If you are playing out a lot you should try them mic'ed up. I found that the punch you get from the bigger cabs don't translate when you have a cardioid mic placed directly in front of one of the speakers. The audience shouldn't hear your stage volume (if you're doing it right.) and even if you are cranked, the mini from stage is not going to be heard over the subs and full range PA mains. I'm just sayin', if you value portability and set up ease and stage space, the 1x12 is awesome. I tried mine vs. a 4x12 side by side mic'ed through the PA and there was no difference. If anything the 1x12 sounded tighter.