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10 Powered Cabs That Pack a Punch

10 Powered Cabs That Pack a Punch

Here's a collection of powered guitar cabs that will help your digital rig feel more alive.

The proliferation of all-digital rigs, from arenas and stadiums to your local pub, proves that it's not a passing fad and that today's tech offers killer tone. This lineup of juiced-up cabs offers a wealth of options at a range of prices.


Atomic CLR Neo MkII

Described as a "reference monitor for the stage," this 500-watt, bi-amplified system contains two drivers, a max peak output of 130 dB, and a wealth of XLR outputs and inputs.

$999 street

atomicamps.com

DV Mark DV Powered Cab 112/60

The Italian amp gurus' solution for digital rigs is a lightweight cab with a Pearl White NEO speaker and both balanced and unbalanced inputs.

$499 street

dvmark.it

Friedman ASC-12

Built around a class-G 500-watt power amp, this proprietary design can work as a monitor, backline, or even as a PA. Around back it has a low-cut control, ground lift, level, and single input and output.

$999 street

friedmanamplification.com

ISP Technologies Vector FS8

Tuned for deeper bass response and smoother high end, this compact floor monitor/guitar cabinet houses a 175-watt RMS power amp and dual XLR inputs.

$665 street

isptechnologies.com

Headrush FRFR-112

This dual-input unit is stage-ready with a tilt-back design, XLR output, and a flat response 12" speaker. Bonus: It comes equipped with a contour EQ to suss out any pesky problematic frequencies.

$349 street

headrushfx.com

Laney LFR-112

This active guitar speaker offers a cab emulated XLR output along with a custom driver and LaVoce compression driver. It also has an aux in for jamming along with your computer.

$649 street

laney.co.uk

Kemper Power Kabinet

Inside this 1x12 combo sits a 200-watt setup that works exclusively with the company's popular Profiler and Stage units. It also offers 19 speaker imprints and the Celestion designed Kemper Kone, which is also available as a standalone speaker.

$789 street

kemper-amps.com

Tech 21 Power Engine Deuce Deluxe

A 200-watt cab that's designed with a nod to the digital set, with a powerful 3-band EQ and a defeatable tweeter. It comes it at a manageable 29 pounds.

$449 street

tech21nyc.com

Line 6 Powercab 212 Plus

Need a more elaborate setup? This 500-watt, 2x12 is loaded with MIDI, dual outputs and inputs, 12 different onboard speaker emulations, and room for up to 128 of your own impulse responses.

$1,399 street

line6.com

ValveTrain PowerTrain Studio 20

Going the digital route but still want the glowing glass? This loud and portable cab uses two 6V6 power tubes and a 12AX7 preamp tube. Another great feature is the dead-simple, 1-dial control panel.

$1,199 street

valvetrainamps.com

The author, middle, with bassist Ross Valory (left) and Steve Smith (right) of Journey.

Do you know who’s hanging around your gigs? Our columnist shares a story about the time Journey’s bassist was in the audience during soundcheck.

I’ve always loved what I do for a living. Even long before it became a career, doing the work every day to get better was something I fell in love with right away. As a result, I’ve never had any issues with stage fright or nerves when it comes to performing—even if there are some mega-influential or important musical people in the room.

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The veteran Florida-born metalcore outfit proves that you don’t need humbuckers to pull off high gain.

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Kiesel Guitars has introduced their newest solid body electric guitar: the Kyber.

With its modern performance specs and competitive pricing, the Kyber is Kiesel's most forward-thinking design yet, engineered for comfort, quick playing, and precision with every note.

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The Sunset is a fully analog, zero latency bass amplifier simulator. It features a ¼” input, XLR and ¼” outputs, gain and volume controls and extensive equalization. It’s intended to replace your bass amp both live and in the studio.

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