Acoustic 370 with Ampeg 8x10

viva_h8 · #1 01-13-2011, 01:08 PM

Been plying this acoustic for awhile through the matching 1x18 and this 8x10. I really like the sound of the 8x10, but it doesn't seem to be as loud as everyone makes it out to be. Everyone I talk to about acoustic says they never have to turn the knob past 5, but every time I play live shows I'm always just about maxed out.

What should i do?!

doctorpunch · #2 01-13-2011, 01:10 PM

My Ampeg 8x10 was loud even when I played my crappy Behrninger through it. My SVT-4 makes it pure death.

banikek · #3 01-13-2011, 01:29 PM

I gig every so often with my 370 and cannot even get close to turning it more than half way up. Certainly not with my stack of two 4x10's. My guess is you need to get the amp checked out. Something is not right. Sorry but that is the extent of my trouble shooting ability!!!

okcrum · #4 01-13-2011, 01:36 PM

Well, a 370 will do 230 or so watts into 4 ohms. That's what you're getting into your 8x10. The 301 1x18 (also 4 ohms) cab is a lot more efficient (in the bass frequency range) than the 8x10, so it'll sound louder, especially 20-30 ft. in front of the cab. Still, have you checked the 8x10 for bad drivers? As banikek says, the amp may have a problem, as well.

craig.p · #5 01-13-2011, 01:48 PM

One thing you can try is the battery test on that cab, to make sure all the cones are running the same polarity. Also it could be one or more aren't even working.

In my experience, having played through both types over many years, those Ampeg 8x10 cabs aren't the most efficient boxes ever designed, which is why they come with ninety-pound stick welders equipped with tone controls to drive them.

OKC nailed it when he said a 370 into one SVT cab is going to deliver only about 230 watts. To put that into perspective, that'd be only around fifteen percent more power than a a G-K MB200 could manage.

Anyway, try the battery test first, just to be sure.

craig.p · #6 01-13-2011, 02:03 PM

Hey, wait... I just re-read the OP's post. We're not running the 1x18 and the 8x10 together, are we? If so, you are getting MAJOR cancellations, and that would explain why you can't get volume out of the kit.

johnk_10 · #7 01-13-2011, 02:40 PM

the vintage acoustic head (370 & 320) have alot of gain available early on, on their volume controls. i've never had to run one thru any cab past 10:00 on the dial. after that they do get a little louder but also have more power amp distortion.

christw · #8 01-13-2011, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig.p

...In my experience, having played through both types over many years, those Ampeg 8x10 cabs aren't the most efficient boxes ever designed, which is why they come with ninety-pound stick welders equipped with tone controls to drive them.

Hahahaha! I love that description! I have a welder that weighs less than my SVT does which made it all the funnier.

Jim C · #9 01-13-2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnk_10

the vintage acoustic head (370 & 320) have alot of gain available early on, on their volume controls. i've never had to run one thru any cab past 10:00 on the dial. after that they do get a little louder but also have more power amp distortion.

+1
My 370 seems to deliver all its' power by approx. 9:00 regardless of active or passive basses.
The 450 I had before that was not as sensitive but the 370 is a handfull as far as making small volume adjustments.

lazyone2 · #10 01-13-2011, 04:57 PM

In the mid 70's my rig was a 370 with an early 8x10 fridge. Loud as hell , never ran out of headroom.

chadds · #11 01-13-2011, 06:11 PM

Had the same experience when my Marshall Major wouldn't couldn't push my 69 flatback
in a volume war with my buddy's 370 whole stack and 8x10. That's ok though. I added a V4b cab with a Sunn 2000s head and a Leslie 147.

viva_h8 · #12 01-15-2011, 04:54 PM

so im almost certain its the cab.
im not runing the cabs together! just separately

been fiddling with it. if i turn the bass knob up my 8x10 crackles alot. there seems to be something there.

i don't think its the head, I got it fixed less than a year ago and it works nicely through any other cab. the 1x18 is loud, just too much low end for the shows I play these days.

viva_h8 · #13 01-15-2011, 05:10 PM

the crackling is only when i hit anything on the low end

Mojo-Man · #14 01-15-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okcrum

Well, a 370 will do 230 or so watts into 4 ohms. That's what you're getting into your 8x10. The 301 1x18 (also 4 ohms) cab is a lot more efficient (in the bass frequency range) than the 8x10, so it'll sound louder, especially 20-30 ft. in front of the cab. Still, have you checked the 8x10 for bad drivers? As banikek says, the amp may have a problem, as well.

I agree.
The magic of the 370 to me, was the cabs, more than the amps.

viva_h8 · #15 01-15-2011, 06:04 PM

too much low end on that 1x18!

Kip Page · #16 02-04-2011, 08:37 AM

this is what I run and fyi the top input is more powerful than the bottom input..by 6db....mine is loud as hell but I also run a Boss Bass Overdrive too...how are your filter caps??? they may need to be replaced..

poor_gear_whore · #17 02-04-2011, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viva_h8

so im almost certain its the cab.
im not runing the cabs together! just separately

been fiddling with it. if i turn the bass knob up my 8x10 crackles alot. there seems to be something there.

i don't think its the head, I got it fixed less than a year ago and it works nicely through any other cab. the 1x18 is loud, just too much low end for the shows I play these days.

Definitely the cab. Try running a different head into the 8x10 to confirm it.