4x12 Need opinions: Mills Acoustics, Vader, Port City, Uberk

[azzzy]

OK, after almost 15 years of playing though an original Carvin Steve Vai Legacy 4x12 I decided it's time to look at other cabs. So, what's good? So far from what I've read the main contenders are Mills Afterburner, Vader 4x12, Port City 4x12, and Uberkab (and possibly Diezel). I have several amps but mainly play though Uber Rev Green, Diezel VH4, and Orange TH30. I play everything from jazz to metal on a variety of guitars with a variety of pickups. I like V30's (and would actually prefer an unloaded cab so I could put my British-made V30's into it) but if a cab originally comes with different speakers those can always be swapped out (unless it comes with EVM's - I'd leave those in). I am actually quite content with my Carvin cab but reading all these reviews makes one wonder if other cabs would sound better. Looking primarily for a tighter low end.

So... Please post your impressions of the aforementioned cabs you've used, especially if you have used more than one of them, in which case the comparison is greatly appreciated. If you have used a Carvin Legacy cab, I would be also interested in a comparison with any of the cabs listed above. Let the madness begin...

 

[RaceU4her]

i have a vader 4x12, if you like v30s i dont know if thats the cab to go with, the legends in there have a much smoother top, more low end and none of the v30 mid hump. maybe check out a krank cab with the texas heats, i think those are supposed to be closer to v30s

 

[maddnotez]

I have the Mills AB and it is hands down the best cab I have ever played through. It is made for metal I think so I am not sure how jazz or other types of music will be with it. I have the Rev 2 and the mills keeps the low end very very tight. It sounds massive, fills the room nicely and it also projects very very well. So it is not directional. You can stand anywhere in the room and it sounds almost exactly the same. For metal that is the cab for me.

I played the Ubercab and it is a very awesome cab. I would take one in a second but it was a bit harsh on the high end. I think it was the 75's and I would go all V30 if I had one.

The OS Mesa was just like everyone says flubby and too bassy, especially with a Bogner that is a definite no go but maybe the regular sized mesa would be good?

I did not like the Orange 2x12, too spikey. The VHT D412 was very very nice but too tight and directional. I have never played a Diezel or a Vader so I cannot say.

Ive heard the Vader's live and they sounded great.

These are obviously just my opinions and results may vary with other gear. I would say Diezel, Bogner or Mills for sure.

The bad thing about the Mills is that it is a GIANT cab and weighs 106lbs. If you gig it is going to suck moving it. It also has a very unique mid range, almost as if there is no coloration from the cab and you really get to hear the speakers. I love it but I have seen others say they do not. Also again, I am not sure how versatile they are for other music besides metal. The bogner may suit you better since you are playing various things but the Mills are no longer made so it may be worth buying just to see for yourself idk, hope some of that helps.

Edit: Port City is #1 on my cab GAS list right now. I would also look into Zilla or even Earcandy. GAS

 

[johnpace2]

The Mesa Traditional cabinets are some of the best I've ever played. They are not at all flubby like the over sized ones can be.

 

[JackBootedThug]

old mesa metal grills with ev's and mc90's. or ms-12's. killer cabs, great for everything.

 

[azzzy]

Thanks for the opinions, guys. Keep 'em comin'!

Just a little more info. This cab will be strictly for studio use, so size/weight is irrelevant. I have several other cabs to be used for other music styles if necessary as well as pretty much all of the mainstay Celestions: V30's, G12H30's, Alnico Gold's, Alnico Blue's, Century, Century Vintage 30's, etc. I also have a few Eminence speakers but I am not a fan (in fact I have a a pair of Red White And Blues (I think - gotta look inside my EarCandy 2x12 to confirm) for sale if anyone's interested). Anyway, bottom line is I am looking for a 4x12 cab for studio use primarily for metal.

If it helps, the other cabs I own (besides the Carvin Legacy) are Vader 2x15, THD 4x12, EarCandy BuzzBomb 2x12, Port City 2x12, TopHat 2x12, a couple of EarCandy Sovereign 1x12's, and a 1x12 for use with AxeFX - a super light cab but I can't remember its name. I would run my Uber though this new cab - be it Mills, Vader, or whatever else - in conjunction with another cab - either the 2x15 or the 2x12 with Alnico Gold's.

 

[mincy]

My go to cab is a Mills Acoustic Afterburner. As has been said in this thread already, it's huge and sounds it. The weight is an issue for gigging though. Really tough to move that thing around. I still record with it and it's my go to cab at home, but I have a Marshall 1982a I gig with as nearly 40lbs lighter. The 1982a is good, but not on par with the Mills.

I've owned a Mesa Road Kind 4x12, a Mesa Oversized 2x12 and a Mesa Traditional 4x12 in the past. Of the three, I miss the Traditional. I'd buy one again.

And I'm not going to lie, I'm a sucker for a 1960B cab. I've owned a few and I have an older one loaded with the original G12-65s and it's a fantastic sounding cab.

All that being said, the Mills is still my favorite. I removed the V30s from mine and but Rola Celestion G12-80s in it. Sounds great with my Diezel, my two Mesas and a 18W Marshall clone I used to have. Only cab that sounded good with all 4 amps.

 

[FourT6and2]

Standard/Traditional Mesa cab (the smaller one), with the standard Mesa V30s.

Or...

Standard Bogner cab (not Uberkab). Get one unloaded or find one with V30s.