Cabinet question - 2x12 vs 4x12

[mightypudge]

Hey all!

So I'm a couple of months into my Mark V ownership and I'm really happy thus far. I currently have a Mesa 2x12 and it sounds lovely. However I recently joined a band where I will be the only guitar player in a 4 piece combo and I am definitely going to need to fill a lot of tonal space. So I was thinking of getting the Mesa 4x12 cabinet.

Question: Comsidering the circumstances, is there a tangible benefit to running the Mark V with the 4x12 instead of the 2x12? If so, what are the benefits? I want to be sure that the extra money and effort of getting the 4x12 will be worth it, or am I just kidding myself that more speakers = better.

Thanks all!

 

[screamingdaisy]

The Recto 2x12 and slant 4x12 sound really similar. The difference is mostly in the midrange. The 2x12 is slightly more scooped and the 4x12 produces a little more mids.

That said, the differences are pretty much lost when you put a mic in front of them and pump them through a PA system.

I prefer the slant 4x12 because the angled speakers are easier to hear, but I usually take my 2x12 because it's easier to carry. The Mark V is a loud amp with a lot of midrange, you should have no problem cutting through provided you EQ it correctly.

4x12s look more rock and roll while 2x12s seem to be more indie, so if presenting the right stage image is important than it might be worth considering.

 

[satch4u3]

I have never tried my Mark V with a 412 but I use it with two 212 cabinets. And I always get compliments on my tone at gigs. Plus two 212 cabinets are alot easier to move around than a 412!

 

[mightypudge]

The Recto 2x12 and slant 4x12 sound really similar. The difference is mostly in the midrange. The 2x12 is slightly more scooped and the 4x12 produces a little more mids.

That said, the differences are pretty much lost when you put a mic in front of them and pump them through a PA system.

I prefer the slant 4x12 because the angled speakers are easier to hear, but I usually take my 2x12 because it's easier to carry. The Mark V is a loud amp with a lot of midrange, you should have no problem cutting through provided you EQ it correctly.

4x12s look more rock and roll while 2x12s seem to be more indie, so if presenting the right stage image is important than it might be worth considering.

Thanks man, appreciate the practical response. I'll never be mic'ed up at gigs, so the sound of the cabinet will be playing an important role. Hearing myself will be critical since we'll also have no monitoring system. The Mark V is plenty loud and could easily swallow up the whole band, but that's not my goal. I want my tone to be full and "big" without drowning out the rest of the band. "Stage mixing" - or setting proper volumes without the benefit of having the entire band mic'ed through FOH - is a real challenge.

Sounds like the 4x12 may be the ticket. The additional midrange should help cut, and the top speakers will allow me to hear myself better.

 

[satch4u3]

I am not sure how you already owning a 212 and buying a 412 is practical. Two 212 cabinets seem WAY more practical, but that's just me I guess. For your needs as you have described them, sounds like overkill.

 

[screamingdaisy]

I am not sure how you already owning a 212 and buying a 412 is practical. Two 212 cabinets seem WAY more practical, but that's just me I guess. For your needs as you have described them, sounds like overkill.

It's nice to be able to switch cabs, depending upon the needs of the gig.

I prefer to bring the 2x12 due to it being easier to move, however I prefer to use the 4x12 because it's easier for me to hear it.

That said, if the band is unmic'd a pair of 2x12s with one dropped on each side of the stage would be cool.

 

[J.J]

The only thing I'd say about the 2x12 is that if it is closed back it will tend to be well focused and project quite well, but unless you get it up high (relative to you) you can't always hear your self so well. A slanted 4x12 will do better as the top speakers are closer to your ears.

Open back cabs help disperse the sound better. My 1x12 open back works better than my 2x12 Closed back on stage.

 

[borisson]

i have a 2x12 recto vertical slant and 4x12 recto slant and play in 4 people band (guitar, bass, drums, singer/guitar)
the 4x12 is much more directional than the 2x12 and has more midrange and bass. For me the 2x12 sounds better with the band, however im using the 4x12 but only one side, it sounds bigger than the 2x12 and the spread is equally good as with the 2x12...for the gigs i take the 2x12 and for open air gigs 4x12