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Matrix CFR12′s Tryout – Review
Living so close to the Matrix factory has it’s perks

Anyway enough gloating, I’m here to write a review on the CFR12′s which I’ve had the pleasure of testing over the weekend.

First impressions, dude they are so compact, I mean I was amazed on first seeing them at the factory.
After seeing Simeon’s RCF 10′s a few days before they are easily the same size. Very well constructed, easily carried with one hand. The paint finish on them seems to be made of Kryptonite as they took some knocks (and beer spillage, sorry Andy ) over the weekend and they look good as new.

Soundwise :-
My first test was at the factory, with my AXEFXII and my Matrix GT800FX
Bass – Focused and tight, even when cranked
Mids – Crisp
Highs – Clear without being brittle or painfull

Second test, I took them to my gig this weekend, new venue, turned out to be very small. This is also the first time I’ve gigged in my life without a Guitar Cab. So I’m leaping in both feet here.

Both Speakers fitted nicely around the base of my mic stand, very unobtusive. I would suggest using Speakon cables however as I managed to pull out one of my inferior Jack Plug speaker leads half way through a song. I only use Jack Speaker leads because all my guitar cabs are Jack fitment.

Again running my GT800FX at about 1 o’clock (into 8ohm load per speaker) was more than adequate for hearing myself loud and clear throught the mix. My bass player could hear me, my drummer even commented that he could hear me. In fact that’s the first sentence I’ve heard him string together

So in summary :-
The sound was clear and precise, focused and very pleasing. I was grinning all night
Yes it was very strange to start off not having a 4×12 pounding at my kidneys but 15 mins in I had forgotten about it and I never had to strain to hear myself.

Portability, great match for the Matrix GT range of amps. The CRF12′s have got the thumbs up from me. Time to sell the Mesa Cabs I thinks

Anyway here’s some pictures of the Matrix CFR12′s and my guitar rig (Please note the Mesa Speaker in the middle isn’t connected and is merely functioning as a rack stand)