Open or Closed Back Cabinet and Why???

[Sp8ctre]

Which do you prefer and what do you think it does to or for your sound?

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

OK Sp ∞, I had to pick in between because I have some of both.
My Marshall goes into the 4x12 closed. My Twin is Open Back 2x12, My Princeton Chorus is 2x10 Open, My Bass cabs are 4x10 and 1x15 Closed back.

 

[Sp8ctre]

OK Sp ∞, I had to pick in between because I have some of both.
My Marshall goes into the 4x12 closed. My Twin is Open Back 2x12, My Princeton Chorus is 2x10 Open, My Bass cabs are 4x10 and 1x15 Closed back.

Do you prefer one over the other? Do you hear a describable difference?

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

Hard to say, Sp ∞.

 

[syscokid]

Open cabs and combos for me. In a small room (Mancave), or garage, or small club, an open cab fills up the area much nicer than a closed cab.

IMO, closed cabs are better for bigger stages, more volume, more projection, and a tighter sound response.

Add microphones to either scenario, the above recipe's go out the window.

 

[jtcnj]

In my limited exp. closed cabs are more directional in general; bigger change in sound as you move off axis.
I had read this and find it to be true so far.
dont have a better or worse; just following the Marshally = closed vs Fendery = open model of the past.

 

[Inspector #20]

Good post!!!! I like ported!!!

 

[eSGEe]

I like a good porter as well.

what was the question?

 

[iblive]

Isn’t a porter the dude that carries your luggage? I’m confused.

 

[iblive]

As for the question. My 20w-12” Traynor has a closed back. When I did the tube swap and speaker swap, I didn’t put the back back on. Haven’t done an A-B since. But I do think it sounds different.

 

[eSGEe]

nope its damn fine beer mate!

 

[Hackmaster]

Isn’t a porter the dude that carries your luggage? I’m confused.

Even more confusing now, Porter Ricks...

Glad I always have something constructive to add to these deep discussions.

 

[Sp8ctre]

...and we're derailed.

 

[eSGEe]

oh sorry---
Closed, open and convertible-- Ive got all types I like all types-- for all different reasons....

there -- back on the crazy train rails

 

[gball]

I didn’t vote. The choice depends completely on the amp and the tone you are going for. Also depends on the specific cab under discussion, they all have their own vibe. Gotta just try a bunch with your rig and figure out what workd best for the sound you are chasing.

 

[Sp8ctre]

I didn’t vote. The choice depends completely on the amp and the tone you are going for. Also depends on the specific cab under discussion, they all have their own vibe. Gotta just try a bunch with your rig and figure out what workd best for the sound you are chasing.

Very true, but what do you find yourself using more?

I find I gravitate toward open in a small room and closed in a larger area...

I just got a new cab and it has a sealed panel that you can move around to keep it
completely closed or open in varying degrees. I put an Electro Voice EVM12L in it.

The speaker is great and I'm sure it will get better with use. Right now I'm in a very
small room so I have it fully opened. I'm going to put the panel on and experiment...

 

[eSGEe]

Very true, but what do you find yourself using more?

its a mix -- bass ampswise---100% all closed.
guitars.......SS Orange are closed Marshall--open--KUSTOM HVT open-- Panama cabinet is "convertible" and partially open at the moment -- VHT -- open.....and I play round robin any one of them as the mood strikes...

 

[kevinpaul]

I think that open backs started to gain popularity because the guitar players were killing the drummer. Years ago I was working with a big local band and I was years younger than anyone.
The drummer stopped and began screaming that it could not hear a thing but my guitar. He stuffed some amp covers in the back of my amp. Peace entered and it was pleasant all summer till I went back to school. I talked about that a few times because I forget and repeat myself a lot. Every time a drummer heard it they said open backs are something they won't work with. Some open area is a must for heat.

 

[kevinpaul]

Isn’t a porter the dude that carries your luggage? I’m confused.

No that is a Red Cap. A porter is on a train and tends to your start room. Try to get some one to carry your luggage for under $20 bucks. That is if you can find one.

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

Some open area is a must for heat.

This is true if cab has AMP head and speakers all in one. I doubt much heat gets inside a 4x12 Cab.
I really can't vote 1 or the other, open or closed except to say my favorite amp I own is my Marshall 4 hole JMP 5o watt. But the amps I play most are my open back Fenders.
Not because of the sound, but because of the smaller size as they sit in our bedroom beside the fireplace and beside my Easy chair I play in.
The Marshall is too big to play in the house except for in the living room downstairs.