pros and cons of getting 2x12s for my mesa head dual rec

[dassy]

pros and cons of getting 2x12s for my mesa dual rectifier head instead of 4 x 12s

Im gettin a mesa Dual Rec head (3 channels)

but i only want 2 celestion 12s instead of the typical 4.

what will this affect if i run 2 x 12 instead of 4 x 12s?

 

[Neve]

Well, that`s pretty easy to figure out, isn`t it?
You lose some volume, and a little bit headroom in the amp....

Amund

 

[dassy]

I know the obvious, but whats about tone,will it be pushing more volume therefor runing the tubes hot, giving me a better tone?

and how will losing some volume in the headend exactly effect it?

 

[Gregwor]

I don't know exactly, however I can tell you what I noticed when hooking up a second 4x12 to my Triple Rectifier.

Volume was minimally affected, however when the second cab was added, it had huge low end and fullness. I am sure that a 2x12 won't be as loud, but tone shouldn't be your concern.

If I was you, I would look into getting some other speakers other than the standard ones. I know a guy who runs a tube hot-rodding place called Rebel Sound : www.rebelsound.org and he used to be a Mesa repair guy till he got screwed around by them....anyways, he said that someone at Mesa told him that the speakers sent in the cabs are not ment to be used with the Rectifiers, and the customers should be informed of the issue 'after' they purchase the cabs. What I am getting at is, look into getting some higher power speakers like the custom 90's (that's what I have...love them....they are the best for real....and no extra charge) or try the 200watt EV's which I think cost a little more. This quick fix should solve the volume problem.


If you're so sketchy, maybe you should just go get a 4x12.....with the different speakers of course

 

[dassy]

yeah i wanted to get some V celestion speakers for my cab.

but see this is gonna be for small clubs and at my house during band practice. do you think i should go for 4 x 12 instead of 2 x 12? do they get small gig loud and band practice loud, or do you find yourself with 4 x 12s and the volume level at like 3 or 4, i was thinking if i had 2 x 12s i could run the volume at like 6ish then.

then again i could be wrong on how the science of this works but i do appreciate you helping me understand this!