Open back VS closed back cabinet

  • Thread starter Thread starter Schaf
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Schaf

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I've been using a stock Marshall 4 x 12 loaded with G12T75's for years. Tried many different speakers but always came back to the 75's because i think they match up with the JCM800 2204 really well. I just like the sound of that speaker with that amp. In an attempt to lower my stage volume, I recently bought an avatar 1 x 12 open back cab. It now has a 75 in it. Really the only reason I bought it was because it was a great deal and by the time I did some trading, I got it free. But I thought what the heck, if I can position it right on stage (beside me, aimed at me like a monitor), it should be loud enough on stage so I can hear and it can be pushed through the PA. I only play loud enough to be able to hear over the drummer anyway. But that's pretty loud. And, because of the way I usually have to position the bigger cab, it's pointed towards the audience. It's obvious that it probably won't sound as big on stage VS pushing the air that the 4 X 12 does. I'm just wondering what differences I'm going to here with the open back VS close. I can make a panel to close it up, but I'm wondering if I'll be better off to leave it open.

Opinions?
 
In general for lower gain vintage sounds I prefer opened back. For higher gain and more modern sounds I like closed back. For what its worth, I run a closed back 212 with my Marshall Silver Jubilee.

Opened back - airy, more dimension, generally better for clean and low gain. Can be loose on the low end
Closed back - punchy, tighter, generally a smaller sound stage and more directional.

If you are using the 112 as a monitor, I would make it closed back. Avatar can make you a back panel for a nominal fee or you can make one yourself. http://www.woodworkerssource.com/6_plywood.html
 
Semi-open or 1/3 open back. Problem solved. I battled this for years and this has been my solution. You compromise just a little, but it's worth it. I'm a classic to hard rock player with some metal: GNR, COC, Crowes, Kravitz, Tool, AIC, etc.
 
With my Mesa widebody cab I made a few different backs for it, stock is top 1/2 open, I made a panel to close it all up, one for about a 3" opening at the bottom, and 3" opening in the middle. By far the 3" at the bottom sounds best, lots of low end, but still pretty tight!!
 
Junk Yard Dog":2n1ujus5 said:
Semi-open or 1/3 open back. Problem solved. I battled this for years and this has been my solution. You compromise just a little, but it's worth it. I'm a classic to hard rock player with some metal: GNR, COC, Crowes, Kravitz, Tool, AIC, etc.

Actually, that's what it is. !/3 open. I was kind of hoping that the open back would give it a bigger sound without giving up too much tightness on the bottom.
 
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