The Red Battle: Karnivore vs Redback (with T75, DV77 & V30 References)

Today I’m comparing two high-power guitar speakers that approach modern heavy tones from very different angles: The Eminence Karnivore (75W) the Celestion G12H-150 Redback (150W). Alongside those, I’m using three reference speakers that I know well from daily studio work: Eminence DV-77, Celestion G12T-75, and Celestion Vintage 30. The goal is simple: To hear how far a single modern speaker can go on its own - and how it compares to proven blends like T75 + DV-77 or V30 + DV-77. You’ll hear: • Single speaker examples in mono • Single speaker examples in stereo • Stereo examples in a full mix with drums & bass • Additional “enhanced” captures of Karnivore and Redback using multiple microphones • Direct comparisons to two classic blends No hype. No winner. Just listening and comparing. ⸻ Note: All audio in this video is raw. No EQ, no mix, no mastering. ⸻ My Conclusion: The Karnivore feels extremely controlled and mix-ready. Very balanced, tight, and easy to place. The Redback feels a bit more character-driven. It sits naturally in a dense mix and reminds me of some qualities I like in a T-75 and DV-77 combination. The blends are still great, and I’ll continue to use them. But it’s interesting to hear how far a single modern speaker can go today. There is no winner here, just different tools for different jobs. ⸻ 🎧 Free IR Download – Celestion G12H-150 Redback (SM57, e906 & Aston Spirit captures – multiple positions) 👉https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/7tu83x... ☕ If you’d like to support my work: https://buymeacoffee.com/koenichsound If you found this comparison helpful: • Leave a like 👍 • Share it with a fellow tone nerd • Subscribe for more real-world gear tests and mixes ⸻ Gear used in this video: Solar GC1.6 EMG JH Active Set Engl Fireball 25 Palmer Trave Lehle P-Split III Rupert Neve Designs RNDI Audient iD44 Eminence Karnivore 8 Ohm (2025) Celestion G12H-150 Redback 8 Ohm (2025) Eminence DV-77 8 Ohm (2022) Celestion G12T-75 16 Ohm (2015) Celestion Vintage 30 8 Ohm (2005) Shure SM57 t.Bone RB100 AKG C3000B Vic Firth SIH2 Harrison 32C Black Lion Audio Auteur MKII SSL UVEQ ⸻ Disclaimer: I do not receive any sponsorship from the brands mentioned in this video. ⸻ Edited by Daniel Becker. ⸻ Timecodes: 00:00 Cold Open – The Red Battle 00:20 Visual Teaser Montage 00:35 Introduction 02:08 Karnivore – Mono / Stereo / Mix 02:50 Redback – Mono / Stereo / Mix 03:30 G12T-75 – Mono / Stereo / Mix 04:11 V30 – Mono / Stereo / Mix 04:55 DV77 – Mono / Stereo / Mix 05:35 Blended Speakers Introduction 06:01 T75 + DV77 Blend – Mono / Stereo / Mix 06:43 V30 + DV77 Blend – Mono / Stereo / Mix 07:26 Single vs Blend Quick-Switch Introduction 08:12 My Take-Away 08:22 Karnivore in Mix (multi-miked SM57, RB100, C3000) 08:49 Redback in Mix (multi-miked SM57, RB100, C3000) 09:15 IR download hint #rawaudio #impulseresponse #celestionredback #g12h150 #eminencekarnivore #karnivore #guitartone