Mesa 4x12 vs Mesa 2x12!!

[ML SOUND LAB]

The first part of this clip is an old 4x12 Mesa Oversize cab (the one Cab Pack 13 is based on) and the second part of this clip is a semi-old 2x12 Mesa Rectifier cab (the one that'll be in the next Cab Pack with an Orange 2x12). Both cabinets have the same old "better" 70w real English Celestions but obviously the 4x12 is more worn since it's older and gigged for over a decade. Other than that it's the same type of V30 speakers in a different cab and the tone difference is quite huge.

Once again: you should never say you dislike "the V30 sound" since there are so many different V30 sounds and you haven't heard all of them.

Both IR's are the Alloy Ace SM57-MD421 IR. The 4x12 is my go-to IR but granted this patch may have been geared more towards the 2x12 cab. I feel like the 2x12 is tighter and more modern and makes the 4x12 sound almost Marshally. This comparison was a head scratcher so I had to share it with you guys.

Opinions?

 

[BillyZeppa]

I sort of prefer the 2X12 as it has a bit more bite, and a bit less boxiness...

 

[iaresee]

2x12, V30-equipped Recto cab with a Trem-o-Verb is my favourite Mesa tone. Looking forward to this pack.

 

[LucasLeCompte]

While the 2x12 has more bite, Im still a cab pack 13 fan boy

 

[ChrisMetal86]

I much prefer the 2x12 in that demo. Might have to pick this one up...

 

[The Last Romantic]

I like both for different reasons, I wouldn't place one above the other.
It's tough to compare things like this though, because even two 4x12 Mesa's would have sounded different, as I'm sure you know...

 

[soheil]

I like both of them, But If I had to go with just one, I would prefer the 4x12.

 

[Harrassment]

Looking forward to the Mesa 2x12 as my favorite real cab setup for a long time has been both a 4x12 and 2x12 mixed together...except for transportation

 

[ML SOUND LAB]

I'm listening to it with new ears and even now it's like "vintage vs modern" for me. The 2x12 is more scooped. The 4x12 has more mids. Let's see how they sound blended in together...

 

[kisslorand]

As we all know separated guitar track preferences have nothing to do with the sound in the mix. That's where you really have to decide.

 

[Clockwork Creep]

I prefer the 4x12 in this case... More low end.

 

[Julien Meirone]

412 for live and 212 for studio IMO.

 

[ML SOUND LAB]

Okay here's a quick shootout... damn I really started to like this riff a lot although it was just a brainfart.



But which is which? I'll wait for you guys to share your opinions first. Three different Mesa cabs all with the same 70w Celestion V30s and SM57+MD421 Alloy Ace combo.

Oh and the amp sim is Friedman HBE with everything on stock settings. This is essentially the way I quick test stuff at times. The HBE with everything pointing to 5 usually sounds pretty damn perfect no matter what.

 

[ps43203]

1 sounds like the 4x12, not as boxy as the other 2. Maybe?

 

[ps43203]

If you can drive on 5, that's a good amp.

 

[ML SOUND LAB]

If you can drive on 5, that's a good amp.

Oh yes definitely enough gain on 5.

 

[boardwlk17]

The 2x12 has more bite' I bet they will sound Awesome together

 

[Clockwork Creep]

In the mix, the difference is there, but pretty much neglect-able.

 

[Julien Meirone]

I think that the third is the 212. There is a lot of "air" in the sound, sounds great IMO.

 

[kisslorand]

Smells like there's a Standard, a Traditional and a 2x12 (not in this particular order (or maybe yes))