2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

[Calsip]

Hey everyone, I haven't been on here in a while but with the holidays coming around I have a question for everyone!
I am looking at getting another cabinet, this cab would go with an orange head. I was wondering what all I would be missing going with a 2x12 instead of a 4x12. I'm going closed back. Specifically I am going with an Orange PPC212 vs the Orange Crush Pro 4x12.
If I were to compare the PPC412 vs PPC212 what is really the big difference besides the extra speakers?
Which would you go with and why?

 

[dystrust]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

I'd go with the PPC212 for two reasons. First of all, it should be significantly lighter and the tonal differences between a 4x12 and a well made & designed 2x12 are minimal. Second the PPC comes stock with V30s which are likely lightyears better than their 'Voice of the World' mystery speakers.

When I first bought my Jubilee head, I paired it with a vintage Marshall 1982B 4x12 loaded with blackback H30s. It sounded great, but having to haul that nearly 100lb cabinet got old in a hurry. In 2007 I replaced it with a ported 2x12 loaded with Emi Wizards. They don't sound exactly the same, but I seriously doubt anyone could pick out the differences in a band mix. The 2x12 also tips the scales at roughly 55lbs loaded. These days I rock a Mini Jubilee through an Egnater Rebel 112X, also loaded with a Wizard. I only bring out the "big guns" if I really need the extra volume, and that doesn't happen all that often.

 

[Calsip]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

I'd go with the PPC212 for two reasons. First of all, it should be significantly lighter and the tonal differences between a 4x12 and a well made & designed 2x12 are minimal. Second the PPC comes stock with V30s which are likely lightyears better than their 'Voice of the World' mystery speakers.

When I first bought my Jubilee head, I paired it with a vintage Marshall 1982B 4x12 loaded with blackback H30s. It sounded great, but having to haul that nearly 100lb cabinet got old in a hurry. In 2007 I replaced it with a ported 2x12 loaded with Emi Wizards. They don't sound exactly the same, but I seriously doubt anyone could pick out the differences in a band mix. The 2x12 also tips the scales at roughly 55lbs loaded. These days I rock a Mini Jubilee through an Egnater Rebel 112X, also loaded with a Wizard. I only bring out the "big guns" if I really need the extra volume, and that doesn't happen all that often.

What kind of sound do the V30's make? I never have used them.


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[dystrust]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

What kind of sound do the V30's make? I never have used them.


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If you've played a Mesa Recto cab, you've played through V30s though Mesa V30s aren't exactly the same as what Orange uses.

Other than that, it's safe to assume that most heavy guitar sounds recorded in the last 15 years or so used V30s. If you provide a few examples or artists / tones you're familiar with, someone can probably point out which ones are known to use V30s.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

In this specific case I'd do the 2x12 for the higher quality speakers. If you were comparing the PPC212 to the PPC412 I'd say the 4x12 all day. Bigger, fuller tone, plus the controls are where you can reach them.

 

[B2D]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

In this specific case I'd do the 2x12 for the higher quality speakers. If you were comparing the PPC212 to the PPC412 I'd say the 4x12 all day. Bigger, fuller tone, plus the controls are where you can reach them.

+1

My PPC412 is a beast to lug around but maaaaaaan is the sound worth it.

I'd like to acquire the PPC212 for smaller rooms.

 

[Calsip]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

Thanks for the help. I am definitely going to go with the PPC cabinet!


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[jeremy]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

ive given up on 4x12 cabs mostly for practical size/space/weight/volume reasons. also, 90% of the time the sound man is only micing one speaker so while it may sound huge on stage, the sound guy is getting the same feed. if you are running two heads into one cab then i can see a 4x12 being the way to go for the same practical size/space/weight/volume reasons as i like a 2x12

 

[dystrust]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

ive given up on 4x12 cabs mostly for practical size/space/weight/volume reasons. also, 90% of the time the sound man is only micing one speaker so while it may sound huge on stage, the sound guy is getting the same feed. if you are running two heads into one cab then i can see a 4x12 being the way to go for the same practical size/space/weight/volume reasons as i like a 2x12

+1

I haven't sold my 4x12 yet, but it's going up on the block when I pull it out of storage. I've played through it maybe a half dozen times in the last decade.

 

[PierceOkken]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

I really like my ppc212, it is the open back one which comes standard with Celestion v30s. I would prefer a 2x12 over 4x12 because they are lighter and the only real benefits to a 4x12 are its volume, but even at that, there is only a 2-4 decible differnce. A 4x12 may have a little more low end, but with the ppc212 the low end is alrady overwhelming.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

I would prefer a 2x12 over 4x12 because they are lighter and the only real benefits to a 4x12 are its volume, but even at that, there is only a 2-4 decible differnce.

Not really. I don't think there's a volume difference because the wattage coming from the head gets splits into more speakers, so each speaker sees less wattage being run through it. A 4x12 does have better spread, and it fills the room more, but it's not much louder if at all.

 

[dystrust]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

Not really. I don't think there's a volume difference because the wattage coming from the head gets splits into more speakers, so each speaker sees less wattage being run through it. A 4x12 does have better spread, and it fills the room more, but it's not much louder if at all.

The same wattage into 4 speakers instead of 2 (all other things remaining the same) is 3db louder. There are a few online calculators for that if you're really curious.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

^This^. It's a theoretical 3db increase, same wattage, doubling # of speakers. Here's a link to the first calculator I came across ... http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

I sold my 4x12 and now have a Port City OS 2x12. Hands down the most phenomenal cab I’ve ever owned. I’d put it up against ANY 4x12 out there.

 

[Sirion]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

Another benefit is that you can use low-powered speakers if you like. I still think 20-25 watt greenbacks sound great, but even with a 50 watt amp you really need a 4x12 of them to make sure that they don't blow up.

 

[Gtrjunior]

2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

Another benefit is that you can use low-powered speakers if you like. I still think 20-25 watt greenbacks sound great, but even with a 50 watt amp you really need a 4x12 of them to make sure that they don't blow up.

I disagree. I’m playing a 100 watt Quickrod into a 2x12 with Splawn Small Blocks. Each speaker is 55W for a total of 110W.
Even at gig levels (mic-ed up) there’s no way I’m pushing out 100 Watts.
My Marshall 2204 has never blown out a speaker either and I’ve had that amp loud as sh*t.
I wouldn’t run a 50 watt amp into 40 watts of speaker but you don’t need a 4x12 to run a 50 water.

 

[jeremy]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

ive blown a 50w speaker with a 20w amp. the amp was cranked but im still very cautious when running amps hot

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

Go figure! Was it a crappy speaker?

 

[NecroPolo]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

If I were to compare the PPC412 vs PPC212 what is really the big difference besides the extra speakers?

spine problems

 

[Emopunk]

Re: 2x12 Cab vs 4x12 Cab

ive blown a 50w speaker with a 20w amp. the amp was cranked but im still very cautious when running amps hot

How could that happen? Did you figure out any specific reason?

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