212 vs 2x112

[gln1955]

I have two 112 Subways cabs, I recall Agedhorse saying there was essentially no difference between two of these these and a 212. There may be situations where a 212 might be easier to move, but I've never felt the two cabs have been a burden. And, as has been stated by others, sometimes a single 112 gets the job done.

 

[funkinbottom]

I'm a two 1x12 guy also. Like the flexability. Each cab weighs 21 lbs. Easy carry, one in each hand.

 

[J Wilson]

I'd prefer 2 single 12 cabs (2 smaller, lighter boxes) to a single 212 (a bigger, heavier box): I can use just one for smaller stuff, add the second for bigger stuff. Plus (the Subways have this feature) when using two singles, I can use the tweeter in the top one, and turn the tweeter off on the second, which sounds better to these ears. Of course, for more horsepower, two 2x12's would be louder, but those days are past for me.

 

[Peteyboy]

Am I missing something?

Yes: pics.

 

[lug]

I like a 2X12 so I can go to two 2X12's when needed.

 

[Medicine Man]

I like a 2x12, and I feel like you get just slightly more bottom end from coupling, depending on the design. For my purposes, I would almost always need the second cab.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Depends on manufactures.

MarkBass and Ampeg offer more than one single 12 cab. Since their singles do not sound the same, the two 12 cab may or may not.

Then Genzler and Mesa are are the same.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I’m partial to one 112 AND one 212, I’ll never need two 212s so it’s cool to scale it up or down depending on what I need. 312s makes more than enough noise

 

[agedhorse]

I have two 112 Subways cabs, I recall Agedhorse saying there was essentially no difference between two of these these and a 212. There may be situations where a 212 might be easier to move, but I've never felt the two cabs have been a burden. And, as has been stated by others, sometimes a single 112 gets the job done.

This is correct when the bottom 112 has the tweeter turned down, otherwise there will be some impact from the additional tweeter.

 

[Sufenta]

I had both a Berg HD212 and an HT/EX stack for a few years. The HD212 is an amazing cab, but when it came time to let one go the HD got the boot. There wasn't that much difference in tone between the two, especially on stage, and the portability and flexibility of being able to go 1x12 at times decided it.

 

[eweise2]

I opted for a 2X12 because it costs a lot less than 2X112 and at least for the mesa cabinets, is only 19 lbs heavier so almost as easy to lug around. I can't prove this but I would imagine that its less boxy sounding because there is more volume to the cabinet as well.

 

[WRM]

I’m partial to one 112 AND one 212, I’ll never need two 212s so it’s cool to scale it up or down depending on what I need. 312s makes more than enough noise

Perzactly...

I voted 2X112 before I read the rules (should have voted 4X112)?

The definition of "Plenty".

(Edited to add) Ooops, confused this with the poll.

Thread 'What size Cabinet do you use to play Live 2025 Poll'

Jun 29, 2025

I ran this poll back in 2019 (see below). There's some thought it would be interesting to repeat it and see if things have changed.

Poll is limited to bands playing live with an acoustic drummer who uses sticks, otherwise it becomes too meaningless. f you have something not listed, then pick the next one up, eg for 3*12 select 4*12. Last time I said not to select tweeter unless its actually in use, this time I thought it better to have tweeter on and tweeter off options. I also thought that it should include an option for no cabinet (eg IEM) Unfortunately that means losing the option...

• JimChjones
• Replies: 74
• Forum: Amps and Cabs [BG]

• 

 

[Al Kraft]

I own both 212 and multiple 112 cabs. In a live band situation I can't tell the difference.

What I do like about owning singles in the Mesa SW line is that all the cabs are designed to mix and match with other SW cabs including those with different size drivers. That opens up a lot more options.

 

[Peteyboy]

It is nice to have 2 separate cabs because I point one at the drummer.

 

[Al Kraft]

It is nice to have 2 separate cabs because I point one at the drummer.

If only someone could invent a bass cab that a drummer could wear as a hat!

 

[ih8law]

I just transitioned to 2x112 last week. I am liking the modular aspect (the option to use just one if sufficient), and car Tetris is easy peasy.

 

[Rip Van Dan]

I prefer two 1x12 versus one 2x12. At 8 ohms per speaker the two speaker configuration gives me 4 ohms each, and i have the flexibility of one or two cabs. I'm currently using an MB Ninja on two 1x12, that 500 watts each on 400 cabs. Any thoughts? Am I missing something?

I played most of my medium sized venues for a couple of years with 2x112 rig. We hosted Friday Night Open Mic Nights at a local brewpub over 40-times a year and I bought an Eden EX-112 cab for that. Sounded so good the first night I played it that I ordered another one the next day. Actually I think I used the 2x112 for about a year and a half before I got my DNA endorsement and bought my DNS210. I still use one of the ES-112 cabs with an Eden TN226 class D amp for small venues. I use my DNS-210 for the rest of the indoor venues, saving my 410 for outdoors and music festivals. But I really like the versatility of the 2x112. Those EX-112 cabs are really compact and weigh 30-lbs each. It's real easy to take one to a small venue and add a second one when you play a larger club.

 

[Sparky Mark]

This is my lightweight 2 x 112 rig. I much prefer the flexibility of compact cabinets.

 

[Deleted member 394181]

Seminal Rush album........ Oh wait , i thought 2112 was the topic. Sorry.

 

[Clark Westfield]

I like the 212 and 112 setup.

The Darkglass 212 I have is a featherweight, and the single 112 is perfect for rehearsal.

The 312 is when outside.

2 ohm stable head, all speakers get the same exact watts.