2x12 VS 4x10 for Progressive, Agressive Tone

[JJT247]

Hello I am deciding between the powerhouse 2x12 and 4x10 mesa cabinets.

I was wondering which has more bite and more cutting tone with mid range.

Also, which one handles fuzz better? Thanks. I play progressive metal.

[Gearhead17]

I felt the Mesa 410's I had would serve you well. I felt the 212 ran out of steam before the 410 did. The tones are similar between the cabs though. The 212 seemed to get more low end though.

[JJT247]

what do you mean it runs out of steam?

[wonderjosh]

Originally Posted by JJT247

what do you mean it runs out of steam?

Volume...

[JJT247]

Ok, thanks

[Gearhead17]

Yeah, volume/headroom. The 410 is a bigger box with more speaker area - it can create more volume and move more air. If you go the 212 route, I suggest grabbing two of them. With the 410, you might be able to get away with one 410.

[efe_gallagher]

2x12"
They usually carry more upper-mids in them and boy, you WANT upper-mids when you get fuzzy

[sethro]

A 4x10 in most cases as a stand alone will better serve you,IMHO. Ive really tried to punch through with a nice ,really nice 2x12,but the 4x10 takes it every time! Currently own a 2004 pre-fender Goliath III,and i REALLY thought my UL-212 a
was amazing....Just not as punchy,clear as my SWR...But EVERYONE has a different opinion to what works for them best. I also wish i hadnt sold my Epifani,so maybe try different brands offerings? What head are you using currently? Also the Neo-Ceramic debate will mess with your choice as much as the speaker size,good luck. Trust what works at band practice and on stage.

[Stumbo]

Two 2x12 cabs vertically stacked, better dispersion and you'll ear yourself more clearly on stage.

[StraightSix]

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Two 2x12 cabs vertically stacked, better dispersion and you'll ear yourself more clearly on stage.

+1

[klejst]

I used a 6x10 Mesa cab before, but since I don't play in a band anymore and just are more so a "casual" musician I sold off my "big rig" and looking for something a little smaller. I thought about just getting a used cab but trying to stick with the Mesa brand and sound if I can and the price is right. I have found a used Mesa 4x10 and 2x12 so I often wondered the same thing about these two cabs. Recording a while back with the band I used a Mesa PH 4x10 and I loved it, but I was always curious about the 12's.

I play loud rock tones and I know the Mesa can generally take it and push it back out. I look for good tone and volume as well.

[dukeisdog]

Originally Posted by klejst

I used a 6x10 Mesa cab before, but since I don't play in a band anymore and just are more so a "casual" musician I sold off my "big rig" and looking for something a little smaller. I thought about just getting a used cab but trying to stick with the Mesa brand and sound if I can and the price is right. I have found a used Mesa 4x10 and 2x12 so I often wondered the same thing about these two cabs. Recording a while back with the band I used a Mesa PH 4x10 and I loved it, but I was always curious about the 12's.

I play loud rock tones and I know the Mesa can generally take it and push it back out. I look for good tone and volume as well.

Both of these cabs will meet your needs. I run a PH610 and a PH412 and am very happy with both of these cabs. I've only had the 610 for about a week, but ever since I got my 412 I've been buying MESA cabs because they're so awesome. First I bought a 412, then a 1200, then a 610. I'm keeping the 12's and the 10's, selling the 1200 as it doesn't have the clarity of the 610 or 412. These cabs match up very well. I have more highs going to the 10's and more lows in the 12's, it sounds very balanced. I'm able to hear both cabs, and although we don't practice very loud, the 610 kept up NO problem. Here's a pic of the rig for reference, I think you'll really be happy either way you go, honestly.

[StraightSix]

The main downside of both your Mesa PH cabs is the weight - both are over 130lbs.

I would suggest a Barefaced Super Twelve which has the same power handling as the Mesa 412 but weighs a mere 40lbs.

The Barefaced will cost $1225 delivered to the US compared to $1299 for the Mesa (current price from Sweetwater).

[chaosMK]

I prefer the voicing and output of the PH 4x10 to the 2x12 also. The 2x12 just has that slightly dry Neo sound to it and doesnt have quite the volume, but it weighs quite a bit less.

The PH 4x10 is probably my favorite cab of all time. I used one in a loud prog metal band (typical insane/loud metal drummer, guitarist with 120w tube into 4x12) for years and it always delivered the volume. It's a huge cube shaped thing and weighs a ton though.

[dukeisdog]

Originally Posted by StraightSix

The main downside of both your Mesa PH cabs is the weight - both are over 130lbs.

I would suggest a Barefaced Super Twelve which has the same power handling as the Mesa 412 but weighs a mere 40lbs.

The Barefaced will cost $1225 delivered to the US compared to $1299 for the Mesa (current price from Sweetwater).

Trust me, it's worth the weight. The cabs are honestly very easy to move, I'm a young guy with a bad back but they build these cabs so easy to move. They both have tilt back handles, the 412 has two spring handles on the bottom so it can be lifted up the stairs easily, and the 610 has the big feet that can be used like handles for stairs. My load in and load out won't really take that long, my bandmates are always willing to help.

I bet that barefaced cab is killer, but standing in front of that cab won't feel like standing in front of my PH412, that's just one of the reasons why I love these cabs.

[winegamd]

The powerhouse 1x12 has a sensitivity of 98-99db based on the raw driver specs from eminence. So two of them stacked would be pretty close to a lot of 4x10's with a 600 watt pwr handling to match. I have two of them and with half the power from a super redhead they keep up with two guitarists with half stacks, but barely. The redhead amp just runs out of headroom.

[dspellman]

Originally Posted by dukeisdog

Trust me, it's worth the weight. The cabs are honestly very easy to move, I'm a young guy with a bad back but they build these cabs so easy to move. They both have tilt back handles, the 412 has two spring handles on the bottom so it can be lifted up the stairs easily, and the 610 has the big feet that can be used like handles for stairs. My load in and load out won't really take that long, my bandmates are always willing to help.

I used to feel that way about my Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes 88 and a pair of custom-built 250W Leslie cabinets. Later, about hauling around a pair of 4x12s. These days I put casters on anything heavier than a ham sandwich.

I bet that barefaced cab is killer, but standing in front of that cab won't feel like standing in front of my PH412, that's just one of the reasons why I love these cabs.

You'll be surprised, should you ever get the chance to compare.
I'm leaning toward a pair of composite fEARful 15/6/1's to take the place of what you're carrying. At around 40 lbs each, they're light enough (and I'm big enough) to let me haul one in each hand with a bass and 9-lb 1500W amp head on my back.