Closed cabinets don't have more bass by the way. Ported cabinets (open cabinets) have more bass owing to the fact the drivers have to overcome less air pressure during their travel, allowing longer throw cones to perform more efficiently in the bass registers.

Where closed cabinets excel is in CONTROL of what bass they already have, since due to the more rigid construction and controlled amount of air inside, they don't have to worry about boundary effect in rooms from the port.


I don't recommend mixing speakers. You'll end up with unpredictable frequency bumps and notches that can't be compensated for with a simple 3 way tone stack+presence.

It will also make the amplifier a freaking NIGHTMARE to mic up, because you won't have a consistent sound from each speaker. The mic'd up tone with be different on every cone, meaning you'll need to record with 4 mics in parallel and then sum them, in order to record the sound of the cabinet as a whole.

When in doubt, KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid.

I should not have said more bass but just a difference more focused bass response. As far as my knowladge goes they direct the lower frequencies out in more of the direction it is pointed unlike an open back which is throwing the sound more evenly across the room. In a small room a open back cab is probably better as a closed might sound completely different from one audience member to another. If you are playing hi gain metal those bands are almost all using closed back cabs because of the bass response. Now this is mostly noticeable when its cranked up super loud, but what metal band is playing at low volumes anyways.

And while your right about mixing speakers being dangerous, its still very possible. Plently of well known artists as well as regular joes do it all the time. I mean if your choosing from 2 speakers that are very similar with the same ratings then I cant see the problem. Like you said you have to be careful, and micing the amp would definitely be a little challenging. That dude from Oasis used to mic all his speakers. Hell he ran a 4x12 cab with different speakers powered by a little blues jr and it sounded great.

I am curious how noe mics that though. Ill do some reading!

I do not speak of the music soley of the tone he was using.