Using Mesa 2x12 as computer speakers

[B00GIE]

Instead of buying studio monitors and/or nicer computer speakers I want to use my powered mixer and 2x12 guitar cab. Usage will be roughly 5 hours a week and I will always turn off the mixer.

I only use my cab once a month or so. I think this is a way to get more out of it.

Any suggestions, is this a bad idea?

Please leave your $0.02

 

[RJ2213]

bad idea. guitar speakers are meant for a midrange frequency band. it wont like those kick drums or cymbals or anything of the like. you could possibly damage the voice coils. although many subwoofers are the same size as the guitar speakers but they are not made to handle hte same frequencies. also the guitar speakers are not meant to handle the higher frequencies like cymbals and chimes.

you need something that is capable of 20hz-20khz or similar rating.

 

[SixVeeSix]

It should be fine unless you go mega-loud. You will need to EQ it pretty drastically, pull mids and kick up highs and lows. Aim it right at your head so you don't need it cranked. It takes a lot to kill a speaker, it will complain first. If it starts to sound bad, stop. Actually all the bass may help break in your drivers so they speak more freely. For best results, use two cabs and make headphones!!

 

[ToneAddictJon]

There shouldn't be any problems with it. Playing music through new speakers is a decent way of breaking them in as well. Don't blast them to the point of explosion, but a mid range of volume shouldn't hurt them any.

 

[lockbody]

I'd rather mix on the cheapest pair of computer speakers from Wal-Mart than to use a 2x12 guitar cab. See post #2

Buy some headphones.

 

[CoG]

There shouldn't be any problems with it. Playing music through new speakers is a decent way of breaking them in as well. Don't blast them to the point of explosion, but a mid range of volume shouldn't hurt them any.

A few months ago I talked to a guy who works for a custom cab manufacturer who shall go nameless. Their way of breaking-in speakers for their custom labeling is to play dub and reggae records through them for about 15 hours. Irie, mon!

 

[18&Life]

Very good idea,let's hear music through guitar cabnets :lol: :lol: :lol:
You are so innovative :lol:

 

[t0aj15]

bad idea. guitar speakers are meant for a midrange frequency band. it wont like those kick drums or cymbals or anything of the like. you could possibly damage the voice coils. although many subwoofers are the same size as the guitar speakers but they are not made to handle hte same frequencies. also the guitar speakers are not meant to handle the higher frequencies like cymbals and chimes.

Nonsense a speaker is a speaker. It won't reproduce the entire frequency spectrum like a full range speaker cab but a guitar speaker WILL NOT be damaged by running music through it unless you drive it harder then it's rated for. I've been breaking guitar speakers in using a stereo since I started playing in the sixties and not once have I ever had the slightest problem.

 

[domct203]

Instead of buying studio monitors and/or nicer computer speakers I want to use my powered mixer and 2x12 guitar cab. Usage will be roughly 5 hours a week and I will always turn off the mixer.

I only use my cab once a month or so. I think this is a way to get more out of it.

Any suggestions, is this a bad idea?

Please leave your $0.02

It all depends on what you want to do. If you just want to listen to music and don't care if a certain range of frequencies are not re-produced (or over-produced) than sure, (as long as you're not pushing 1000W) the speaker(s) will be fine and should not be damaged in any way.

However, if you plan on doing any mixing or EQ'ing of tracks (you mention "instead of buying studio monitors) than the guitar cabinet is not your best option. You will have a lot of trouble getting a mix that will sound good through a full range system later, and will just be wasting your time. A cheap ($50) set of headphones would be better there.

BTW- If you are mixing, passive studio monitors are getting cheaper and cheaper.

Dom

 

[B00GIE]

Thanks for all of your replies. I'm still torn.