What Is An FRFR Speaker Cabinet? The Best FRFR Cabs In 2025
FRFR cabs are great for use with modelling amps & pedals - but what does FRFR actually mean? This article breaks it down and answers your most common FRFR questions, and we show you what very best of what the FRFR digital world has to offer in 2025.
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What Is A FRFR Speaker?
Question 1: what does it stand for? FRFR simply stands for full range, flat response. This means an FRFR speaker can handle any type of tone or frequency fed into it from an amp. The result is a neutral output that emulates the signal as cleanly and accurately as possible. Essentially, it’s a blank canvas. It’s great for modelling amps such as the Line 6 Helix, Kemper profiling amp, Neural DSP Quad & Nano Cortex, or the Fractal Axe-FX, that contain every option you could imagine for creating the sound you’re after.
On the other side of this is the standard guitar cabinet. The idea behind all the various cabs is that they colour your tone to create a unique sound, like EQing your amp or adding an effects pedal – even the cab housing can define your tone!
In most circumstances, it would defeat the purpose of a modelling amp’s ability to emulate speakers if you were going to hook it up to a non-FRFR cab. There are particular reasons you may want to do this, but we’ll get to that later.
The Valeton VFR-110 1300W 1×10 FRFR Speaker Cabinet is a perfect example of premium audio quality in the form of a highly adaptable FRFR speaker, at a brilliant price-point. More than that, VFR-110 also works well with other full-range instruments or even using as a FOH/monitor speaker.
Best FRFR Cabs in 2025
We have done our research, and found some fantastic choices to help you on your FRFR speaker journey. Here are some noteable winners:
Best Value For Money FRFR Cab
The most for your money! 2 Channels, 10″ Speaker, 1300 Watts of Power.
The VFR-110 is a 1300W, lightweight full range flat response (FRFR) active speaker designed for amp modelers/multi-effects processors delivering a reference-level sound with air and punch, just like playing through real instrument amps. It also works as an active FOH/monitor speaker!
More than that, VFR-110 also works well with other full-range instruments or even using as a FOH/monitor speaker. Various I/O and EQ settings ensures multiple usage scenarios, and the ultra-light cabinet design lets you take it anywhere you want.
Best Amp Like FRFR Cab
12″ Speaker – Amp-Like EQ – Classic Amp-Aesthetics
The Tone Master FR-12 delivers a full range, flat response powered speaker designed to be the perfect pairing with digital guitar amp modelers and profilers. The Tone Master FR-12 delivers clear and accurate sound reproduction and replicates every detail of the amp and effect models given from your IR effects unit. They’re the ultimate companion to the Fender Tone Master Pro and the ideal solution for players who use modelers live, or at home.
Best Premium Choice FRFR Cab
2 Speakers, Stereo Compatibility, Midi Presets, on board Speaker modelling: All the bells & whistles!
Guitar cabs are in desperate need to be updated for the 21st century modelling rig – and Line 6 have done just that with the 212 Powercab. This is your solution to speaker emulation and real guitar amp presence in the one package.
Take your pick of a standard FRFR stereo speaker setup, or alternatively recreate some of your favourite speaker sounds. The Powercab is a super flexible, high-end piece of kit designed to work with pro grade modelling amps. Capable of adding a realistic responsiveness to your modeller.
FRFR Cab FAQs
Guitar Cab Vs FRFR Speaker – Which One Is Best?
As the market for modelling amps has grown, the FRFR speaker‘s popularity has too. You may see the term used when you go to buy a new speaker. You might even be tempted to get one. However, there are some points to take into consideration. One consideration to take into account with FRFR is that a speaker can never have a truly flat response. Each model will produce a tiny variation in sound, however minor. That’s not to say an audience could spot the difference but it’s something to keep in mind for real perfectionists.
Another bit of food for thought is the ‘live feel’ when compared to a traditional guitar cab. An FRFR sounds like its naked or isolated. As the name suggests, it’s ‘flat’ in resonance and doesn’t do a great job for in-room warmth. A guitar cab provides an air-pushing presence and takes a bit of edge off the high-end because of the housing. That’s why you might want to run a modelling amp into a cab. Or maybe you just love the sound of your Marshall 4×12 so much you couldn’t bring yourself to put it into storage.
Furthermore, the option to physically alter microphone placement is a key part of achieving a specific sound. Most modelling amps have a design feature to change the position for the emulated cab, but there’s nothing quite like the real thing, which is an art form in itself.
Can I Use A FRFR Speaker Cabinet For Gigging?
Yes, you can use FRFR (Full Range Flat Response) speaker cabinets for gigging, especially when using a modelling amp or multi-effects pedal, as they accurately reproduce your digital tones without coloration, but it’s important to consider the venue’s PA system and your need for stage presence, often requiring you to either run your FRFR signal directly to the PA or use a dedicated stage monitor alongside it depending on the situation.
How To Connect An FRFR Speaker
To connect an FRFR speaker, use a standard XLR cable to connect the output of your guitar modelling device (like a multi-effects pedal) to the XLR input on the FRFR speaker; essentially, plug the XLR cable from the “output” of your device into the “input” of the FRFR speaker, ensuring the levels on both devices are properly adjusted; for stereo setups, connect a separate XLR cable to the second speaker output on your device.
- Cable Type – Check on the FRFR cab what inputs it has available. It could be an XLR cable, or even a 1/4″ inch jack.
- Input/Output Matching – Connect the “output” of your device to the “input” of the FRFR speaker.
- Stereo Setup – For stereo sound, use two FRFR speakers and connect separate cables from the stereo outputs on your device to each speaker.
If you are looking for a more portable option, while still getting all the benefits of the FRFR experience, the Headrush FRFR GO is a brilliant example with a much simpler setup – you literally just plug your guitar into the top, with no need for an XLR cable making your setup even simpler.
The Headrush FRFR-Go is a portable, stylish speaker cabinet designed for guitarists and bassists who use amp modelers as a crucial part of their sound. This stylish 30W 2×3” FRFR cabinet is a portable and compact solution for use with their amp modeler at home. Unlike traditional guitar amplifiers, the FRFR-GO does not compromise the tone of the amplifier and cabinet emulations from your modelling pedals and is battery-powered providing up to 13 hours of battery life.
Is FRFR Just For Modelling Amps?
FRFR cabs are ideal for modelling amps & amp modeller pedals, as these often have built-in cab emulation. Using an FRFR cab with a modeller ensures that you’ll hear all the intended detail in its built-in emulations.
On the other hand, using an active speaker with a tube head is a recipe for disaster. It’ll sound awful at best and it’ll probably result in a fire under any other circumstance. Please don’t do that. A non-powered FRFR, on the other hand, could yield some interesting results. For one, you have infinite headroom, so if you’re after that high gain metal distortion without becoming slushy, it could prove to be an option. The overall sound would be cleaner and less coloured than with a cab. An FRFR speaker can provide the extended versatility you’re looking for.
At the end of the day, it comes down to the individual needs of the player, such as touring or studio use, or simply if you’re a sucker for a good old set of Celestions. There isn’t a competition between FRFR and traditional cabs, it’s more a choice between utility and feel. Both have their merits.
FRFR Cabs on Andertons TV
Conclusion
You’re spoilt for choice with FRFR cabs nowadays, with brands like Positive Grid, HeadRush, Laney, Fender, Line 6 & many more making their own versions. There’s plenty of choice in terms of size, power, and features to suit your needs!
Want To Know More?
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