Need help selecting my Studio Preamp setup

[ws6rider]

Currently, I have a Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp going into a Carvin MTS3212. I play an RG2570 and am using a G major. I play mainly metal, such as Dream Theater and Symphony X.

I want to run the Boogie through a 4x12. I want to also run the Boogie in stereo. So to do that, I'll need a stereo power amp, as well as a stereo 4x12 cab right? I'm not experienced with power amps and speaker cabs, so what do you guys recommend for bone crushing metal? The sky's the limit in terms of budget, as I love the sound my studio provides and I want to make it as badass as possible. Here are the questions:

1. What power amp would you recommend?
2. What 4x12 speaker cab would you recommend?
3. Do all 4x12 cabs support stereo, or only some?

All help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[reo73]

I run the older Stereo 50/50 which is widely regarded as the best companion to the Studio Pre. If you want a true stereo field I would get 2 mono cabs and not just one cab that has a stereo wiring.

 

[Bobby Marshall]

1. What power amp would you recommend?

I have an old Mesa SimulClass Stereo Power Amp - 95 watts per side (can run EL34s and 6L6s just like a Mark IV) and I have a Peavey 50/50 stereo power amp with 50 watts per side but can also run 100 watts mono(runs on 8 EL84). Both of these power amps work great with the Studio Pre. Many reviewers of the Studio Pre on Harmony Central said they use it with the Peavey 50/50 and love it. The old Mesa power amp is from the Mark days and is wonderful except that you have to run it in stereo.

2. What 4x12 speaker cab would you recommend?

I agree that a stereo 4x12 won't give you a real stereo sound like having two separate cabs. I have a Mesa slant halfback with EVM-12Ls in the bottom closed section and love it. Great lows. I have also used a Marshall 4x12 slant closed back with Vintage 30s and that was great too but not as clear. But some people like that sound. You should go to the nearest big box dealer and try out some cabs but use the same head if you can so you can a/b with the cab being the only difference. Or do what a guy I met did . . . have a rig conference!!! He had like 40 people all meet with their rigs and everyone just tried each others stuff out. One of the coolest ideas ever. 8)

3. Do all 4x12 cabs support stereo, or only some?

Only some 4x12 cabs are stereo. None of my cabs are stereo but I have enough cabs where that is not a problem. It would be nice to have one though if you won't really run in stereo (panning effects and such) so you only have to bring one cab to the gig. Many people have told me that sound guys don't like to mic stereo rigs and that they like to keep the same mix left and right. I guess I will just have to ask him nicely one my stereo rig is complete. :twisted:

Good luck putting together your rig.

Bobby

 

[metalgarth]

1. What power amp would you recommend?

Marshall 9100 or Carvin TS100. Both can be found on ebay for relatively little dough and both sound killer.

2. What 4x12 speaker cab would you recommend?

Closed back with Celestion Vin30 speakers. I'm not sure if cabinet brand makes a huge difference, but speaker brand makes all the difference in the world.

3. Do all 4x12 cabs support stereo, or only some?

Only some.

 

[straitouttahell]

1. What power amp would you recommend?

Mesa 295

2. What 4x12 speaker cab would you recommend?

4x12 will never give you a true stereo image unless you play with your neck against the baffle, anyway I'd suggest something with Electro Voice if you like open, articulated tones, or a Recto 4x12 if you like the classic V30 tones.

3. Do all 4x12 cabs support stereo, or only some?

Only some, but making stereo connections out of a mono cab is quite easy, just need a drill, a jack socket and a soldering iron.

 

[CudBucket]

I run the older Stereo 50/50 which is widely regarded as the best companion to the Studio Pre. If you want a true stereo field I would get 2 mono cabs and not just one cab that has a stereo wiring.

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