2x12 Speaker Selection also closed back vs open back

[Isaac.t]

Hi all
is it possible to wire in a celestion vintage 30 with a celestion g12t 75 in a 2x12 cab. If so would they have to be wired parallel or series?
Anyone know of any other similar combinations that would sound great for modern rock.....
Also whats the difference between closed back and open back for a 2x12 cab.
Cheers

 

[HogmanA]

 

[5F6-A]

you might find this interesting:

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/squawk-box/169923-i-am-really-itching-have-amp.html

BTW I like semi-open cabs too

 

[Isaac.t]

Hi,

They can be wired series or parallel, but depends on the speakers and their use.

2x8 ohm speakers in parallel = 4 ohm cab.
2x8 ohm speakers in series = 16 ohm cab.
2x16 ohm speakers in parallel = 8 ohm cab.
2x16 ohm speakers in series = 32 ohm cab.

You cant set an amp to 32 ohms, but if you ran the 32 ohm cab in parallel with another cab at 32 ohms, then the total load to the amp would be 16 ohms.

Closed back cabs can work just as well in a 2x12 design as in a 4x12. My own preference is open backed (or semi open), for both 2x12 and 4x12.

closed back attenuates the treble frequencies (often, too much so to my mind - makes them sound too compressed and unnatural, but thats just my preference). It is said to enhance the bass response by tightening it up. It also projects the sound away from the cab more than open back, so that it is louder far infront of the cab than right in front of it. This is an important consideration for gigs - it can be helpful or a hindrance.

Open back (I used a semi open 4x12 or open 2x12), the sound is louder near the cab, rather than far in front of it. for me, it also opened up the bass response too, which can be a good or bad thing, depends on the player.

Other thing to note - when mixing speakers, the sum of the 2 speakers is taken from the lowest rated one. eg, 30 watt speaker + 100watt speaker =60watt cab.

I cant really advise on mixing speakers, but for me I didnt see the point as only one speaker was miced. The nearest I tried to your proposed mix was in a 4x12 - 2 vintage greenbacks and 2 vintage 65 watt celestians, and I didnt see the point really, and just put the other 2 greenbacks back in. The harshness of the 65 watt celestians was softened by mixing with greenbacks, but didnt sound any better to me than just using all greenbacks.

someone else can give you better advice on that aspect maybe?

Hey mate thanks alot all that info answered all that i needed cheers