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How about a 4x12

FUBB

FUBB

Feb 2, 2007
49
51
#1
I'm leaning towards a 'one cab fits all' setup. Presently using GK rig 700RB, 2x10 and 1x15. Great sound but a little too tight and modern for my taste. (I play 70's rock).

The 4x12 seems interesting, particulaly Marshall VBC.... 4 Ohms, 400W. I would run it with either Ashdown or Hatke head, not sure yet.
Thing is it's been years since I used 4x12's (before 10's existed!) So I cant remember how they sound.

Anybody using a 4x12 these days for bass? What can I expect?

Cheers
 
#2
The only 4 x 12 bass cab I've played through recently was the Aguilar - it's a very nice cab. It throws the low end around as well as my pair of 15"s. I also like the design - instead of big square box, it's taller and narrow - the height helps gets it up closer to ear level.
 
#3
I've played through the Aguilar GS412, and the Mesa Powerhouse 4x12. I can't really put one above the other, they're both great. The only difference, was that I played the the Aggie with a DB750 and the Mesa with the Titan. The Titan has so much freakin headroom, that I think it would be the louder of the two combos. But keep in mind, that's because of the head, not the cab. Both are great cabs though...
 
#4
I use a customized Schroeder 4x12. It's about the size of most 2x12s. Here's a picture of it amongst my 2x15s:

wallofdeafness.jpg
 
#6
i used a 412 trace elliot for years, loved it- great growl if you wanted it, more of the vintage thump i like than what i could get with 10's, and more defined than 15's. i've also had a genz benz 212, and i still have a shroeder 212. LOVE 12's. Another thing i found about 12's is that i think they respond much better to envelope filters and fuzz...my two choices for effects. I have borrowed an SWR 412 from a friend a few times and it rocks as well. One thing i noticed about some of the 412 cabs is the lack of porting...the main reason i sold my trace elliot was the sound went about 5' and stopped. it was sealed, not sure if that was the problem, but the swr 412 i played has ports and the sound seemed to open up much better. Same with the genz benz. But, i sold my genz benz b/c through my svt it sounded like it was about the come apart...literally, it couldnt handle the situations where i needed more volume..maybe having two will work out better for you.
 
#12
i have a pair of SWR 12-stacks which are wonderful with both tube and SS heads. there was one that sat for quite for a while in the classifides not too long ago for a crazy low price. worth every penny.

JR
 
#13
Daywalker said:
I've played through the Aguilar GS412, and the Mesa Powerhouse 4x12. I can't really put one above the other, they're both great. The only difference, was that I played the the Aggie with a DB750 and the Mesa with the Titan. The Titan has so much freakin headroom, that I think it would be the louder of the two combos. But keep in mind, that's because of the head, not the cab. Both are great cabs though...
Click to expand...

Actually the mesa 12s are a bit more sensitive than the aggies, and have a little more low mid meat that makes them seem louder as well. I don't know which one has a higher max volume before breakup (since -- wow -- you'd never play that loud), but the mesa will be a little louder with the same amp settings up to at least 600w.

Both sound killer, that format is really ideal for bass in a band situation.

Way easier to transport than an 8x10 too.
 
#14
I think the bass industry totally missed the boat by pushing 10"s over 12"s. I've played many a great 4-10" and 2-10", but I've recently discovered the greatness of the 12", and now I'm wondering why it's the least popular bass speaker out there when it should be the most popular. Way more full sounding than a 10", and way more controllable than a 15" on its own.
 
#16
I have a Mesa Powerhouse 4-12 and a Mesa Powerhouse 8-10 and I run a Boogie Bass 400+ through both of them, and the 4-12 defiantly packs much more low end. The 10's are more punchy, but the 12's gives you way more lows, but they still have a good bit of punch. The 12's are much lighter to. If I had to choose between the two I'd say the 12's because of the lows, but I love lows so it is all your call.
 
#17
main_sale said:
I took a little different route. I got a pair of G-B NeoX 212T's. It gives me the guts of 4x12's with much improved portability.

339016.jpg
Click to expand...
The irony of this post escaped me the first time. Improved portability with two GB 2-12", and what's he powering them with? An SVT. Those cabs probably don't weigh as much as that head by itself. Then again, after you take the SVT in, you must be worn out, so it must be a relief to carry lightweight speakers ;)

BTW, your rig looks perfect for vertical stacking!
 
#18
FUBB said:
I'm leaning towards a 'one cab fits all' setup. Presently using GK rig 700RB, 2x10 and 1x15. Great sound but a little too tight and modern for my taste. (I play 70's rock).

The 4x12 seems interesting, particulaly Marshall VBC.... 4 Ohms, 400W. I would run it with either Ashdown or Hatke head, not sure yet.
Thing is it's been years since I used 4x12's (before 10's existed!) So I cant remember how they sound.

Anybody using a 4x12 these days for bass? What can I expect?

Cheers
Click to expand...

As much as I enjoy twelves, a 4X12 is a little cumbersome for me to haul, and can be overkill for some gigs. Instead, I bought a Dr. Bass 2460 (2x12 +6.5mid +tweeter - mid & tweet each their their own level control on the side of the cab).

I recently ordered a Dr. Bass 1580 (15 +8mid +tweet), which the 2460 will sit on top of for LOUD gigs.

Couldn't hurt to look at 'em; plenty of satisfied Dr. Bass owners here on TalkBass for you to talk to. :D
 

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