Powered Cab for Modeler?

**Mogens Fosgerau** · 02-22-2026, 02:17 AM

What are the pros and cons of using a powered cab such as the QSC CP8?

I am using a modeler anyway (very happily). I would hope to solve the problem that my 12" cabs have very poor dispersion.

I play in formats ranging from solo to bigband. There is rarely a PA available at the gigs I play.

**Greywolf** · 02-22-2026, 03:57 PM

I am VERY happy with my JBL EON 715's they make them in 10" , 12" and 15"

**rpjazzguitar** · 02-22-2026, 04:14 PM

I've been using a JBL Eon One Compact.

The con, for some people, is that guitar amps sound better because of the complexity of the harmonic content, or something.

But, if you're feeding it a modeled signal, which already has that harmonic complexity, that con goes away.

The closed back might be another con, depending the stage plot.

The pros for the JBL are loudness, weight, 14 band parametric EQ, FX, built in mixer (so it's a little PA) and, to my ear, it sounds good.

**Spook410** · 02-22-2026, 09:25 PM

Since you are in Europe (as these are now too expensive in the US), I would look to Schertler and Acus for a FRFR. I currently use a Schertler Roy and Acus 350. Also a Yamaha DZR10 PA speaker. The Roy is fairly heavy so it stays home. The Acus is lighter, quite high fidelity, and light enough. The Yamaha DZR10 has durability, light(ish) weight, great form factor, more power than I'll ever require (2K watts). It sounds surprisingly good compared to the higher fidelity Schertler and Acus but not quite as good when you're listening closely in a small space. Actually, kind of nit picky. Without a side-by-side you probably wouldn't notice. Dispersion is better on the Schertler and Acus and have built in mixers to support singers, a mic'd horn player, kybd, or practice tracks. Possibly something you don't need.. until you do.

All this assumes you need more power than the less watts, more portable Schertler or Acus models. Otherwise one of their smaller units would work quite well. Also you may want something to run a speaker IR if your modeler doesn't offer that already.