It Takes Two: the Best 2x12 Guitar Cabinet
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best 2x12 guitar cabinet for your budget and situation, along with our Top 6 recommendations!
2x12 guitar cabinets are typically paired with amp heads to provide powerful sound projection for both live performances and recording sessions. 2x12 guitar cabinets refer to the speaker cabinet design that consists of two 12-inch speakers with a variety of power handling options available.
Additionally, the speaker components of these cabinets are also critical in producing the desired sound output.
Many guitarists underestimate the significance of cabinet dimensions, and it’s crucial to choose the appropriate size of 2x12 cabinets to achieve the core tone desired.
Buyer’s Guide for 2x12 Guitar Cabinets
There are several factors to consider when selecting a cabinet, the most obvious being its size. However, one of the most popular and versatile options for guitarists is a 2x12 guitar cabinet. Here are a few things to consider when choosing 2x12 guitar cabinets:
Power Handling Capacity
The power handling capacity of guitar cabinets is one of the most essential considerations when choosing one, with options ranging from standard-sized amp heads to half stacks, making them a versatile option for different guitar setups.
The higher the power handling, the louder you can go without risking damage to your cabinet. With 2x12 guitar cabinets, power handling can range anywhere from 60 to 120 watts, so you can choose one that will work well with your amplifier.
Cab Construction
The construction of a guitar cabinet can have a significant impact on its sound. The construction of guitar cabinets is critical in ensuring optimal sound quality and durability.
A closed back design of the cabinets enhances the punchy mid-range, making them a popular choice among the guitar community.
A closed back guitar cabinet design will produce more low-end response and punchier tones, whereas open-back designs disperse the sound more widely but with less low-end.
High-quality cabinets are frequently made with sturdy birch construction and metal corners, making them ideal for touring and frequent use.
Baltic birch construction is ideal for its strength and stability as well as tonal properties.
Speakers
The two speakers that make up a 2x12 cabinet play a significant role in the final sound produced. Celestion Seventy 80's are a common speaker used and provide a balanced sound. There are other speaker options available as well such as Greenbacks, V30s, Emenince etc.
Portability
When it comes to guitar cabinets, portability is a crucial factor for many guitar players. Choosing a cabinet with a carry handle can make the transportation of its weight much easier. Consider the size and weight of your ideal cabinet and how it will be transported to ensure that you have a piece of guitar gear that can be easily moved around.
Rubber feet are used to provide stability and protect the cabinet, making them an excellent option for recording studios and live performances.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Use
Some 2x12 guitar cabinets are designed to be used vertically, while others are meant to be used horizontally. A vertical configuration of the speakers provides better upward projection, enabling hard rock and metal players to achieve the desired clarity and power in their sound; but the orientation in which you play is up to your personal preference.
Ultimately, choosing the right 2x12 guitar cabinet will depend on your style of playing and the sound you are aiming for. We've reviewed our favorites in this article to get you started in your search.
Marshall Origin ORI212A
Why it Rocks
With two Celestion Seventy-80 speakers, it packs enough punch to deliver a truly immersive sound experience. The 80W16Ohms speakers can handle up to 150W of input power, and its angled cabinet design helps to project the sound, making it perfect for use on tight stages.
The classic vintage style of the Origin series gives the cabinet a timeless, professional look.
What Else
In terms of sound quality, the Celestion Seventy-80 speakers add a tight low-end and punchy mid-range to your sound, allowing you to deliver clean and harmonic tones. Whether you're playing blues, rock, or metal, the Marshall Origin ORI212A is guaranteed to deliver a sound that is both powerful and nuanced.
If you're looking for a guitar cab that combines power, versatility, and style, then the Marshall Origin ORI212A is an excellent choice. With its high-end features, superb speakers, and professional design, it's also a great bargain for the budget-conscious musician.
Vox V212C
Why it Rocks
The Vox V212C features two trusty Celestion G12M Greenback speakers, each with a power rating of 30 Watts, and 16 Ohms impedance.
The Vox V212C sports open-back construction, which produces an exceptional range of tonal nuances and allows for a noticeable increase in presence and a warmer, more natural sound.
The construction of the Vox V212C is top-notch and boasts a classic VOX styling that exudes elegance and a vintage vibe.
The V212C is also a great addition to the AC30 Custom combo when you need more volume and stage presence. It is an ideal choice for musicians who need an easy-to-transport speaker cabinet that can support all kinds of amplifiers, from low to high wattage.
What Else
The two Celestion G12M Greenback speakers produce a clear, warm, and wide-ranging sound that is ideal for any type of tone that you can think of.
With its classic VOX styling, top-of-the-line construction, and powerful sound quality, this cabinet is an outstanding value at its current price point.
Orange Amplifiers PPC212
Why it Rocks
As one of the most trusted brands in the music industry, Orange Amplifiers has built a reputation for producing professional-grade gear that is built to last.
Crafted from 13-ply, high-density, 18mm birch plywood, this cab is built to withstand the rigors of touring and gigging. Its rugged construction ensures that it can handle any bumps and bruises that come its way, while still maintaining its sonic integrity.
Equipped with two Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, the Orange Amplifiers PPC212 has the power to deliver a full-bodied, well-rounded sound that is rich in detail and nuance.
The new cone and coil assembly ensures that the speakers can handle up to 120W of power, making it the perfect choice for large venues and outdoor festivals.
What Else
In terms of portabiliity, the cab features comfortable flush cabinet handles and a unique foot design that helps to acoustically couple the cab to the stage, resulting in a tighter bass response and a more full-range definition.
The PPC212 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable cab that can handle massive overdrive tones with ease.
Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister TM212
Why it Rocks
This speaker cabinet boasts two Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, renowned for their powerful and dynamic tone. The sturdy and durable closed-back cabinet construction ensures that the full-range sound is delivered with precision and clarity, giving you an authoritative bottom-end that will leave a lasting impression.
Many guitar players desire the burly, aggressive sound that comes naturally with 12" speakers, and the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister TM212 delivers this in spades. The tone has been aptly described as "steel fist in a velvet glove", which means that it packs a punch while still retaining its sweet and subtle nuances. The beefy bottom end is particularly impressive, making this guitar cab an excellent choice for players looking for low-end extension and definition.
One of the standout features of the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister TM212 is the parallel output, which allows you to link it with another cabinet for even more tonal options. This means that you can create a tone cocktail that is tailored to your specific needs and musical preferences.
Whether you are looking to create a wall of sound or blend different tones for added complexity, this speaker cabinet has you covered.
What Else
Another attractive aspect of this guitar cab is its lightweight design, which makes it easy to transport and setup. This cabinet is all about convenience without sacrificing on sound quality, making it an excellent choice for gigging musicians or players who are always on the move.
It's a versatile and dependable guitar cab that is perfect for any guitarist looking to add some serious punch to their sound. Its robust build quality, top-quality Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, and parallel outputs make it a great addition to any amp head, while the burly, aggressive sound delivers an authoritative tone that will grab your audience's attention.
EVH 5150 III 50W 2×12 Combo Amp
Why it Rocks
The EVH 5150 III 50W 2×12 Combo Amp is a powerful, compact, and versatile guitar amplifier that delivers epic EVH tone.
It features three channels, each with its own set of controls and a shared 3-band EQ. The amp is capable of delivering up to 50 watts of power, which is more than enough for most applications. However, if you need to lower the output, you can do so with the variable power scaling feature, which drops the output from 50 watts down to 1 watt.
In addition to the power scaling feature, the EVH 5150 III 50W 2×12 Combo Amp also features a resonance control, which allows you to dial the amp into different cabs, and a global presence control for shaping the overall tone of the amp. The amp also comes with an included DSP reverb section, which adds a touch of ambience to your sound.
This combo amp is built to last, with a sealed 212 cab that houses a pair of vintage-style Celestion G12M speakers. It also features selectable output impedance (4, 8, or 16 ohms), making cabinet matching easy.
Moreover, the amp comes with an effects loop, dual parallel speaker output jacks, and a line output, which allows you to integrate your pedalboard and other processors into your sound.
What Else
The amp is also very user-friendly, with dual-concentric gain and volume controls for channels 1 and 2, and an independent EQ for channel 3.
The included 4-button footswitch has a 1/4" input jack and accommodates MIDI footswitching, making it easy to switch between channels and control the amp's other features.
Overall, the EVH 5150 III 50W 2×12 Combo Amp is a top-quality guitar amplifier that offers incredible tone, versatility, and power. Whether you're playing at home, recording in the studio, or performing live on stage, this amp will do what you need it to.
Friedman Runt 212
Why it Rocks
The Friedman Runt 212 is the perfect complement for the Runt-20 or Runt-50 tube amp heads, but sounds great with just about any other heads as well.
With its tall and sturdy Baltic birch construction, this cabinet is built to last and able to withstand the rigors of the road. The cabinet's sturdy construction not only ensures durability, but also adds to its already impressive tonal quality.
This cabinet features two widely Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, which have been long regarded for their smooth and vintage-like sound. These speakers deliver rich, warm, and detailed tones with a perfectly balanced midrange that cuts through any mix with ease.
Known also for their exceptional power handling capabilities, the Vintage 30s in the Runt 212 allow for superb clarity and projection without compromise.
What Else
One of the standout features of the Friedman Runt 212 is its rear-ported design. This allows the cabinet to push an amazing amount of low end, producing incredibly tight, clean, and punchy bass response.
Whether used for low tuning, heavy riffing, or even adding a little extra push to those delicate clean passages, this cabinet has the versatility and power to meet any musician's needs.
Ultimately, the Friedman Runt 212 is a remarkable cabinet that features incredible build quality, top-notch Celestion speakers, and superb tonal versatility, and it's our overall favorite among the 2x12 guitar cabinets we covered.
FAQs About 2x12 Guitar Cabinets
What is a 2x12 guitar cabinet?
A 2x12 guitar cabinet is a type of speaker cabinet that typically contains two 12-inch speakers designed specifically for use with guitar amplifiers. It is mainly used in live performances and recording studios for a more powerful sound projection.
What is the difference between a closed back and an open back cabinet?
A closed back cab is designed with a sealed back and a front baffle where the speaker is mounted. It provides a punchy tone and a tighter bass response, making it perfect for heavier styles and high gain situations. Meanwhile, an open back cabinet has an open rear panel, contributing to a more natural and airy midrange, ideal for cleaner and more pristine cleans.
What is a half stack versus a full stack rig?
A half amp stack is typically comprised of an amp head and a single speaker cabinet, while a full stack consists of an amp head and two speaker cabinets. The primary difference between these two options lies in the number of cabinets that are used, which ultimately affects the sound that is produced.
The use of two cabinets in a full stack system allows for an increased wattage output, resulting in a more powerful and larger sound projection. Conversely, a half stack system typically produces a slightly more focused sound due to the single cabinet design.
In addition to the number of cabinets utilized, factors such as construction and design also play a significant role in shaping the sound of a guitar cabinet. Groove Baltic Birch construction and a closed back design, for example, are popular design elements that many players seek out for their perceived tonal benefits.
Ultimately, the decision between a half stack and a full stack should be based on a player's individual needs and preferences. A full stack may be ideal for those playing larger venues or seeking a more massive sound projection, while a half stack may be sufficient for smaller gigs or studio recordings.
In summary, the difference between a full stack and a half stack lies in the number of speaker cabs utilized, which ultimately affects the overall tone and sound projection of a guitar rig.
Can I use a 2x12 cabinet with a single amp head?
Yes, you can use a 2x12 cabinet with a single amp head. It's a common setup for guitarists who want a more compact rig without sacrificing the desired tone and projection. However, you will need to make sure that the impedance of the cabinet matches that of the amp head to avoid any damage to either equipment.
Should I opt for a horizontal or vertical 2x12 guitar cabinet?
The orientation of the 2x12 guitar cabinet largely depends on your personal preference. A horizontal use provides more sound dispersion and is perfect for gigs in smaller venues where you need to fill the whole room with your sound. On the other hand, a vertical use allows for a narrower dispersion pattern, making it ideal for larger stages where you want your sound to be more focused.
What are the advantages of upgrading to a 2x12 guitar cabinet?
2x12 guitar cabs offers numerous advantages, including a fuller and richer tone with more projection and presence, especially in the low end. It also allows for a better pairing with a wide range of guitar amps, making it easier to achieve the desired sound.
Additionally, these speaker cabinets usually come with a rugged construction, carry handles, and removable casters for ease of transportation and setup.
What is the difference between a 2x12 and 4x12 guitar cabinet?
The primary difference between these two options is the number of speakers they feature. The 2x12 cabinet contains two speakers, while the 4x12 cabinet contains four speakers.
In terms of sound projection, the 4x12 extension cabinet generally provides more projection due to its larger size and additional speakers. This makes it a popular choice for metal and high-gain enthusiasts who prioritize volume and tone. However, the 2x12 cabinet may be a better fit for a recording studio or smaller venues due to its more compact size and focused sound.
It is worth noting that the material used for cabinet construction plays a crucial role in shaping the tone. For example, a closed-back design, particularly with Baltic birch construction, provides a more focused and controlled sound, while an open-back cabinet produces a more airy, spacious sound.
Additionally, the stock speakers in a cabinet can significantly impact the overall sound, although some players prefer to swap out the speakers for a more customized tone.
By pairing the right cabinet with an excellent amp head, guitarists can achieve a tone that they will love. As with all guitar gear purchases, it is crucial to consider individual preferences, playing style, and budget when choosing between a 2x12 or 4x12 cabinet.
How much lighter is a 2x12 cabinet than a 4x12?
When it comes to weight, the 2x12 cabinet is significantly lighter than the 4x12 cabinet, which can make a significant difference for those touring or gigging frequently.
On average, a 2x12 cabinet weighs between 50-70 pounds, while a 4x12 cabinet can weigh anywhere from 70-100 pounds.
Summary of 2x12 Guitar Cabs
Overall, the 2x12 guitar cab remains a popular choice among guitar enthusiasts, both amateur and professional alike. Their compact size and portability make them ideal for on-stage performances and rehearsals, while their powerful sound capabilities allow for effective use in a variety of musical genres.
When paired with the right amplifier head, a 2x12 guitar cab can deliver exceptional tonal depth and clarity, showcasing the full range of sounds that an electric guitar can produce.
Once again, here are our favorites:
Best Budget Option: Marshall Origin ORI212A
Best Value for the Money: Vox V212C
Best for Power: Orange Amplifiers PPC212
Best for Versatility: Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister TM212
Best Combo: EVH 5150 III 50W 2×12 Combo Amp
Best Overall: Friedman Runt 212
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