Amp/Cab issue(s)

iiii · #1 09-18-2010, 10:03 AM

Ok, so I've got a dilemma. I have a LMII, (which I LOVE, but am not married to.) I also have recently acquired a pair of Avatar Cabs. (the original Avatars. NOT the blues, and NOT NEO). The cabs are a 2x10 and a super compact 1x15. Each cab is rated at 4 ohms. As you probably already know, the LMII has 2 outputs, 1 Speakon, and 1 1/4". Also, it is rated at 300W RMS @ 8 ohm, 500W RMS @ 4 ohm.

SO, I've tried using the 2 outputs together, (1 output to each speaker), AND I've tried daisy chaining from 1 cab to the other, and have gotten mixed results. I would love individual control over the 2 cabs (ie: volume, possibly even tone, EQ, etc – but mostly individual volume control.) I'm stumped. Is there a way to hook these cabs up that I'm not thinking about? (that is MORE effective that the ways I've been trying) Are there other pieces of gear I need? (like a crossover, eq's, etc.) Should I consider another head that already does what I need mine to do? Or perhaps should I turn to a preamp, dual channel power amp kind of system?

Suggestions? Comments? Ideas? HELP?

THANKS!!!!!

ah

capnsandwich · #2 09-18-2010, 10:08 AM

From what I understand in your post, you're running 2 4 ohm cabs, which will put you at 2 ohms. If your LMII is rated at 500 watts at 4 ohms, chances are that it's not recommended running it under 4 ohms and you're going to tear up your head running it at 2 ohms. I'd try to get a pair of 8 ohm cabs first.

iiii · #3 09-18-2010, 10:45 AM

good point. So I either need to replace the LMII or replace the Avatars?

ah

capnsandwich · #4 09-18-2010, 10:51 AM

Do you like the LMII head or the cabs more? IMO, I'd get new cabs first.

BassmanPaul · #5 09-18-2010, 12:16 PM

See if running either cab, but not both, will get you near where you want to be. The amp will be safe driving only one of your cabinets.

Paul

iiii · #6 09-18-2010, 04:20 PM

I tried 1 at a time, (thanks for the tip) and yeah, the 2x10 sounds pretty great by itself. the 1x15 by itself also sounds pretty good. Electrics and Upright each are serviceable through either cab, but through the 1x15 they require very different eq's. I REALLY like having a little of the bottom end for support under the definition from the 2x10's.

SO, am I now looking for a new head? I could part with the LMII if I found a versatile head that could push both cabs, and allow me individual controls.....

oh sorry, capnsandwich: yeah, I really like the LMII, but if unless I can find a cab that I love to go with it......well, I dunno...

ah

capnsandwich · #7 09-18-2010, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iiii

I tried 1 at a time, (thanks for the tip) and yeah, the 2x10 sounds pretty great by itself. the 1x15 by itself also sounds pretty good. Electrics and Upright each are serviceable through either cab, but through the 1x15 they require very different eq's. I REALLY like having a little of the bottom end for support under the definition from the 2x10's.

SO, am I now looking for a new head? I could part with the LMII if I found a versatile head that could push both cabs, and allow me individual controls.....

Definitely get something that will support a 2 ohm load. I know Eden heads and some Carvin heads can.

will33 · #8 09-18-2010, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iiii

I tried 1 at a time, (thanks for the tip) and yeah, the 2x10 sounds pretty great by itself. the 1x15 by itself also sounds pretty good. Electrics and Upright each are serviceable through either cab, but through the 1x15 they require very different eq's. I REALLY like having a little of the bottom end for support under the definition from the 2x10's.

SO, am I now looking for a new head? I could part with the LMII if I found a versatile head that could push both cabs, and allow me individual controls.....

oh sorry, capnsandwich: yeah, I really like the LMII, but if unless I can find a cab that I love to go with it......well, I dunno...

ah

A stereo head would let you control the power going to each individual cab. I don't know of any that would allow separate eqing although there may be some creative way of doing it using patches, effect loops, outboard eq's or something. If you're keeping the 4ohm cabs you do need a stereo head or a mono head that really is stable at 2ohms in all situations. 4 hour outdoor gig when it's 100 degrees in the shade for example. A pre/power rack rig could get you there too.

MIJ-VI · #9 09-18-2010, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iiii

Ok, so I've got a dilemma. I have a LMII, (which I LOVE, but am not married to.) I also have recently acquired a pair of Avatar Cabs. (the original Avatars. NOT the blues, and NOT NEO). The cabs are a 2x10 and a super compact 1x15. Each cab is rated at 4 ohms. As you probably already know, the LMII has 2 outputs, 1 Speakon, and 1 1/4". Also, it is rated at 300W RMS @ 8 ohm, 500W RMS @ 4 ohm.

SO, I've tried using the 2 outputs together, (1 output to each speaker), AND I've tried daisy chaining from 1 cab to the other, and have gotten mixed results. I would love individual control over the 2 cabs (ie: volume, possibly even tone, EQ, etc – but mostly individual volume control.) I'm stumped. Is there a way to hook these cabs up that I'm not thinking about? (that is MORE effective that the ways I've been trying) Are there other pieces of gear I need? (like a crossover, eq's, etc.) Should I consider another head that already does what I need mine to do? Or perhaps should I turn to a preamp, dual channel power amp kind of system?

Suggestions? Comments? Ideas? HELP?

THANKS!!!!!

ah

http://www.markbass.it/risorse/allegato_pro.php?id=78

jomentum · #10 09-18-2010, 11:37 PM

I would try to get a Mono power amp or a bridged power amp to run the second cab.

http://www.wwbw.com/Crown-XLS-202D-P...source=TWBZWXX

iiii · #11 09-23-2010, 04:45 AM

I believe I'm going to have to give up the LMII and go for a head that supports multiple 4 ohm outputs. I am currently looking at GBE600. Opinions?

ah

lbwdog · #12 09-23-2010, 05:55 AM

In your first post, it sounds as though you're not that pleased with the sound of your speakers. In that case, I'd ditch them for a couple of 8 Ohms that I liked better.

If you really have to have two different cabs (2x10/1x15) and separate controls, you could spend another $300-$400 for another LM II, and run an amp into each cab. There are several used LM IIs on classifieds here.