5 Versions of The World’s Greatest Guitar Speaker
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- čas přidán 31. 10. 2017
- Electrovoice EVM12L is generally recognized as “The World’s Greatest Guitar Speaker” at least for high gain tone. Here we compare 5 versions, vintages of it.
1. 1989 EVM12L
2. 2017ish EVM12L Classic
3. EVM12L Series II
4. Early 1980s Fender EVm12F
5. 1983 EVM12L
Gear setup. 1976 Marshall Super Lead with the preamp changed to a Forsberg DFVH, 1x12 Marshall Model 1933 Speaker cabinet. AKG C414 Close mic, AKG C451E Room Mic är 10 feet. 2008 Gibson Les Paul R9, Studio Konnekt 48, PC. CUBASE. - Hudba
![Are All Guitar Amps Better Through EV Speakers? [Princeton, AC15, 50-watt Plexi, Matchless]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zTIG4MsPxTk/mqdefault.jpg)
Brings me back to being in college in the late '70s/early '80s. I bought a pair of brand new EVM-12Ls at a local store and carried them (I didn't have a car) a mile and a half (2 Km) back to my dorm to load them in a Blackface Twin Reverb that I had just purchased (without speakers). I thought my arms were going to fall off, but I was young, stupid and determined!
awesome! were you impressed as you got the rig jammin?
@@zAvAvAz It was a monster! Sounded great (to my ears a Fender amp and EV speakers are the ultimate pairing)!! Foolishly sold the Twin in the late '80s and I've regretted it ever since.
@@bb_lz9790 Recreate it, maybe downsize ev in a deluxe???
@@ksharpe10 That would rock! Reminds me of an opportunity I once had to buy a Black "panel" Deluxe Reverb loaded with an EV SRO12. I believe the store wanted $400US, which, in the late '70s, was a lot of money.
@@bb_lz9790 Tell me about it, my High school grad. present was a brand new 1973 twin reverb, the 1st with master vol. knob, mine did not push pull though, I babied that amp. it had eminence speakers. I always wanted JBL's for it. I remember seeing sro's they were White and the Magnets on them stuck out the back of a Fender cabinet. anyway new the Twin in 73 was 300.00. i could have bought a princeton in like 99 for about 400. And passed on it. I can remember in the early 90's walking by TRAINWREK amps. and thinking nice but that Wood is gonna get all dinged up, should have been buying not LOOKING. Who knows lots of memories.
The '89 was definitely the best. I was surprised how different they all sounded. I wonder how the new one will sound after breaking in...
1989 EVM is a winner. Mids cut through and it's the most balanced sounding speaker.
Thanks Johan!
+Adeadbanker Isadeadwanker Thanks, that’s my favorite too!
What I love about your videos is they are raw and un-sanitized (this is a compliment) you give us an example of the true product not an over produced cleaned up version.
Timestamps :
riff 1
1:39 1989 EVM12L
1:51 2017ish EVM12L Classic
2:04 EVM12L Series II
2:21 Early 1980s Fender EVm12F
2:34 1983 EVM12L
Solo
2:48 1989 EVM12L
3:53 1983 EVM12L
4:59 2017ish EVM12L Classic
5:29 EVM12L Series II
6:17 Early 1980s Fender EVm12F
riff 3
7:09 1989 EVM12L
7:17 2017ish EVM12L Classic
7:26 EVM12L Series II
7:34 Early 1980s Fender EVm12F
7:40 1983 EVM12L
+RiffsNReviews Thanks, that’s great feedback. I love that kind of feedback!!
+RiffsNReviews I agree the 1983 was better for solos than for rhythm
You're welcome !
seriously every time i see a video from you, homie, i'm like "THIS is what i wanna see a comparison/demonstration of!" everything from the editing, to the ideas, recording techniques, to your general candor, is absolutely wonderful. PLUS you're a wicked and passionate guitarist! thanks for doing what you do 💜
Damnit, Johan, isn't it a little sad that I'd rather listen to you test speakers than hear any new band on iTunes? Please quit your job and start making recordings; YOU are the man who can save rock! We need you! Now!
+David Woods You make my day David! :-)
The best today
But he is right! Just release an album. It will be an instant hit!
you can't save that which does not need saving
I watch more videos than play guitar.. it's really sad.
Great, Johan! The 89 one sounded the best!
+Gustavo Geoffroy Veiga Gulart Thanks, yeah that’s my go-to EV. Cheers
That was also my pick from all of the other great sounding speakers. Not a dud in the bunch, but the 89 just had that magic sound. Thanks for the tonal education you provide with every video Johan. Have a great rest of the week and I'm waiting with baited breath for what you've got in store for us in Friday's video!
+jcoulter43 Thanks :-) You have a great week too!
I bought EVM12Ls from Mesa/Boogie around ‘89 and one used from what I think is older.
yes, the '89 is the real deal.
Interesting fact: this channel always has a dedicated video about near each subject I am interested in. Thanks and keep going!
89 - Sounds superb, excellent classic rock sounds!
I bought guitar cabinet with two 1989 EVM12L for 200€. Thanks for your test :)
The speaker comparisons are absolute gold. Your glaring indicates the you are probably having a damm good time making p. Well deserved kudos.
On this particular amp with these settings I liked the 89 best. Great vid yet again Johan. Thanks for enlighting us.
*insert joke where Johan can make a toaster sound like a '59 Plexi here*
Na but seriously great playing and epic tone as always! Personally preferred the 1989 EVM12L. Sounded the most thick yet clear through all the riffs.
Keep up the epic work man!
+Eclectic Music Discussion Club ;-) Thanks man, good to hear that!
Great video and great playing as always! You do a great job creating the perfect enviroment for these test and the results speak for themself, thanks for making these!
+Maxim Thanks Maxim! I’m really glad to hear that!
Ty RiffsNReviews for the Time Stamps !!! Cheers
Timestamps :
riff 1
1:39 1989 EVM12L
1:51 2017ish EVM12L Classic
2:04 EVM12L Series II
2:21 Early 1980s Fender EVm12F
2:34 1983 EVM12L
Solo
2:48 1989 EVM12L
3:53 1983 EVM12L
4:59 2017ish EVM12L Classic
5:29 EVM12L Series II
6:17 Early 1980s Fender EVm12F
riff 3
7:09 1989 EVM12L
7:17 2017ish EVM12L Classic
7:26 EVM12L Series II
7:34 Early 1980s Fender EVm12F
7:40 1983 EVM12L
Great video as always. I really enjoy the speaker comparisons.
1983 EVM L sounds awesome. I had one and it covered Hard Rock and amazing Cleans.
For me it was the EVM12L Classic and the 1989 EVM12L, both had characteristics that were very appealing in there own ways, can't help but wonder how they would sound blended together in a mix. Thanks for another awesome and informative video Johan!
Definitely the 83 and the 89 in my ears . Thank you Sir. Always enjoy your video.
The 1989 12L sounds outstanding. The Series II and the 1983 are the next two I'd pick. Disappointed by how the Classic sounds compared to those other three I mentioned. Was not wild about the 12F.
Thanks for posting this video.
Hi Johan, greatly appreciate your playing tone and videos. Thank you for posting. Just so you know, I did install one of these things in a fender amp way back in 1976. They were around back then.
Great playing Johan. Love your work my friend.
Series 2, the 83 and the 89 are my favourites
As always : very interesting, thank you johan! my fav: 2017ish EVM12L Classic
89 is my favorite in this shootout. Nice balanced overall tone.
The 5 unlikes to this video are definite proof that there are a few among us who skipped a few evolutionary steps. Sad.
Rock on Johann
The 89 and Fender branded one were unreal
+NYC LP Player Thanks!
Excellent comparison as always!
+William Pierce Thanks William! :-)
Never heard of it before, thank you for doing this!
I have many EVM12L IRs on my Axe-Fx 2! I can't wait to check them out! I'll be happy if they sounded HALF as good as how you made them, great video as always! :D
2:48-3:53 - eargasm.
That '89 EVM is phenomenal, never heard such clarity and richness in speaker. They all sound good, but that one is a white whale, of course also thanks to Johann and his great playing.
and his in the mix
I bought a 4-12 cabinet at a yard sale with two vintage Fender 12"s and 1 12" EV 12L that all worked perfect and 1 JBL DC120F 12" that needs to be re-coned ! You don't want to know what I paid for it !
This is, without a doubt, the best amp/speaker combination I've heard you test so far. I love EVs, but they are hard to come by these days, very expensive, and heavier than a tank.
I think one reason they’re so great is they all have great definition and they take a beating.
I like the '83 even though it's a little thinner sounding than the '89. It's got a 70's rock vibe to it.
yeh...i heard it that way to...the fender 1 seems to have had a certain frequency "tweeked"...don't know...but Johan, your station is exellent! I liked the cutting "rasp" of the 83
Great video! I have a Mesa Electra Dyne that came with an EVM 12L Proline 300w speaker. I’m amazed at how much low end and high end the speaker can handle. I never knew these speakers existed.
awesome vids keep them coming
The Fane Studio 12L is a magnificent version of the 12L type speaker. The response is some what flatter (graphs of both are online) Amps may come and go these Fanes are forever. Hard to find in North America expense and worth every penny.
Awesome content on your channel Johan thank you very much! :)
The 3 from the 80's sound best to me. Those are most likey broken in the best. The 2017 version still sounds stiff; new. Again, thank you for your demos. Each has helped me to steer my way through the mountains of gear I long for. Cheers!
+Goobie Caro Thanks, I’m glad the videos are put to good use! Cheers Johan
Great Video. Definitely a difference , the 89 is my pick. I purchased a pair of 1987 EVM12L's New from a Mesa Boogie ad in the back of Guitar Player magazine. This was before I even had a Mesa, they were for my Peavy Mace 2x12. But I still have them in a 1989 4X12 Road Ready Cab with 2 Celeston Vintage 30's. I have 2 4x12's with the Metallica V30 top EVM bottom and their my favorite cabs.
Really nice sound.
the 1989 sounds so alive and lush full of overtones. I love it. even while looking at another tab i knew when the 1989 came on. Instant gratification. Great Demo!
Thanks! That's my favorite too
you ever mess with WGS12L ? From warehouse guitar speakers?
Damnit that's awesome, I was considering one, now I'm sold!!!
Revisiting this video because I love the EVM12L so much! They came out in the mid '70s. I tried to buy an SRO15 in about 1975 and they sent me an EVM 15L instead because the EVMs had replaced the SRO line then. I returned it and bought a 2x15 cabinet with SRO 15s in it.
A friend bought a pair of EVM12Ls around that time, but some TL806 cabinets for them and tortured hearing with an Ampeg V4 running LOUD!
I've owned quite a few EVs (SRO and EVM) speakers since then...only have two EVM12Ls now...
I have a classic in my Mesa IIc+. Perhaps it’s worn in nicely. It’s amazing! I did like the 83 here though. Great demo as always Johan
WGS makes a 12L also! immediately i heard the EVM12L series II sounds like and as the better 1989 EVM12L!
The additional fizz in the 1983 EVM12L is great in the SOLO patch at 3:53
The EVM12L classic reminds me of the early 1980 model EVM12L and sounds underwater and without the cut and presence of the others. However on it's own it has all the clarity and mid detail and highs it is just very balanced in the recording. This is less work for a sound engineer or picky over filtering producer or collegiate guitarist or technician in recording and live sound. We are the guitarist and we don't want to get rid of the quirkyness and standouts in our sound.
They all sound different, but all are good imo.
+DomSchu Thanks! :-)
You have to remember that the lineage of these speakers are not based in them being guitar speakers, they are based in being PA system sound reinforcement speakers... therefore have a far greater power handling capability than most normal guitar speakers for the break-in. the break in period for these speakers is a lot longer because the power handling is so much greater and most guitar amps aren't putting out even close to the amount of power that these speakers can handle.... and as we all know the difference and tonality of a fresh speaker to a broken in speaker is pretty significant. Most guitar speakers we normally use handle between 20 to 70 Watts but these speakers have a power handling capability of 200 Watts so you really need to pump some serious power through these for some significant amount of time to really get them to break in. When I used to work for a well known guitarist who uses these in his 4 X 12's we would actually take PA system power amps and ran pink noise through the speakers in a closed room at skull crushing levels for a couple hours to get the speakers to break in.
+livingabovethe12th Yeah, break in really pays off. Scumback Speakers is one of few companies that offer pre break in as an option. Celestion for instance don’t, which indicate that most people choose to buy “new” speakers instead of broken in speakers. Against better judgement of course. Cheers
livingabovethe12th what's pink noise sorry I'm not that smart lol
@@imannonymous7707 Pink noise is basically static, like that which you would get from a tv not getting signal. Just because you dont know what pink noise is dosent mean you arent smart.
Haha I was constantly pausing the video going "What the hell is that pounding noise.. " then I finally realised it's you tapping your foot while you're playing haha :D Great video as always, keep 'em coming.
Although it seems counter-intuitive, the "Series II" is the oldest of the lot shown (I have 2, bought new circa 1980). These were made in the late 70's and early 80's. They sold with the finned heat sink as shown, which some people took off (eg the ones EV sold to Fender). It appears EV is actually the source of the erroneous information that the 12L started in production in 1983. Those of us who bought them before that know better. The Series II moniker may have been to differentiate it from the SRO, as best I can tell, or the even older coffee cans. The SROs at the time had a similar heat sink, but the 12L had one third fewer fins (16 vs 24). In the 12L Series II box, on the spec sheet, came the note that you could write away for plans for a (computer designed !) 1.3 cubic foot, Thiele-aligned, ported enclosure ("TL 806 Builder's Plans"). These appear to have been the design source for the early Mesa ported 12" enclosures. The heat sink would appear more necessary for a small ported enclosure, like the TL806, than open back cabs (air flow is less of a problem open back; sink adds weight and takes up space). The finned sink was dropped on later versions, as well as on the speakers made for Fender around the time. Btw, the frequency response curve on the circa 1980 spec sheet (for a 12L Series II in a TL806) was jaw-dropping. Dead flat from roughly 80hz to 2Khz (at 120 db SPL !). It was a guitar amp designer's dream. They could then focus on amp tone, knowing that the speaker/cab combination would reproduce it well even at full stage volume.
The 89 and the 83 a close second. Both these older speakers leave the 3 newer EVs in the dust. I thank you for the nicely done comparison videos and suggest it would be very useful to hear the speakers with a clean tone. Soft chords and/or single Jazz lines.
they are all great speaker variations providing a surprisingly large difference from one another, the 1989, and 1983 both had that classic hair metal vibe, the 89 a little tighter though. great comparison of the different incarnations Johan
The EVM12 series II reminds me a little of the Gauss speakers in the Fender twin that Steve Jones used on the Sex Pistols stuff. I love his tone on those records.
Thank you for this. I was just about to shell out 200 bucks for the Classic model on Craigslist. In my opinion it comes in about 4th place on this list. I had no idea there would be this much difference between the same make of speaker.
I have a 1987 Mark III combo with the EVM12L and is an amazing speaker for that amp !
Paul Stanley I have an 85 S O B wood and wicker w/ EV 12L. Never knew so much difference. I'm guessing it's the 83 model in this comparison. It does blow great sounds. 60/100 watts, it don't matter to this amp.
The EVM 12L is such a beautiful and solid piece of speaker construction - but for the bright, stinging and mostly undistorted tone I love a JBL E130 is the king. My cab w/the Electro Voice just sits there now
That 1983 is a MONSTER!
Personally, the Fender branded and the '89 do it for me. That being said, I play an '86 Rivera TBR-1 SL so that's the alley I'm already up, I guess haha
Solid demo as always!
Let’s just all be impressed for a minute that a vintage speaker can handle a Super Lead alone.
The Classic seems to have harsh overtones, whereas the sound of the newer model seems to clean those up. I wouldn't have imagined that there would have been much difference between any of them. Your video shows that there truly is a big difference between them. Thanks for posting Johan.
The 1989, then the current model are my faves.
EVM12L Series II my fav out of the bunch ...
Preferred the 1989 EVM, but did not like the newer ones.
+Dave Monty Thanks Dave!
1989 the clear winner. But did the classic loose so because it has not been broken in?
could have to do with how broken in it is too no?
I thought the 1983 was really close.
I have 3 original EVM 12L 1983. The 3 first are from the 001 and 035 serial numbers and the third one is 349. The latter sounds very differently, far more crispy. I don’t know if the sounds color has drifted over time. To my ear it’s difficult to say whether it’s better or worse, but I can say that within this same 1983 reference there can be significant sound differences, almost as big as when comparing it with the 1989 reference.
sonically superlative Segeborn speaker selection
Killer tone and killer riffs!
I had expected a bit of a difference here, but hey the difference was HUGE! I like the "EVM 12L Seeries II" a lot but for that true HiGain sound, the 1983 EVM12L totally blew me away!!!
1989 EVM12L best low end
Liked the '89 the best...I've got 2 Mesa 1x12 Thiele cabs with an 80's version and one with a newer Mesa sticker on the back and I have to make sure the the 80's one gets connected to my '79 modded JMP and the other to my Framus Cobra or my set up just doesn't sound right! It's amazing how this speaker can vary in sound...I mean they always sound good but if I have the wrong one to the wrong amp in my rig it just doesn't have the sweet spot.
Just recently converted my two oversized Blackstar 1x12 open back cabs to 1x15's with the Celestion Fullback speaker...I was inspired by that newer Friedman 212/215 cab that is the match for the Butterslax head, also from watching your videos that have demo'd 15's Johan...so now I got my wet/dry rig running 1 evm12L and a Celestion Fullback 15 for each head...it sounds HUGE!
Thanks Johan
+The Sandman That sounds like a great rig man!
Excellent, bests speakers ever.
Johan, you are an amazing player. Personally I dig the '83 sounds raw and cuts right through.
Pretty striking how different they are as ostensibly the same speaker
Great comparison !
They sound very different : my personal choice would be the '89 , then the '83 model...
With the 89 everything is very clear and still with a very "vintage" sound .
Thanks !
+FABIO CORDONI Thanks Fabio, that’s my favorite too!
Definitely love the 1989 the best, and a close second on the Fender version, but the EVM12L series II is no slouch, even though in this video I do find them a little lacking in the low mids by comparison. I lucked out getting a pristine pair of those from a dude for under $200 locally. For some stupid reason I still haven't tried them with my Marshall, but they're something else with my 70s Ampeg V4. Johan you really have sent me on a a major speaker kick. I thank you sir. My wife knows who you are now. Lol
You could make the opening of an envelope interesting. I have no interest in changing speakers but had to view this video. You resonate with the people Johan!
Some models sounds like Greenback. Amazing video man!
+Tony Iommi74 Thanks man, yeah the 83 sounded very much like a mellow G12M Greenback
They are all good, but I like the 1989 version best, and the current version a close 2nd.
I like the 83 and 89. I’d like to hear these up against a Vintage 30, as that’s my favorite.
+Patrick Hayden I compare the 89 to a V30 among others in this clip
czcams.com/video/Q2-Q_GYfEDY/video.html
But the gain is lower in that clip, which works against the EV
The 89 is the OEM model used in some Mesa Boogie cabs. Is the best sounding guitar speaker in my opinion.
It’s my favorite too
1989 sounded the best. There is one for sale near me for $300.... really wanting to purchase it LOL.
89’ EVM FTW!!
Amazing how varied the tones were considering they're the """same""" speaker.
+kickblake Yeah, the top end differs quite a bit
Great compare as usual, big difference in tonality but all sounds good to my ears. 89 mid sounds scooped and 83 mid sounds bumped.
+David Caro Thanks, yeah the 89 and 83 would do a good job in a 2x12
@@JohanSegeborn Most of the difference comes from the kind of cone paper and suspension. 83 and 89 (look like OEM made) have approx the same OEM grey paper and are sounding similar. I do not know what the paper is on Fender but it sounds tired - paper/suspension. Series II has this US-made dark gray paper cone, which is not vented through, and sounds very different. Current Classic uses a grey paper cone, but it is something different and sounds harsher. Ceramic magnets (almost) are not aging (like Alnico) so the difference is not in magnets. I hope the coil constructions are similar but who knows more - please let us know.
Wow those 1989 EVM12Ls 😯😯😯 nothing comes close to them! Blows the others out of the water.
That series 2 EV IS SERIOUS BUSINESS
Great demo! 89 is the obvious winner for me. The "Series II" sounded horrible. I have two old Mesa mkIIIs and their original speakers they came with are the EV12L. They sound great. But here's an interesting twist: I'm more of a Marshall guy and have an 87 2555 Silver Jubilee. Today just out of curiosity I decided to test it with both of them connected like an 2X12 cab. The Jubilee which was originally designed with the (then new) V30s sounded insane with the EV12Ls! Amazing sound. If you have one and the speakers as well try it, you may be surprised...
Thank you Johan! At 7:40 -- waiting for Dirkschneider to start singing... bring on the camo pants!
Really interesting comparison there, Johan. I'd love to hear these vs Greenbacks. These seem to be more scooped than the greenbacks (how I remember them anyway).
I'm sure you have your technique, but just in case it helps... when I do similar testing I use a forsner bit and drill 4 holes in a piece of plywood so that the cabinet feet seat in those holes perfectly, I then anchor the plywood and voila. As long as you don't bump the microphone when you pick up the cab (assuming you pick up your cab to remove the speaker) you're guaranteed exact mic placement. I know how much time it must have taken to make this video. I appreciate it! It made me feel good and sort of reaffirmed my decision to buy a couple of 80s model ev12l's, I love em. Now it time for mixing and matching with other speakers, cheers. Thx again!
Thanks Jason that’s a good method, I used some physical references on the floor to position it. Cheers
I'll never forgive myself for selling the original pair I had in the 80's. Had a them in a Mitchell 212 sand cab, fed by a Mesa M180.
I'll buy more some day! Awesome speakers.
The classic (newer) and the series 2 are my favs, for different uses. I think I would use all for different purposes. But the most balanced to me are those, for riffing and solos.
My favorites were the 89 & the 83. The 89 sounded like it cut would cut thru the mix best live, but after listening to just those two a/b multiple times, the 83 sounds much warmer and more musical. It would be my choice for recording.
first listen !...89 got great 'all round' sound ...Fender gets there ...the rest shine on only top or bottom
I've played so many different speakers but always come back to EV's. Played them all through the 80's and haven't found anything that can do what they do. I wish someone would make a neo version. The 10s and 15's make great guitar speakers too, just as good if not better in some applications.
The large magnet can contribute to some beaming in a combo amp, Steve Kimock complained about this in the Boogie combos.This problem is lessened with multiple speakers but then you suffer even more from the weight. I have a pair in a 2x12 100 watt combo I built and it is a pain to move around but what a sound!
In single 12 configuration the EV TL806 "thiele" cabinet is really hard to beat, 83hZ in 1.3 cubic feet and 190 degree beam width at 400hZ, around 120 degrees for the bulk of the midrange, really fills up a stage for such a small package and seems to help with the beaming issue.
Odd man out here, I liked the Series II. The 89 sounded fantastic too.
I'm right there with you. Same take; Series II, then the 89
I liked the 1989 model the most. The Fender branded speaker was also a pleasant surprise.
The 1989 was the best sounding, balanced for rhythm and solo. Then, for the 3 different riffs I liked different speakers that better compliment the riff (after the '89 the Series II for the 1st and 2nd riff, the Classic for the last one). A lot of variation in tone for being "the same" speaker!
I thought of replacing my EVM12L (again) because my combo weighs a ton. Especially because Eminence recently came out with a lightweight EM12N (Neodymium). Already tried some Deltalite and other Neo speakers but nothing came close. The EM12 is voiced quite differently than a modern EVM12L as well.. but I thought the EM12N could be close enough. I always knew from my own experience that there were differences tone-wise between different EVM12L speakers anyway. Now I've found your comparison and think that this '89 OEM EVM12L which looks and 'sounds' quite similar to the last EVM12L I own simply sounds the best. I don't dig the '83 nor the Classic which seems to share some of its characteristics with the '83. After watching the video I checked the serial on mine, seems to be from '90. It's well broken-in and sounds awesome. This made my decision easy. I'll just keep it. Its power rating and tone (which is equally good on bedroom and stage volume) outweighs its weight by far.
Usually I don't like CZcams, don't watch much guitar-related videos, rarely comment.. but this video was actually informative. Thanks.
Thanks, glad the videos are put some good use
2 he helps me a lot.in defining things
The 89 = wow 👍 (great test 👍)
Nice to see and hear my old *fender EV
+Leif Ångqvist Thanks Leif! Yeah the more scooped fender is a good complement to the others
Johan Segeborn but the 89 i just say wow.