Experiences when switching from a 4x12 down to a 2x12 for main gigging rig.

[woemoejack]

I'm considering making this jump and I welcome all input from your personal experiences if you've done the same.

The main things I'm concerned with is my speaker options and open vs. closed back. Here is how my 2x12 and 4x12 are loaded at this time.

2x12: Both speakers are Eminece Wizards
4x12: Vintage 30s and g12t75s in an x-pattern

I love the tone of the mixed speakers in the 4x12. If I reload the 2x12 with the mixed option I'm hoping I retain that tone.

For open vs. closed back: If I want closed back I would have to get a new baffle from Avatar or make one because my 2x12 is open back. I typically prefer closed back but I have yet to see how open back sounds in a band setting.

Sounds like I have a lot of trial and error ahead of me.

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: Experiences when switching from a 4x12 down to a 2x12 for main gigging rig.

Yep, there's a ton of variables. Mixing the speakers in the 2x12 will make the mix more noticeable side to side than an X-pattern in a 4x12, so it may not work out like you want. You lose quite a bit going to a 2x12 too, I personally don't like 2x12's much. I had a Boogie vertical DC 2x12 that wasn't bad, but still no 4x12. I have a G-Flex that can compete, but still sounds better with another cab. So you'll have to try it and see if you can deal with it.

Other things to look for are front loaded vs rear loaded, and cab depth, which matters less if you go open back. You'll lose some tightness and low end with an open back, and some speakers don't like the lack of back pressure in an open back, but with the right combo it can be a fuller sound, and less uni-directional.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Experiences when switching from a 4x12 down to a 2x12 for main gigging rig.

I used to gig with a 4x12, but have been using a 2x12 exclusively for a while now. It's an Avatar with a Celestion V30 & G12H30 mix. I'm very happy with the cab, and don't miss the 4x12 at all. It sounds great and is much easier to move.

 

[woemoejack]

Re: Experiences when switching from a 4x12 down to a 2x12 for main gigging rig.

I used to gig with a 4x12, but have been using a 2x12 exclusively for a while now. It's an Avatar with a Celestion V30 & G12H30 mix. I'm very happy with the cab, and don't miss the 4x12 at all. It sounds great and is much easier to move.

Thats exactly how my Avatar came when I bought it but oddly enough I've never tried out my main gigging amp with that speaker configuration.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Experiences when switching from a 4x12 down to a 2x12 for main gigging rig.

Hmmm, stuff two G12-65 into the 2x12? That'll give volume. If you don't need too loud that should be good.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Experiences when switching from a 4x12 down to a 2x12 for main gigging rig.

Only 2X12 I've ever gigged that even came close to a 4X12 for having a big, rock&roll tone were the Bogner OS2X12s that I had. They could hang with my G12-T75 loaded Marshall 1960A slant cab. My Marshall 1960B straight cab was bigger sounding though (and my Bogner Uberkab even bigger yet).

Anyways... right now I'm using a pair of straight cabs (Marshall and Line6) loaded with the V30/T75 combo in an X-pattern for my Engl Powerball II and they sound pretty huge (even if just using one cab). The only thing the 2X12s gained me was less weight, because they weren't that much smaller than the 4X12s. To each his or her own, but I no longer have any interest in sacrificing a big tone by going to a smaller cab. I use my little Egnater 1X12 cube for band practice and though it's VERY easy on my back, I really feel like I'm lacking a LOT after playing with my 4X12s every day.

As to open-back cabs... it all comes down to what your preference is. I'm more into modern hard rock/metal and old school metal these days when I do the rock thing. Open back cabs just don't hang with big, closed-back cabs for that stuff. If I was still doing country/classic rock, then the 2X12s would be fine (open or closed), or even my 1X12 cube.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Experiences when switching from a 4x12 down to a 2x12 for main gigging rig.

i use a fender vibroking 2x12 with v30/g12h combo that sounds awesome. closed back and oversized. the open back will change things a lot. with a band, i dont miss the 4x12

 

[FretFire]

Re: Experiences when switching from a 4x12 down to a 2x12 for main gigging rig.

Only 2X12 I've ever gigged that even came close to a 4X12 for having a big, rock&roll tone were the Bogner OS2X12s that I had. They could hang with my G12-T75 loaded Marshall 1960A slant cab. My Marshall 1960B straight cab was bigger sounding though (and my Bogner Uberkab even bigger yet).

Anyways... right now I'm using a pair of straight cabs (Marshall and Line6) loaded with the V30/T75 combo in an X-pattern for my Engl Powerball II and they sound pretty huge (even if just using one cab). The only thing the 2X12s gained me was less weight, because they weren't that much smaller than the 4X12s. To each his or her own, but I no longer have any interest in sacrificing a big tone by going to a smaller cab. I use my little Egnater 1X12 cube for band practice and though it's VERY easy on my back, I really feel like I'm lacking a LOT after playing with my 4X12s every day.

As to open-back cabs... it all comes down to what your preference is. I'm more into modern hard rock/metal and old school metal these days when I do the rock thing. Open back cabs just don't hang with big, closed-back cabs for that stuff. If I was still doing country/classic rock, then the 2X12s would be fine (open or closed), or even my 1X12 cube.

Do you mic your cab at gigs? My cab is always mic'd into a PA, and the PA can make me sound much bigger than two more 12" speakers can. If I wasn't mic'd I might want a 4x12 or a second 2x12.

 

[Diego]

Re: Experiences when switching from a 4x12 down to a 2x12 for main gigging rig.

Keep in mind those Wizards supposedly don't sound up to their best with open back cabs, according to Eminence themselves.
Check the FAQ on their site.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Experiences when switching from a 4x12 down to a 2x12 for main gigging rig.

Do you mic your cab at gigs? My cab is always mic'd into a PA, and the PA can make me sound much bigger than two more 12" speakers can. If I wasn't mic'd I might want a 4x12 or a second 2x12.

Sometimes I do and sometimes not. I see your point and agree. Having said that, I still like the sound and feel of a half stack (or two!) behind me for my own monitoring purposes... and that enjoyment of tone makes me play better (theoretically at least). I don't play my rig extraordinarily loud at gigs though. I just like the feel of all that air moving behind me. I even run both 4X12s for practice at home for that reason and just keep the master low. Luckily, the Powerball still sounds pretty good with the master on "1". :lmao:

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Experiences when switching from a 4x12 down to a 2x12 for main gigging rig.

I have an Earcandy Buzzbomb and haven't missed my 4X12 for sound and it's sure easier to lug around when needed. I also haven't played really loud in awhile either, but when I've cranked it up it sounds fantastic. I've got the V30 and G12H30 mix in it as that is what I had in my 4X12