Orange Amps Forum

Hello all,

Right now I’m running two PPC212 closed back cabinets with Vintage 30s with my Dual Dark 50 amp, and have been wondering if it’s basically the same as a PPC412, or if there would be tonal differences between these two setups. Unfortunately, I don’t have the opportunity to try my amp with a PPC412 cab. Would anyone mind giving some descriptions of the tonal variations between these two options? How would they differ? What could I expect if going to a PPC412 from two PPC212 cabs? Thanks.

I can't give you much description between differences of the two scenarios, but I would suspect they would sound similar, maybe a little more bass frequency from the 4x12, not as tight. The speaker cones will react a little different and the speakers won't be exact either in terms of break in and different impedance/wiring. Personally I like the dual 2x12 look.

Sonically, I doubt that there is any discernible difference.

Your back, however, appreciates the two lighter cabs....

bclaire wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 31, 2021 6:42 pm

Sonically, I doubt that there is any discernible difference.

Your back, however, appreciates the two lighter cabs....

Thanks, guys. That helps me a lot. I guess you always wonder about what you don’t have. I kind of figured there wouldn’t be much difference, and the ease of moving the 212s vs a 412 is a great point, too!

I don't dig the 412 at all, you took the right path. After trying all of the main Orange cabs I think the PPC212CB is my favorite. Honestly the only cab I regret selling.

Along this same topic, would it sound better to have a 212ob on top of a 212c or two 212c cabs?

Benefit of one of each is the OB will spread the sound around more. I had an OB for a night and didn't really dig it. I think for a more "consistent tone" a set of the CB would be my choice.

Boy_Narf wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:05 pm

Benefit of one of each is the OB will spread the sound around more. I had an OB for a night and didn't really dig it. I think for a more "consistent tone" a set of the CB would be my choice.

Depending on the type of venues you are playing, an open back cab will pretty much ensure that your drummer can hear you. Closed-back cabs tend to be very directional and it can be difficult for the drummer to hear.

Just to update my original post...

I found I preferred Celestion Heritage G12H(75) speakers to the Vintage 30 speakers, so I swapped them out in my cabs. I then had an opportunity to compare my two PPC212 cabs vs. a single PPC412 cab. I could not tell a difference, tonally. There may have been a little more bass from the PPC412 than the two PPC212s, but it was nominal at best. Since I am looking to simplify my home studio, I opted for the PPC412 and sold my two PPC212 cabs, as having to transport them was never an issue for me since I am not a touring musician. I am now running the PPC412 with the Celestion Heritage G12H(75) speakers, which in my opinion are perfect for the classic Orange tone.

I do see how having two 212 cabs could be a benefit for a touring musician or someone who likes to experiment with different speaker combinations. The two cabs served the experimentation purpose for me, but now that I've settled on the right speakers for my needs, having a single 412 seemed to make more sense and simplified my studio rig.

Thanks to everyone who commented and took part in this conversation!

Glad we could help!