So is there really any point to having a 4x12 anymore?

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dirtyfunkg

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I know it's kind of a loaded question, but I'd still like to hear some opinions on this. I've had 4x12s and am about to sell back (to the dude I bought from) a Mills Afterburner 412. It sounds great, don't get me wrong. My issue is that... well... when is it actually practical? I'm going back to my Genz Benz G-Flex, which, while not as good as the Mills, still sounds A-okay when miked up. My bassist is happier, the other guitarist is happier...

In the 21st century, is there a real need for 4x12 cabs anymore other than for appearance? Most to all gigs you play are going to be fully miked and even if they aren't, a 2x12 is always going to do the job well enough.

So, if you use a 4x12, which one do you use, why do you use that particular one, and why do you use a 4x12 at all?

I feel like this could get some interesting responses--I might learn something.

FTR, I'm looking to build a wide body (30" wide) TL806 cabinet with false walls that I'll load my EVM12L into. I just need it that wide so that it can fit my heads without issue.
 
good question, i think for any mic'd up/monitor gig a 2x12 or even a 1x12 or any of those DI solutions/modellers can work well

for myself in the rehearsal space i can't imagine not having one there, but could certainly make do with a 2x12 (key word being make do)

and for some low wattage speakers as well you need a 4x12 to stop blowing them up too quickly =)
 
I agree, a 4x12 is pretty impractical and loud for things like pub gigs/weddings/functions like what I do in bands. Usually a well-mic'd combo or 2x12 will do the job great!

Next time I play Madison Square Garden I'll probably have a couple of cabs though ;)
 
There's lots of things about electric guitar music you don't "need".
 
It's like with women, you don't really need em to get off, but sometimes it's just better. Should be a good cab though, to stay within that analogy. I'd rather have a great 1x12" than a lousy 4x12".
 
Wattage has already been mentioned. Can't play a 100-watt head into a 1x12 or 2x12 with 25-watt Greenbacks. Recipe for disaster. As far as volume, I agree... I played a show last week with my little Jet City rig: A 22H head and a 24S 2x12. It was still plenty loud. As mentioned above, cabs today are more important when there are no monitors so you have to rely on stage volume to hear yourself.

One other thing to consider is mixing speakers. You can't combine speakers in a 1x12, and can barely mix in a 2x12. "X" patterns are only for 4x12's. There's several reasons for them, but volume is no longer one of them.
 
I played many years with with 4 4x12's. I tried to downsize to 2 2x12's, and just couldn't get into it. I never had the lowend I had gotten used to with 4x12's, so I went back. I now have 2, but mainly use 1 Randall with V30's.
 
For me it's a matter of convenience. A 2X12 is lighter, and smaller then a 4X12. Easier to transport. Packing my Jeep for a gig is a finely tuned game of tetris. I use a Boogie half back 4X12 at rehearsals and I think my oversized 2X12 sounds better. Both cabs have V-30's...
 
Are they necessary? Nope. But neither are 100 watt heads. I still play 100 watt heads and 412 cabs. Sure,it looks cool at a show, but I like them for the way they push sound. I like them because I don't use the monitors for my guitars. Different strokes for different folks. Isn't it wonderful that we live in a time with so many choices?!!? ;)
 
racerevlon":2sbpkcz4 said:
Wattage has already been mentioned. Can't play a 100-watt head into a 1x12 or 2x12 with 25-watt Greenbacks. Recipe for disaster. As far as volume, I agree... I played a show last week with my little Jet City rig: A 22H head and a 24S 2x12. It was still plenty loud. As mentioned above, cabs today are more important when there are no monitors so you have to rely on stage volume to hear yourself.

One other thing to consider is mixing speakers. You can't combine speakers in a 1x12, and can barely mix in a 2x12. "X" patterns are only for 4x12's. There's several reasons for them, but volume is no longer one of them.
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When it comes to 100watt heads, I do still see a point to them. When playing at a decent sized club/gig, the headroom could be very desirable.
 
Nothing sounds as good and as massive as a 4X12 IMO, but carrying these things can be a bitch especially when you get older!!! :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL: I like the 4X12 because you can get that massive low end!!! That said, a 2X12 with the correct speakers for a particular cab and amp will get you an awesome tone IMO. I like the Bogner OS 2X12s and there are many great 2X12 cabs out there. As far as 4X12s, I think the Bogner 4X12 cabs kick ass and have owned one in the past. I am currently using the Cameron 4X12 cab (Original Design) the G12H30 70th Anny's with a Cameron Atomica and a Bogner Os 2X12 with Scumbacks 65 watt speakers (J75 and H55).
 
I like at least 2 or more speakers. I don't like the sound of a 1x12 for crunch or gain tones. Sounds too boxy to me. I need a 2x12 at least.
 
Forgot, I love the sound of a 4x12 loaded with Greenbacks. A 2x12 with Greenies just doesn't sound the same. A 2x12 loaded with V30's is better for me. This is strictly imho. :yes:
 
in all honesty i have RARELY played a miced gig. i think 2 in all my gigs in all my bands. 2 out of god knows how many shows. and some of those venues have been of decent size on a pretty big stage where my 4x12 has been ideal. if im getting a mic, maybe its not a necessity, but unless its a small club i see a point to it. you dont HAVE to run full volume, but even at lower volumes a 4x12 gives me more resonance, better low end response, and it looks cool.

i was actually considering getting a 2x12 for those gigs where a 4x12 wasnt necessary, but i came across my Marshall for a damn good deal and couldnt pass it up. and now, with a mix of Retro 30s and G12T75s, it may be my fave cab. although, i have to pop some retros into my Laney (with 2 HM75s, a G12m70, and a peavey 1230...) to see how they really compare. but ill never give them up. love my 4x12s!
 
My main cab at home is a 212. It sounds great and I find myself thinking it is all I would ever need....until I go to practice or a gig and fire up my 412. Moving that extra air just puts it over the top! Feels awesome. Two 412s is even better. Shiny summed it up nicely above. :)

BTW, I mic up my 412 with two mics at shows, but I don't feel any redundancy.
 
They're not practical. We've gathered this. I haven't gigged in ages, but I love my 4x12s, and it's odd - I wish I didn't for the very reason mentioned in here. They're heavy, impractical, etc. etc. etc. And hey, costly to keep around.

That said? They move the air; they've got a wicked low end; the "call and response" with my axe, amp and cab is simply better with 4 speakers than 2; for jams, they hold their own - and this makes a difference - as hey, everyone can hear where everyone is in the room.

Ya, not practical for home/studio/jam use, but again, they're an oldschool staple, you know?
 
Ventura":1t7crvpy said:
They're not practical. We've gathered this. I haven't gigged in ages, but I love my 4x12s, and it's odd - I wish I didn't for the very reason mentioned in here. They're heavy, impractical, etc. etc. etc. And hey, costly to keep around.

That said? They move the air; they've got a wicked low end; the "call and response" with my axe, amp and cab is simply better with 4 speakers than 2; for jams, they hold their own - and this makes a difference - as hey, everyone can hear where everyone is in the room.

Ya, not practical for home/studio/jam use, but again, they're an oldschool staple, you know?
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :rock: :rock: :rock:
 
I'm the epitome of pathetic for this thread. I am a bedroom player now and haven't gigged since early 2010. For some reason my basement setup is an Axe-FX II into a Matrix GT1000FX and out into two, count them two, Marshall 4x12 cabs. :) The reason this is especially ridiculous is that the Matrix is solid state and is actually setup to adjust to different cabs, etc, so you don't blow anything. I could easily go into a 1x12 Bogner (like Pete Thorn does) and be completely happy.

I have actually considered picking up some different cabs, etc. I have thought about getting an EVH 2x12 because eventually I want to maybe pick up the EVH head as well, and could also use it with my Axe-FX II setup. Also like someone mentioned above, better to have a nicer sounding 2x12 than crappier 4x12. My Marshall cabs are ok but one is the standard 75 speakers and the other has V30s. Nothing special but do the job. I just like hearing the stereo separation, etc.

I recently had hernia surgery (most likely from weight lifting) and I thought I probably don't need the big-ass 4x12s at this point. :)
 
no, but yes to 5 :lol: :LOL:
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I always like the sound of a 4x12 regardless of volume levels
 
Nothing sounds like a good 4x12. Why?

Phase relationship and speaker coupling.

four speakers in one enclosure is fed the signal from your amp. The speakers working as one and attenuates some frequency's and amplifi others. This is why the 4x12 sounds so rich,complex, 3D and thick.

As you go down in size like 2x12 there is less phase interaction so the sound is more Direct.

1x12 cabs sound great for clean stuff but for high gain they really sound to isolated for my ears.
 
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