Should I buy 2x12" instead of 4x12"?

[mungiisi]

So, I need to buy me a proper cabinet. I've been borrowing an Orange 2x12" at our rehearsal place but I need to return it soon.

My amp is a Mesa Dual Rectifier, and naturally I would like to buy the Rectifier cabinet. From what I've read, and listened from samples it seems to be the best fit for this amp. However, I'm hesitating with should I buy the 2x12" instead of the 4x12".

I'd like to go with the 4x12" because otherwise I would regret not buying it and wondering should I have chosen otherwise. The 2x12" Rectifier cabinet is still tempting - it's smaller (easier to carry to gigs) and it's cheaper. Is there any other benefits why should I choose the 2x12" over it's big brother?

Or should I just quit wondering and go with the 4x12"?

 

[MatrixClaw]

Personally, I'd buy a vertical 2x12. It's the best of both worlds.

 

[NickS]

Well, the 2x12 is cheaper, lighter, smaller and easier to transport, so........

You should definitely get the 4x12!!!!!

 

[MASS DEFECT]

Im partial to vertical 2x12s. But it looks ugly if your amp is wider than the cab.

So...buy the 4x12.

 

[bostjan]

I've found that a 212 is far more useful for me. If your band is too loud for a 212, you'll need a 412. If not, get the 212.

 

[gnoll]

More is more. 4>2.

I'd like to go with the 4x12" because otherwise I would regret not buying it and wondering should I have chosen otherwise.

If that's really how you feel then I would get the 4x12.

 

[gunch]

A board that's motto is "buy a used prestige" and "just get a 5150" will say "you're not a big boy until you have a 4x12"

 

[bostjan]

Just have fun with it!

 

[Werecow]

I think everyone should have or experience a 4x12 at least once. I like the thump they have. I still wouldn't be without mine even for home practice haha. If it's nagging at you go for the 4x12

 

[c7spheres]

I'd go with which has the tone you like best if that's a critical factor for you. Two 2x12's is not equal to a 4x12. It's not less than, nor equal to, or greater than. Just different than. The best solution is to get both.

 

[rexbinary]

4x12

 

[budda]

412. Dont like it? Downsize.

 

[buriedoutback]

IME, get a 412.
I love the Mesa oversized 412; be warned its heavy as fuck.
My buddy has the regular mesa 412 and it also kicks ass.
Whatever you go with, get some really good castors and you're good to go.
FOR ME, even a Marshall MG412 'mini' cab worked out better than the randall 212 I had for a bit.

 

[Bearitone]

Don’t be a pussy. Get a 612.

Just kidding, get a 412 if you don’t mind carrying it. 412s really do shit on 212s. I once bought a Port City Vertical OS212 in hopes that it could compete with my (much cheaper) 412. It didn’t stand a chance despite the hype surrounding it at the time.

 

[bmth4111]

I love my 2x12 recto , had the same dilemma and have no regrets. I have no problem jamming with my loud drummer. But I’m not sure how it would fare on the ground. I play with it elevated on top of a bass cab.

 

[wakjob]

I've had or tried them all...4x12 or bust for me.
Even for low volume at home playing.

There's just something about 4 speakers in the same box that does something magical for distorted guitar.

 

[Boris_VTR]

My friend has mesa recto 2x12 for his Rectifier and I have really oversized custom 4x12 that weights a ton. I would choose recto 2x12. It is loud enough, has punch, a lot of low end (in band mix this is a job for bassist anyway) and one man can carry it.
4x12 is better, dont get me wrong, but in full band mix I think that difference is minimal or not worth the hassle.

 

[budda]

If you do go 212, amp stand is a must.

 

[mungiisi]

Thanks everyone for comments. It makes the choosing very difficult to hear that the 2x12" Rectifier cabinet sounds great as well. I wish I had a chance to do an A-B test, but it seems that even the distributor don't have these on stock. I think I'm going to try my luck and check what's on the used market.

A board that's motto is "buy a used prestige" and "just get a 5150" will say "you're not a big boy until you have a 4x12"

And I'm one of those "buy a used prestige" guys! Haha.

 

[Alex79]

2x12”, superior in every way.
The only reason to buy a 4x12” is either visual (classic look) or psychological (sounds better, must be better because it’s more).
A cabinet should always be miced at a gig and after EQ you can’t tell if it’s a 1x12” or 4x12” anymore.
Many pros run 1x12” iso cabs for that reason.

If you play almost entirely in a room with friends (or on your own) and don't mic your cab, a 4x12" will of course sound bigger (though often that is also a matter of EQ). For all other applications, especially gigging/touring, a 2x12" will do the job better.
There are also many more 2x12" formats and sizes available than 4x12", some can even fit a full-size head.