Hughes & Kettner AX 412 Cabinet

Bought this cabinet new in 2004 to go with my newly purchased Peavey Triple XXX tube head. My old half-stack was the Marshall AVT 150H and a Crate (uck) 412 cab. When I got this cab I was surprised as to how much bigger it was than my Crate 412. Cosmetically, the cab matches the Triple XXX perfectly and I really dig the grey-black-sliverish grill cloth. The cab has 2 inputs for 8 ohm mono or stereo operation. The cab is rated at 200 watts. For my needs, it is the perfect cab.

While waiting for the cab to ship I was playing my Peavey through my Crate cab. While the new tube head made even this crappy 412 sound much better and louder than with the AVT, when I plugged the Peavey into the AX412 I noticed a much more full sound with great highs, mids, and lows. I play mostly progressive metal and hard rock and this cab is perfectly suited for this playing style. The cab captures all the nuances of my head and playing dynamics. Oh, and it's REALLY DAMN LOUD if you want it to be. Believe me, the Celestions in this thing can push some air...my knees were wobbling at higher volumes. The main thing I was looking for was better sound dispersement, as my Crate only sounded full when standing directly in front of it. With the Hughes&Kettner cab I can walk all around my home studio and the sound is equally powerful, not muffled. I'm sure this is partially due to a much better tube head, but the cab speaks for itself! I tried some Marshall 1960's, a Mesa Triple Recto cab, and a Line 6. To me the AX412 is quite similar to the Recto standard cab (which is a good thing) but I saved a lot of money! Bottom line-fantastic.

I have only had this cab for a few weeks as of this review and I am aware of how new speakers take quite a while to be broken in and settle into their mature, and best sound. Even when brand new this cab sounded terrific and I'm happy to say it will only sound better with age. As far as construction, it's very sturdy and quite heavy (about 20 lbs. or so heavier than my Crate) but not as heavy as a Mesa. The removeable casters will also come in handy when I begin to take this thing to shows. Right now, I am only using it in my home studio. I have played with a great drummer and bassist and I have never had more guitar presence before. This cab really cuts through the mix with my Peavey. I'll give it a 9 and not a 10 only because I need to see how it stands up over time. But hey-my Crate still holds up well and its a p.o.s. compare to this!

Have not dealt with the company's customer support-haven't needed to. This is a good thing. But I won't rate this category as I have no idea how their service is, though I've read good things about H&K.

I've been playing for 11 years and have heard and played through many amps and cabs. This cab is fantastic. Quality construction, great looks, GREAT sound, and it really stands out from the typical all-black Marshalls, Mesas, and other similar cabs. If it were stolen, I hope the thief drops it on his foot and crushes all his toes! I could probably track the guy down if he started playing through it, because the projection is so great! ;) Seriously though, I don't lose my eqipment- I take care of it, and NO ONE steals from me! If it was stolen or lost (hypothetically) I would buy the same cab in a heart beat. For metal/rock its one of the best cabs around, regardless of cost. I'm sure their may be a few that sound even better (Diezel, perhaps?) I sure won't pay $1200 for a 412 cab (I'm a working man, not a spoiled rich boy)! This cab is dis-continued now, so good luck finding one now. I don't know why, it's a great cab (as if I haven't said that enough)

I bought this cab new in 2000. The thing is a monster, nice big cab allows huge bottom tones to be realized. Sweet Celeation speakers just sing. True stereo with 2 x 1/4 input jacks, sloped handles are easy on the hands. I run a 300 w poweramp into this thing and it doesnt even flinch. I think its rated for 225 w. Looks cool too.

I use Ibanez RG and AX guitars into a Digitech RP2000 into a BBE 362 into Yorkville SR300 poweramp into this cab. I play C.O.C, Black Sabbath, Audioslave etc., so I work my equipment hard and loud. Projects beautifully, I would put it beside any Marshall or Mesa product any day.

Its a god-damned HORSE!! Not a single problem in 3 years and counting.

Never had to deal with them.

I have been playing for years, not sure how many. I have had Crate (barf!), Marshall (cha-ching!) Traynor (???) and this is definatly the best cab I have ever owned. If it were stolen I would replace immediatly. I love its big boomy sound, its focused punch and its cool looks. I chose Hughes & Kettner becaue I don't believe in monopolies like Marshall, and I get more second looks from other guitar players with this. Buy one of these, you'll be happy with it.