Time to Ditch That 4x12 Cabinet 

I literally see people get excited by my 4x12 coming into the venue in a time when everything is minimized. We're still cavemen at heart, go big

Cause standing in front of 3 4x12 full stacks makes u look cool as fuck

I watched this entire video and I still want my 4x12.

Just ONE thing you're missing here: INSPIRATION. When I'm wailing on Blues at home in my studio, there is NOTHING like a massive wall of sound inspiring me to play my heart out.

It’s about bass response and the dynamics, every cab has a different sound man, a 4x12 definitely sounds fuller

Watching this video as I'm on the way to pick up my second 4x12

Plot twist: he is a bassist.

0:33. Video stopped, thanks for the heads up. Have a great day!

I’ve always had issues with sound dispersion, cause I guess I’m one of the few guitarists that doesn’t want to crank up. This video actually made me want a 4x12. Thanks! 🤣

I thought the same thing so I built 2 - 2 x12 cabinets. And then I sold off the 5 - 4 x 12 cabinets that I had. I've been regretting it for a long time so I decided to build a 4 x 12. Nothing beats a wall of sound. 2 x 12's are good but they, in no way replace a 4 x 12. In my humble opinion 4 x 12 is the way to go.

As a harmonica player, I just wish more guitarist would keep their guitars in tune.

Actually, the best sound is always two 1960B cabs side by side. The harmonics and clarity is insane, and it even means I can turn down my master vol and I still hear myself better

But...we jus look sooo cool standing in front of a 4x12 on stage

4x12s have a more fuller sound. If a 2x12 had the same amount of resonance, then I might consider it.

Everyone know a cabinet with 12, 2 inch speakers is the way to go 12X2 FTW

This dude with a man bun is sole reason I went out to buy two 4×12 240w cabinets, 1992 peavey 5150 120w amp, Orange Rockerverb mkiii III 100, Orange Super Crush 100watt. 😂😂😂

4x12 days are over. I'm in my late 50's and don't need to carry a 4x12. I bought a Marshall 2536 2x12,it's the Silver Jubilee cab, 2 Vintage 30's, made of Birch Plywood, it's huge but not huge enough that i can't carry it and fit it into my trunk of my car. I could not get a 4x12 in the trunk of my car let alone lift it into the trunk without F-ing up my back. But this 2536 cabinet has lots of balls and low end. . And who ever you play out to live will NEVER notice the difference. Audiences have no clue. All they want it to have fun and drink.

I love my 4x12. I’ll never give her up. I’ll ADD a 2x12 with unique voicing to my rig so I’ll have the option for whatever suits my mood. Shoot, I have 11 acres and I’m going to enjoy cranking my rig up to 11 in the barn whenever I want to without being sorry.

Watched it and bought a Marshall 1960 412 cab, no regrets.

4x12 cabs sound better than 2x12 cabs. Don't believe me? Mic up one of each and listen. I'll wait.

No. lol. To each their own. You're correct about the volume issue. But, I have never played a 2x12 that has the same feel as a 4x12. They're just pushing more air. The Orange PPC212 gets close but still not quite the same.

The thing about it is, even tho the power is evenly distributed, because of the number of speakers the sound coming out the two cabs are remarkably different. The 4x12 delivers a better QUALITY of sound than the 2x12. 🙂

2 months ago I did a deep spring cleaning and sold a boatload of my guitar gear that I don't use much. As a matter of fact one of those items was my Peavey 6505 412 cab. I was glad to regain the space in my man-cave. Just the other day I see an almost new AMPEG 412 cab for sale and it really tempted me to buy it. THANK YOU for reminding me why I sold my previous 412 cab in the first place!! ... My wife thanks you too :)

I absolutely agree, i used to use an Orange 4x12 and an Orange OR30, but after a while i got tired of all these issues. Now i use a Harley Benton vertical 2x12 with vintage 30s and an Orange CR120 head, and it saved my back, and my bandmates haven't complained about anything.

I have a thought for those who own a 4x12... remove the two lower speakers in a 4x12 and keep them as backups, screw in some thin ply wood inside to cover the 2 speaker holes and now you a lighter and still cool looking angled but larger 2x12 and you don't need to buy an angled cab stand.

When he said the Marshall 2x12 rectifier cabinet i knew i was wasting my time here thank you have a good day!

This aint about what i need, its about what i want.. i love overkill, always have.. NEVER getting rid of my 4×12s. Ive been playing longer than this guy has been alive.

I've been using 2x12's for years and finally decided to give a 4x12 a go with my JVM 410 and I gotta say, I was shocked by 2 things. The first is how much the volume didn't really change all that much. The second, is how much better the 4x12 sounded in the room. I'm not a metal guy, I play anything from blues to rock even some Jazz. The 4x12 simply sounded full and 3 dimensional. Going back to my 2x12, and this is a quality oversize 2x12 with carefully chosen speakers that I've been happy with over several years after trying a bunch, it sounded boxy. That's the only way I can describe it. The sound didn't breathe as well and also sounded thin as a result.

I played with a guitarist who had 2 Mesa 2x12s. So easy to moderate angle and volume. During gigs, he'd have one between him and the drummer and the other at the other end of the stage. He bought them for $200 each in almost new condition.

The age-old argument, "You will mic it anyway" or "it's lighter". If that's the case, you might as well just run straight to PA from a Helix with zero amps. It's all about air movement.

I have a 4x12. 😂 It's being played in an 8'x10 room. 🤣 it's ridiculous. Not necessary, but it's aesthetically pleasing to the eye.😂

*_I just played a sold out show at Wembley Stadium with my djent-metal band using only a Fender Frontman 10G. The show got shut down because we apparently broke the sound ordinance law for being too loud. The sound guy even removed the mic to my Frontman and just let the amp blast into the crowd, but it was still too much power. Nothing we could do._*

Problem is most dive bars and gigs aint gonna run guitar through the PA haha good luck gettin heavy with that 2x12, wish it were possible

I ditched my 412 for a sealed 112. I angle it back in front of me like a monitor. The sound man is happy, the band is happy and the audience is happy. I can hear as much or as little of it as I want by reaching down and twisting the volume without affecting anyone else. Our mix has never been cleaner and is still earth shakingly heavy. Just proves you don't need a heavy amp to have a heavy sound.

I miss my 4x12. I regret selling it 10 years ago. I am buying one back! The 2x12 didn't do it for me for many years and the FRFR setup didn't either. There's just something about the 4x12 and sitting right by it and playing songs. Man. No words.. GET A 4X12!!

The alternative is to put two 12-inch speakers in a 4x12 cabinet and leave the two empty holes making a detuned cabinet. It will be just as loud as a 4x12, look and sound cool. It will be heavier than a 2x12 cab but much lighter than a 4x12 with 4 speakers.

You should explain this to bassists as well... I've been telling these dudes who show up with fridge cabinets, and they ostracize me. I mean, if the venue is big enough to justify having a huge bass rig, you're running into a PA. If it's smaller and you're not running into a PA, your rig is overkill. Your rig should fit what you want for stage volume, but not bleed into every mic on the stage.

One of the best compromises might be the vertical 2x12. They're relatively hard to find but I've usually seen them as having an angled top speaking, like a half 1960A cab. More manufacturers should get behind that form factor.

I started playing guitar 36 years ago. I always played through a 1x12 Amp. Just last year I got myself an EVH 5150 4x12 cab....I'm EXTREMELY happy with it. Just a few days ago I ordered a 100watt Head. I will NEVER go back to a 1x12 Amp.

I am getting back into playing. I need something that is loud enough to play in a band if I decide to get into one, but still work as a practice amp. I got a large 1x12 cab with a g12h-100 in it and am ordering a 50w JCM 900 1x12 combo to sit on top of it. You basically just said what I was thinking anyway. The ease of transporting this setup made it a no brainer.

2x12 looks good on paper but in the real world, the 4x12 wins. The only downside is the weight but beyond that it's superior in every way. It's not so much heard... but felt. Plus you don't need finicky stands. It puts your amp head at the perfect height.

There's only one reason for large cabinets and double stacked heads... to quote Les Paul, "People listen with their eyes."

90 percent of people that play a guitar, have active pickups, or a distortion pedal dont actually need one, but here we are. 4x12 for the win 😂

My first cab was an orange 412. because my 30 watts amp was so damn loud, and the damn thing was so heavy, I traded it for the orange 212. I just could never get used to it: the volume is indeed identical, but the sound of the 412 is just way fuller. the 212 just sounded to harsh, even for my band mates it was significant. I ended up selling it and getting the 412 back. and not so long ago, I picked a second matching 412, and man there is no way I'm playing live without those 2 ^^ interestingly enough, not only is the sound more balanced, but it also makes it easier to tame the volume down: since now I've got so much presence, I can afford to turn the volume down a bit, and my sound is at the same time more audible and smoother. I guess it also depends on the type of head you have: the benefits of a full stack are not as obvious on my 120 watts hi gain amp as on my 30 watts sovtek.

Best compromise: use two 2x12 cabs, thats what I do.

2 2x12's is what I actually want, stereo spread is ideal live and you don't need to crank up your amp nearly as much

The only reason I like a full stack is so the speakers are up in the air in line with my ears. What I really need is some sort of wooden box the size of a 6x12 that is empty, then I can put a 2x12 on top of that. (Slanted cabs unfortunately don't do the trick)

I've gigged with a full stack in small venues and it sounded awesome.

The last two speakers were added to duo cabs [edit: to make quadboxes] back in the day to disperse the power so they wouldn't blow speakers, not to add volume.

What you said makes sense. I have lugged a 412 with a head for many years. I found a set of ADA 212's with celestions that sound great on stage and MUCH easier to carry. But, the wall in the studio is still full of 412's, so when some sterilization is needed anyone can plug in and melt. But they don't move anymore...

Not a hater. I think whatever setup works for a musician is fine, regardless of what people think. My situation: Had a 160 watt peavey special 112 (basically a bandit with twice the power) i got for $40. Speaker was damaged. Sold the enclosure for $30. I converted the amp to a head. Bought a used 4x12 for $90 and the improvement on tone for that pairing is truly remarkable. Closed back 4x12 focused and cleaned up my gain channel in profound ways. 2x12's are great...but they're currently trendy, so expensive. I'm glad people are offloading 4x12's now, because it gave me a gig-worthy rig for an even $100. Videos like this are really all good though, because people have to consider the pros and cons of their gear decisions, and you make solid points.

If you gig 2-3 times a week then a smaller rig you'll love. But if you have a special one. Then getthe big guns once in a while.

I've used a 2x12 Mesa Road King cab that was physically heavier, as well as better sounding then most 4x12 cabs. food for thought.

After our last gig this past weekend, I decided to downgrade my 4x12 to a 2x12. I did want a Vertical 2x12 though because I felt it would take up less side space and we all know some venues can be extremely limited on space!

I just switched back to a 4x12 after using a 1x12 for a while and then a 2x12. Used same amp and same location. The 4x12 sounds so much better!

The sound quality comes from a cabinet - and 4x12 obviously have a better punch than 2x12. But this guy are right, a Saturday evening show at a pub are not need 4x12.

I carry my full stack jcm800 all at the same time. Gets me pumped. 4x10 eminence loaded in each hand. Amp goes in my backpack.

Sorry, but I've never played a smaller cab that has the same tonal response as a 4x12. There's different applications however for different cabinet sizes/configurations. The one-size-fits-all mentality is very short-sighted.

I went through three 2x12 cabs now. My current one is a Mesa 2x12 vertical with creambacks... I'm shopping for at 4x12 again. They just sound better

You're totally right, Man Bun! I ditched the 4x12 years ago! I've gone with 2x12 cabs and combos since the early 2000's. Not only did it help my back and wallet, I have more space! At home I rock a Laney 212, Katana artist running through my 212 Tone Tubby cab or my blackstar for desk practice.

90% of the people reading this aren't playing any venue that needs a 4x12 cab. Most bar's and clubs in my city won't even let you run through 4x12 cabs....why? because they know it's over kill. Most of the places we play have a 500 person capacity or less. I have a 100watt tube head, a 2x12 vertical cab and a Yamaha DBR12 monitor. I have NEVER had to mic this setup and I play with a loud ass drummer and keyboard player. Our bass player has a 2x12 cab and a Ampeg 100watt head. He also has no issues with volume levels. There is not a nickels worth of difference tone wise between a 2x12 and a 4x12...played both for years. Invest in a EQ pedal and you can shape your tone far more than you can with two more speakers.

Best option is to put everyone inside the PA. Use digital effects with CAB sims.

the 2x12 Mesas are now $949 and the Marshalls are out of control. I just picked up a Mesa 2x12 almost mint (missing handle) for $429....huge score...I owned 2 marshall 4x12s one slant and one straight...I sold my slant 4x12 on Sunday for $450 and picked up the Mesa this past Monday.....what a fn steal...especially considering the fact I still have my straight 4x12

I convinced a bro to go half cab or "1/4" stack by running my Laney Loudpedal through only two speakers on his Blackstar 4x12. Thank you for making this video. I myself am putting together a Jekyll and Hyde style rig with both a Laney DualTop head and the Loudpedal. Myths need to be debunked

More speakers makes me sound better. Plus I want my neighbors to hear every detail of me practicing pinch harmonics😂😂

Then there is us Fender combo amp players that have no plans of using any cab yet we still watch the metal heads argue.

I just made the change to 2x12 cabinets. Not because I saw this or any other video. First off, when I played out and toured, I used 3 Full stacks and 3 JMP 100 W Superleads. That was many moons ago and I held on to all that gear till yesterday. Over the years I built a Stereo W\D\W rack rig that used all 6 of those cabinets (2-wet-L\2 Dry\2-wet-R) with one change - stereo power amps. After 12 years of doing this, I do agree, it's too much. I'm killing my band as there is only so much air in the room for everyone to move and I am dominating in that area. The math doesn't lie. Every one tries to turn up but simply can't compete. My solution is - move to lower power 50 watt stereo amps and 2x12 cabinets. The sound is unbelievably better. Much more definition and punch. I didn't think I would feel the attack the way that I do with the 4x12 cabs but guess what, they punch harder. I do believe it is because they are more focused. As was suggested in this vid, I got 3 amp stands and run them side by side in a arch pattern behind me. If you don't think that looks cool, your out of your mind. All I can say is, screw me for waiting all these years to get my head around this change. I sound better now than I ever have in the past and I punch through the live mix like a sledgehammer without dominating the mix. Do it right! Make the change!

A 4x12 half stack is the holy altar of bad ass looks and sound.

I have a ENGL 2x12 and a Mesa 4x12 (traditionnal) and I love both for different reasons. I don't plan to ditch the 4x12 :p

I was looking around a bit and the price difference between 2x12 cabs and 4x12s weren’t very different so I said screw it and got the 4x12. It looks cooler being bigger but i dont know about the sound difference would be bc it hasn’t come in yet lol. I’m linking it to a dsl40c and my 1x12 combo just can’t keep up with my buddies 4x12 Peavey and the drums. I hope it sounds a lot better!!

I used to carry 2 100 watt half stacks to all gigs. Now I’m down to a 20 watter with a 1x12 and an ox. I’m fine with it.

You want it to be road worn because it looks cool and that’s when you know it’s rock n roll

My heads and 4x12 cabs stay in the man cave. If I was out gigging there are plenty of combo amps available today that can do the job.

its all about the looks baby, nothing looks more rock and roll than a tower of speakers lol

I just bought 2 vintage Fender 2x12 vertical cabs. Freakin amazing paired with any of my blackface heads...bandmaster, tremolux, bassman or showman.

Reasons to keep a 4x12. 1. I don't "need" 90% of my gear. 2. Multiple speakers deliver higher efficiency, so it will be louder - a bit. 3. They look cooler. 4. The amp is a handier height to fiddle with the controls. Definitely way more annoying to transport.

I recently went to a 2x12 for gigging (well just one gig then covid hit arrrrgggg !!! ) and thought it was just as good as my 4x12 and so much easier to carry. This dude totally right... i leave my 4x12 at the studio we practice at. Sounds awesome too .

Nothing says rock n' roll more than looking across the room at a 4x12 cab...(I am a 2x12 player) ...they both are great!

I use a 2 x 12 with my heart with Marshall and I'm very satisfied with it actually I think that you're right at the angle you'll get the same sound and actually the other two will go up towards the ceiling with a 4 table and everybody will be annoyed I'm glad I saw your video I think it's very informative and I think people should probably buy a stand like that that's a great idea

Nothing better than a 412 blowing your hair back except two 412 cabs blowing your hair back lol , good video tho

I paused it at 1:50 and made him wait while I ate my dinner muhahahaha. He just sat there and waiting though. Also I’m a combo player so this isn’t relevant at all but still a good video to watch 👍

Best of both worlds is a vertical 2x12. :-)

They just sound freaking awesome. Keeps it fresh. We get bored lol

You caused me to stop wanting a 4x12 literally wanted one bc of how cool it looks

If lugging a 4x12 around is too much for you, there’s always dress making or interior decorating.

So a vertical 2x12 is best of both worlds? Lightweight yet top speaker is angled as a 4x12 eliminating the need for a stand. What say you good sir?

I totally agree with this. I have always had a 2 speaker amp but walked into the guitar store one day and saw a 4x12 cabinet and deduced I needed to buy it! And I did….lugging it around is a pain in the a$$ and it sits there a lot of the time not to mention the wife reaction; “wth is this?”… which brings me to my point that less is more. Don’t get me wrong I am not selling my Marshall 4x12 just saying that my gut instinct was “what is small enough”, “ looks great”, “isn’t going to attract negative spousal attention”….and so on. I think you get the point. I have it yes I own it and I’ll probably get a 2x12 box to lug around making life a little easier for gigs. The 4x12 is just that status symbol that looks awesome next to a guitar. The 2x12 looks a little wimpy but for “at home” the 2x12 is really all that one needs.

I put my combo on my 2x12 and it’s like a stand and a stack at the same time. Having a variety of speakers and cabinet sizes is also great. I actually think the 4x12 ironically is probably best for home applications these days due to the reasons stated. Nice vid!

I have an original jcm 900 cab. The big one, and I can hear myself just fine

Funny, those guitars on the wall over your left shoulder looked like samurai swords at first glance. Not sure what made me think of that. 😆

My friend. Those are all pretty valid reasons. From my experience though, I have had around 50 gigs with all sorts of equipment. I have had only 3 or 4 shows where the sound quality was good. I realised that no matter what you use, you're going to sound shit, because the sound guys in the clubs don't know what they are doing. And honestly it doesn't really matter. People are not there for the music, they are there for the show. As long as they can hear everybody semi-clearly, the mics don't have feedback and their ears won't ring when they go home, most people don't care what you sound like. What is important is, as I said, the show you put on. You have to admit that having a giant drum set with a marshall stack on both sides looks much cooler than a small kit with a 2 2x12s. I would much rather find a bus to transport 4 big 4×12 cabinets and have a good show that sounds like shit than have 2 small 2×12 and still sound like shit. Big massive equipment adds to the stage presense and that's why it's important.

I've got a 412, 212, and 112...I bring the 112 to gigs because they mic it anyway. In my area used 412s are usually 30% cheaper than used 212s...probably for reasons stated in this video

Well I have have a Mesa 212 vertical it sounds awesome. But. I have a carvin 412 with Mesa v30s 16ohms @16ohm load. And sealed up. It’s a monster. My opinion! The 412 is more fuller. Although my 212 vertical is not shabby at all. I’m keeping both.

A 30" vertical 212 cabinet in a road case with 6" wheel board works well for me. At the gig I place the cab on the case (66" total height). With the top speaker at ear level, the sound seems louder and brighter. Turning the volume and treble down improves what the microphone captures. Since the amp seems louder when standing in front of it, but is actually quieter than when on the floor, nobody complains about my volume. I adjust my monitor mix by standing closer or further from the speaker. The cab in the case is smaller and lighter than a 412, protected during transport, and rolls on stage. I like it.

I have a 2x12 with Vintage 30’s hooked you to a 20W tube head and it is almost incomprehensibly loud when at half volume. Can’t imagine needing more than this ever.

The reason I use 4x12’s is because people are selling them dirt cheap. Plus works great for rehearsals.

You're so right brother so sick of the big 4x12

My only disagreement here is that people at this point have no need to be going out and BUYING 412s... for those of us who already have them, keep them and add a 212! If you’ve got the space, keep it. I know dang well that I won’t be getting rid of my vintage HIWATT 412 I picked up in the early 00’s anytime soon!

The guitarist in my band uses a 2x12 at home and that sounds incredible but rents a 4x12 for practice as in that situation we DO want to hear what he is playing. He could barely be heard over our old drummer as he only had a 15 W amp head. I most commonly play a 2x12 cab for bass at rehearsals, but I have a substantially more powerful bass head (250 W) and so volume isn't ever really an issue, although I think I did push that cab to its limits. Live, I prefer using my 4x10 cab as I like the tone and the power handling is so far above what I have available that I never worry about distorting it, and I'm happy for other bands to play through it as they also aren't going to distort or damage it.

Switched to a 2x12 5 years ago and never looked back. My back thanks me.....