Ampeg 810 Wiring

[theory028]

Greetings!

I've got an Ampeg SVT810E and I've noticed it sounding really thin from a short distance. It sounds great when I'm standing right up by my amp but it loses a lot of bass as I move even just three or four feet away. I mentioned this in the Ampeg thread and it was suggested that I check to make sure that there isn't a phase issue.

I'm a complete amateur when it comes to wiring so I thought I'd seek out some advice before pulling speakers out to check the polarity (if that's the correct term).

If I were to check each speaker, what would be the easiest procedure to follow? The battery test was mentioned but I'm not sure what kind of wiring I'd use to do that. There's a video on YouTube of a demonstrating the battery test on a guitar driver and he seems to use a set of mini clip jumpers. That made it look easier since he didn't have to fumble a bunch of wires. Does anyone have an idea of where I could find something like that locally?

I won't be able to do anything with the cab until Thursday afternoon at the earliest so hopefully I'll be able to go into it with a good idea of what to do! I appreciate any help that you have to offer!

Best,

Justin

[sammyfallen]

when doing a battery test just plug a standard jack into the cab then touch the tip to the + of the battery...

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by sammyfallen

when doing a battery test just plug a standard jack into the cab then touch the tip to the + of the battery...

This............


Just remember, the neg (-) of the 9V battery needs to be touching the sleeve of the speaker cable, then lightly tough the pos (+) of the battery to the tip of the cable. As long as all the speakers move in the same direction, you are fine.

More than likely what you are hearing is the difference in sound when standing off axis.

[theory028]

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

Just remember, the neg (-) of the 9V battery needs to be touching the sleeve of the speaker cable, then lightly tough the pos (+) of the battery to the tip of the cable. As long as all the speakers move in the same direction, you are fine.

This was very helpful. When I first tried the battery test, I was only touching the tip to the positive terminal. I got a fresh 9V battery and did the test the proper way.

It turns out that the top 410 would pop out while the bottom 410 would pull in. I pulled out the top left speaker from the bottom 410 and swapped the + and - wires. After screwing it back in and testing it again, I noticed that all eight speakers would pull in. I wasn't expecting that but whatever; they're all going in the same direction at least.

I fired up my SVT-VR and could not believe the difference that it made. The bass filled the room and the cab seemed a lot louder. It's incredible! I'm so happy that there was a quick and easy solution to my problem.

Should I be concerned about the speakers pulling in instead of pushing out? If I were to add another 810, they would work best if all 16 speakers are in phase, correct? I don't plan on adding another fridge but it'd be nice to know if something ever comes up.

I'm now a believer in the SVT810E. This rig sounds astonishing!



Thanks for the help guys! Your advice has helped turn me into a happy Ampeg owner.

[Mr. Foxen]

Push in or pull out, they do both when it is running. But do check if you get a second cab, cause you might have got it the other way round to that cab.

[crentest]

what Mr. Foxen said....
i think they should pop out with the "(+) of the battery to the tip of the cable"