Marshall MR1960A vs MF400B

[Simon Dorn]

I recently bought a Marshall 2203x Halfstack with a MR1960A.
I did not plan keeping the Cab, but to my surprise i actually like it quite a bit.
I kinda always "hated" Slant Cabs and did not want to use MIC Speakers.
Though the K100s in the MF400 are propably also made in China.

Here's a "Metal" comparison:
No EQ on the MR1960A mics.
High and low cut on the MF400Bs.
Some Mastering.





Volume was very low.
What do you think?

 

[jtgainor]

I think the B cab works a bit better for the tone you're going after. I thought the a cab sounded a bit brighter and snappier, where the b cab was a bit warmer and thicker. I was in the same boat in terms of hating A cabs because all I ever heard was B cabs are "better". I recently refurbished a 1960a from the early 70's and its now my favorite cab compared to my 1960bv with G12V's, and my JCM 900B cab with english greenbacks.

 

[Simon Dorn]

Thanks for your reply. The B cab certainly has more low end/low mids, but also a kinda annoying grind in the Mids/UpperMids which makes it a little undefined in the attack. I don't know...The A just sounded "right" to me, when i got it, together with the Head (for the steal of a price, especially compared to the prices in the US). I did a lot of A/B-ing. And i compared my '83 2203 to the X as well. (But that's a different story)

I had the feeling that i fought with the MF400 for the most of the time. In the room it's crushing.

I had few A cabs already. But i always stuck with the MF400.

Will have to experiment a little more. It's not like i have to choose, but if i keep both heads and cabs, i need a second guitar.

 

[mcstinger]

Huh, so you really need a second guitar . I'm looking forward to tomorrow, I'm going to pick up the MF400.

edit: both those recordings sound awesome. I have just found out that you are the author of one of my favorite comparison videos, Mr. Hector vs. JVM. That track is great.

 

[Simon Dorn]

Huh, so you really need a second guitar . I'm looking forward to tomorrow, I'm going to pick up the MF400.

edit: both those recordings sound awesome. I have just found out that you are the author of one of my favorite comparison videos, Mr. Hector vs. JVM. That track is great.

Most likely.
But we will see. I like the idea of just having 1 Amp, 1 Cab, 1 Pedal and 1 Guitar. So i sold most of my gear.
The MF400 is a great Cab. I have mine sonce 2004. I don't think that i can part with it. Have fun!
Thanks for the kind words.

 

[mcstinger]

Arrived few hours ago. Killer cab

 

[Rex Rocker]

I've always preferred how the top speakers on angled cabs mic up, personally.

It's not too bad on Marshall cabs, because even the straight cabs are slightly angled. But I can never get completely straight cabs (like Orange) not to sound like there's some SERIOUS comb-filtering going on inside the cab.

 

[Simon Dorn]

Arrived few hours ago. Killer cab

View attachment 164473

Awesome! Congrats! Any clips?

 

[Simon Dorn]

I've always preferred how the top speakers on angled cabs mic up, personally.

It's not too bad on Marshall cabs, because even the straight cabs are slightly angled. But I can never get completely straight cabs (like Orange) not to sound like there's some SERIOUS comb-filtering going on inside the cab.

Yeah, micing them up sounds pretty good and they have a bit more omph in the lower speakers as well, compared to the straight cabs.
I was in my live-room today...i'm almost sorry to say, that the MF400B wins hands-down in this department.
Yes, the Orange Cabs are strange. But that's no wonder, if you know how they are built.
Do you know, if Marshall really is the only Company, that builds the Cabs with dovetail joints?

 

[Rex Rocker]

Pretty sure they're just finger joints, not dovetail. And I think that's pretty common practice with cab makers, no? I see a lot of makers advertise their cabs as finger jointed birch ply.

I don't think Marshall cabs are particularly well-made, TBH. Looking inside my 1960A really made me cringe. But I guess that's part of the sound. I heard MF cabs are better, though.

 

[mcstinger]

Awesome! Congrats! Any clips?

Right in the process of moving, unfortunately. On Monday I will be back in a house, I will try to capture something on phone.

 

[mcstinger]

I've always preferred how the top speakers on angled cabs mic up, personally.

It's not too bad on Marshall cabs, because even the straight cabs are slightly angled. But I can never get completely straight cabs (like Orange) not to sound like there's some SERIOUS comb-filtering going on inside the cab.

Probably standing waves.

 

[Simon Dorn]

Pretty sure they're just finger joints, not dovetail. And I think that's pretty common practice with cab makers, no? I see a lot of makers advertise their cabs as finger jointed birch ply.

I don't think Marshall cabs are particularly well-made, TBH. Looking inside one really makes you cringe. I heard MF cabs are better, though.

Ok. That might as well be how they build their cabs. I thought of Mesa and Orange. I like how Marshall cabs resonate. The MF Cabs are pretty solid.

 

[Rex Rocker]

Yeah. I get ya. Mine was not pretty inside, but it mic'd up so well.