in that area?
Thanks for watching. I did not break out a ruler or anything but if I recall - I was pretty specific and intentional on placing both mics splitting the seam where the dust cap meets the cone at the 3 o'clock position, at exactly 1 inch away from he grill cloth..... There are a number of factors that could have played into these differences. I have even found that each one of my 57's are slightly different- 3 of them sound the same and the other 2 sound just a hair darker than the others. When I made this video years ago- those revelations where not bestowed upon me yet. But, yes I did do my best at that point in time to place the mics identically to one another.
pick the cab that you can lift and put into your car.
For sure- If I was a gigging musician - I would certainly rock the 2x12, with casters - haha "Aint nobody got time for lifting heavy AF 4x12's" haha
Is the 4x12 standard or traditional size
This is the Standard oversized cab - its the bigger one of the two options.
Mesa and a Camo Hornady hat.. subbed and liked!! Great riff and demo, i dig both. You can push the heck out of a 212.
I prefer the fuller sound of a 4x12. On that note... can I still have a full sound with a 4x12 att bedroom levels? Live in an apartment and I just want to know if it still had a thunder bass sound at low levels I I dont want that and am ok if that's not present at low volume
There is a pretty significant jump in low end presence with the 4x12 as compared to the 2x12 even for lower sound levels. Now to get that chest thumping low end satisfaction - you may really piss off your neighbors, and might have to find a new place to live- hahaha.
But yes in short you will notice the low end difference at lower volumes- just not at whisper volumes.
@@Jon_Tate so I can play it pretty quiet then and not have the floor shake?
@@nathanbarth7909 Yes you can
Good demo I like the music and you're not using a Strat thank you!!!!
Hahaha thanks- yea TBH. I dont think I will ever own a Strat - just not my style- haha!
This man loves his country which is my country too and for that subscribed !
Well, thank you my friend!
Belt Fed Studios you’re welcome I myself have a Mesa triple recto with a oversized Mesa 4x12
Hard to beat that combination right there!
Nice video dude. I’m wondering if that 2/12 is the compact or rectifier 2/12? I’ve noticed that the recto cab has metal plates in the corners for casters and the compact version doesn’t. Also I’ve heard that with the 4/12 and 2/12 cabs that the placement of the cab on casters or directly on the floor makes a difference in sound. You have the 2/12 sitting up on another cab in this demo, I wonder if placing it in the floor would change things up a bit?
Thanks for the compliment. I want to say that that 2x12 was a Recto cab as it was the same width and depth as the bottom half of my Mesa 4x12. However I have since parted ways with the 2x12. I absolutely agree with you about the cab/caster placement imparting more optimal characteristics. When I made this video 4 yeas ago - I was rather green on such matters. I was and still am just a guy trying to figure it out- haha thanks for watching and good eye on those details. Those details matter!
How is it in the room? I'm sure that sounds different than a mic'd cab
There is a supreme pleasure in playing the 4x12 - so in the room the 4x12 sounds better to me and is the cab I use to draw inspiration from; just bc it sounds so freaking epic. The 2x12 doesn't sound "bad" in the room by any means- just a bit more low end response and percussiveness is emitted from the 4x12- cant really go wrong with either IMO. Thanks for watching!
I really like your lack of bias and just sticking to what is apparent in terms of pros cons vs the two, Im gonna be running my evh 2x12 and zilla custom mesa spec standard 4x12 together to get a nice blend I think
Thank you! Its not always easy because we all have biases, or favor things to justify cost and such. That combination you mentioned should be pretty rad! Thanks for watching and for the comment!
Used 4x12 are much cheaper than 2x12. Orange are $750 for 2x12. It would depend on the head I'm playing. Dual Rec needs 4x12 but lunchbox head and 2x12 should be OK. Thoughts?
My unscientific thought would be lunch box paired with a 2x12. While the lunch box amps can obviously push a 4x12 - I feel it cannot push all 4 V30’s like they desire to be pushed.
The 4x12 sounds way bigger and better.
Why u compare a streight 2x12 vs a slant 4x12? try it again with a slant 2x12 or a streight 4x12 and the results will be much closer.
And sounding better is ever extreme relative...what is better? it ever depends on teh context and the Player emself. two guitar-players, same gear, same Settings...but very different tone. Or simple use 2 different picks and u get massive different sounds. So "better" not exist! When a Sound work in the context, is´t a good one, not less not more!
So why did I compare a straight 2x12 against a slanted 4x12 - because that is what I have?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Im more than willing to Gove you my shipping address and you can buy me the appropriate cabs, in your expert opinion for me to run these comparisons on. Additionally - I can tell that you obviously did not watch the video - as I clearly state the intent and purpose of this video is not to discern which is better, but to discern which one might be best suited for each individual. Thank you and have a most wonderful day.
I'd like to try them both together it would cover the lows and highs amazing I think.
for sure- I do not take for granted having both these bad boys laying around- truly blessed- hopefully you can get your hands on both as well my friend! Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment!
You sir, deserve way more subscribers! Thx for the uploads ;)
p.s. The 4x12 won handsdown
Thank you for your kind words- Im working on coming back swinging on putting out content - a much improved version - I can't lie. I love. the 4x12 - but as I always say you'll be hard pressed to get a poor sound from either! Till then sir- take care!
Haha this is very true! Well i'm subbed now so look forward to seeing more :D
Tough to judge a 2x12 vs 4x12 from a single mic'ed speaker. You really have to be in a room. You know?
That is correct. Even though these media outlets like UA-cam can bring us all together there are some things than cannot quite be conveyed. I maintain that the 4x12 is more powerful over-all when in the same room- its just incredible. But as you may have noticed- that for the recorded medium- the differences were subtle. Thank you for watching - and the comment!
Belt Fed Studios I imagine the bass is much diff from thr 412. Anyways I hope my comment didn't seem rude. I realized now it might have come across that way. Maybe sometime you can do a room test for the cabs. Haha. Anyways keep up the good work dude.
not rude at all my friend! I have been pondering adding in room examples along with the single mic'd comparisons for suture videos- so instead of thinking about. - I will be certain to include those examples in my future videos. I enjoy all feedback good or bad- and your comment did not come off rude to me! Till next time happy riffing man!
4x12 sounds much better
Thank you for this video! I was advised by 2 friends of mine to check these amps out! Defiantly need to get a cab from Mesa!!!
Glad I could help!
There's a few comments below about in live settings to 212 wins will somebody answer me this question of all the touring bands out there rock 'n' roll metal death metal they're all using 4x12 cabinets they're using it for a reason , hello !!!!
True and good point- but those touring bands also have road crews, haha if you are moving your own stuff every night- a 2x12 might be alluring. Thanks for watching and the comment!
Great video! I like 8 ohm speakers. I have two Mesa 4x12's and a 1x12. I would like to know if a 2x12 sounds better with 8ohm speakers for a 16ohm load. Or 16ohm speakers for an 8ohm load. What would sound more like my cabs?
Thanks for the complement and for watching!
If you tend to like 8OHM speakers - Id say just rock that. I kinda think we all too often get into the weeds unnecessarily - the differences between 8 and 16 OHMS can easily be made up for by mic placement or subtle amp EQ adjustments.
The 412 sounds like it has reverb and the 212 doesn't.
that was fucking bad ass brother because that shit sounded good as fuck.i cant believe it but there is something about the 2x12 that just sounded killer.the sound was completely different from the 4x12. i loved them both but could really see myself spending alot of time with the 2x12.lets hear them mixed together i bet that would be insane as fuck man.
Oh man! Yea mixing of cabs has become a bit of a rabbit hole for me as of late! Though I no longer have any of my 2x12's I still like to mix and match cabs - and as you will see in the coming weeks - the results can be outstanding!
FUCK THAT 2 1X12'S CLOSED BACK AND YOU THINK YOUR CHINA V30 ORANGE SOUNDS GOOD UNTIL YOU HEAR THEM NEXT TO MESA'S
EXACTLY! Once you hear them side by side - you will certainly scratch your head for sure! Thanks for watching and the comment!
@@Jon_Tate Unfortunately Mesa Has an issue with resellers financing..So I had to buy a Peavey 2x12,it came with greenbacks which I prefer to the China V30's.I just replaced onE of them with a Creamback and it sounds much better,waiting on a used UK v30 on Ebay to replace the other...$700+ is too much to shell out for a 2x12 cab without a decent finance option and they hold value so well its not worth buying used....MESA NEEDS TO PULL THEIR HEADS OUT OF THEIR ASSES!...
@@runnningonempty I gotcha - but Mesa's ability to hold resale value, or to command whatever they do on the market is no consequence for me. The quality of their stuff is second to none, that would be like complaining about Apple and the price their computers command on the market. Nonetheless, for many buying new is not the best financial option, Ive purchased most of my cabs used and saved quite a bit fo cash by being patient and just seeing what comes into my local GC, or craigslist. You've went through quite a few hurdles ( buying a Peavey cab, swapping speakers and so on) then there is the time factor there as well. One could easily find a 2x12 or even 4x12 Mesa around 400 and under, if one is simply patient. Thanks again for the comment!
@@Jon_Tate I am not complaining about the price...I am complaining because they dont let their vendors finance at any length of time..And I have been patient..Over a year watching Local ads,Guitar center used.which by the way charges shipping and tax which blows any deal..I will still purchase a Mesa IF they let the sellers finance....
@@Jon_Tate .I own THOUSANDS of dollars of gear..PRS, GIBSONS FENDERS..Because they dont tell stores how a customer can pay for them.... all of my guitars are over 2k other than my builds that sill hit around 1K, ALL USA.I even own an APPLE phone FINANCED FROM TMOBILE..I hope you finally understand my problem with them...AND APPLE SUCKS ASS!
Hi, good comparisons. What about the Mesa 2 speaker vertical cab, I heard it has the depth the 4x12 has with less weight and travelling pain. Have you tried these cabs?
Hey - thanks for checking out the vid and the kind words. I have not tried the vertical 2x12 as of yet- I really want to for the reasons/rumors you explained.
Just sold my Mesa Vertical 2x12, and now I want the Mesa 4x12! Awesome video and amazing tone!
Kim Kelley Thanks for the complement... The 2x12 is a solid work horse, but many folks like to feel the low end coming from the 4x12, even though FOH and recording engineers filter most if that out- but the feel of the Mesa 4x12 is damn hard to beat. Thanks for watching🤘🏼
great vid! was expecting a difference but not that much of a difference. really interesting to hear. I love that you have it popping in and out of the mix too.
Thanks Erik for your comments- hopefully this helps anyone trying to make a decision on either or--- Or you can just let the addiction take hold and get both! Have a great weekend!
Im assuming both had the english v30's or?
That is correct- both had UK V30's and not the knock offs. If you can't tell, I am still slightly peeved about the Orange 2x12 - hahaha.
Spearhead Studios what happened? what did I miss?
I have both, my triple rectifier sounds like it went to the vet and got its balls chopped off and flushed down the toilet when it's going through a 2x12 lol. Oversized 4x12 all the way
A Rather unique way to describe that- hahaha
The 4x12 sounds better and prevents you from hunching over while you adjust your EQ 😂
EXACTLY! Who has time for hunching over??? Not this guy - lol - thanks for watching!!
that's why I stack 2 - 2x12 also, "got 2 couches, sleep on the love seat"
\m/
4x12 definitely
Thanks for the comment! 4x12 is a solid choice!
now i m more confused than ever; every other vid i have listened to the 2x12 sounds better imo than the 4x12 mic'ed, but the 4x12 admittedly FELT better in the room
yours clearly the opposite (er, not in the room)
bro, r yer speakers in the ORANGE 2x12 Chinese v30's and how do they rate vs the British v30's?
Apologies for the late response?? Dont know how I missed this. There are so many variables that come into play - if each speaker in my 4x12 sounds slightly different than the other- so it may have just been the speaker I chose that made the difference. As you said the 4x12 feels incredible in a room or stage absolutely! The Chinese V30's are hot garbage compared to the UK V30 - I will never again spend money on a cab that has Chinese V30 - nothing against China - its just principle and there is a difference absolutely.
4x12......x8 because it looks cool \m/
Yes yes and yes- looking cool is key - everything else can be hot garbage- but as long as we answer the looking cool portion - we're good- hahaha. But no seriously - I agree with you- haha!
For gigs a 1x12 combo is best 9 times out of 10. For just cranking it in your basement 4x12 all the way.
Right on- I agree that one can certainly get away with using a 1x12 or 2x12 for stage and in a live setting that extra bass response from the 4x12 feels nice but can create some un-needed frequency battles. Thanks for watching DomSchu!
Great video, thanks for taking the time to demonstrate subtle differences like this
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it- and hopefully it may have helped you.
Everyone saying they prefer the 4x12 (understandable), but I quite liked the 2x12 :)
We have a few votes for the 2x12 - hard to go wrong with either, honestly.
Great video and thanks for the time and the effort. Your Gibson Les Paul Custom is gorgeous. Cheers!
Thank you for the kind words! Thanks for watching!
@@Jon_Tate Hey and howdy, your riffage also really helps out with showcasing the difference between the two cabs. Cool riffs, have a good one and Cheers!
Good video! While personally I am a Marshall man, I somewhat recently bought a Mesa-Boogie Mark 5 for my son. That said, I play, among other amps, a JCM-2000 DSL100 through a 1960BV 4x12. I am considering switching to a 1936 2x12 loaded with Celestion Heritage Greenback 30s. I am tired of dealing with the 4x12 in a flight case. How much do you believe my sound will suffer, if at all?
Hey Donald - thank you for your kind words and watching! Nothing wrong with being a "Marshall guy" at all! I believe the biggest difference you will notice between the 1960BV vs the 1936 cab you are considering will mainly be due from the differences in the speakers - G12's in the BV cab - and Greenback 30's as you stated.
From a sonic stand point you will lose some overall low end resonance-- this is due to the space and size differences between the 4x12 vs 2x12. However if you are gigging and in a band setting that will all get washed anyhow, as the bass guitar inherently fills that void, or if you are in a studio situation - that low end is typically filtered out regardless.
If you are a gigging guitarist- a 4x12 only makes sense if you have friends who can help you move it- but at the end of the day, nobody in the local bar or venue is going to gripe about a lack of 120hz in your tone! Besides your back will probably thank you!
So in closing - you will lose some low end however - 2x12's are a bit more mid forward and focused which can help you cut through a dense mix. Happy riffing man and thanks once again!
Spearhead Studios - Thank you for your reply. You hit the nail on the head when you said my back would love me. I need to have spine surgery in the near future. Lifting or rolling 4x12 cabinets were much easier while in my 20s! Thanks again.
I like the brightness of the 2x12, but that infamous OS cab airy and bass sound is hard to pass up. I like both.
Absolutely! Thats the answer to this question - get both! Hahaha and we wonder why we have gear addiction issues. Thanks for watching!!
4x12 thump!
Its hard to be a classic 4x12!
Hey man was that 4x12 the traditional or the oversized standard?
Hey Brandon - that is the Oversized cab- hope that helps and thank you for watching!
Hey thanks for the video. I'm really surprised how much of a difference there is between the cabs. The 4x12 definitely sounded better.
Thanks - glad you enjoyed the video. I figured I owed you that much after failing to answer your question/comment a few weeks back. If I recall you were contemplating a Orange 4x12 right? Im almost certain the the results would be very similar and that the characteristics of bass and overall "air" would be similar.
I just swapped the. 2 for the 4.
2 is Crap compared to the 4.
the 4 is AMAZING- the 2x12 can still lots o' work done though
Surprisingly , I prefer the 2x12 here. Much middy and cut better imo.
Right on - Thank you. Yes the 2x12 is absolutely no slouch.
Swings and roundabouts. One was not necessarily better, just different. And since I have to store and roadie the cabs, that makes it an easy choice.
For sure- if you are having to move them0 then yea, its the whole "Is the squeeze worth the juice" argument- and I agree wither would be fine. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for this demo! Answered exactly what I was looking for.
You are welcome- glad this video could have been of some help, and thank you for watching!
in band situations where you want your sound to find its own pocket on the stage mix, the 212 does nicely. more focused. both are great.
Indeed- plus the 2x12 is easier on the ol' back!
I feel like in the clean section you removed the reverb/delay from the 2x12 and added them in the 4x12?
Its obviously been a few years since I did this video- but my premise has never been to mislead anybody- I left these raw, un filtered- un adjusted when switching. I went back and listened and I do hear an ambience with the 4x12 that is not with the 2x12 - I cannot recall if I was into rom icing the guitars at that juncture or not- and that may be it - or it could be the overall resonance of the 4x12 - I cannot explain since such time has passed- but Im willing to bet good money that I did not engage a reverb or delay on the 4x12 for the sake of favoritism. Thanks for watching- hahaha. Im still surprised anybody watches these still- so thank you!
@@Jon_Tate All good I appreciate the response. Surprised at how much better 4x12s sound! Those two additional speakers really make a huge difference.
It is - the other interesting this - I cover in my "Know Thy Speakers" video how even in the same cab, with the same speakers- there is quite a bit of difference among those speakers.... Much of it could be caused by reflections from the floor, or lack there of, pretty nerdy- but interesting haha
@@Jon_Tate yeah thats probably what it is now that you mention it, makes sense!
I like the 4/12 better but both sounds bad ass.
Indeed they both do- having either one of these cabs in your arsenal is a good place to be- thanks for watching and thanks for the sub!
Thank you very much for this video. I like the 4x12" better. There is a great difference in the distorted sound. I have a single rectifier and a rectifier 2x12" box and I'm thinking on buying a mesa rectifier 4x12", but my question is: traditional or oversized? Do you know both?
I have played both, and I prefer the oversized. Once you play an oversized Mesa 4x12 you will have a hard time going back to traditional cabs. Thanks for watching and apologies for the delay to respond.
@@Jon_Tate Here I am searching, so thanks for the comment to this guy. I'm also here trying to decide if 2x12 or 4x12 for Mesa V:35.
@@PinchTune For pure utility in regards to size, portability and sound a 2x12 really does fit the bill. If you are more of a studio musician and not really gigging a 4x12 is great because you have 4 speakers to choose from when close mic-ing. Yes you get a bit more low end from the 4x12 and it is very pleasing to jam with - but truth be told all that additional low end is going to be filtered by FOH, or in the mix. So I suppose it comes down to these questions- are you a gigging musician that needs portability - or are you a home riff master just wanting pure sonic bliss?
@@Jon_Tate It's going to be both actually. I play a lot at home with a drummer. That the 4x12 would be great for that. I do have a 2x12 Lonestar cab as well that is more portable. Eventually we'll be playing out, after things normalize a bit. I'll likely end up selling my 1x12 since I don't care much for its sound.
Great video Jon. Playing and tone awesome as always. What speakers are in each of these cabs? Would also be curious to hear them both with mic set up at a distance.
Thank you sir for your kind words. Speakers in both cabs are UK made Vintage 30's I mic'd right where to cone and center dust cover meets at the 8 to 9 o'clock position and exactly 1.5 inches from the grill cloth. I have been getting way too much bass response on either cab from mic-ing too close- its simple proximity effect. I may try going down to just 1 inch from the cab next time.
4x12 sounds bigger and it's easier to mix.
Its a great cab! Thanks for watching!
hate boogie cabs. that orange will kill them both.
Fair enough- but like everything in the music/audio world- its all subjective to the end user- though if I am not mistaken, for as much hate that you have for Mesa cabs, I think I caught you red handed spying on Mesa cabs- lol - just joking man, thank you for watching.
If its any bit of a consolation - my Orange 2x12 is the black sheep of the family, it sounds shall I say "not as good" - though looking to load it with some proper speakers in the near future and hopefully it can start earning its keep.
Which speakers are in your orange? What ya thinking of putting in it? Great vid btw 🤘
@@dethstormpx4 Thanks man! The Orange cab has the Chinese version of the V30's in it. Since my Mesa have home grown UK V30's looking to go the creamback or even greenback route - for many reasons but also for variety or contrast from the V30. Thanks again for your comments and watching.
what about the 2x12 vs straight 4x12? or slanted vertical 2x12 vs slanted 4x12. the cab's construction affects tone a lot, usually straight cabs being a bit bitier.
Hey - thanks for watching! If I had the budget to do such shoot outs I would! Though much of the difference you get from the slanted vs straights and so on, is from the listeners perspective ( how it sounds to the player in the room) At the end of the day whether in a recording studio or live- your still mic-ing one V30 speaker. Yes there will be slight variances in over tones and slight harmonics- but I assure you the drunk people at the venue, or the jack wagons listening through the cell phone won't be able to discern those slight differences.
I say pick one, and rock out till your hearts content!
Hi! The differences seem to be very apparent even with micing the cab. This can be heard for example in Johan Segeborn's comparison of straight vs slanted & even from Thomann web store's sound demos.
btw. thanks for this quality comparison video. there aren't enough of these on the internet!
Your welcome my friend- and at all not discounting those fine reviews. Though, there is much lost when put in context of a mix, slamming snares, High Hats, Cymbals, and vocals. Just my humble opinion... Thank you for your kind words man- I do appreciate it very much!
For the chug the 4x12 but for everything else the 2x12 sounds better, I'd say use em both for complete domination
Thank you so much for making this! I've been looking for a comparison video of these two cabs for a while now. Keep up the great content and keep rocking! 🤘🤘
Thank you sir for your kind words! Glad you enjoyed the video and hopefully it was of some use for you in your decision on which cab to purchase.
I like the 4x12, but I kinda like the 2x12 also. Since I already have that same 4x12 played through a Mark V, I wonder what the 2 of them sound like together.
It would probably sound pretty epic- its pretty sad that I have yet to hook both the 2x12 and the 4x12 up at the same time- talk about epic LIFE FAIL- hahaha - thanks for watching sir
You have the shizzznet..mark v is incredible!...just heard a guy play through a combo......incredible!....damn....$3200 isreallt steep
@@joepaul9855 I always try and buy used - lol I certainly dont have that kind of cash laying around. lol
And the winner is the 1x12 mini rect! Ha ha
Hahaha. the option 3 guy - lol! I have yet to try the 1x12's from Mesa- though I am sure they are awesome! Thanks for watching and the comment!
Jk, they all sound amazing, just how much volume we need.
@@Jon_Tate I bought a 1x12 widebody. It sounds great, but that is until you play a 2x12. Then you realize it's, like, kinda meh. Reason I'm here researching whether I want to upgrade to the 2x12 vert, 2x12 recto or 4x12.
@@PinchTune The vertical 2x12 is really only useful if you are gigging- as the top speaker is angled slightly upwards thus - allowing you to be in a direct shot of the speaker. I prefer the regular 2x12 with both speakers being on the same plane - so if or when I decide to mic both speakers- Im not running into phase issues. Now the vertical 2x12 certainly does look col - so there is that. Again Id refer back to my earlier response about considerations for either. Thank you for watching!
@@Jon_Tate All true. One thing I don't like about the 2x12 vert is that they seemed to have used the same badge they use for the 4x12. Looks massive on it. Like it makes the cab look small because of the giant badge. I do like the horizontal 2x12. I actually think it looks the best out of all of them. And from listening to videos, which doesn't say a whole lot, does seem like it's more consistent in sound that the vert. But this and other videos have me looking at 4x12s too so we'll see.
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU I need a 4x12!! I have a 2x12 and it's good but wow that 4x12 sound.
hahaha - I will take that as a complement - the 2x12 is no slouch - but the 4x12 is just baller. thanks for watching!
I'm curious to know between the 2x12, which is better angles/vertical or horizontal ??
Better is going to be a metric in which you determine as a player or artist. If you are a gigging artist, and portability is key, the 2x12 will not disappoint. If you are more of a home recording kinda person - Id opt for the 4x12 because the low end is more present (though much of that gets high passed anyhow but still adds to the low mids that can be desirable) and you have the invariable differences of 4 speakers to differentiate tones and tone blends.
For live situations - I prefer the angled. (if going 4x12). If I was gigging - Id rock a 2x12 without any hesitation. For recording I prefer straight cabs - as the speakers are all on the same plane making them phase coherent. That doesn't mean angled cabs suck for recording- just another variable you have to contend with or at least have under wraps.
It really comes down to what you are doing, and what you are intending to use it for. If cost is a factor the 2x12 won't disappoint - but honestly getting wrapped up in the weeds, I kinda think you are over thinking it. What is your intended purpose of the cab, and why. Answer that, and the answer will reveal itself.
@@Jon_Tate Thanks for the explanation.
id buy a 4x12 but considering I'm leaving to boot in a month I think I'd rather save my money. however, the price difference is really not a lot so who knows
4X12
4x12 LIFE!
also if you room mic them both, a vertical 212 cab is even closer to the 412 in the “air” or “spatial” sound. both sound sooo good! enjoyed your playing.
Thank you for your kind words... A vertical 2x12 is absolutely on my "wish list" - I have heard so many people compliment that it seriously bridges the gap between the feel of a 4x12.
DenisMguitar QFT ^^^ Cant say how much I love the sound of my H&K Triamp MKIII through side by side Mesa Recto 2x12" Verticals!!
I bet that does sound insanely awesome!
I'm taking the easy way out and building a 3/4 stack tc100 head 412 on top of the 212 best of both worlds thanks for the demo by the way cool track
Right on boss! That will be a killer set up- I really want to get my hands on a TC at some point- thanks for watching and your kind words!
when you get the time drop some more demo's well worth the listen
Will do- Im working on being more regular with content my friend- just hang in there!
LOOKING FORWARD THANKZ
4x12 sounds awesome
Thanks Justin! Hard to go wrong with a 4x12 - besides its bigger, and bigger is always better, right? :)
Spearhead Studios Yes sir, I have the recto 2x12 cab and love it but it’s no 4x12 haha
Riffs so good that I need em both 🤘🏻👌🏻
Haha that is one way to solve the dilemma - just get one of each! haha Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching!
excellent vid brother thx
Thanks!!!
4x12 is oversized?
The 4x12 cab in this video is the over sized version. Thanks for watching and the question!
@@Jon_TateThank you for answer and vid!
One is louder that’s it 😂
Louder is more good-er right? lol
well they are both awesome in their own unique way.. so it depends on what you like and what you can carry.. a nice question is.. what should be the difference if you connect the mesa amp to a 4x12 or 2 separate 2x12 (4x12 in total)?? well that would be stereo signal or double mono, but the 4x12 has a stereo input too... would it be different?? im just asking because, supposing i have a 2x12 now, just because icant get a 4x12 now, if later in the future i manage to be able to get a 4x12, should i get rid of my 2x12 and get a 4x12? or by just getting a second 2x12 it would sound the same?? or better?? any help?
Hey- thanks for the question. I myself have little experience in running stereo rigs - as for my application it simply isn't warranted- so cant really comment on that. However- in regards to your latter question. If you decide to get a 4x12 down the road- absolutely keep the 2x12 if you can - as you can still run a similar stereo set up - and besides if you ever have a situation to where a 4x12 is a bit much- then your covered. However, simply stacking 2x12's will not sound exactly like a full blown 4x12- the resonances and amount of air available to push simply cannot be yielded from stacking 2x12's. Either way -rest assured it will still sound epically awesome- you may lose the inherent low end presence associated with the 4x12- but it would be inconclusive to say which would be better or worse. I feel both are dam fine cabs- and that Id suggest saving to get a 4x12 to complement your existing set up- keep an eye out on Craigslist- plenty of deals found there.
i just have a triaxis and a simul class 2 90.. but also had a blackstar ID260 tvp.. that is a 2x12 combo.. i rewired it as a stereo 2x12 cab.. and also i ordered 2 celestion v30s from mesa (the custom uk made for mesa)... hoping to get a better tone for the simul class.. that costed my 400€.. while the mesa cab is 1000€.. so i believe its going to be ok for now.. what you think? (and also my cab has an awesome back up amplifier onboard, just in case a tube fails in the simul class :P haha i like that.. i just turn the simul off, turn blackstar on, reconnect the speakers to blackstar and continue the show in no time)
Nice! Yea man sounds like you have it covered- thats pretty crafty doing all that re-wiring and having a fail-safe- Wiring and those things are up there with snakes and condoms- I don't F - with them - hahaha
hahaha yeah.. actually it just had the 2 speakers individually connected with a jack on the amp.. so i just drilled some holes in the back and removed the cable from the speaker contacts and put a jack to it... i connected the speakers in series and placed jack sockets in the holes and instead of running the speakers directly connected to the outputs of blackstar, i connect them either each one in each output of the blackstar or in series (it has 2 4ohm speakers now so in series it gives 8 ohms) to use them with the simul class.. but thats until the mesa speakers arrive.. then i will rewire the connection in parallel and have 4 ohm in mono and 8 ohm in stereo.. i hope both amps will sound better with the v30 than the blackstar stock speakers
I wouldn´t sell the 2x12". You can use it live in many places. And in studio I would run the amp with the two boxes and mix it. The mid richness of the 2x12" gives you a great cut through the mix and the 4x12" the bottom and the body.
4X12 by a long way!
Another vote for the 4x12! Thank you for watching!
Hey man! Question. How long have you had your 4x12 and how long have you had you 2x12 when you recorded this. To me it sounded like your 2x12 hasn’t been broken in yet. I have two mesa 2x12’s. One vertical and one horizontal. My horizontal sounds so much better compared to my vertical since my vertical hasn’t been broken in yet. But you know, this is just my opinion and just curious how about how long you had you cabs prior to this video. Thanks
Hard to say - I think I had the 4x12 abut a year before I did the video - but I was the 2nd or 3rd owner of the cab - so it wasn't new by any stretch - and the same for the 2x12. If I were to guess - Id say that the 4x12 was older than the 2x12 - but hard to say as both were picked up on the used market. Good point about one being more broke in vs another.
The new ones do sound good - but there are a little stiff comparatively. Thanks for watching and the comment- and great observation as well!
Bro those riffs, were magic!!!!!
Thank you my friend! Till next time, Happy Riffing!
This is how all reviews should be
Thank you for your kind words- really been teetering on firing up the channel and again and its comments like this that helps- thank you for watching - have a kick ass weekend!
Spearhead Studios no problem man, I checked this vid out because Im going to be buying a 4x12 rectifier cab here soon to match it with my Engl Fireball 100. Mesa is definitley the go to cab for all styles of heavy metal and high gain oriented amps.
@@dadiopimp Awesome! glad this vid could have been of some help to you in you decision making- that sounds like a killer combo with an Engl and a Mesa 4x12 - rock on man!
4x12 for me
4x12 is a hard one to beat... Thanks for watching!
4X12 com 'on man!
You know it!!
I can get the same sound for the 2X12 in a 1X12 recto, and for the 4x12, in the 2x12 roadster. It's fun to divide price and space so easily :)
Absolutely it is - I call it "manipulating time and space" haha very similar view point.
Hey brother....dude, great ideas and great playing! Thank you. One thing I'm curious about is what speakers are in 4 12 and the 212? Celestions? Black shadow? And which models? Thanks again
Thanks for your kind words - and glad you enjoyed the vid. In both the 2x12 and 4x12 the speakers are UK Made Celeston Vintage 30's. Typically you will find the Black Shadows or C90's in older Mesa cabs or the open back/hybrid cabs as the Black Shadows are historically more bass heavy.
@@Jon_Tate Well..I know it's more than one year old thread....As You wrote " Both 2x12 and 4x12 the speakers are UK Made Celeston Vintage 30's "...So, Celestion V30 8ohm has different sound to 16ohm version. 8ohm version has a fuller less fizzy sound than 16 ohm version.... If both cabinets has a same ohms (8)? In 2x12 is 16ohm version
V30 :
ua-cam.com/video/NYxpg6s-XfQ/v-deo.html
They both sound great but no question the 4 x12 has a richer defined tone - amazing!...I have a Mesa Mark 5/25 head through a Mesa 1 x12 mini cab. I want to get a 4 x 12 but will probably settle on running two 1 x 12s or getting a 2 x 12 just to save room and back aches. Still, the 4 x 12 is king!
right on man! thanks for watching- the 2x12 is hard to beat as well specially if back aches are a concern! Happy riffing boss!
4x12 most definitely!
Bigger is always better! Thanks for watching!
4x12! 🤘
Wrong answer - 11 Rack. hahaha
Nice comparison, thanks !
Glad it was helpful!
am i the only one who noticed how he holds a pick lol
We have to travel. To an authorized mesa dealer to try all of these combos.
@@robertciaschini7625 I can't really actually think about cabs at the moment since I'm using a combo but next year I plan to get a 212 and some kind of head lol
Im still waiting on you to post videos- - cheers my friend
@@Jon_Tate cheers, not gonna happen I'm just here to talk shit about people better than me
@@spookyintentions989 hahaha I can dig that man! Cheers as well and hope all is good with you and yours my friend!
live setting the 212 wins. all that low end gets completely covered by the drums and bass
You are absolutely correct - and is something that is often over looked or not considered. Another point for the 2x12 for live is that your band mates, and your back will like you much much more- Thanks for watching!
@@Jon_Tate ya no kidding!! I love my 412 but I just havnt had the motivation to take it out live yet, considering I've got a nice 212 mesa that sounds great and is way lighter lol
Of course the 4x12 because it was EQed much better.
Thanks- well the EQ settings on the amp remained the same- and as indicated in the video there was ZERO post production- this was simply to showcase the difference- not really to say which one is better. There is no question that both of these cabs are an excellent addition for any application. Thanks for watching!
4
which year of 4*12 ?
who?
@@Jon_Tate i like your 4*12 mesacab. can u tell me - which year of this cab ?
@@AndreySedov Thanks!!! Not sure how to precisely date this cab - I bought it used from a local person, who also bought it used from somebody else. If I had to guess. Id say its probably a Mid to late 2000's era cab.
@@Jon_Tate is that 240 or 280 watts cab ? mine is 280, i bought that in 2008 but it does not sound like yours/ and mine has speakers t4335B. are your speakers 4335B too ? ,... or 4335 without "B" ? how are your speakers labeled ?
@@AndreySedov Mine is a 280w version - I opened it up when I first got it- and its loaded with UK V30's. IIRC, they were labeled as T4335B as well. I wonder what the differences are?
Orange sounds amazing
the Orange sucks so bad - so bad that I sold it
If you have a 4x12 in your living room, your trying to compensate for something... could be crappy guitar playing... could be something else...2x12 all the way!!!!
Ah I see- kinda like having a Nitro Z7 and only going fishing about 3 times a year! hahaha
Let me guess you came to that conclusion by listening to this through your cell phone right?
I hope FishingFrenzy isn't serious -- he must have been listening to this through his Beats by Dre-
Bryant Carter Music I held it real close to my ear