Why might someone not prefer a 412?

[thegame]

I never thought about the point regarding mic'ing a single speaker kinda makes the 412 moot. But I have to wonder if that's not entirely true. There's air behind it that all four are mucking around with.

If it was only the relative lack of bass in 2x12 and 1x12 cabs that makes most people think they don't sound as good as 4x12s, things would be easier. But more speakers = more phase interaction (frequency peaks and notches) between them (even using the same type) = a more complex tone, especially in the midrange. Its simple physics and not debatable. What is subjective is which one sounds best to you.

That all becomes null and void when close mic'ing.

Absolutely not.

 

[nevusofota]

I never thought about the point regarding mic'ing a single speaker kinda makes the 412 moot. But I have to wonder if that's not entirely true. There's air behind it that all four are mucking around with.

If it was only the relative lack of bass in 2x12 and 1x12 cabs that makes most people think they don't sound as good as 4x12s, things would be easier. But more speakers = more phase interaction (frequency peaks and notches) between them (even using the same type) = a more complex tone, especially in the midrange. Its simple physics and not debatable. What is subjective is which one sounds best to you.

That all becomes null and void when close mic'ing.

Absolutely not.

Absolutely. Insignificant

 

[dstroud]

I gigged 4 x12's for years. I started playing smaller rooms and the throw on a 4x12 is just too long. We were getting volume complaints and I walked about 30 feet in front of the amp and the volume would probably stun a small animal. I went to a JCM800 in a 1 x 12 closed back combo - works fantastic and has just the right amount of throw for the smaller rooms I play. Of course I still have 2 4 x 12's for the bigger rooms

 

[guitarobert]

My 2x12 has all the volume, thickness, depth, punch, etc, that I could ever need and then some, but for half the size and weight of a 4x12, so it's kind of a no-brainer for me.

Which 212 cab are you using?

 

[Qweklain]

I personally prefer 2x12. They are lighter, take up less space, easier to move, and sound better at lower volumes. Now don't get me wrong, a good 4x12 at good volumes is fantastic, but I just generally prefer the tone of 2x12s. I've been using a Fryette (older VHT labeled one) FB 2x12 for a long time and have never had any inclination to change it. I DO want to add a 2x12 to it though that is of a different flavor.

 

[barnesjd]

I've been using a Fryette (older VHT labeled one) FB 2x12 for a long time and have never had any inclination to change it. I DO want to add a 2x12 to it though that is of a different flavor.

I think what you meant to say here is you want a 412 and another 412 that is a different flavor.

 

[EVHpickdust]

I like *x12's

 

[jsp]

My 2x12 has all the volume, thickness, depth, punch, etc, that I could ever need and then some, but for half the size and weight of a 4x12, so it's kind of a no-brainer for me.

Which 212 cab are you using?

Whitebox Modern 2x12 w/ Eminence Swamp Thang and Texas Heat speakers.

 

[Mudder]

I have 1x12, 2x10, 2x12, and 4x12 all as options for cabs. Each one does something different. Some amps sound great with one or a couple, bad with others. Different flavor is all.

 

[primerib]

I love them. But I could see where people have issues with weight...and the beaming effect.

 

[benduncan]

Whatever should use what they like..

But I personally find a 2x12 a bit more annoying to move around than a 4x12, unless there are a bunch of stairs

 

[Spaceboy]

they are heavy and don't sound any different under a mic

that's why, if you play decent stage your cab is mostly irrelevant

i play shitholes and basements so i like 412s

 

[supersonic]

I gigged 4 x12's for years. I started playing smaller rooms and the throw on a 4x12 is just too long. We were getting volume complaints and I walked about 30 feet in front of the amp and the volume would probably stun a small animal. I went to a JCM800 in a 1 x 12 closed back combo - works fantastic and has just the right amount of throw for the smaller rooms I play. Of course I still have 2 4 x 12's for the bigger rooms

Yep the "Beaming" effect. A quad will sound fantastic standing in front just off axis but God help any poor soul it its' firing line. I've switched to an open back 2x12 for this reason.

 

[Dale B]

Although I prefer 4x12 cabs, the herniated disc in L5 keeps me from lugging them around now.

 

[ke2]

And the 1x12 has an EVM12L speaker. It rules. I want 6 more EVMs and put them into everything

Seems like guys who have EVMs love them. What are you playing through it, and what sorts of styles you like? I might put one in the 112 I mentioned.

I've had that speaker for years and years.
Right now it's a Randall RD50 and a Diezel D-moll. I used to have a Mesa Thiele cabinet with an EVM.
It's probably the best size/weight/sound ration cab I've ever used.
This one is a converted big 1x12 combo shell with a semi-closed back, but it still sounds glorious.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Comb filtering and column effect. I HATE 4x12s. Only vertical 2x12 for me.

 

[4Eyes]

Absolutely not.

correct...in the studio, with proper acoustic treatment, you can discuss benefits of bigger internal volume of 4x12 over smaller cabs and more speakers moving air. but in live situation, where acoustics of the room is far away from ideal, it's insignificant and in most cases the lower volume = better, clearer sound of the band (less speakers and smaller cabs help to achieve that). nothing's more annoying than "so called" rock star with his full stack at ear bleeding volume in a small venue, overpowering everything else in the band

 

[joepete77]

I own 4 cabs but find myself bringing my beat up old Marshall 2x12. It sounds great, but its much easier to fit in my car if needed, it's much lighter , and it's smaller for some of the small stages at these dive bars and clubs. It's also beat to hell so I don't mind it getting banged around etc.

 

[sixstringking713]

Although I do own 2 4x12 marshall cabs

My main reason for gigging with 2x12 cab usually..

 

[JimmyBlind]

I'm rocking an Orange 2x12 with V30s. My reasons were for portability, cost & space. I don't feel I compromised on sound quality investing in a 2x12 of that quality. 4x12 cabs probably do sound more balanced, but there's no question you can get a superb sound with a quality amp & 2x12. I'd say chassis construction & speaker type has more of an effect on tone.