Best 1×12 guitar cabinet in 2021: Buyer’s Guide

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We sometimes forget how convenient and valuable the 1 x 12 speaker cabinet can be in our search for power. Although 4 x 12 cabinets can deliver a lot of strength, they’re often too big, heavy, and noisy for specific rooms or environments. The cost, space, and weight of a massive cabinet, as well as its overkill, can be challenging to justify.

The handy 1 x 12 cabinets are single speaker cabinets that house 12-inch speakers, a design that is becoming more popular as home recording studios and small venue gigs become more common. Unlike the 12″ speakers, which are best for brighter jazz or blues sounds, the 12″ has more power for rock, punk, metal, and other genres. They also have a distinct sonic signature, outperforming their 10″ counterparts in the 40 Hz to 5k Hz frequency range.

Before you make your decision, look for the following features:

Back Design— Open Back or Closed Back Enclosure material and voice coil design Power (RMS) and wattage.

Open back units produce a total output with more transparency, better high-frequency representation, and minor clarification. Closed-back branches, on the other hand, are more concentrated (especially in the lows) but have a cluttered project.

The speakers don’t require much thought because most major brands have a partnership with Celestion or Eminence, both of which are well-known in this sector. The type/model will influence the strength and tone of the speaker, so make sure you’re happy with what you choose. In any case, if you want to experiment, you can always substitute a speaker with an aftermarket alternative.

Finally, how your cabinets interact with amp heads is determined by their strength (RMS). To provide additional headroom for over-drive tones, the more massive amp heads need more wattage and equivalent impedance from cabinets. They can be pushed hard, but that isn’t a top priority on our list since we’re looking for units that are ideal for small venues and home recording. The majority of 1 x 12 guitar cabinets are made to work with an identical amp head, such as the Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister 18+ TM112.

PPC112C Orange

In recent years, the revival of Orange amplifiers has warmed the hearts of all old-school rock and roll guitarists. It’s great to see Orange amps powering modern players, as they were instrumental in the success of legendary bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. The Orange PPC112C is an excellent option for those looking for a smaller guitar cab that can rock hard, sound great, and attract attention. It’s a closed-back 12 guitar cabinet, making it a decent option for those looking for the low-end punch of a half-stack in a much more compact box.

The Celestion Vintage 30 12-inch speaker in the PPC112C can accommodate 60 watts and runs at 16 ohms. This allows it to work with a wide range of regular guitar heads. You either love or hate the signature orange covering, but most people seem to like it. This is a fantastic 12 guitar cabinet that will add some vintage swagger to every backline.

BENEFITS

• Excellent sound in a tiny package!
• Orange cosmetics are a classic!
• Speaker from Celestion!

OBJECTIVES

• The bright color orange isn’t for everybody.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• 12 Guitar Cabinet Configuration
• One Celestion Vintage speaker 30
• 60 Watts of power 16 Ohms RMS Impedance
• 18′′H x 21-1/2′′W x 11′′D Dimensions: 18′′H x 21-1/2′′W x 11′′D
• 36-1/2 pound weight

80-Watt Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 112

The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 112 112 guitar cabinet is a must-have for anyone looking for a retro sound. This is the extension guitar cab for you if you need tweed. It should be noted that the Hot Rod cabinet is ideal for almost any use. It’s a closed-back 12 guitar cabinet with an 80-watt Celestion G12P-80 speaker at 8 ohms. This means it would fit with the vast majority of amplifiers on the market. It sounds excellent under a Fender combination or a Marshall’s head.

Fender goes above and beyond to add value by using a speaker cable and a fitted slipcover with the HRD cabinet, which is a classy gesture. Also, the cover will keep the tweed covering looking good for years. This cab is challenging to overlook, and anyone considering purchasing a 12 guitar cabinet should give it serious consideration.

PROS

• 80 watts into an 8-ohm load!
• Design with a closed back for tight bass!
• There’s also a slipcover!
• Tweed isn’t for everyone.

CONS

• Tweed isn’t for everyone.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• 12 Guitar Cabinet Configuration
• One Celestion G12P-80 speaker
• Power Consumption: 80W
• 8 ohms Impedance
• Mono/Stereo: Mono is the default setting.
• Straight Open/Closed Cabinet Form Closed on the back
• 1 x 1/4′′ input
• 18′′ in height
• Depth: 11′′ Width: 23.5′′
• The weight of the dog is 41 pounds.

HT112OC MKII by Blackstar

Blackstar is a newcomer to the industry who has made a name for itself by producing high-quality amps at reasonable prices. The Blackstar HT112OC MKII 12 guitar cabinet continues this tradition and will appeal to a wide range of guitarists. It’s a 50-watt 112 cabinet with a removable bottom panel and an advanced open/closed-back configuration. This allows users to choose between a combo amp and a half stack-style low end. In any case, the HT112 provides plenty of projection and sound.

The 112 cabinet is lightweight and light in weight, and it works at 16 ohms, which should not be a problem for most players. This is a Swiss Army Knife of a 12 guitar cabinet that will fit any player in need of a compact rig that packs a punch. On all levels, the Blackstar is a great option that needs to be investigated further.

BENEFITS

• A one-of-a-kind open/closed-back style!
• It’s small and portable!
• In Basic Black, it looks great!

OBJECTIVES

• Some people may be unfamiliar with the Blackstar brand.
• There isn’t a single name-brand speaker in the room.

SPECS

• Speaker: One Blackbird
• 50 Speaker Power Handling: 50W Configuration: 12 Guitar Cabinet
• 16 ohms Impedance
• Slant Cabinet Type: Mono/Stereo: Mono/Stereo: Mono/Stereo: Mono/Stereo: Mono/
• Closed/Open Back: Closed or semi-open switchable
• 1 x 1/4′′ input

Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 112 Cab

Hughes & Kettner has long been regarded as one of the best amplifier manufacturers in the world. Since its introduction, H&K’s TubeMeister series has been famous for its affordability, portability, and sound. The TubeMeister 112 112 guitar cabinet is an excellent fit for one of the matching heads or almost any other head you have.

The single 12-inch Celestion Vintage 30 speaker is housed in a closed-back enclosure, which keeps the sound tight and allows it to handle up to 60 watts at 16 ohms. The kit itself features a cutting-edge bass-reflex architecture that produces enormous sound in a compact room.

The TubeMeister 112 cabinet is lightweight and straightforward to fill, making it ideal for live performance and studio work. It’s well-made, as are all Hughes & Kettner products and will last for years. This is a fantastic piece that should not be missed.

PROS

• Plenty of volumes!
• Vintage 30 Celestion!
• Bass-reflex style with a closed back!

SPECIFICATIONS:

• 12 Guitar Cabinet Configuration
• One Celestion Vintage 30 speaker
• 60 Watts of power handling
• 16 ohms Impedance
• Mono/Stereo: Mono is the default setting.
• Straight Open/Closed Cabinet Form Closed on the back.
• 1 x 1/4′′ input
• 1 x 1/4′′ output (Parallel)
• 17.7′′ in height
• 18.9′′ in width
• 11.2′′ depth
• 29.8-pound weight

30-watt EVH 5150 III

The EVH 5150 III 30-watt 112 guitar cabinet is what you need if you love Eddie Van Halen and want everyone to know it. The 5150 is a funky little cab that can rock hard, and it’s built to replicate Eddie’s legendary tones. It’s a 112 cabinet with a closed back that can handle up to 30 watts at 16 ohms. Standard equipment is a Celestion G12H 30-watt Anniversary speaker. The cabinet is made of natural Birch plywood rather than particleboard, which significantly impacts the overall sound.

The 5150 excels at the concentrated tones that Van Halen is known for, but it can be used to play. The slick Ivory finish is elegant and bright, which complements your portrait. The build quality is also excellent, and it’s built to last. Plug one of these in and blast for anyone who wants to get their Eddie on. It was a lot of fun.

BENEFITS

• The Celestion G12H is a 30-watt anniversary speaker from Celestion.
• Ivory’s shielding seems to be fantastic!

OBJECTIVES

• For certain people, 30 watts might not be enough.

SPECIFICATIONS

• 12 Guitar Cabinet configuration
• Celestion G12H (single speaker)
• 30 Watts of power handling
• 16 ohms Impedance
• Birch plywood was used in the construction.
• Height: 16.5 inches, width: 20 inches, and depth: 12 inches
• 36-pound weight

112-C Peavey

Because of its 16 ohm impedance and 60 W power handling, the Peavey 112-C 112 guitar cabinet can be a good investment for your music needs. With a weight of 31 pounds, it is both light and compact. It has a closed-back design that ensures long-term durability. It has a total of 12 Celestion Vintage 30 speakers with outstanding sound quality.

It can provide good value for your time and resources due to its high quality and exclusive features. It has rubber feet and metal edges, and it’s made of 18mm plywood. It can be your reliable musical equipment for your gigs and other activities since it is manufactured by one of the world’s most reputable musical instrument manufacturers. As a result, you can be assured that the money you put into it will be well spent.

The Peavey 112-C 112 guitar cabinet has a heavy price tag as one of its disadvantages. If you’re on a tight budget, this may not be the best option for you.

Advantages

• 60 watts of power and a 16-ohm impedance
• For durability and portability, it has a closed-back design.
• It includes a Celestion Vintage 30 speaker with a wattage of 12 and outstanding audio quality.
• Compact and lightweight architecture
• Concert stages, arenas, airports, and other venues benefit from high-quality equipment.

Drawbacks

• It is a little expensive, according to some customers.

HT112OC MKII by Blackstar

Blackstar is a newcomer to the industry that has made a name for itself by delivering high-quality amplifiers at affordable prices. The Blackstar HT112OC MKII 12 guitar cabinet blends right in with the tradition and is suitable for a wide range of guitarists.

It’s a 50-watt 12-volt cabinet with a stylish open/closed-back configuration and a removable bottom section. This gives users the choice of a half stack-style low end in a combo amp. In any case, the HT112 delivers plenty of volume and sound.

The 112 cabinet has a 16-ohm resistance, which isn’t an issue for most players, and it’s small and light in weight. This is a Swiss Army Knife-style 12 guitar cabinet that will fit almost any player with a mobile rig that punches above its weight. The Blackstar is an excellent choice in every way and deserves to be examined closely.

Pros

• One-of-a-kind open/closed-back design!
• It’s small and easy to transport!
• Fundamental Black looks great on it!

Cons

• For others, the Blackstar brand might be unfamiliar.
• There isn’t a single name-brand speaker in the room.

80-Watt Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 112

The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 112 112 guitar cabinet is one of the best amp cabinets for those looking for a classic sound. If you have a desire for tweed, this is the guitar taxi expansion for you.

It must be noted that the Hot Rod cabinet is ideal for virtually any software. It’s a closed-back 12 guitar cabinet with a G12P-80 speaker that puts out 80 watts into 8 ohms. This means it’ll fit with the vast majority of amplifiers on the market. It sounds fantastic when paired with a Fender combo or a Marshall mind.

Fender goes above and above to add value by including both a speaker cable and a fitted slipcover for the HRD cabinet, which is a classy step. Furthermore, the cover will keep the tweed covering looking new for a long time. This taxi is challenging to pass up and should not be overlooked by those looking to buy a 12 guitar cabinet.

Advantages:

• 80 watts at 8 ohms!
• Layout with a closed back for tight bass!
• There’s also a slipcover!
• Tweed isn’t suitable for everybody.

Buyer’s Guide

There is some debate on what has the most significant impact on a guitar’s sound. The design, wood choices, string gauge, and pickups all matter, but you’d be surprised how much of a difference a cabinet can make.

The issue is that most players buy ahead of time and put their cabinets together as a package, which is built to work well together. The sound they create, on the other hand, is essentially pre-programmed by the producer. You’ll be surprised by how much the sound changes when you switch cabinets.

If you’ve ever worked in a studio with a large cabinet set, you’ll understand what we’re talking about. As you move from cabinet to cabinet, the same head will sound entirely different. As a result, there is a strong case for speakers having the most significant influence on the sound.

Choosing the best flavor

Guitar speaker cabinets can be used in a variety of ways. Nonetheless, each one typically has its distinct flavor or personality. Cabinets with two or more speakers are usually more powerful and well-suited to high gain and drive. The mid-range is often scooped. The sound has a fatter feel to it, with better low-end and high-end definition. Single speaker cabinets generate a wider, more neutral tone. Certain speaker brands, on the other hand, are designed to produce thick, rounded rock tones. This is particularly true of Celestion speakers.

Rather than anything else, guitar speaker cabinets are used for live shows. As a result, a speaker cabinet can be overkill for those looking for a simple practice setup. Speaker cabinets also work well for live performances that need a lot of strength. In general, amp heads with more than 50 watts need a speaker cabinet with at least 80 watts.

When shopping for a speaker cabinet, keep this in mind.

One word of caution:

Make sure the ohms and wattage of the amplifier head and the cabinet are perfectly balanced. Never attach a 4-ohm head to a 16-ohm cabinet or vice versa. Not only would the sound quality suffer, but you can also end up damaging the amplifier, the cabinet, or both. Also, make sure the cabinet has enough wattage to accommodate the amplifier’s output without difficulty.

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