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

[Charlie Bernstein]

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

1. A 212 is loud, but it's not twice as loud.

2. If your neighbors can put up with a 112, they can put up with anything.

 

[gimmeatele]

I had the micro and two of the 1x10's cabs they did for it and it was too loud with those let alone a 2 x 12"!!!

 

[David PNW]

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!

A good speaker in a 1x12'" cabinet is enough for small venues, clubs etc. And even enough for big venues if mikes. With a 1x12 and the internal combo, this is enough to fill a decent room. Also check your ohm ratings. Try not to go below 4 ohms. A lot of 2x12 are 4ohm. Running in your combo is most likely 8ohms and an extension would be 8ohms. Unless the 2 12 cabinet is running 2 16 ohm speakers, which is unlikely, that may affect the amp. Also weight is a factor and space. 1x12 smaller and lighter.
JUST CHECKED and the micro terror has minimum of 8 ohms! Get the 1x12

 

[David PNW]

1. A 212 is loud, but it's not twice as loud.

2. If your neighbors can put up with a 112, they can put up with anything.

I would not say a 2x12 is twice as loud. Depending on the cabinet, the sound of 2 is deeper and wider dispersion as a 1x12, but I have used a 1x12 and that is real loud in my Mesa amp and can compete with a 4x12 in decibels and hearing loss.
Open or closed back can also make a difference. I have used 2 2x12 cabs and not much difference in loud, as being a fuller sound. But a 20watt Orange Terror does not need anything more than a 1x12.
I have a Marshall DSL20 with a 1x12 and that is plenty loud to wake the neighbors.

 

[David PNW]

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!

Wait for the Harley 1x12 for $82 excellent price. Cheap speaker in it but easy to replace. But empty cab by Harley is better made and $92

Harley Benton G112Plus Unloaded.​

This would be a win/win if in stock! Also for $6more the bundle comes with a slip cover. Unloaded less shipping weight in Europe.

 

[Supertwang]

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!

In general I prefer an open back cab with more than 1 speaker

 

[W.L.Weller]

Two, Two 2x12s!!! Ah ah ah ah

(One open backed, one closed. You know, for variety.)

 

[Wooly Fox]

I have a closed back 1x12 and an open back 2x12, been using for 2 years in my basement rental. Never any volume complaints but then I am very conscious of when I play (usually 4-5pm or 7-8pm when my landlord is out).

Volume wise, you can always turn own the amp or guitar, loud enough to hear the strings when struck still unamplified.

I can use either cab at that volume no problem and if I ever get to turn up, it's glorious using my 50W amp (120 dB @ 6'). The tiny terror can hit 100 dB no problem

 

[Monoprice99]

I prefer single cabs with a 1X speaker inside each. One of Mesa Boogie's cabs is a open back side, the other closed back. That way I can use each as a stand alone cab or combine them to be a hybrid cab. The open back was easier to wire that way, it's a combo, but can also be used as a passive open back cab And stacked on the closed back cab the combo becomes a head for both the open back & closed back cabs for a 2X speaker. For me, more modular options > going with a 2X cab. Easier on my back too for the lift & carry. The 1x8 combo is still lighter with the solid state amp head chassis than the 1x12.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I would not say a 2x12 is twice as loud. . . .

No, indeed. We agree to agree.

 

[David PNW]

View attachment 1277165

Two, Two 2x12s!!! Ah ah ah ah

View attachment 1277167

(One open backed, one closed. You know, for variety.)

So good if you want to "wake the dead". Nice if you are playing outside, or a club with 250 seats, but then the PA works the best.

 

[David PNW]

No, indeed. We agree to agree.

Yes agree to disagree. Just a personal observation using multiple speaker over 60 year of playing, and playing LOUD. Multiple high power amps, using different and multiple cabinets. In most venues, large clubs, weddings and even outdoors, either a 1x12 Mesa amp running 85watts simul, or a 50wt Hiwatt 1x12 combo, and even my trusty 45 watt Fender with 2x10 Bandmaster Reverb Combo, would easily cut through the Loud drummer. When I did use either a Boogie 2x12 cab, or my older Fender 2x12 Bassman cabinets typical running 2 of those, it was overkill. I did like to separate the 2x12 or stack them for looks, but did not stand in front of those when playing. But over the years, all that sound did catch up with me, and now the hearing suffers.
Most shows I see, the players are now using combo's with low wattage. The PA in most venues is the best to mix and control the sound.
Maybe metal bands, playing large venues still resort to those 100watt 2 4x12 cabinets.
When I first started playing, my Guitar teacher had a new Marshall stack, that I tried, the BEST! That was in the late 60's and the sound of that was heaven. In clubs when I used a 1x12 boogie combo, the volume never exceeded 2. Plenty of sound and dispersion.
But my Blues Jr was modified, and running a C-rex and the original speaker in a 1x12 mojo cabinet does sound fuller. LOUDER, IMO no just fuller. 2 speakers do push more air.

 

[wulfenganck]

A 2x12 is definitely a bit of overkill for a living-room. How about a 2x10 or a 1x10? That should be a lot better for practice at home and you still can use them in small clubs.

 

[zeke54]

I was going to suggest a 2x10

+1 . I use a couple open back 2x10 cabs almost exclusively with my 15 to 20 watt amps . They sound so much better than a 1x12 . But it's loud too . My bedroom studio is about 18x18 feet , but luckily my neighbor doesn't mind my playing . Sometimes I use 5 watt amps which are plenty loud too . I also have a Vox Lil NightTrain , 2 watts , even 2 watts can be loud through a 2x10 cab !!

 

[76standard]

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!

If I had a choice, I would go with the 2 x 12 cabinet and speaker combination. I think what you will find is theres more low end and a fuller sound. The speaker choice is up to you based on what you want to hear. I would find Speakers rated wattage wise twice the output wattage of the amp. That will give you the most headroom. Make sure you select the appropriate speakers in terms of ohms so you can wire them to best match your amp. Good luck

 

[Despres]

If we can't even agree whether we agree or disagree I am not sure how we'll ever reach a consensus on the appropriate number of speakers!

 

[Maguchi]

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!

I vote 2x12". You can probly adjust the volume or master volume of a amp head to get roughly equal volumes from both a 2x12" cab and a 1x12" cab. I can get a nice sound at very quiet nightime at home volumes out of a Orange PPC212V with 2 Celestion G12 Neo Creamback speakers.

To my ears a 2x12' has a richer, fatter sound than a 1x12", but not necessarily louder unless you crank the volume. However with the volume maxed out you could probly get more volume out of a 2x12".

Never had a reason to do a comparison test with the same head through a 1x12" vs a 2x12" before yet, but maybe I'll try it. On second thought, naah, not that curious and I'm too lazy to move cabinets and plug and unplug heads. The work to benefit ratio isn't there for me.

 

[Dismalhead]

My main amp for twenty years was a 2 x 12" combo. It weighed 80 lbs. Now I've gone to single speaker combos, and when I'm on the go I usually take a 1 x 10". Sure two 12" speakers sounds great, but I'm not into lugging anything heavy anymore.

 

[Tim S]

Speaker size? Number? Who cares! There are only two questions:

1) Sight unseen, does it sound good?
2) How far are you willing to carry it unaided?

 

[scottser]

+1 . I use a couple open back 2x10 cabs almost exclusively with my 15 to 20 watt amps . They sound so much better than a 1x12 . But it's loud too . My bedroom studio is about 18x18 feet , but luckily my neighbor doesn't mind my playing . Sometimes I use 5 watt amps which are plenty loud too . I also have a Vox Lil NightTrain , 2 watts , even 2 watts can be loud through a 2x10 cab !!

Same. I use my 2x10 with a 15w Laney Ironheart Studio and 1watt is plenty for home use. In fact it rarely goes past 1/3 on the volume knob. 2x10s are really responsive at lower wattages for sure.