4x12 vs two 2x12s?

[crockett]

So I've been playing on a Roadster 2x12 combo for a while and am loving the tones I can get, it gets plenty loud at practice and can keep up with the other guitarists' 4x12 who is playing on a dual channel Dual Rec, which sounds phenomenal and gets more of that stereotypical 'metal' sound. I've been kicking around the idea of picking up a matching 2x12 cab to give me an equal number of speakers and, mainly, a bigger sound. I know there is a fairly big difference between a 4x12 and a 2x12 as far as the bass response and punch, but I'm wondering if anyone out there has messed around with a stack of two 2x12s and how that sound compares against a single 4x12, Roadster/Rectifier cabs or otherwise.

 

[YellowJacket]

I heard a guy at a concert once who ran 2 2 x 12s. The tone is more midrang-ey and less scooped. It is also much tighter. Depends what you want, I guess. Just try stuff until something works for you.

 

[fluff191]

2 2x12's would be a lot easier to load in the car as well. :wink:

 

[thejay]

2 2x12's would be a lot easier to load in the car as well. :wink:

Very true! I have my 4x12 in an ATA case and the thing is a PAIN to move around - but hey its safe.

 

[Jaredface]

I love my recto 2x12 cab, its sounds just as big as my marshall 4x12 great tight low end thump.

 

[MusicManJP6]

You can separate 2 2x12s for a wider sound coverage... just a thought...

 

[thejay]

You can separate 2 2x12s for a wider sound coverage... just a thought...

Can also run panning effects too...

 

[ESP123]

This is a difficult decision...but I think I would have to go with one 4x12 over two 2x12s. The reason is really more of what it comes down to when you have to load and unload in and out of practice spaces and shows. A 4x12 w/ casters is super easy to move any where and only briefly becomes a challenge when you have to load it up onto something. Your going to have to carry the 2x12s and they are not easy to lift nor to manage because of Mesa's big shape to them. Even if you put casters on both 2x12 you still have the issue of lifting not only one but both of them separately when loading. Then you have to take the casters of one of them each time you want to stack them a.k.a. 4x12

The only advantage IMO to having the two 2x12s would be leaving one at practice and one at home so that you can just move your head back and forth. I would go for a 4x12 and keep the 2x12 so that you can just leave it at home for practicing and smaller gigs. Also, if you go with this set up, you can always stack your 4x12 w/ your 2x12 for the all mighty MESA beastie combo!

now back to jamming...

 

[thejay]

I'd like to get a 2x12 at some point and I've thought about making my own. I built my bass player a monster of a bass cabinet that kicks @$$ so I'd like to try a guitar cab at some point.

I keep hearing about Mills too and I'm really intrigued but I do not have the funds or the need really to justify another cab and I actually like my Recto so for now I will stick with that.

 

[Benguitar]

Hmm..

I've seen a few guys use two 2x12's, Not many guys, But some..

From my personal experience of seeing guys use dual 2x12s instead of a single 4x12 I agree with the other members that it sounds "tighter with less low end, more midrange-y"

There is NOTHING wrong with that, It all depends on your style, If you play death metal or very low end stuff like KoRn, I would suggest going with a solid-back recto 4x12.

If you play more, "Led Zep/Aerosmith/Classic Rock" where the guitar isn't extremely low or bass-y, I'd say you'd be fine with dual 2x12s.

Also the panning delays/effects, That is another great thing to consider, If you use a lot of delays in your playing and you would like to have it run through a stereo setup, Then again go with the dual 2x12s.

In my personal preference, I'd rather use a 4x12, Yes, It is bigger and a pain in the butt to haul around, But then again, 1 4x12 is 1 less piece/roadcase than 2 2x12s. I've never had the need to run my effects stereo, I'm just fine with mono, but then again it would be cool..

:wink: