does anyone out there use 2 2x12 cabs in stereo instead of just 1 4x12 cab?

thinking about upgrading my current cab soon and I'm stuck between getting 1 4x12 cab with V30s ot getting 2 2x12s with V30s. It's a rack setup I'm using so it's going to be run in stereo.

So what advantages / disadvantages does using 2 2x12 cabs over a 4x12 cab [in stereo] have?

Off the top of my head, tonally speaking a 4x12 will have better bass response. But it all depends on what cabs you are looking at. I'd rather have one Genz Benz G-flex 212 (2x12) than a new Marshall 1960 (4x12) for example.

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If you're going stereo, i think it's a no brainer really: two 2x12s, one either side of the drum kit/stage, or even just next to each other

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I kinda get the best of both worlds in my cab. It's a Randall 4x12 but... also divided into a stealed air tight 2x12 stereo chambers with V30's.

Edit:Back board

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The only advantage I see with 2 2x12's is portability probably, but for gigs I'd rather just roll in a 4x12 with casters.

If you absolutely need stereo, then get a 4x12 that has 2 inputs, same as running to 2x12's.

In terms of sound, if you want good lowend and lots of sound spreading then a 4x12 is the way to go. But it depends on the cab really, a poorly built cab won't have good bass response or spreading capability regardless of the speakers.

Let us know what cabs you're considering.

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Thanks for the replys guys.

I don't NEED stereo as such, but I would be a waste to only use one side of my power amp, if I was to use one side it would be 50w but if I was to run both sides it would be 50w + 50w...

Soulinsane: that looks awesome, but I don't know if I could be arsed to put that much work into a cab. I'm more of a plug and play kinda guy...

The 4x12 cabs I'm looking at are Framus Dragon, ENGL Pro or the Randall RS412XL ... they all come with v30s but I'm leaning toward the Randall because of the input switching options.

Could anyone give me some insight as to the bass responce of 2 gflex 2x12s vs a 4x12? ... that's something I might have to check out next time I'm in a store which sells genz benz stuff....

I think I have the same cab as you, a Randall RS412XLT. It already sounds good and tight to my ears. I can only imagine how much better and tighter it sounds after those mods you did to it. Awesome.

Yep, it is an RS412XLT. They are badass cabs even stock, but I just couldn't stop after I decided to upgrade the wiring. I had to give it the full treatment. It was well worth the time researching the modifications. There is a real improvment from the way it sounded before.

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I'm planning on getting a second Randall cab so I could get a full Randall stack along with the RM4/RT250 rack setup I'm planning on getting in the future. I might even attempt to mod it if I'm confident enough.

BTW did you ever manage to get the RM4 and RT250 rack setup you wanted?

Not yet. I'm still pretty content with using the Cyclone with a GT-8 right now. I would like to sound snobish and say I can hear a difference but I can't. I would still like to get a RM setup to compliment the Cyclone though.

As far as cabs go, I might use Randall XLT cabs forever. Their design and materials are solid, they sound good, and are easy to uggrade. I really like that they are dual 2x12 cabs in a 4x12 design.

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Randall cabs are super underrated, they're fucking amazing as far as their build quality goes, far better value than more expensive cabs like VHT's and Boogie's.

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Yeah definitely. The RS412XLT was the first cab I ever bought and I am so happy with it that I want a second one and I dont think that I will ever need other companies' cabs for the same reasons that both of you guys stated. I never knew that these cabs where constructed like that (2 2X12s in a 4X12). I suppose thats why the Randall cabs have that tight sound quality to them. I think Im staying Randall for the rest of my life, for guitar amps/cabs at least.

Ive always wanted to try out a Cyclone but there are never any local Randall dealers around here. It does sound like a killer amp though.

I just checked the Randall site and they also offer those cabs with different speaker combinations (4 V30s, 2 V30s & 2 G12T-75s, 4 G12H-100s). I havent tried any of those speakers except the V30s, but Im sure they all sound rich and are good for different types of music. Im quite happy with my V30s as of now, so I dont think a change of speakers will be in order anytime soon.

hmm think I might check out a Randall v30 cab as soon as I can find a buyer for my Laney half stack...

Soulinsane: did you and info for your mod from the net or did you draw it up yourself? Thinking about doing the same thing once I get a new cab or two

Whats the Laney stack you are selling? I <3 Laney stuff.

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Bigger box = more bass, so one 4x12 will have more bass than two 2x12's given they're well built and use the same speaker elements. Volume will be about the same, but the 4x12 will rumble more while the two 2x12's might have the edge on punch and clarity. Not that a 4x12 can't punch good while sounding clear or a 2x12 can't rumble like an earthquake, it all depends on the cabs design and build, your gear, what speakers you're using etc.

If you're running stereo aim for two separate cabs unless you mic them, the more separation the sweeter the effect (to a degree). You might also get problems if they're in the same box, one might prevent the other from vibrating freely unless they're reasonably separated inside the box (just a small spacing wall will do the trick, ask if you can open the cab up and check out the insides). You don't want fully separated sides inside, because then you'll lose the bass advantage of the 4x12 (smaller box to breathe in) AND the separation advantage of the 2x12's

Test a lot of cabs and try to find one that sounds good on a variety on amps, so that if you sell your amp there's a chance your cab will sound good with a new one. Try the KranK cabs too with the Texas Heats, they sound more focused than Celestions and doesn't break up as easily, don't lock yourself to V30's just because "everyone" uses those. Celestions (say the V30) sound better at low volume and are more open sounding, but the high mids/top end might be a little too harsh as it's not very smooth, but this also means more "cut" and it does sound good with a lot of scooped dark amps. Both give an excellent tight "chug" and good clarity and attack. Remember to adjust the presence and (if present) depth controls on your amp to tune the power amp to the cabinet you're testing, this is very important so that you don't sign off every cab as shitty, hehe.

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Actually my v30's sound harsh and fuzzy at low volumes, because I haven't worn them in fully yet. V30's are meant to be played loud. The sound "beamy" to some people, in that case you should get a beam blocker on your cab(duct tape in front of the grille in front of the speaker cone's center), to distribute the upper presence frequencies more evenly to kill any harshness.

Yeah there are other speakers out there that are great, no need to lock yourself into v30's, but there's no reason to not buy a commonly used cab with v30's either if they sound great no? I like v30's and like how they came out on many of my fav. records. I'd be more concerned with cab build quality than speakers though. A poorly built particle board cab with 200$ speakers will still sound like shit compared to a Mesa Boogie/VHT cab with cheapo speakers implanted.

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thanks for the info guys. I'm only leaning towards v30s because I hear that they respond alot better than other speakers for hi gain use which is just about all I play atm. Saw the krank cabs last time I was in a big music store in Sydney, intrested me quite a bit untill I read the price tag, for what the store was asking I could buy 3 Randall or Framus cabs, so krank is a little out of my range for now...

I intend on making another trip to Sydney soonish to go around and try a heap of cabs untill I find the right one, so I'm just trying to get a rough guide as to what I should look for.

Valtiel: it's a VH100R head and a GS412IA cab, got them both new in November 05.

hmmm ... not sure if I want to sacrifice low end for stereo effects ... maybe I should just get 2 4x12s

I found most of the info online. I started a thread about the mods I did to the cab. I tried to explain everything step by step and why.

Speaker cab insulating and reinforcement

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