Adding speaker cabinet and boosting watts

ABNJbassplayer · #1 08-11-2011, 01:49 PM

Thanks for the previous responses on the underpowering speaker question. Now that I can move forward, I have another question.

My amp head is 450 watts at 4 ohms (250 w at 8 ohms). I have an 8 ohm 4x10 cabinet at 700 watts. I understand that if I add another 8 ohm cabinet (say at 300 watts, 15 inch speaker), I can achieve the full 450 watts at 4 ohm power? If so, is the wattage split in half equally into both cabinets (225 and 225)?

ABNJbassplayer

will33 · #2 08-11-2011, 01:57 PM

Yes, that's correct. It's also a good reason to not mix a 15 and a 410. Start with one cab you like the sound of, then add another identical one.

Aside from phase cancellations, the 15 will be getting 1/2 the power with only one speaker to handle it and will be the limiting factor in the whole rig. The other half be will divided between the 4 speakers in the other cabinet. When the 15 starts struggling and you can't turn up anymore, the 410 still won't be putting out as much as it could be.

Use two 115's or two 410's, etc. so all the speakers are equally powered and working as a team.

tdub0199 · #3 08-11-2011, 02:04 PM

450 Total Watts

115 = 225 watts
410 = each ten will only get 56.25 watts each...... the 115 cab is the limiting factor, not the most efficent cab mix....

ABNJbassplayer · #4 08-11-2011, 02:13 PM

Don't know how much air I can push. I'm a bit of a novice on amp and speaker technology. I never had to buy more powerful equipment until now with new band. I have the Ampeg B2re head and the Eden 4x10 xlt cabinet right now.

tdub0199 · #5 08-11-2011, 02:17 PM

lol... the "How much air can you push?" is just my sig.....

ABNJbassplayer · #6 08-11-2011, 02:22 PM

OK. This is my first day on Talk Bass. Give me a break.

lomo · #7 08-11-2011, 02:25 PM

The general rule is it's best to stack 2 identical cabs rather than mix cabs. A pair of 410 is better than 410/15. Speaker cone area generally has a greater impact on volume than power.

BassmanPaul · #8 08-11-2011, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABNJbassplayer

OK. This is my first day on Talk Bass. Give me a break.

Certainly! Finger, arm or leg????

BassmanPaul · #9 08-11-2011, 03:06 PM

To add to what has been said before, an average single 15 will never be able to keep us with an average 4x10. It will always be a weak link.

RickenBoogie · #10 08-11-2011, 03:18 PM

+1 matched cabs ALWAYS for the win.