what would be better, a single 2x12 or two 1x12 cabs?

Progrockabuse · Post by **Progrockabuse** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 8:56 pm

i've been dabbling in upgrading my cabinets, don't get me wrong i love my 2x10. i just fancy an orange amp with matching cabs.

i was thinking of getting two 1x12 and stacking them so i don't have to keep nicking a chair or table to raise my amp off the ground.
but would i get better sound spread with a 2x12? and maybe a decorators platform to raise it off the ground.

thoughts?

Concretebadger · Post by **Concretebadger** » Mon Dec 29, 2014 9:15 pm

As far as practicality goes, a 2x12 is no less trouble than two 1x12s, but would probably be the cheaper option. You should be able to carry it on your own as long as there's more than one handle, and if you want the sound of one speaker physically above the other you can tip it on its side. The other trick - which works a treat with combo amps too - is to sit it on a beer crate or something to improve projection.

The only reason why you'd possibly rather have two 1x12s is because you suffer from back trouble, or the resulting sound of the speakers occupying their separate cabs sounds better to your ears. I expect that speakers must affect the sound of each other when they're trying to move the same air, but I'm not sure what that effect would sound like. It would be more of an issue if your cab is closed back I would've thought.

This is an appropriate time to direct you towards Zilla cabs if you live in the UK because they know the technical details about this stuff and their cabs are excellent value for money. I have a closed-back 'fatboy' 2x12 that sounds huge - I was going for an Orange sort of sound to go with my Matamp. The only thing I'd change is swapping the G12H for a creamback (the other speaker is a V30)

paul_ · Post by **paul_** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 1:29 am

Despite the difference in size and weight it seems like a 2x12 that could potentially be carried one-handed or transported rock-solid on a wheely cart would be less hassle (in scenarios where trips to the car/around on trains/on and off stages are concerned), and as badger says you could always stand a 2x12 on it's side and get the same-ish thing as two stacked singles.

Sloan · Post by **Sloan** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 2:40 am

why not get a 2x12 sized 1x12 so it's not as heavy but can fit an amp head?

mickie08 · Post by **mickie08** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 5:07 am

other considerations might be that having 2 separate 1x12s you could have 1 open and 1 closed back for a broader sound.. Are you using a tiny terror type amp (I noticed the orange comment) if so, it would stack nicely on a 1x12 easy enough. It would also keep more stage room clear on smaller stages. I have seen some 2x12 cabinets that look like a 4x12 angled cabinet cut in half so they are meant to stand upright and be angled to give more sound towards the player. Not sure if Orange makes one but I am sure you could find a maker that does that could match the covering of an orange amp..

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 8:55 am

Phone Matamp.

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 12:04 pm

I've had 3 different Orange cab set ups. Started with the 2x12 closed back which sounded good, but was really directional and really fucking heavy. I then switched to 2x 1x12s and whilst it was easier to move around and looked cool when stacked, it just didn't sound as good. The cabs themselves were just a bit too small and you could tell they were slightly boxy. Finally I got a 2x12 open back and it is perfect. Great sound, and a good size/weight.

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Progrockabuse · Post by **Progrockabuse** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 12:07 pm

Hmmm might got the 2x12 and flight case it to double as a stand for it

finboy · Post by **finboy** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 5:10 pm

In the same decision process right now, I just had to lug 2 2x12's downstairs, with another waiting, and it is a nightmare with an older style basement. I'm really tempted to go with 2 1x12 open back cabs. Sloan raises a good point about a larger 1x12 like the old fenders, it might make things a bit easier, though you will be down a speaker. Maybe get two custom oversized 1x12's, though that is spendy.

Progrockabuse · Post by **Progrockabuse** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 5:27 pm

i'm on the cusp of having a little splurge on guitar gear. i've been saving a little each month and put some christmas money to one side too.

my current thoughts are

new amp ( TH30 is current contender)
new cab/cabs

some form of delay/reverb for the FX loop. (strymon el capstan, line 6 m5 or something)
a better pedalboard.

finboy · Post by **finboy** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 1:04 am

Thunder 30 is a LOT of gain, as per reverbs, check out the mr black supermoon, it is amazing