Mesa Widebody cabinet, V30, open or closed back?

[guijs]

Hello,

I'm converting my Mark V combo to a head and I'll use a clone of the Mesa Widebody cabinet equipped with a Vintage 30 speaker instead of the C90 that came with my combo. I'll actually try both speakers to compare the difference and keep the one I like best.

I'll play with the Widebody compact cabinet mostly at home and in small studios, and I'm wondering if should I have the closed back version, or the open back. It is correct to assume the closed back is better if I place the cabinet close to a wall? Would if be less boomy than the open back? I usually keep the bass knobs below 9. I play mostly heavy metal and classic rock stuff.

 

[screamingdaisy]

For rock and metal I'd steer you towards closed back (more thump).

If you're having a cab built then get the builder to split the back panel into 3rds. Run 1/3 for an open back sound, 2/3 for a quasi rear ported sound and all three for a closed back sound.

I'd also pull the dimensions off the 27" Electra Dyne/Royal Atlantic 1x12 as it's slightly bigger (and IMO, better) than the 23" compact cabs.

Just remember the rear panels need to overlap to form a seal for closed back use.