Mesa Rectifier 4x12 VS Marshall 1960A 4x12

[@craigharrison5406]

I'm a Marshall Head guy but the Mesa oversized 4x12 has always been the pinnacle of cabinets. Best combo Marshall head and Mesa cab.

[@dickieradd]

Agreed. I run my JCM 2000 into a MESA 2x12 for the clearest wet rock tones on earth

[@sathira_anuk5179]

​@@dickieradd can I do it for jcm 800 or sv20

[@lorensteele2962]

Much appreciated the diversity in style & guitar into the amp/cab combos. The scooped sound of the mesa head matched well with the closed back low end thrust of the mesa cab. Id go with with marshall/marshall but everything demo’d sounded just fine imo

[@chaddiusthewise527]

I prefer the marshall sound because the mids are slightly more pronounced but they both sound amazing!

[@AndiKravljaca]

6:00 is tone heaven for me. This is what I want my guitar to sound like.

[@asnark7115]

You're not lying. That was about as good as a guitar can sound, and I hated the 1960 in the other comparisons.

[@Bruceta]

Big tone difference!The Mesa cab sounds to me a lot better and tighter! Thank you for the nice comparison!

[@KelsterVonShredster]

agreed

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

yes so many tone changes in the amp alone with different speakers in each of these.

[@FeralMarauder]

Yes, unfortunately. *sigh* I bought the wrong cab.

[@davematney1918]

Put V30s in it and while it won't be exactly the same it will take a step in the direction of the Mesa. T75s aren't very good sounding speakers imo. But that's only my opinion of course.

[@XChristianNoirX]

Idk.. Putting V30's in a Marshall sound way too tinny for me. The physical volume of the cabs and construction are different. Plus, the V30's in the mesa are made in the UK and all other V30's IIRC are made in China, including all the aftermarket ones.. So they sound different. I took V30's out of an Or age and out them in the Marshall wehn I did the test.. Didn't sound too great. Now, I have an Orange, Marshall, and a Mesa, and the Mesa is the one for me... But I do mainly metal and some alternative stuff. An other cab I like is the Engl Pro XXL. The Mesa just does what I need though... Might have to ditch the other cabs, although they make my studio look a lot more pro with all of them in there lol 😂

[@marcm9074]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to put this together and present it in a no nonsense straight up shoot out. You helped me make my decision...Marshall.

[@jackattack8044]

no idea why you don't have more subscribers, everything here is top notch. Also, I thought Marshall cabs were great until I heard that mesa. thanks for the demo.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

well thank you, sir! Cheers -Ryan

[@ontologicaldiarrhea6582]

I prefer Marshall amp with Mesa cab and Mesa amp with Marshall cab :-)

[@juliusseizure324]

That’s what I play too. A JCM900 with a Mesa cab.

[@mattreichenberg309]

@@juliusseizure324 same!

[@fullyjaked2547]

What about a mesa tripple crown through a jcm 1960a?

[@nelic182]

Overall the mesa cab the best, except when you paired the LP, Marshall head, Marshall Cab together that was sweet

[@Servernurk]

The Mesa head through the Marshall cab sounded the best to my ears , that combo sounded warmer than the Mesa cab / Mesa head combo. Cool riffs in this video

[@jbkivontop]

Man, the Mesa and the Les Paul sounded soooo good

[@intotheskies6277]

Both sound phenomenal for different styles. I'd definitely go Mesa for heavier stuff, much more low end traditionally with the Mesa oversized cabs. However if your looking for a more crunchy tone with better mids and cutting highs, you go Marshall. It all depends on your style and preference, both are outstanding cabs. I have a DSL with a 1960 on the way, glad to hear what that combo is gonna bring me!

[@intotheskies6277]

Also as a side note, I do know that traditionally the 75s sound awful brand new but once they're broken in they're good. Not quite V30s but that's alright depending on what style you're playing

[@robertburks2187]

The Mesa has the modern feel. While the Marshall is the classic standard. To each his own....if you gonna give me one cabinet or the other.....MESA baby!

[@derekcoble2215]

Speakers taken out of the equation, I think Mesa cabs are better. As for the speakers, the best thing to do is mix them! I had a 2x12 with V30s and I swapped one out for a G12T-75. Rounded out the sound so well.

[@bigchocolate8547]

I just think the GT12 75 just sound awful to me. The only Marshall cab I will buy will be the 1960 V with the Marshall voice V30s

[@Ron4president09]

@@bigchocolate8547 they have their place but i too would take mesa v30 over g12t75… 9/10 times

[@jay2xtremefy]

I like that mid tone on marshall.

[@MrSpike7590]

My Personal Favorite was The Prs Mark V and Marshall cab overall!!

[@jasonkirkham550]

I liked the PRS & Mesa set up. The JVM. was alright. what I noticed was.. is the Marshall head& cab sounds better together; as well as the Mesa head & cab sound better together. But, we both know that it comes down to preferences. So, to my fellow musicians ; relax. enjoy your gear and I will enjoy mine.

[@Jon_Tate]

Mesa all the way

[@keeblerv]

Yea! Seriously man! Definitely good stuff. I really really wanted to like the Marshall cab better. I was purposely biasing my ear (no pun intended) towards the Marshall and it just wasn't happening. The mesa is the Mayweather of this round.

[@nickmcmillan5704]

Also depends on if the speakers are broken in yet. Makes a big difference. They tend to sound much better after being broken in

[@BoozyBeggar]

Overall I agree, but the Marshall amps sound more Marshally with a Marshall cab to me.

[@santiagovera144]

Totally

[@Okla_Soft]

I’m about to build a 2x12 cab, my third this year, and I base my designs off different cabs. I already own a Marshall 1960b so I’m thinking about making a slant cab to go on top. I just love guitar speaker cabs in General, and I’ve found that building them, tolex handles and everything is a ton of fun. Thanks for this comparison video, the mesas always sound a little clearer and crisp, they’ve got more internal volume.

[@Peeziejizzle]

Nice video and great representation. I’ve been searching hard for different heads and cabs since 1995. I couldn’t find a better cabinet than that marshal. I have the same straight cabinet version. I always thought I loved Mesa and never liked a marshal head. Had an EVH, never really thought it was my sound. Finally found the Engl and Bogner mix through these 1960s. But mainly driving my Engl with a TS9. Great video.

[@metal571]

I could listen to that PRS on the Mesa cab chugging out downtuned riffs all day long

[@gowtheadz2955]

Mesa sounds bigger on its own. But then again the marshall might sound better in the mix.

[@plummetplum]

That's what I was thinking, Mesa bottom end bigger but within context of mix marshall would probably need less EQ, you'd end up high passing guitars a bit to allow room for bass guitar.

[@russwilson2305]

Totes. I am constantly trying to get the mud out of my tone. The Marshall is less bassy for sure.

[@IsakuItou]

We’re all tuned to marshall cab tone since so many songs were presumably recorded on it.

[@mloiaco]

mesa has more depth and tightness. it blossoms when you need the sound to open up but somehow it simultaneously tightens up especially on the high gain sounds to prevent it from getting too flubby

[@richardk1708]

Yep, people do not realize a band situation and Marshall is always cutting through better...my mate recorded on MESA 412 and it was really mushy, too much warm, lows sounding cab. Marshall is better trust me. Of course if you play heavy styles MESA is better, but I preffer middy sound that cuts through. Or buy Orange, its best of both worlds

[@davel_ggw]

Both cabs at once should be amazing :) Two very different speakers (Vintage 30 in the Mesa vs G12T-75 in the Marshall), both can sound great though. And both are solid, well built cabs. Would be interesting to mix the speakers up so both cabs are loaded the same way (either 2x V30 on the bottom, 2x G12T-75 on the top or X pattern) and compare them that way to hear how much the cab itself makes a difference. On a related note, G12T-75s and G12K-100s in an X pattern is a great combination too!

[@rocesboyanthony5343]

For heavy distortion I like the Marshall because it’s a lot thicker of a sound.

[@Richlucch]

The mesa is thicker and gives more low end

[@w_stew8912]

Wow. I’m cab shopping and it came down to these two and an Orange. You just helped me make up my mind. It’s Mesa for me.

[@chrisdeterman3247]

Wow. Thanks for not strickly playing heavy metal all the way thru. I was surprised at the difference. Actually neither is good nor bad just different.

[@Recording_Daily]

So nice! 1960 is full, enough mids and low mids, sounds ready to mix. Mesa is scooped, too much highs and sub lows

[@spankymcnugget3166]

Ok boys here's where we're at right now, last month I picked up my SG now this past weekend I just picked up a JCM 900 4100, now it's cab time, I want the Mesa but the Marshall sounds good too. price range here in Ontario is silly, here's how it is.....used Mesa Rectifier 4x12 slant $1000 and up. Marshall 1960A 4x12 slant $1000 and under.

[@skydivechris2802]

definitely the mesa in this test. good test. keep on doing this good stuff.

[@godofthunder0720]

In this case I like the sound of the Mesa cab better. I just like the Vintage 30 sound better. I like the Marshall 1960AV and 1960BV cabs a lot better than the regular 1960A and 1960B cabs though. They have the Celestion Marshall version of the Vintage 30s. They sound similar to the Mesa cabs. That would be a good shootout. I think that the regular 1960 cabs sound great too. They just seem to have less low mid to them. I have had them all. I even had a Mesa Roadster with the Black Shadows in it. They were different but sounded great too. It’s all about what you as a player like. The quality is about the same on all of them.

[@timothyjay2012]

Dude that Flying V, PRS and Les Paul sounded Incredible through the Marshall Cab!!! That Shit was Cutting like a Razor Blade!!! Settings sounded GREAT!!! 🤘🇬🇧✒🏁

[@KaiJetrin]

Mesa sounds massive but it’s always too much bass for me. The palm muting would drive my bass player nuts. Thanks for sharing!

[@nealixd.3011]

Mesa sounds fuller, more open and much more harmonic or frequency rich. Impressive. And I can hear it clearly on an iPhone!

[@glasgowguitarist3636]

Interesting video.i generally don't like Marshall as I've been a hard ore Boogie fanatic since the mid '80's but in this case I actually preferred the Marshall in most examples. The exceptions being the Gretsch and the Fender. It would be really interesting to hear how both fit into a mix though as tones that sound great in isolation aren't always the best when you put them in a band context.

[@j1a2y7]

I have both cabs and love them! Both are keepers imo

[@akaboo69]

Both cabs are sick. I also like how you used multiple guitars

[@Jiwa.Media.Production]

Nikon Vs Canon ... both are good ... Mesa and Marshall have a different character .. Thanx for comparison

[@alexzemaitis1207]

Marshall: For Studio Use Mesa: For Live Shows

[@michaelstgeorge9550]

As a Marshall/ESP player, I was really surprised by how much better the Mesa cabinet sounded. I figured it would be close or the Marshall would sound better but based on your test, I thought the Mesa was much heavier. Thought the PRS sounded the best through the Mesa, that is the closest to the sound I'm looking for in a rig. Thanks for the test. Would like to see a 6505 head/4x12 vs the triple rect./4x12, think the Meas might beat that one too. Thanks again

[@zackarikrikorian7194]

To me the Mesa sounds brighter with more treble, and Marshall sounds more crunchy with the higher mid. I liked the Mesa more. I do think the LP sounds better through the Marshall.

[@jacobgarcia2660]

I just bought a mesa 4x12 slant oversized, can't wait to try it out with my peavey 3120. At some point I'm gonna try out different x patterns with the speakers and find out what I like

[@markolivares6943]

I like them both. I own a mesa 4x12 and it’s tighter for lower tunings

[@davespin9034]

Both very close. But in the middle on the PRS I give to the Mesa, definitely my sound.

[@liamhunter071]

I say keep them both! That way where one might be lacking the other picks it up. Both have their own voicing and sound great in their own way. Forever Mesa.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

The Cabinets to better!! There was definitely no option of NOT keeping both hahaha Cheers -Ryan

[@jasonkirkham550]

I agree. you might find that need them both for double tracking.. or mix matching . or...

[@craigcampbell7861]

I use both these cabs at the same time and you get the best of both 🔊 🤘🏻

[@jordansage9655]

I've always liked the midrange in the Marshalls, the Mesa sounds huge though . . .

[@joshhonea6012]

Dang! The Marshall cab sounds so thin and weak compared to the Mesa cab.

[@pauldunsdon]

That green PRS!! 😍😍🥰

[@melvinsfan]

I thought I would like the Mesa better, but the Marshall takes home the prize. Especially the Les Paul with the DSL.

[@christ4613]

I like the Mesa amp /and the mesa cab with the prs nice hard rock sound with no bright jangly sound I like. i want to buy that rig.

[@jordanpene5279]

Awesome comparison. I have a feeling I’d prefer the Mesa for just jamming on it’s own but the Marshall for being in a mix.

[@JAce94007]

I have a Marshall head, wish I could afford EITHER of these cabs

[@TheDarthsteve316]

So I think I liked the Marshall w/ the Marshalls and the Mesa with everything else(go figure). What's the speakers? Both G12T-75s or do they have Vintage 30s?

[@tgchan]

Mesa for me... Sounds so gorgeous

[@thechannelnobodyaskedfor6116]

speakers make a lot of a difference i love both cabs and i had 1960s with diferent speakers and i changed a whole lot

[@mickviolet3009]

I wish Marshall made these exact cabs (1960b 800 lead) but a 2x12 version for smaller gigging musicians 🥺

[@ashtaylor5236]

Excellent comparison, thank you

[@mainlymusicman]

i don't think you can go wrong with either. i have the marshall 1960A and a MESA 212 and they both sound great.

[@zRavenlord]

I like both but the highs on the Mesa were a bit shrill on the heavier riffing. I like the Marshall a bit more

[@portuguesebeer5069]

I prefer the Mesa cab um this case. Cheers from Portugal 🍺🤘

[@jessewilliams2180]

I own Marshall and made Mesa products… I have played out of neither in about 10 years… To me Marshall sounds a little more crisp, but the Mezza can sure fill the room

[@JeremyLeech]

Totally thought you were about to go into the Better Call Saul theme song there at the beginning lol.

[@craigosborne3260]

Wow, huge difference. The Marshall Speaker made the high gain sounds (more compressed) less overall sound and harmonics. On the cleans the Marshall you could hear some vibration through, like a rattle. Maybe the Marshall needs some TLC.

[@patrickb.b.1015]

For me the marshall takes the cacke when it comes to high gain-ir has that special aggressiveness in the tone for what the T-75 speaker is loved and hated.I played three different versions of the T-75:from 87‘,early 2000 and from 2009.They all sounds different but have that aggressive bite.When it comes to bluesy or non overdriven tones the Mesa wins,because the tone is warmer and thicker and the top-end is not so aggressiv plus the Mesa have a wider spectrum of mids. I like both cabs in their own way because they definitely have their specific benefits.

[@markk9184]

When you make the change I immediately go for the Mesa all the time, but after listening to the Marshall for a few seconds it doesn't sound bad.

[@animalic]

Great review. The Mesa cab sounds huge and the Marshall has an aggressive mid range. I've got the Recto 4x12 with v30s and am on the market for a 1960b 4x12 with G12T-75s to use with a Boogie Mark IV. I've liked the G12T-75 IRs in my Fractal and HX Stomp and the video was a great comparison between the the 1960a and the Recto. Especially because I mainly play a PRS Custom 24, you used a Custom 22, and that Mark V that is somewhat similar to my Mark IV, so the sound will be comparable.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Mark V compared to a Mark IV… somewhat is pretty accurate hahaha! I get way more use out of my Mark IV than my Mark V! Cheers -Ryan

[@ritualafterlife]

Yeap! Marshall amp to Mesa cab is what I do. Loved all the guitars. Except the PRS of course. As a long time player/Luthier/tech I can NOT figure out why people buy those horrible sounding guitars. I know they are nice but a guitar must sound good. I have gotten some nice clean jazzbox like tones from them however. Add gain and they fall apart completely.

[@wakjob961]

Even though I gave you a LIKE, this wasn't a like-for-like comparison. A 1960 with Marshall v30's sounds really good.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

ok... Cheers -Ryan

[@RickMold]

and if he had compared the Marshall V30 with this Mesa you would say it's not a like for like comparaison because this is the Mesa Oversized and it is a lot bigger the the marshall, should compared to the Traditionnal (stiletto) Mesa cab. People are never satisfied.

[@mls5466]

The jazzmaster with mesa wins the battle to me. Very good video ty.

[@davidardon6348]

Muy productivo ver este video, mil gracias.

[@grizhall1359]

The Marshall... the 1960A comes standard with G12T-75s (which are super scooped and fizzy)...pop in V30s like the Boogie and you'd have a harder time deciding

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

So... Again... I'm comparing 2 Stock Models of Cabinets. The Mesa Rectifier and Marshal 1960 cabinets are generally starting points for Cabinets. So the reason I'm comparing them is to give an example of the difference in sound for someone who is looking to buy one or the other. Personally, I use both in every day use... one isn't necessarily better than the other. I'd be pretty pissed off if they both sounded the same. That's like saying "That Epiphone Les Paul Jr sounds way different if you throw a Fishman Fluence Pickup in it!"... it's true, but, not what it comes with. Cheers -Ryan

[@michaellrakes5521]

Marshall everyday of the week over the Mesa. Mesa is a one trick pony for deep, thumping metal. The Marshall has the mids and that will cut thru every time

[@lohanette]

The mesa sounds much better. Using a 1960V would've been better test as it has vintage 30's in it, same as the Mesa. Sadly in UK the mesa are 3rd more then the Marshall. Marshall 1960AV £607, Mesa £1,599!

[@dlpasco]

I really wonder how these would sound in a mix. Great comparison.

[@kirko1203]

You.... are the very emperor.. I like you. :) Both amp are amazing.. Now I am on the choice moment.

[@jasminlerouxperreault6463]

Favorite was the Marshall cab but I kinda liked the Mesa too... I’m just going for that punk sound and not really that scooped and higher gain sound so that would fit more my sound but the Mesa sounds awesome!

[@wolfslainman]

good review man...you should do mesa vs BV comparison so it would be more acurate...i'm a mesa guy but i like fact this average build marshall cab always sounds excellent on stage in any amp head...

[@freddycansino3440]

You need to do a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier through a Marshall 1960 and oversized Mesa Boogie with a guitar with EMG’s .

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Never found the need for a triple. The headroom is nice, of course, but I prefer the Roadking over a triple. My Roadking sounds great through the 1960, though. Cheers -Ryan

[@freddycansino3440]

@@Crypticmaskguitar Triple Rectifier through a Marshall 1960 with a Demonfx Precision Drive sounds killer.I’ve always wanted to try a Mesa oversized cab but considering I bought the Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier for $1250.00 twenty years ago I can’t see spending that much for a cab.I did find one video and the Marshall sounds better in my opinion.Good video though man.I just retired and am getting back to playing again just seeing what all the hype was about.

[@w1third]

I bought a Marshall 1960 (new ones) and on my Mesa Express 5:50 1x12” combo running in to it, it tends to crap out when getting loud enough, speakers had more of a farty sound.... I returned it, and just play through combo, still looking for a 4x12”

[@jamesmalamute7874]

Mesa always had, and will always Be a Bass Heavy Cabinet which can be a Good thing. The Marshalls have a strong emphasis on the mids, and treble freqs, Both sound good, and as far as what you are going for, both can be very useful tools to get your tone

[@mickeymice2004]

many cabs out there, but the marsh with v30's made in england is still the business imho!!!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Any specific recommendations? I'm thinking of picking up another cabinet or two this summer/fall. Possibly a Marshall Silver Jubilee Cab or Hughes and Kettner or maybe Soldano? But the Jubilee has the 70w Vintage 30s. Cheers -Ryan

[@tormenmashi_]

i like the marshall tone, idk which is better but its just that i prefer the marshall tone, i really like the mids

[@HooksBill]

Mesa/Boogie. I do not own either brand. Just a completely unbiased yet subjective opinion. To my ears the Mesa sounds fuller, richer and more alive. By a long shot.

[@forrallofusplenty4342]

enjoyed this, thank you for your efforts... was surprised the Marshall occasionally held its own: w the Les Paul it was a recognizable sound at the end of the day I have a boogie 1x12 and an orange 2x12 if the Marshall had Greenbacks in it it may have held more sway

[@TimdogQ]

Mesa is a lil bit smoother, the Marshall is a lil bit muddier. All about personal preference and mine is Marshall. However, the Mesa is definitely handling those metal riffs very nicely.

[@jimmorrison3042]

Mesa sounded thicker/warmer actually both mixed would be a great sound!

[@sergio1179]

Wow. They both sound great. How do you choose which is better? The differences are so negligible.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I wouldn't say there's necessarily a "Better" one... different flavours to fit different scenarios. I'll usually go months on the Mesa, then months on the Marshall... I'll also switch a few times a week. Depending on A. Laziness and B. Inspiration hahaha Cheers -Ryan

[@Valhalla_Heathen]

Mesa has my ❤️, nuff said.

[@johnsimms3957]

Could you compare a Marshall 1960AX cab (with greenbacks) to a Mesa 4x12 cab sometime? I'd love to hear that.

[@p_1210]

The 2 Marshall heads sounded way better through the Marshall cab! Mesa sounded better for heavier stuff with the settings you had, but you could eq the amp for the cab your using.

[@rack52]

prefer mesa with distorsion,, clean,,,, they sound both great!

[@karoltbg]

Your intro is incredible!

[@opt123123]

I have a cab fitted with 2xt75 and 2xv30. Goes good

[@mickhoward3954]

Ye who doubts the dominance of the Marshall for roundness and fullness of anything that isn't metal is a fool. The metal chug of a Mesa will all always dominate for that genre though. Mesa is tight and articulate, Marshall is saggy and reactive. I like my amp and cab to react to how I am playing, so Marshall all the way :D

[@Colin.W]

Great review. Didn't make the decision any better though haha. Like a comment below, the Mesa is tighter and the Marshall has the sound for rock and good for strumming. I found the Mesa 212 Rectifier to be the same. Sounds amazing but a little thin and sharp for strumming but can take your head off and remain clear for gain.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Yeah. I find that I don't prefer one over the other. I have weeks here and there where I like one better than the other... but it always changes! I also have the Vertical Slant Rectifier 2x12, but I find that thin. One of these days I'll whittle down the list and do a shootout between the 4x12 and the 2x12. One of these days... Cheers -Ryan

[@Colin.W]

TriCrow Studios Right on, man. Thanks for your reviews!

[@MrTyphoontyphoon]

it should be cool if you do the same comparison with a Marshall AV , with the V type speakers in it ;)

[@yarbs6493]

Once again MESA smashes the competition. Not even close to my ears. The Marshall sounds thin and shrilly. The Mesa sounds fat and amazing.

[@santiagovera144]

Yes

[@TheHorrorFreak]

The Mesa does sound better. I left Marshall behind for good after years

[@berserker4254]

Was this Mesa cab the traditional or the standard (oversized) cab? And would you suggest the slant or the straight when it comes to playing metal and hard rock? I just picked up a vintage Mesa Mark IIC++ amp and I’m looking for the perfect cab to compliment it! Thanks!

[@deanmlshredder]

The holy grail of heavy metal tone. Buddy of mine had one that his father left him and he was a country guy. We had no idea it was such a bad ass amp until we plugged it in and started fuckin with it. 15 years later and people are tripping over themselves to get ahold of em. Ever find that special cabinet?