Anyone use a Mesa Road King 2x12 cab?

[cardinal]

Not the combo, but the 2x12 cab that's half closed-back and half open-backed. What do you think of it? Do you use it as a stereo cab or mono?

Looking for a cab or cabs for a stereo situation. For me, two 4x12s is out of the question, and I don't really want two 2x12s either. I could go with a pair of 1x12s, but for whatever reason I'm not crazy about that idea either unless the consensus is that there will be unpleasant phasing issues when running a 2x12 in stereo. Since the Road King cab (I think) isolates each speaker, I'm hoping phasing won't be an issue.

 

[Shiny_Surface]

Had both a RK 2x12 and standard Recto 2x12 side by side, the RK 2x12 brighter than the standard Recto 2x12 but still thumps well for heavier stuff imo.

 

[glassjaw7]

I've used the RK 412 and I like it much more than the Standard (Oversize) 412. It breathes more and the mix of speakers smooth out the V30s' spikey upper midrange. It sounds much better on cleans to and the sound fills the room more and is less direct. Never used it in stereo though, sorry.

I like the Traditional Rectifier 412 better than both of them, however. IMO that is Mesa's best cab and one of the best cabs out there, period. I currently own the Rectifier 212 and while I like it, I'm not in love with it. Go for the RK.

As far as one being brighter, many people say the RK is brighter, but it depends on what frequencies you're focusing on. The V30/C90 mix will smooth out that mid spike, which many consider to be overly bright, but it will have more actual top end.

This is pretty accurate:

 

[Shiny_Surface]

I like the RK 4x12 with full size backboard, Mesa should include both standard as part of the purchase imo.

 

[glassjaw7]

I like the RK 4x12 with full size backboard, Mesa should include both standard as part of the purchase imo.

Sweet! Yes, they should.

 

[cardinal]

That looks sweet. I have a Recto 2x12 cab (which I think is the same width as the Road King cabs), and I'm wondering if I can just have someone local install a divider in the center like that and keep the whole think closed back.