MESA STANDARD (OVERSIZED) VS TRADITIONAL 4X12 CABS

  • Thread starter Thread starter FondledDuck
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FondledDuck

FondledDuck

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Looking at buying a used Mesa 4x12, but questioning which to go after...the standard or traditional. I will be running a 5150 III through the cab. Most of the stuff I play is heavy...tuned to drop C.

Pros/cons...ready, go!
 
I have not compared the two but I own the oversized. It sounds like it looks..... big. I have heard people say it isn't extremely tight but I haven't found that to be the case. The pros are it sounds great and is built like a tank. Cons are the weight. It is quite a bit heavier then my Marshall 1960a. It will not fit in the trunk of my car without removing the casters.
 
I think the Oversized one sounds much better as the scoopier nature of its design compliments the V30's mid heavy frequency response very well.
 
The oversized cab has a little more woof to it. This isnt always a good thing has it leads to flubby bottoms.
 
I keep going back to my experience at Greg's when his Recto cab sounded as good as anything, I was surprised. We had plenty of other cabs there. They key is, the V30 have to be broken in.
 
I like the standard better. Oversized has too much bottom end.
 
They both have their strengths but I'd take the Traditional. It's very punchy and balanced and I like the more "woody" and immediate response.
 
I've had both and much prefer the traditional the whole way around. :thumbsup:
 
For that BIG ASS head, get a BIG ASS cab.

I own the Trad. and love it. But the Standard would suit the III better I think.
 
D-Rock":h7tpimtd said:
For that BIG ASS head, get a BIG ASS cab.

I own the Trad. and love it. But the Standard would suit the III better I think.
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Why do you think the Standard would better suit the III?

Right now Im running it through a Marshall with V30's and 75's in an X pattern....sounds pretty good, but I miss the Mesa growl and thump.
 
Ive owned 2 of each kind..The traditionals are more focused and agressive and tighter on the bottom end. If you go back in time and recall what was going on when the recto/oversized cab came out:The oversized cabs were the mate to the then new dual recto that was gaining momentum in the "looser",all around bigger sound,"more open feel",etc, for the nu-metallers of the time, although recto cabs were used for tight agressive metal too,the traditionals will punch you in the gut harder and deliver tighter bottom end and focus.(at least with mesa amps)...heard this in a cab shootout a long time ago...
 
I have a few of both. The Standard is the one IMO. The Tradition is cool and what I use with my band cuz it fits better in the back seat of my car but my OS just towers.
 
Good Wednesday morning to you :) I would recommend the traditional Mesa 4x12 as well. The over sized 4x12 tends to create standing waves and as you are tuning down this would likely not work well for you.


Hope it helps & have a great day;
Trace
 
Little B":3s3jjz1b said:
If you go back in time and recall what was going on when the recto/oversized cab came out:The oversized cabs were the mate to the then new dual recto that was gaining momentum in the "looser",all around bigger sound,"more open feel",etc, for the nu-metallers of the time
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You are right...that makes total sense. And, I'm not looking for anything loose...quite the opposite.
 
voodooamps":2wtfev2g said:
Good Wednesday morning to you :) I would recommend the traditional Mesa 4x12 as well. The over sized 4x12 tends to create standing waves and as you are tuning down this would likely not work well for you.


Hope it helps & have a great day;
Trace
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It does help, I appreciate your insight. You raise an interesting point; the standing waves issue in regard to having a dropped tuning. I guess this would produce a looser, dare I say muddier sound?
 
I will say this, the pre 2003 oversized mesa cabs loaded with Made in England vintage 30s is the best freaking cab ever made!!!!
 
All other cabs feel thin and flat compared to the oversize.
If your head is tight and isn't muddy you won't have a problem.

I could see the mesa oversized having to much low end of the head is just all saturation and no balls.
I use mine drop D and drop B
 
jonl":1vfp8ntb said:
I will say this, the pre 2003 oversized mesa cabs loaded with Made in England vintage 30s is the best freaking cab ever made!!!!
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I borrowed a Standard OS V30 cab at a gig once and I will say that for the short time I played through it, it stands out as the best 4x12 I've ever heard. Wasn't "woofy" at all. I ran my Mark III boosted with a Barber Direct Drive into it.... :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :rawk:
 
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