If you’re an experienced musician, you probably know the exact sound you want. That’s where FRFR speakers come in. FRFR stands for “Full Range, Flat Response”, and this means that your sound is produced with as little colour as possible, giving you a neutral, clean output that works brilliantly with modelling amps.
In this article, we’ll answer the question, “What is an FRFR speaker cabinet?” and why you might need it!
In a hurry?
At a glance, here are the main things you need to know about an FRFR speaker:
- FRFR stands for “Full Range, Flat Response”
- It generates an extremely clean output
- It’s great for using with a modelling amp, as it means your amp’s tone can truly shine without colouration from your speaker
- It doesn’t push air like a guitar cab does, meaning its presence and warmth are reduced
- An FRFR amp is exceptionally quick and easy to set up
What is an FRFR speaker cabinet?
An FRFR speaker cabinet, which stands for “Full Range, Flat Response” is a specialised type of speaker enclosure designed to faithfully reproduce audio signals across the entire frequency spectrum without adding colouration or distortion to the sound.
Unlike traditional guitar cabinets that are tailored to enhance certain frequencies, an FRFR cabinet aims to provide a neutral and unaltered output, making it an ideal choice for amplifying the diverse tones produced by modelling amps.
FRFR cabinets are built to handle any type of tone or frequency fed into them from an amplifier, and they work with any instrument.
They’re engineered to accurately reproduce the nuances of the amp’s tone, and it’s this neutrality that allows musicians and sound engineers to hear the true characteristics of their amp and effects, as well as the sonic details of their instruments, pedals, and digital processors.
In contrast to standard guitar cabinets, which often have specific tonal colouring to enhance the guitar’s sound, an FRFR cabinet’s primary goal is sonic accuracy and transparency. This means that the output from an FRFR cabinet represents the input signal as faithfully as possible, without adding its own sonic signature.
As a result, FRFR cabinets have become popular choices in modern music setups, particularly in scenarios where precise sound reproduction and versatility are essential, such as recording studios, live performances, and home practice.
FRFR speakers vs. guitar cabs
When it comes to choosing between FRFR speakers and traditional guitar cabinets, you need to work out what kind of sound you want and how you want to achieve it.
Why do guitarists opt for an FRFR speaker?
Guitarists might opt for an FRFR speaker setup when aiming for accurate sound reproduction. The rise of modelling amps and digital effects has led to an abundance of diverse tones, and an FRFR speaker is designed to faithfully deliver these tones without adding colouration.
This is particularly ideal for musicians who rely on a vast palette of sounds and want their audience to hear exactly what they intended during performances.
FRFR speakers are also extremely easy to set up as the settings are all digitally stored in the modelling amp – saving you time when setting up for a gig. Having everything stored digitally also means you save money on hardware!
Why do guitarists opt for a traditional guitar cab?
On the other hand, some guitarists prefer the character and presence of a traditional guitar cabinet, such as an Orange cab. Guitar cabs are known for their in-room warmth and air-pushing quality that can’t be fully replicated by a speaker with a perfectly flat response.
The slight tonal shaping and rounding off of high-end frequencies can contribute to a more classic and organic sound, especially in settings where a guitarist might want certain tonal imperfections!
Unlike FRFR speakers, which are quick to get up and running, with guitar cabs, you can change the microphone placement, change the amp head, add pedals, alter EQ, etc. – FRFR speakers don’t offer this kind of adjustability.
Balancing accuracy and character
While FRFR speakers have a neutral sonic output, it’s important to note that no speaker can achieve a truly flat response, there will always be some tiny variations. Conversely, guitar cabs introduce a level of colouration that can be appealing to many players.
The decision between these two options often boils down to whether a guitarist values faithful sound reproduction or the unique tonal characteristics and stage presence that a traditional cab provides.
Our FRFR speaker recommendations
Line 6 Powercab 212 Plus
The exceptional Powercab 212 Plus boasts two distinctive modes designed to redefine your sound. In flat mode, lightweight neodymium speakers deliver a rich, punchy, and articulate sound, merging flat response with guitar speaker dynamics. Alternatively, its 12 onboard speaker models allow for authentic, room-filling tones that suit any preference.
Laney LFR-112 Powered 1×12 Speaker Cab
The LFR-112 speaker cab offers pristine Full Range Flat Response with a 12” driver and 1” compression driver, ideal for digital guitar modelling. 200W power handles stages, while diverse connections ensure clarity.
It has a traditional cabinet design, with a tilt-back stand and switchable baffle illumination for that classic aesthetic. XLR DI output, speaker emulations, and versatile inputs facilitate stage and studio use, while AUX-in enables music playback and tone exploration. The LFR-112 embodies FRFR excellence and traditional charm for guitar enthusiasts seeking both modern and classic tones.
HeadRush FRFR-112 2000W Full Range Powered 1×12 Speaker
The HeadRush FRFR-112, a 2000W-powered speaker cab, offers crystal-clear projection and effortless power. Tailored with a custom 12” driver and HF compression driver, it ensures full frequency response.
Ideal for Headrush Pedalboard or modelling devices, its dual channels feature versatile XLR/Line combi connections. The cab’s contour switch shapes the response, while the built-in amplifier enables colouration-free tones. Its flexible design suits stereo setups, stage monitors, or PA speakers, making it a versatile choice for pristine sound amplification. It’s also available with an 8″ driver.
FAQs
Why use an FRFR speaker?
You may want to use an FRFR speaker if you value a clean, natural sound that accurately captures the intended tone of your modelling amp or software. FRFR speakers are also compatible with a wide range of instruments.
How does FRFR work?
FRFR stands for “Full Range, Flat Response”, and this means that these kinds of speakers have a neutral output, working with any tone or frequency. When using an FRFR speaker, you’ll notice that your tone isn’t coloured at all, it’s produced as faithfully as possible.
Is a PA speaker the same as an FRFR speaker?
A PA speaker is not the same as an FRFR speaker. PA speakers have a wide frequency response and can reproduce any audio. An FRFR speaker, on the other hand, is designed to be primarily used with guitar modelling amps.
Find out more
So, there we have it! Not so complicated! In a nutshell, an FRFR speaker cabinet won’t colour your tone. It’ll faithfully reproduce the exact tone of your modelling amp. Why not check out our full range of speaker cabinets?
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