212 vs 2x112

[Gervais Cote]

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.

View attachment 7264974

Looks amazing !

 

[buldog5151bass]

My advantage with my 212 is it is 38 pounds and vertical - easy to carry, same small footprint, gets the sound aimed higher.

 

[ezstep]

I had the HT/EX Bergies for quite a while. Now I have the Subway 2x12. One trip, one cable, etc. Just simpler. YMMV.

 

[lug]

My advantage with my 212 is it is 38 pounds and vertical - easy to carry, same small footprint, gets the sound aimed higher.

My 2X12 cabs are less than 15" wide. Stacked, I get the most boom for the least amount of floorspace! (in width, anyway)

 

[Deleted member 394181]

Perzactly...
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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]

• 

Basshenge

 

[othefool]

I recently swapped 2 112 Aguilars for a 212 GB Neo and couldn't be happier. The choice was 100% based on the schlep factor - if my 112s were neo it might have made a difference! I found that 112s did not stack on my dolly very easily or securely, and the 212 stacks and rolls much easier. If I had a rock cart it would have made the difference, but I am very happy with my current set up! I also have a modular 10 setup for smaller gigs, so I found I never had a situation where I wanted to use the 112

As with everything, it seems like it is great either way, and we are fortunate to have so many options these days!

 

[rok51]

I vote for modularity. I have a pair of 1x10s, four 1x12s and two 1x15s. I bring just what I need.

Kim

 

[Ric Vice]

In my specific case with a Double Bass, both cabinets having two way design’s. They’re are some situations where lowering the impedance to 4 ohms will increase the potential for feedback. Where a single cabinet doesn’t seem to create those issues. Just my tale, with the tweeter on the lower turned all the way off it’s better.

 

[Luther]

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?

Yeah, 15's.

 

[H Nighttrain]

I prefer to carry only one speaker box to a gig. For me that's usually my 8-ohm 115, otherwise my 4-ohm 212.

 

[dbase]

 

[2saddleslab]

This 1994 custom MojoTone 212 w/ Eminence Neo's weighs in at a svelte 45lbs. With bottom casters it's easy to transport.

 

[Sparky Mark]

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 think you mean a combined impedance of 4 ohms when using both 8 ohm cabs? The Ninja is rated at 1000 watts into 4 ohms, so as long as you keep your ears open for overdriven speakers, you should be okay until you get to extreme levels of volume/excursion.

 

[dfp]

I’ve read on TB that one Ampeg SVT212AV sounds identical to 2xSVT112AV, but I wonder. The 212AV has drivers offset diagonally, and necessarily involves less internal volume for the drivers. A pair of 112 puts drivers in line vertically. I believe TB lore says there’s a thing called “coupling” going on when woofers are in line vertically that makes certain frequencies more pronounced vs the diagonal arrangement.

 

[agedhorse]

I’ve read on TB that one Ampeg SVT212AV sounds identical to 2xSVT112AV, but I wonder. The 212AV has drivers offset diagonally, and necessarily involves less internal volume for the drivers. A pair of 112 puts drivers in line vertically. I believe TB lore says there’s a thing called “coupling” going on when woofers are in line vertically that makes certain frequencies more pronounced vs the diagonal arrangement.

Coupling occurs regardless of the driver position. There may be small differences due to the positions of the drivers relative to your ears, and through midrange interference, but generally it’s pretty small.

If the internal volume and tuning frequency of the cabinets is very close (net), then the speakers will sound very close. This applies when the drivers are the same of course.

 

[lug]

Coupling occurs regardless of the driver position. There may be small differences due to the positions of the drivers relative to your ears, and through midrange interference, but generally it’s pretty small.

If the internal volume and tuning frequency of the cabinets is very close (net), then the speakers will sound very close. This applies when the drivers are the same of course.

I've often wondered why so many 2X12's seem to be offset instead of just stacked vertically. I personally think stacked are easier to move and take up less floor space.

 

[agedhorse]

I've often wondered why so many 2X12's seem to be offset instead of just stacked vertically. I personally think stacked are easier to move and take up less floor space.

Sometimes it's to adjust the horizontal or vertical dimensions for when the cabinet is stacked with another cabinet, or for larger heads to sit on them.