Open or closed back combo ?

[richard]

All you guys gigging with combos - do you prefer open or closed back ? I've been using an open back 1 x 12 Cornford for years. I play pubs, usually quite small, so I'm never miked. The open back really helps spread the sound around. I'm looking at another amp with 2 x 12 but a closed back. Will it be more directional ? Will I lose that spread ? What are the pros and cons ?

[Kiichi]

Definetly more directional. That is why I always like the guys bringing open backs when I was mixing sound in a small place. More open sound, especially in the bass. You notice how it goes out to the back too creating that bit more diffuse sound. And you have less deadly zones in the audience right in fron of the speaker. Closed gives a tad more punch though and is a slight bit more focused I feel. If you donīt do modern metal I prefer open personally most of the time.

[Dave Sloven]

A closed back combo needs stiff wood to really give it that directional, punchy quality.  Otherwise the wood flexes and a lot of that is lost.  This is why closed back combos tend to be really heavy.

I'd rather have a head with a closed back cab - simply more portable, especially when you consider that you can often borrow a cab

[Telerocker]

At small gigs I really like an open back 1x12 combo like a Fender Deluxe Reverb. Sounds bigger and more musical on low volume, more surround, but less focused than a comparable closed back. But once you get on a bigger stage a closed back helps to keep your sound directional, tight and focussed. And with single coils you need those lows, which tend to fade away a little more with open back cabs. So I prefer closed cabs for middlelarge and large venues.

[Lucas]

I have open back Orange 2x12 cab which goes with Orange Dual Terror head. What I`ve learned is it`s quite important where you place your open back cab.
You have to be careful not to place it directly against the wall or too close to the wall, because it will make it sound boomy and will increase overall bass as it bounces off the wall.

[_tom_]

My cab can be either open or closed back. I'd say open is way better for playing with others or live as the sound spreads out much better. A bit of bass is lost but doesn't really matter tbh.