2 1x12s vs. 2x12

[MDS]

Hey guys...

I'm looking for thoughts about the differences in tone I'd find using 2 1x12 cabs versus a single 2x12. Having 2 1x12s would be a bit more flexible and I could angle the cabs different ways, space them out a bit for a wide stereo thing, etc. I could also just take 1 cab to smaller gigs...what's the conensus on this?

Thanks!

Mike

 

[aleclee]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

Not a big fan of 1x12s for live use, at least not the ones that are much smaller than a 2x12. IMO, smallish 1x12s tend to sound kind of boxy.

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

From a technical aspect, having each speaker in its own enclosure is best but I'm not sure this application would notice that much of a difference. (it's mainly used in hi-fi speakers).

 

[flipside]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

i think having two 1x12's is pointless, if you're at a big enough gig that you need to spread out your sound more, you will prob be miced into a PA anyway. Plus you won't need to carry around two cabinets.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

i think having two 1x12's is pointless, if you're at a big enough gig that you need to spread out your sound more, you will prob be miced into a PA anyway. Plus you won't need to carry around two cabinets.

Ever heard of stage volume? I will NEVER rely on a house PA to provide my guitar sound until I have my own soundguy with me.

Until then, a 4x12 is awesome, but 2 4x12's (one on each side of the stage, or side by side but spread apart a bit) is ideal, IMO.

 

[JLagoon]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

What is really the ideal placement of 2 4x12 cabs on stage (L and R of stage or put the two together behind you)?

 

[Mephis]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

I wouldn't think 1x12's would sound good. Bigger cab=better tone.

Of course thats subject to opinion.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

There are certian trade offs. Even the smallest possible 2x12 is pretty bulky and heavy. Two 1x12's can be more easy to haul around, and you have the option of simply taking one, if taking something bigger is too much of a problem. Also a 1x12 gives you the sound of the speaker without any phase cancelation or phase agumenting effects to color the sound. In multiple speaker cabinets, you also have these type of things occuring inside the speaker box, effecting how the cones move. For example, a closed 4x12 is more scooped in the mids than the same speakers would be in a single or even a two speaker box.

Having written the above, it has been my experiance that a single 2x12 usually sounds bigger than two small 1x12's on a stage.

 

[Baltar]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

a 212 would be the better choice.
if you have two chassis on the same surface, the efficiency is better.

a 112 is more or less a good choice to enforce a combo.

anyway, i think a 212 is cheaper than two 112s

 

[iekobrid]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

I could also just take 1 cab to smaller gigs...

If your amp's tone is volume dependent, I imagine you would be able to get that 'sweet spot' loudness more safely with two speakers than one, but even dragging along two 1x12s should be easier than a one 2x12.


I'm considering getting two 1x12s myself, but just for home recording with limited space. Reckon I would have one sitting out all the time for practicing and writing, and leave the other in the closet (or attic or garage) until I need it. Ideally they'd each have a different speaker and a removable-closed back design for max variety.

I'd run into the same problem as above, though. The average tube amp might not sound so hot at the output level I'd be limited to when connecting to, say, a single Vintage30, so my enthusiasm for practicing and writing might be noticeably less than it would be if I had the floor space for a 2x12 that lets me open the throttle wider.

Definitely still just in the 'considering' stage...

 

[greendy123]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

Another thing is if you using a head you can put it on top of the 2x12 cab. 1x12 are usually shorter so you need to bend down even more to adjust settings. I'm pretty sure if you combined both 1x12 cabs together it still wouldn't be able to hold a head securely. Anyways heads look nicer on a cab or a set of cabs.

 

[MDS]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

A head would fit fine on top of 2 1x12s that are next to each other. I think 2 1x12s would be somewhat easier to transport because each piece is smaller and lighter, and the flexibility would be good (being able to point a speaker at the band can be great), but I'm leaning 2x12. The 2x12 actually takes up a little less space on stage or in the van, and it sounds like it would get a better sound...cheaper too, not that that is my number 1 concern, but...

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

Unless your using 100 watt amps, or loading a 1X12 with Greenback's and the like, power handling of a single 1x12 usually isn't a problem. A single Vintage 30 will handle a cranked 50 watt amp. A 100 watt amp would require two such speakers though.

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: 2 1x12s vs. 2x12

I like my 2 1x12's. I can move them around. I have 3 actually so I can mix 2 different speakers that I want.