That makes sense. On the other hand, twice as much volume is available to each 12 driver simultaneously (unless there's some internal cancelling). So...
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That makes sense. On the other hand, twice as much volume is available to each 12 driver simultaneously (unless there's some internal cancelling). So...
That's what I'm thinking too. Btw, mine are 1x12 and I have only one twitter on (the difference is not huge between one or two twitters).
I don't think when discussing 12" cabs, we can seriously talk about doom of any kind:
Must have masses of low end. It's about time for Class N nuclear powered amp heads.
a 212 is louder for same input, even if the total cab impedance is the same (which would draw the same power from the amp as the 112 of the same impedance). More driver surface area makes for more volume.
However, many solid state amps (not all) deliver significantly more power to 4 Ohms than to 8 Ohms. For examples many class D 350 watt heads actually deliver between 200 and 250 watts into 8 ohms, and only deliver 350 watts into 4 ohms. If you have a single 212 cab running at 4 ohms, you're getting the most out of it in a single cab, and also volume wise the same surface area as two 112 cabs, so it's great.
But, a 212 is much heavier than a 112.
So I, and many people, buy 2 112 cabs. My 112 neo cabs weigh about 25 or 28 pounds each, which is shockingly light to carry for a speaker cab.
Mine are 8 ohms, so I can connect two of them to one amp (which be default is in parallel connection on most amps), and voila they now run at 4 ohms system impedance and the amp chugs out 350 watts (if I was using the head I described, I'm not, but I used to).
So 2 112 cabs is lighter and smaller to carry one at a time than 1 212. MUCH lighter and smaller to carry.
I like that. I'm not good carrying big cabs, and as soon as you hit 30 pounds I no longer can carry anything very far, so that matters to me also.
Sound quality, if the cabs are both designed properly and with the same goals, should be very very similar.
However, many solid state amps (not all) deliver significantly more power to 4 Ohms than to 8 Ohms. For examples many class D 350 watt heads actually deliver between 200 and 250 watts into 8 ohms, and only deliver 350 watts into 4 ohms. If you have a single 212 cab running at 4 ohms, you're getting the most out of it in a single cab, and also volume wise the same surface area as two 112 cabs, so it's great.
But, a 212 is much heavier than a 112.
So I, and many people, buy 2 112 cabs. My 112 neo cabs weigh about 25 or 28 pounds each, which is shockingly light to carry for a speaker cab.
Mine are 8 ohms, so I can connect two of them to one amp (which be default is in parallel connection on most amps), and voila they now run at 4 ohms system impedance and the amp chugs out 350 watts (if I was using the head I described, I'm not, but I used to).
So 2 112 cabs is lighter and smaller to carry one at a time than 1 212. MUCH lighter and smaller to carry.
I like that. I'm not good carrying big cabs, and as soon as you hit 30 pounds I no longer can carry anything very far, so that matters to me also.
Sound quality, if the cabs are both designed properly and with the same goals, should be very very similar.
Honestly, I think you have the more flexible setup and, in my experience, single driver cabs sound best. There might be a bit of a difference in performance but not enough to make a big difference. And different doesn't necessarily mean better.
Save your gas for a better "blowout".
This is a lesson on CAB TUNING more than size. Bigger is not better unless the speakers were designed for a large cab, if they were it would have been the opposite results. The 4x12 cab was too big for the drivers used to preform with deeper bass.
If you know anything about cab design for Bass three inches plus or minus can radically change the performance and tuning of a speaker for the better, worse, more mids, less mids, more boom, less boom. Depends...
With all being equal, internal cab volume and port tuning as well as using the same speakers there is no discernible difference between two singles or a double cab.
The Mesa Subway 1x12 with two stacked and their 2x12 cab are the same.
Though not all manufactures make them the same as Mesa does.
Honestly, I think you have the more flexible setup and, in my experience, single driver cabs sound best. There might be a bit of a difference in performance but not enough to make a big difference. And different doesn't necessarily mean better.
Save your gas for a better "blowout".
Yes, in fact I've been eyeing a Little Mark Vintage amp head with tube preamp
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
IME any sound difference will be minor. Question is, do you prefer the versatility of a modular cab system, or do you prefer a one trip carry to your car before/after a gig?
I've owned Mesa PH 2x12 and use 2 PH 1x12's currently. I havent A/B'd direclty but remember how the 2x12 was and find my current rig quite different. I think the 1x12's were designed to sound how they sound... a bit more focused, two is like doubling up the punchy focus. The 2x12 was more of a wall of sound more open on the low end has more in common with the similar sized PH410.
Ah, me too!! But I love my Littlemark3. The Vintage is going to have to be appreciably better for me to shelve the LM3. I've had my amp for over 12 years. Nary a problem.Yes, in fact I've been eyeing a Little Mark Vintage amp head with tube preamp
Indeed! That's my dilemma too. I think one should think of the Little Mark Vintage as being different rather than better than the LM3. Judging from a few videos on YouTube, the tone of the LMV has a texture the LM3 does not have. Well, it's the tube preamp. The following video captures this, I think. He starts playing at 1:40 - by the way the cab is a NY122 and sounds beautiful.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,952
- 5
- 220,599
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Doesn't work this way however.
The sum of the drivers work into the total air load, is doesn't matter with regards to a 212 or 2 x 112's as long at the total internal airspace is the same.
There can be minor differences due to panel stiffness in the larger cabinet, but in general with a well constructed cabinet, the difference is very small.
There are arguements for both. Maybe 40 lbs is too much for someone. Maybe he only needs one 29 lb cabinet for certain things.
But I see your point about being able to grab the whole "mahaska" in one schlep.
D
Deleted member 165050
Guest
I disagree with two 1x12" being easier to transport and store.
My 2x12 I chose because of this. It has casters and handles, and can be tilted into the car rather then me having to lift it. When walking from car to stage I just drag it along with one hand, gigbag with bass and cables over my shoulder. The other walk up n down is to carry my tube or hybrid amp - with a light class D head it could all be done in one trip but meh. I am a dinosaur.
My 2x12 I chose because of this. It has casters and handles, and can be tilted into the car rather then me having to lift it. When walking from car to stage I just drag it along with one hand, gigbag with bass and cables over my shoulder. The other walk up n down is to carry my tube or hybrid amp - with a light class D head it could all be done in one trip but meh. I am a dinosaur.
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
I'm with you on the 212 scenario. One cabinet stays secure on a dolly or flatbed better than two stacked. Two 112 cabs falling off halfway to the stage just sucks.
