Ampeg B410HE too quiet?

Reynolds 101 · #1 02-14-2011, 05:12 PM

I recently bought an Ampeg B410HE, and too my opinion it is too quiet. Im using a GK400RBIV head and I have to turn up the volume pretty high usually, gain at 12 and master at 2 or 3. I realize its only a 200 watt cab but I still feel I need some more power, and sometimes I feel like this amount of volume is pushing the cab too hard.

What might be a good extension cab to use with this? Im thinking I might try an acoustic 4x10, they're cheap and Ive heard good things.

If you have any recommendations please post.

Marko5657 · #2 02-14-2011, 05:15 PM

Have you played it in different rooms/bars/clubs, or just in a rehearsal space?

waleross · #3 02-14-2011, 05:41 PM

(2) Ampeg 410HE 's would do better at 4 ohms..................

Reynolds 101 · #4 02-14-2011, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marko5657

Have you played it in different rooms/bars/clubs, or just in a rehearsal space?

All of the above.

Reynolds 101 · #5 02-14-2011, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waleross

(2) Ampeg 410HE 's would do better at 4 ohms..................

This is true.

Marko5657 · #6 02-14-2011, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reynolds 101

All of the above.

The reason I asked is because often in a smaller or untreated room, weird things happen, standing waves and such, things that make it sound like it’s not loud when it’s really pushing plenty of air.

Apparently that’s not the case.

Reynolds 101 · #7 02-14-2011, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marko5657

The reason I asked is because often in a smaller or untreated room, weird things happen, standing waves and such, things that make it sound like it’s not loud when it’s really pushing plenty of air.

Apparently that’s not the case.

Yeah I know what you mean. I've noticed that in some places the cab just sounds wierd and in some places it doesn't. But thats more of tonal differences than volume differences.

Sartori · #8 02-14-2011, 06:22 PM

Get another one.

Reynolds 101 · #9 02-14-2011, 06:53 PM

Would the cabs stop being pushed as hard if I added a second one, or would it just be louder? I dont want to damage these cabs.

christw · #10 02-14-2011, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reynolds 101

Would the cabs stop being pushed as hard if I added a second one, or would it just be louder? I dont want to damage these cabs.

It would be louder at equivalent power levels if you add another cab. That means that xyz watts goes farther with 8x10's than it does with 4x10's. So yes, A) you'll be louder and B) you won't be pushing the cabs as hard.

Reynolds 101 · #11 02-14-2011, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christw

It would be louder at equivalent power levels if you add another cab. That means that xyz watts goes farther with 8x10's than it does with 4x10's. So yes, A) you'll be louder and B) you won't be pushing the cabs as hard.

Awesome, thanks.

Govier966 · #12 02-14-2011, 07:13 PM

that cab can handle a lot more then the 125 watts is probably getting at 8 ohms

christw · #13 02-14-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Govier966

that cab can handle a lot more then the 125 watts is probably getting at 8 ohms

Yes, it can. It can handle 200 before farting out. Ampeg is good at giving the maximum useful RMS rating they can take instead of their maximum thermal power handling, which is probably closer to 400 watts.

Sartori · #14 02-15-2011, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reynolds 101

Would the cabs stop being pushed as hard if I added a second one, or would it just be louder? I dont want to damage these cabs.

The head would put out more power, but it would be split between the two cabs.

It would definitely be louder.

Reynolds 101 · #15 02-17-2011, 07:31 PM

I know this goes against what most people say when combining cabs but would it be ok to use the b115he with this cab? It has the same 200W/400W rating as the 410.

Bass_Pounder · #16 02-17-2011, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reynolds 101

I know this goes against what most people say when combining cabs but would it be ok to use the b115he with this cab? It has the same 200W/400W rating as the 410.

Answered your own question.............

Reynolds 101 · #17 02-17-2011, 07:47 PM

Ahhhh alright

billfitzmaurice · #18 02-17-2011, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reynolds 101

I know this goes against what most people say when combining cabs but would it be ok to use the b115he with this cab? It has the same 200W/400W rating as the 410.

The thermal power rating means absolutely nothing.

anonymous101511 · #19 02-17-2011, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reynolds 101

I recently bought an Ampeg B410HE, and too my opinion it is too quiet. Im using a GK400RBIV head and I have to turn up the volume pretty high usually, gain at 12 and master at 2 or 3. I realize its only a 200 watt cab but I still feel I need some more power, and sometimes I feel like this amount of volume is pushing the cab too hard.

What might be a good extension cab to use with this? Im thinking I might try an acoustic 4x10, they're cheap and Ive heard good things.

If you have any recommendations please post.

no one else mentioned this factor; are you saying that the speaker is crapping out or are you just looking at the knobs and think they are turned up too much? Remember that it doesn't mean anything at all where you have to turn the volume knob up to; what matters is what it sounds like. Here are settings I would recommend as a starting place. To all who want to say "that's not in the manual!!" **** off,
OK,First adjust the input pad button;> a low output bass won't need the pad enabled but many basses will> set the master volume ALL the way up, start with boost all the way OFF. Contour OFF, 4 string bass setting; maybe add a little presence, EQ all flat ( 12:00) then bring the input volume up to taste. If you find that you want more volume past 12 0'clock, start bringing the boost level up, instead.
My experience is that this is the way to get the most out of a GK head. Have fun, you might not need another cabinet!

Reynolds 101 · #20 02-17-2011, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vail_bass

no one else mentioned this factor; are you saying that the speaker is crapping out or are you just looking at the knobs and think they are turned up too much? Remember that it doesn't mean anything at all where you have to turn the volume knob up to; what matters is what it sounds like. Here are settings I would recommend as a starting place. To all who want to say "that's not in the manual!!" **** off,
OK,First adjust the input pad button;> a low output bass won't need the pad enabled but many basses will> set the master volume ALL the way up, start with boost all the way OFF. Contour OFF, 4 string bass setting; maybe add a little presence, EQ all flat ( 12:00) then bring the input volume up to taste. If you find that you want more volume past 12 0'clock, start bringing the boost level up, instead.
My experience is that this is the way to get the most out of a GK head. Have fun, you might not need another cabinet!

Its not crapping out but sometimes I hear weird buzzing, I cant tell if its the speakers and I havent ruled out something in the cab vibrating. Just assuming since its only a 200 watt cab. I'll definitely try that out tomorrow though thanks for the tip, if I dont need another cab it would be great!