2 Amp Idea

xring · #1 03-20-2011, 12:18 PM

I decided to hang in there with my back order on my MB500 figuring that since they are so popular, they must be that good.
I currently have a pre-poweramp set up, as well as a MB200 combo.
Anyway, I was going to get another pre-power set up in order to be flexible in "not" having to shuffle gear around. A light bulb went off...I have 2 - 4 ohm cabs. That's why I like a power amp. It offers hook up flexibility. I want 2 rigs that can run 1, or both cabs.
So my thought was, if I really like the MB500, why not just get another and mount 2 of them in a rack, giving the flexibility of using 1 or both?
Would a simple AB switch allow me to run 1 bass, 2 heads, 2 cabs? This might be the ultimate setup if I like the tone. It would be a little less $ than a pre-poweramp too.
Any thoughts on this, good or bad?
Thanks.

RickenBoogie · #2 03-20-2011, 01:23 PM

A simple AB box, not so much. But a good AB box, like a Lehle, Radial, etc, something with an (output transformer?) to match the loads, yes.

BassmanPaul · #3 03-20-2011, 01:39 PM

Or, if the amps have FX loops, you can connect the send of one to the return of the other and drive both units from the one amp. If you use just one cabinet the unused output section will be fine unloaded so you wouldn't need to change the wiring.

xring · #4 03-20-2011, 01:41 PM

I just picked up the MB500. 4 weeks and 5 days on back order. So far I'm liking it. It's so small yet loud, I look at my rack and gotta ask why?
I may be onto something, with getting two of these. Now I gotta start looking at shallow racks. Sweet.
(You're right). I won't cheap out on the AB switch.

xring · #5 03-20-2011, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Or, if the amps have FX loops, you can connect the send of one to the return of the other and drive both units from the one amp. If you use just one cabinet the unused output section will be fine unloaded so you wouldn't need to change the wiring.

Brilliant. Didn't see that right off...
Thanks.

Wes Whitmore · #6 03-20-2011, 02:53 PM

Yea, just feel the second amp off of the efx send of the first. Doing that will allow the tuner mute to work, and you share the EQ, etc. You will control the final volume of each cab with the right most volume knob of each amp.
Wes

xring · #7 03-22-2011, 02:26 PM

I guess the best idea (and cheaper) would be to run the line out to my Crown xls1500 Drivercore if I want to run both of my 4 ohm cabs. (Sometimes I can't see past my nose!) Is it OK to run 2 4 ohm cabs this way thru the MB500. I'm 90% sure, it's yes since I'm just using the pre section.

Thanks!

Wes Whitmore · #8 03-22-2011, 06:13 PM

As long as you only put one 4 ohm load on the MB500, it won't care.

xring · #9 03-22-2011, 06:19 PM

I'm thinking there is really no load on the Crown. Just the pre out. I want to run 2 - 4 ohm cabs by sending the line out to the Crown - to both cabs (a 4 ohm load on each channel of the Crown). Right?