Matrix NL212 Review

Matrix NL212

The Matrix NL212 is a lightweight 2 x 12 Cab. NL stands for Neolight. For those who are new to the world of guitar cabs 2 x 12 means that there are two 12 inch speakers in the cabinet or cab as its called. For many years guitarists have been playing through cabs many choosing 4 x 12 cabs to play through. The weight and size of a 4 x 12 cab can cause problems. Think about turning up at a gig and the room you are playing in is up two flights of stairs. The regular weight of a 4 x 12 Cab is around 36 kg and the regular weight of a 2 x 12 is around 24.5 kg. Just to put all that into perspective a packed suitcase weight limit for a flight is normally 23kg.

Design

The Matrix NL212 is a 120 watt 2 x 12 cab constructed of lightweight European tone woods. It can be run at 8 ohms 120 watt mono or 16 ohms 60 watts per side in stereo. The cab consists of two 2 Neodymium drivers (Speakers) This all weighs in at an amazing 13.5kg. So once again to put that into perspective just over the weight limit for you hand luggage at an airport.

In Use

Having recently purchasing a Kemper I also purchased a Line 6 Power cab. The power cab is a 1 x 12 speaker. I did one gig with the power cab and realised that although it was loud it did not give me the spread of sound that I was used to, having used a Roland Jazz Chorus amp for the past 15+ years. It was also struggling to compete with a loud drummer.

The Matrix NL212 did not just sound like a 2 x 12 to my ears but more like a 4 x 12 it is powerful and the spread of sound from the speakers is amazing. Playing in a tribute band I cover all styles of music. With most guitar cabs rock sounds are never too much of a problem to achieve. The crystal clear sounds are more of an issue especially at volume as this is when speakers start to distort. I can report that the clean sounds are as they should be at high volumes and really are crystal clear. I could not be happier with this cab and can highly recommend it. The Line 6 Power Cab has gone to the rehearsal room for now. The Matrix NL212 is my new gigging guitar cab. You can see the cab in action on my YouTube channel by clicking here also check out my gig guide to see it live.

About Matrix

Matrix Amplification are a company based in the UK specialising in Hi-Tech, Hi-Spec products for the guitar, bass and keyboard market. The products range from power amps and FRFR (full range flat response) speakers for use with modellers from companies such as Fractal Audio, Kemper and Line 6 to lightweight amps and speakers for traditional uses. The company has grown dramatically over the last 2 years. It is boasting an impressive artist roster of players, including James Hetfield and Kirk Hammet from Metallica as well as Steve Stevens from Billy Idol’s band, and a plethora of other known professional guitar players.

Customer Service

I have first hand experience of the customer service at Matrix. Sending an E-Mail to them on a Bank Holiday Monday I did not expect any response on the Bank Holiday, but got a reply just a few hours later. I was then invited to their warehouse the next day. A truly first class service that is missing from so many of big companies. If you are interested in trying out Matrix products click here or give them a call on 0845 108 54 49