Open Back VS. Closed Back Cabinet

[FebruaryStars]

Ok I'm running a low wattage amp at full clip into a 2x12 cab both of my own design...

Which type of cabined back would produce the most volume?

 

I would assume the closed back would cut the volume but also direct more of the sound forward??? I just don't know. There could be areuements for both.

 

Anyone got any input?

[dughaze]

You pretty much answered the question. It depends on where your standing, who the intended audience is, the size of the cabinet, what frequencies you want to accent or cut, etc.

I prefer a closed back cab in general but a cheap cab I have that is portable, small, and light I run open backed to make it sound a little "bigger".

[Tonemeister87]

Closed back will give you more punch and projection. It all depends on where you want to project too

My Marshall 212 has a removable back so I can do either

[Anderton]

Open back often gives thinner bass if the amp is close to a wall. Bass freqs come out the back, reflect off the wall, and tend to cancel the wave coming out of the front.

Better damping with closed back, too.

[ConcreteVampire]

Originally posted by Anderton Open back often gives thinner bass if the amp is close to a wall. Bass freqs come out the back, reflect off the wall, and tend to cancel the wave coming out of the front. Better damping with closed back, too.

 

 

Great to see you posting Mod Man! (Further confusing the pundits...)

 

 

I run both for the best of both worlds. Focused, tight ,directional bass from the bottom, a more wide open, sweeter voice from the top cab. (And my Drummer gets a free monitor effect as well!)