• rpic
  • Titanium
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  • From: Sonoma, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-08-16
  • Posts: 852

Topic: Low Wattage Heads / Speaker Cabs.

I have a couple of low wattage heads that I run through either a single 10" or 12" speaker cab. Question is, what happens if I run them through a 4 x 12" cabinet? Does the sound just get more bottom end? Does it get louder?

  • Registered: 2008-03-07
  • Posts: 508

Re: Low Wattage Heads / Speaker Cabs.

rpic wrote:

I have a couple of low wattage heads that I run through either a single 10" or 12" speaker cab. Question is, what happens if I run them through a 4 x 12" cabinet? Does the sound just get more bottom end? Does it get louder?


I would imagine you would have more bottom end but depends what wattage your amps are beacause they
wont be driving the speakers the same as with a matched speaker maybe a 2x12 would be better?
anyone else ???

"Everybody's entitled to my opinion. wink
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Low Wattage Heads / Speaker Cabs.

Yes and yes, in a way.  You will definately get more bottom especially if your heads are more than 10 watts.  I find that it doesn't take a lot of wattage to push most speakers, even higher ratings.  But that all depends of course.  If I were to push my Maz 18 through a 4x12 with EV12Ls (200 watts a piece) it wouldn't make much sense.  And the volume will not increase but the perceived volume will because there is more surface area generating the sound and you will move a lot more air that way.  Hope this helps!

         -Justin

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Re: Low Wattage Heads / Speaker Cabs.

Depends on a few more factors. Whether the cab is open backed. The type of speakers...etc
I think a standard marshall 4x12 would give you a lot more low end. I find they even have more low end than my marshall 2x12.
Though, if you're gigging, I'd maybe recommend a 2x12. It's a nightmare getting a 4x12 in a car with other gear haha.

  • Registered: 2008-10-10
  • Posts: 180

Re: Low Wattage Heads / Speaker Cabs.

My 1/2 watt and 5 watt amps sound great through my 4x12s...not as much overall volume but a great kick in low end...it is what it is, not gonna thump you like a 100watt

Where the hell does one get a black-backed gold top anyway?
  • rpic
  • Titanium
  • Offline
  • From: Sonoma, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-08-16
  • Posts: 852

Re: Low Wattage Heads / Speaker Cabs.

Cool.... thanks for the input. Sounds to me that I need to be on the lookout for good used 2 or 4 x 12" speaker cab.

And by the way, the reason I ask is that I just purchased a new Blackstar HT5 head (5w). I didn't buy the mini stack because I already have a few small speaker cabs and figured at some point I'd get a bigger speaker cab.

Thanks again!!

  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Re: Low Wattage Heads / Speaker Cabs.

I have been checking out Avatar Cabs....prices are very reasonable...maybe someone on here has some experience with them and can comment on them...

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1