Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

[fingerace]

The title says it.

Is the sound different when you run two 212 cabs on top of each other instead of running a full sized 412??

(provided speakers and overall dimentions of cabs are the same.)

Thanks guys

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

I think a 4x12 will have more bottom end

 

[fingerace]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

Thanks RA.

I am thinking that if there isn't really much of a difference, two 212 cabs are much better because of portability. You can actually lift those into the car.

Is the difference substantial?

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

As for how much depends on the amp, volume speakers etc. I would not worry. Bass players can handle the low end anyway.

 

[lex666]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

I think a 4x12 will have more bottom end

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that they would be the same. Stack the 2 2x12's and you should get the same sound.

If bottom end was important to you, then maybe you could get even more bottom end by not stacking the 2x12's... leave them both on the floor and you might feel more bass...

Another advantage of 2 2x12's is that you'd be able to spread them out. Put each one on opposite sides of the room and I'll bet it will sound amazing...

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

They do sound different. 2X12 cabs are generally tighter and punchier. Whereas 4X12 cabs are generally looser and a hair more bassy. It has to do with the way the sound flows around in the cab. There's not as much room for air to move in a 2X12. But they wouldn't be night and day different. The construction and baffling inside the cabs will affect the sound as much as how many speakers are in there.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

i prefer the 4x12 tone but because my new car is a camry i'll be getting a 2x12 soon.....

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

Yeah, the 4x12 will be deeper and punchier, in a good way.

 

[baritone]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

If your head has stereo output jacks for speakers, having multiple enclosures helps take advantage of spatial effects better.

 

[fingerace]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

Thanks for the replies guys.

As I am building the cabs (alright I am having someone build them for me..) I will make them as deep and as large as I want them to.

I don't really want that big 4x12 cab unless I have to build one because of the sound.

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that they would be the same. Stack the 2 2x12's and you should get the same sound.

If bottom end was important to you, then maybe you could get even more bottom end by not stacking the 2x12's... leave them both on the floor and you might feel more bass...

Another advantage of 2 2x12's is that you'd be able to spread them out. Put each one on opposite sides of the room and I'll bet it will sound amazing...

The fact that the cabs are separete is a big advantage for sure. Did you try that trick with the floor? Does it really work?

If it does, I am getting the 212s for sure!

 

[lex666]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

Thanks for the replies guys.

As I am building the cabs (alright I am having someone build them for me..) I will make them as deep and as large as I want them to.

I don't really want that big 4x12 cab unless I have to build one because of the sound.




The fact that the cabs are separete is a big advantage for sure. Did you try that trick with the floor? Does it really work?

If it does, I am getting the 212s for sure!

Ya know, I've only tried this with 2 1x12's... and it sounded amazing. It wasn't stereo, but the sound enveloped you, kinda like surround sound... with and effect like flange or phase it was even more profound, like a 3-D effect... I don't recall if there was in increase in bass response tho... I think I was more amazed by the 'surround sound' effect...

When I get home, I'll try the same with my 2 2x12's... I'll leave my amp settings unchanged and see if there's more bass response...

I'll post back 2morrow...

 

[Bludave]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

IF your concerned about the bottom, make one cabinet a 2 15" That should solve the bottom issue!

 

[fingerace]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

IF your concerned about the bottom, make one cabinet a 2 15" That should solve the bottom issue!

Heck even a 1x15 will solve it!

lex666, thanks for the help man.

 

[ginormous]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

Another advantage of 2 2x12's is that you'd be able to spread them out. Put each one on opposite sides of the room and I'll bet it will sound amazing...

+1! You'd get a great distribution across the stage; since more people could hear you, you might even be able to... turn down the volume! :laugh: :joke:

 

[Tom M]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

While two cabs is much more flexible, I think it'd definitely be lacking in the rock n roll look of a big 4x12 cab.

 

[fingerace]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

So how did it go lex? Did you get more bass when you put both on the floor instead of on top of each other?

 

[LP's for life]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

i still really cant pass down the thought of two flat 4x12's next to each other.. i think it spreads the volume more than a stack.
with using two 2x12's you would have to be careful on the impedance of the cabs... also the quality of the speaker cable u would use... or u risk losing signal... and seeing as we're dealing with less speakers that would probably mean less power.. would the material used to make the enclosures affect the tonal quality of the cab?? if so what kind of wood takes what effect??

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Are there differences between two 2x12 cabs and one 4x12 cab?

1 4x12 does have a deeper sound with more bass than a pair of 2x12's...that said 2 2x12 cabs can be great and give you more options...