1x12 Cab Dimensions and tone

[h3yn0w]

Would there be any significant difference in sound between cabs with the following dimensions, as open back or semi open back.

Cab 1: 20x17x12
Cab 2: 22x18x12

I'm leaning towards 1 because it's slightly more compact and fits my head nicely. But don't want to compromise on tone.

 

[dave_mc]

I'd say it matters less if it's open-back, but I wouldn't like to say it'd make no difference. I honestly have no idea

 

[h3yn0w]

Anyone?

 

[sublimeaudio]

I generally find that larger (especially deeper) cabs have more bottom end. There are many variables at play, but if they were built exactly the same apart from size I think that would generally be true.

 

[dughaze]

I generally find that larger (especially deeper) cabs have more bottom end. There are many variables at play, but if they were built exactly the same apart from size I think that would generally be true.

well said

 

[teleman1]

These cabs will sound more alike than not. I don't think you would be compromising tone significantly. You never know, those differences could mean clearer highs or more mid range. The thing you don't want is too small without going Thiele style. If the amps cosmetics will be getting under your skin, the smaller cab won't make that much difference compared to the aesthetic joy.

 

[teleman1]

Bababooey!

 

[Spentmusic]

Not much difference if all wood thickness is the same, both are opened back or closed back. Low end response will change slightly in the larger cabinet but you would have to record and look at the sound wave to really see it. Some have better ears then others and will state a difference. Others will say they can't hear any.

 

[zacmac]

I have one that is 24x20x14 with a birch PW baffle and a donut hole in the back that is probably 15 wide x 10 tall and it is the biggest 1-12 cabinet I have heard. I have thought about getting a head cab made for my 2 favorite amps because it sounds so dang good! I would go as big as you can get away with and use a donut hole rear baffle instead of 2 slats

 

[Felixun1]

I agree that a larger cab will generally result in more low end. I have an Avatar semi-opne back oversized 1 x 12 cab with an Eminence Reign maker. At one point I ran the same speaker in a smaller cab. The difference in low end was very noticeable.

 

[h3yn0w]

I agree that a larger cab will generally result in more low end. I have an Avatar semi-opne back oversized 1 x 12 cab with an Eminence Reign maker. At one point I ran the same speaker in a smaller cab. The difference in low end was very noticeable.

Do you remember the size difference? In my case i'm not looking at extremes. Basically +/- 2 inches in width. Think that would that be noticeable (all else being equal)?

 

[dave_mc]

I generally find that larger (especially deeper) cabs have more bottom end. There are many variables at play, but if they were built exactly the same apart from size I think that would generally be true.

that's what i'd have thought

I'm just going by trying my roadkill badger 2x12 (which is basically an oversized 1x12 with two offset speakers) with (chinese) g12m/g12h30 versus my montage intro 2x12 (which is more usual-sized 2x12) with the same speakers. the montage sounded a fair bit bigger and bassier, while the roadkill sounded a bit boxy. taking the back off the roadkill helped things a lot, though.

there were a lot bigger differences in size between my two cabs than between the ones you're looking at- IIRC something like 10mm in depth (almost half an inch) and 75mm (3 inches) in width. plus it may be different for 1x12s. EDIT: i'm not sure the height makes much difference (though could be wrong)- the roadkill is taller than the montage.

 

[Jef Bardsley]

Would there be any significant difference in sound between cabs with the following dimensions, as open back or semi open back.

Cab 1: 20x17x12
Cab 2: 22x18x12

I'm leaning towards 1 because it's slightly more compact and fits my head nicely. But don't want to compromise on tone.

Assuming outside dimensions*, and the same construction, then these two boxes when closed would yield a difference of .07 in the Qtc with a Greenback. With a G12H (or any speaker with a bigger magnet), it would be even less, about .05. This means the difference would be about +/- .5 dB, with a frequency shift of ~5Hz. Open, there would be even less difference.

I think it's safe to say you can use either one without compromising your tone. For perspective, if you had both cabs, and two Greenbacks, you'd likely hear bigger difference between the two the speakers than between the cabinets, simply due to production line variations.



* If those are inside dimensions, then the difference is even less. If they're not the same model cab, then all bets are off. Differences in materials and construction can make a huge.... well, big.... okay, a noticeable difference in the tone.