Do I need a 4x12?

[SCOTT502]

Hey all, I'm looking to buy a tube head and cab for recording purposes only right now. Is there a difference in mic'd sound from a 4x12 cab vs. a 2x12 or even a 1x12? I know live there's a big difference but if you stick a mic against the grill and maybe another a few feet away how much would there be?

If this is a dumb question please forgive me but this will be my first non-combo set up so...

As always thanks for the help!

Scott

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Do I need a 4x12?

All three will give you a different recorded sound and so will mic placement. The style of music you are trying to do should be a big factor in your rig.

 

[SCOTT502]

Re: Do I need a 4x12?

It's mostly rock / metal. But I also want something that does other styles well. For pristine cleans I've been running direct so that's not a huge issue. I don't want anything really harsh or extreme one way or another. Tight low end, powerfull sounding etc.

Hope this helps.

Scott

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Do I need a 4x12?

A lot of good rock records were made with combos, a lot if not most "modern" rock records, Green Day etc. are 4x12's - U2's latest is combos and 1x12's.

The 4x12 sound is unmistakable, you hear the cabinet and the size.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Do I need a 4x12?

only if it comes with a roadie or chiropractor

 

[joelap]

Re: Do I need a 4x12?

only if it comes with a roadie or chiropractor

or wheels

4x12 for rock and metal. That 4x12 thump is the greatest.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: Do I need a 4x12?

4x12 definately. They're not that heavy unless you're 45 years old

the main reason the sound is different is that you'll have 4 speakers vibrating against the same baffle instead of just 1 or 2.

 

[Mr Wolf]

Re: Do I need a 4x12?

I love having a 4x12, you have a bigger wall of sound as it wer, and it does have a sound that you cant get from 1 or 2 speakers. If you cant haul the size of it though you do have to think practically though. I dont have a car but i hook my cab and head to a sack truck when im moving around to rehearsals

Jeff

 

[SCOTT502]

Re: Do I need a 4x12?

Thanks very much for the info guys!

Scott

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Do I need a 4x12?

For close micing I don't think it'll make much of a difference. Where you mic on the cone will have more impact on tone than the cab. But at any distance the cab will have a huge impact. It's a really weird phenomenon. I'm a 4x12 guy. I can't get used to any 2x12 cabs. They don't have that same feel to them. I'm all old and beat up with a bad back- but I'll still put out the effort of making sure the 4x12 is there.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Do I need a 4x12?

I have 4 Tube heads now and i use them thru a Marshall 1x12 mostly..... My favourite being the 5150 head as it has that low end built in that sounds great thru the 1x12..... My JCM800 head would sound much better thru a 4x12 but i don't have a 4x12 that will work for it... My 5150's 4x12 cab is 16 ohm cab and i have not tried the 800 head thru it as it is an 8 ohm speaker load rated head.... Oneday i'll get a better cab for the 800 head