Big rock sound and classic style: 4×12 and 2×12 cabinets explained
MESA/Boogie® has announced the return of two legendary pieces of rock gear—the MESA/Boogie Split Back Cabinets in 4×12 and 2×12 speaker configurations. These cabinets, cherished by some of the biggest names of 1980s rock, uniquely combine the best qualities of both open and closed-back cabinets into a single, versatile, powerhouse design.
After nearly thirty years, these innovative split-back cabs are back in production and ready to elevate your tone, complementing our revered Mark IIC+ and Dual Rectifier® Solo Heads.
MESA/Boogie 4×12 Split Back Cabinet: Mono, stereo, open, and closed—all in one
The MESA/Boogie 4×12 Split Back Cabinet delivers extraordinary versatility. Designed with two open-back Celestion C90 drivers positioned on top, it provides crisp, clear, and airy tones perfect for shimmering cleans and rich harmonic textures. Below, the sealed chamber houses two proprietary Celestion Vintage 30 drivers, offering the iconic punchy low-end, British-inspired mid-scoop, and lush harmonic saturation essential for massive rhythm tones and tight leads.
Constructed from robust, void-free marine-grade Baltic birch plywood and dressed in tough Bronco vinyl with hand-formed leather corners, this cabinet is built for rigorous touring and studio use. The durable expanded metal grille ensures your speakers stay protected and stylish. Removable casters equipped with Track-Loc™ guide plates allow effortless transportation and quick setup.
Image: With 4×12 and 2×12 options, these cabinets deliver robust tone and power
Additionally, the 4×12 cabinet features versatile wiring options, standard at eight ohms with a parallel output for pairing additional cabinets. It can also be split into stereo mode at four ohms per side, making it an ideal solution for complex rigs requiring stereo amplification.
MESA/Boogie 2×12 Split Back Cabinet: Compact and portable powerhouse
The MESA/Boogie 2×12 Split Back Cabinet packs powerful tone into a portable and convenient package. This cabinet delivers the pristine, open-backed clarity on top and robust, ported closed-back punch below, thanks to two proprietary Celestion C90 drivers. The lower driver is housed in a ported chamber, giving your sound extra girth and depth, ideal for both live performances and studio recording.
Like its larger counterpart, the 2×12 features a sturdy build crafted from marine-grade Baltic birch plywood, coated with tough Bronco vinyl, and reinforced by hand-formed leather corners. An expanded metal grille adds a distinct aesthetic and vital protection, while removable casters and Track-Loc plates provide easy transportation and efficient setup.
The standard wiring configuration at eight ohms includes a parallel output jack, simplifying the addition of another eight-ohm cabinet, resulting in a flexible four ohm total load. Perfectly suited for players seeking the expansive tonal qualities of larger cabs without sacrificing portability.
Whether your tone demands the versatile might of the 4×12 or the compact punch of the 2×12, MESA/Boogie Split Back Cabinets offer unmatched innovation and legendary sound. Experience the return of an iconic design—perfectly suited to today’s guitarists.
Shop all MESA/Boogie cabinets and find your ideal tonal companion.
