Is a 212 the best one-size-fits-most cab?

[Matthias]

Yes, and 2 112s are even more flexible.
It's interesting how things changed: When I asked this question 20 years ago there were only few 212s available (Eden and Glockenklang for example) and most people thought they were a weak compromise between 15s an 10s. 115+210 was en vogue at that time. I still decided to go for a 212 (Glockenklang) and never looked back. Meanwhile I play a 112 Barefaced which kicks butt
Regarding more widely available cabs: the Ampeg 212AV gets a lot of love around here and I personally would also look at GK.

 

[Gougedeye]

I'll vote for the 2x12 to rule them all. I was looking for a cab head combo to lessen the load of gear I brought to gigs. Currently, I use a Bergantino HN212 and a B Amp. It is a great set up and I can get all my gear to the stage in one trip. The Berg cab weighs in at 47lbs.

 

[micguy]

I think a 212 is a reasonable choice. My choice would be to get two 112's - easier to heft have the cabinet at one time, but if you're dead set on one box, 212 is a good compromise.

 

[Kendescending]

I've been playing 212's since the 1990's. I've also had almost every cabinet type over the years, but always go back to the 212 for it's sound and portability.

 

[abarson]

I have been using a Greenboy F212 as my sole cabinet for a few years now.

Its overkill for coffee shops, but I can always turn down. I have yet to play a show or festival where I felt that I needed more though, and at 60lbs with wheels, it's not a chore. View attachment 4259435

You take your tort seriously!

 

[DoctorZee]

I think a 212 is a reasonable choice. My choice would be to get two 112's - easier to heft have the cabinet at one time, but if you're dead set on one box, 212 is a good compromise.

Not "dead set", but I just don't have a lot of use for the single 12" at the moment. Not too concerned about heft considering the relatively lightweight options out there.

 

[DoctorZee]

Folks, we are 26 replies deep, and there have been no major disagreements. Is this really TalkBass or did I stumble into some alternate reality?

 

[Freekmagnet]

I built a Chris Cole Slant 212 kit from Speaker Hardware last year. The band I play in just started playing outdoor gigs again last month. We're a 7-piece R&B band and we do some Latin numbers as well. I've done 4-5 gigs with it in both in a large courtyard and a small outdoor dining area. So far, the cab has been cooking along no prob. While I do have PA support at both gigs, the sound guy at the courtyard said that he didn't use the direct out; he actually mixed the rest of the band around the what was coming out of the cab. The band and I could hear the bass onstage loud and clear. My bass player friend in the audience described my tone in the audience as "beautiful".

BTW, the 212 is an upgrade from my old 115, which was barely cutting it at these gigs. The new rig handles it no prob. And, while it is taller than the 115, the 212 has a smaller footprint. It weighs 6-8 lbs more than my old 115.

 

[2saddleslab]

Recently personalized my 212 1994 Mojotone cab.

 

[Jefenator]

My old Aguilar GS212 might be the single most paid-for piece of gear I've ever had. Heads and basses came and went while that thing kept rocking the house for over a decade. I can count on one hand the number of times I've augmented it outdoors with the GS112 and that was never really out of necessity - it has done countless outdoor gigs all by itself.
I only gave it up because my back was starting to give me grief.

 

[4SG]

Yes

 

[Doug Parent]

Yes. 210's or 115 usually won't cut it for me (unless the 115 is a high performance driver $$$ ) so the 212 wins the #1 slot for practicality and performance.

 

[Lobster11]

But I'd still probably want to elevate a single 2x12 cab so that my ears could hear it at least as well as my knees. If you're worried about a setting where a 2x12 might not be "enough", the pair-of-2x10's option has a lot of upside. You'd get a lot of sound from that layout without occupying a big chunk of stage and it would be more manageable than a 4x10 and 1x15 tandem.

I'm a big fan of a pair of vertically stacked 2x10s for exactly these reasons. I've actually got two such rigs, each powered by a lightweight 500W (@ 4 ohms) head. Beats a 4x10 box any day of the week....

 

[Hoyt]

You take your tort seriously!

I like my Tortloaf with a side of Tort

 

[Blues Bass 2]

Another vote for 212 . I built one with Deltalite 2512 II speakers and played a couple outside gigs and a few inside . The biggest outside gig was on a flat trailer stage with no backdrop so all the sound was from our cabs , no reflected sound . My 212 cab sounded huge and I didn't have to turn up much at all and we aren't a quiet band . The cab sounded great everywhere .

 

[ItsmeSantiago]

I used a Mesa Subway 112 for 80% of my gigs and would pair it with a Mesa Diesel 115 when I needed it. Didn't want to invest in a lightweight cab for the occasional two cab gigs, so I tolerated the weight when needed. I like having two separate cabs because many 212 cabs are 4 ohm.

 

[akukulich]

I've used a Bergantino CN-212 for a long time on a lot of different gigs. It's really hard to beat if you want a single cab solution. It's also light enough that I didn't mind taking it to rehearsals.

 

[Shlabotnik]

Yep! Loving my Darkglass 212 lightweight cab so far… Pleased as punch to be rid of the refrigerators!

 

[Fernando Costa]

I used a Mesa Subway 112 for 80% of my gigs and would pair it with a Mesa Diesel 115 when I needed it. Didn't want to invest in a lightweight cab for the occasional two cab gigs, so I tolerated the weight when needed. I like having two separate cabs because many 212 cabs are 4 ohm.

I agree that a 212 or 2 x 112 is a great solution for any gig. I use a Mesa D800 + and a Subway 112, it works for almost everything. I intend to buy another 112. It's a very versatile setup.

 

[JohnnyBottom]

Folks, we are 26 replies deep, and there have been no major disagreements. Is this really TalkBass or did I stumble into some alternate reality?

Ok. Ill try. I have the RevSound 210 and it covers things really well for a 210. Deep and clear. Anything with PA support for sure. I am adding a RevSound 110 to give me a 310 vertical portable stack, I would think could compete with any 212 setup and have a speaker closer to head level. 210 is 30lbs the 110 will be about 22lbs.
edit... and i can always put the 210 and 110 on top of a 112 and you dont have a chance