Choosing Between a 1x12 and 2x12 Cabinet for Small Gigs

[GearNerd]

I’m playing mostly pub gigs and small venues, and I’m torn between sticking with my 1x12 cab or moving to a 2x12. I like portability, but sometimes I feel the 1x12 doesn’t fill the room enough, especially when the drummer gets enthusiastic.

For those who’ve gigged both, is the difference in projection and low end worth the extra weight?

[MetalPlayer]

One thing to consider is speaker efficiency, not just size.

A single high-efficiency speaker can sometimes keep up with a drummer better than two lower-efficiency ones, and experimenting with different speaker models might get you the fullness you’re missing without doubling the weight.

[StudioPro]

For pubs I still prefer a 1x12. Sound engineers often mic the cab anyway, so most of what the audience hears comes through the PA rather than your cabinet.

[UKPete24]

I switched from a 1x12 to a vertical 2x12 last year. The spread and low-end response improved a lot, but carrying it up stairs is definitely less fun.