To 1x12 or to 2x12, that is the question

[marc2211]

I recently re-acquired my orange Micro Terror practice amp after foolishly selling it a few years ago. It is used in my work apartment (old building, not great sound insulation), where I used to have a 1x12 cab with a V30 speaker, which I also sold at the same time and have not reacquired.

I ordered a Thomann HB 1x12 V30 cab, but it's on back order for a few weeks, however Thomann also have a 2x12, with generic Celestion Chinese copy speakers for the same price that is in stock and ready to ship. The reviews seem half decent, saying that the speakers are less middy than the V30s but work fine.

I have a 1x12 Blackstar HT20R mkii, and a Marshall Silver Jubilee with a marshall 2x12 with V30's as my main amps and cab, so I kind of already have a good 2x12 and 1x12 combo that covered - which makes a different 2x12 appealing.

My worry is that a 2x12 may be too much for apartment practice compared to the 1x12 I used to have? I'm no in a hurry, so can hang on for the V30 1x12, but looking at options.

Just wondering on everyone's thoughts.

Many thanks!

 

[ScottTunes]

Why not try a 1x10" cab?

 

[rze99]

2X12 not worthwhile in an apartment for sure.
However, quite useful IF you are recording and then use two different mics so that you can mic up both speakers, then eq and process the signals differently.

 

[stormsedge]

Hard to beat the Thomann 212. I tend towards towards 2x when I can and think the Micro Terror would be a good match.

((I have a G212 Vintage Vertical and changed one of the V30s for a 70/80…less spiky)).

 

[Nicko_Lps]

I ordered a Thomann HB 1x12 V30 cab

I have a V30 on my old HRD(empty) cab, its not the best speaker for 1x12 application. Its probably ideal to use it 2x12 or 4x12.

with generic Celestion Chinese copy speakers

They are real celestion but made in china, like all celestion speakers nowadays except the alnico series that are still made in the UK.

My worry is that a 2x12 may be too much for apartment practice compared to the 1x12 I used to have? I'm no in a hurry, so can hang on for the V30 1x12, but looking at options.

I would not go with a non ported 1x12, i think 2x12 is a better choice. A 2x12 is like 3db? louder but dont forget that even the 1x12 is extremely loud in a tube amp

The only thing that would make use a 1x12 is the carry weight of a 2x12 but i dont gig.

 

[hemingway]

I would have thought a 2x12 would be too big for the whole street, never mind an apartment.

 

[radiocaster]

My worry is that a 2x12 may be too much for apartment practice compared to the 1x12 I used to have?

Yes, too much. Plus the master volume on the Micro Terror is not that sensitive, too easy to get too loud.

Just get a second 1x12" later if you want to gig loud with that setup.

 

[northernguitar]

1x12 with a Celestion G12H 70th Anniversary would be perfect for the MT.

 

[VintageSG]

Try a 1x10" or two 1x10" or a 2x10"

You have a plethora of 12" options already; consider them ice-cream. Now try a light 10" sorbet for some variety.
A 1x10" with a low sensitivity speaker is a joy unto itself.
The Micro Terror through a 10" is a good combination for sound, volume and domestic harmony.

As for the Thomann cabs with the unknown drivers, I had the 1x12" for a long time. The speaker looked identical in terms of the basket, cone, dustcap and magnet to the Celestion Seventy-80 in my combo. Like the Celestion, it sounded harsh and bitey at first, but soon settled in to a perfectly acceptable, if not actually rather good, sound post many hours being run at 'compete with Mongo the drummer' levels.

 

[Flaneur]

I would wait, for the 1x12, V30 cab to become available.
No criticism of the Chinese manufactured Celestions implied: I have one, in a Peavey Classic 30 and it's been excellent, over seven years of regular, hard use.

 

[StratTelePaul]

Maybe try with your Jubilee cab first but 2x12 closed back cabinet with only 1 speaker loaded. Will sound huge and tame some volume.

 

[JohnnyThul]

I use a 2x12 configuration in a 4x12 cab and think, it's one of the best sounds you can get, even at low volume. ( No neighbour ever complained)
I also use a 90w amp played at low volume and think it sounds much better, than low wattage amps.

Of course, if you want Poweramp distortion et al, a low wattage amp built for that purpose is better suited, but clean or working with pedals I'd rather go with the big boys.

So, I'd say, if you have the space available, go big.

 

[arlum]

One great 12" speaker will always sound better than any combination or number of lesser 12" speakers. I also think two 12"s would be too loud for your needs and take up room you may want to use for something else.

 

[scottser]

Why not try a 1x10" cab?

I was going to suggest a 2x10

 

[fretknot]

I'm partial to 10" for indoor use. I love the sound of 12s, but I find them too bass forward for living room playing. I'd consider a 1x10" cab with a Ragin Cajun. I had a 1x12" in an apartment and I could never push it enough to get the sonic value of a 12" without disturbing the peace of my neighbors.

 

[Happy Enchilada]

I recently re-acquired my orange Micro Terror practice amp after foolishly selling it a few years ago. It is used in my work apartment (old building, not great sound insulation), where I used to have a 1x12 cab with a V30 speaker, which I also sold at the same time and have not reacquired.

I ordered a Thomann HB 1x12 V30 cab, but it's on back order for a few weeks, however Thomann also have a 2x12, with generic Celestion Chinese copy speakers for the same price that is in stock and ready to ship. The reviews seem half decent, saying that the speakers are less middy than the V30s but work fine.

I have a 1x12 Blackstar HT20R mkii, and a Marshall Silver Jubilee with a marshall 2x12 with V30's as my main amps and cab, so I kind of already have a good 2x12 and 1x12 combo that covered - which makes a different 2x12 appealing.

My worry is that a 2x12 may be too much for apartment practice compared to the 1x12 I used to have? I'm no in a hurry, so can hang on for the V30 1x12, but looking at options.

Just wondering on everyone's thoughts.

Many thanks!

2x12 loud AF - especially in apartment.

 

[jvin248]

.

Lol, no consistent theme one way or another suggested so far. So I'll just add some more alternatives!

Get the 2x12 since it's ready and easy and gives more versatility. Like you can use only one side or both (perhaps add a toggle switch).

You might even split the cab someday, adding new sides to each split so you have two 1x12 cabs for right-left wet-dry etc options. Or just carry one light 1x12 to a gig. Install toggle latches like on a tool box so you can latch them back into a 2x12 when you want that.

.

 

[hotcoffeenochill]

More speakers is more better.

 

[PhredE]

Inefficient speakers with a high power rating are a double bonus.

 

[brookdalebill]

I greatly prefer 1-12.
It will reproduce the electric guitar spectrum well, at almost any volume.
It is also easier to control.
2-12’s, unless you’re old school rockin’, is too much, IMO.
If you are playing for your own enjoyment, and don’t have to consider the feelings and eardrums of anyone else, get what makes you happy.
I loved my (very) youthful rockin’ days.
That was eons ago.