Ampeg SVT Classic

jzangari · #1 03-18-2010, 09:57 AM

1st post here.

I have always been a plug in and play type of player with no effects. I have an Ampeg SVT Classic head (300w 4 ohm) and a 6*10 SWR Cab. I would like to get 2 smaller, lighter cabinets. Using 1 for smaller gigs and both for larger venues. I don't want to do something stupid like I tend to do (b4 the SWR) when it comes to purchases like this.

Considering the power of the head and in everyone's best opinion, what is the most logical choice for the scenario I described?

snaverb · #2 03-18-2010, 10:02 AM

Ampeg 410HLFs are nice, especially with the SVT Classic head. If it were me I'd go with a 410 cab, and a 210 cab. But Im partial to 10's, i just love the sound of them.

jzangari · #3 03-18-2010, 10:09 AM

Thanks! I had a 410hlf but unwisely sold it. It sounded great. I think I will go with the setup you described. Maybe a 115 instead of a 210, but that's a big maybe.

Any other cab recommendations out there?

racket · #4 03-18-2010, 10:21 AM

Check out some Bergantino cabs. I also have an SVT CL, for cabs I have a 410HLF, and a Berg HT210. I use the 410 when I need to move a lot of air and the Berg for everything else. Do a search here on the Bergs, nothing but positive reviews..

ransombass · #5 03-18-2010, 10:39 AM

The SVT-CL runs at 2 and 4 ohms. Switchable on the back of the head. Therefore you need to pay attention to your ohm load and switch as needed.

jzangari · #6 03-18-2010, 10:43 AM

That was my next question. If I get an Ampeg 410hlf that is listed at 4 ohms, what ohm cab would I want the second cabinet (15 or 2*10)? 4 ohm? Most I see are 8 ohm. This is also where I get confused.

meatwad · #7 03-18-2010, 10:49 AM

You need to either run two 8ohm cabs all the time to equal 4ohms, or one 4ohm at a time, and two 4ohm cabs to equal 2ohms. It's bad on the amp's transformers to run only 8ohms, and I wouldn't recommend mismatching 4 and 8ohm cabs.

I have two Ampeg 4x10 cabs, each one at 8ohms, and I'm cursed to hauling both everywhere to avoid possible damage to my CL.

derridiandrift · #8 03-18-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzangari

That was my next question. If I get an Ampeg 410hlf that is listed at 4 ohms, what ohm cab would I want the second cabinet (15 or 2*10)? 4 ohm? Most I see are 8 ohm. This is also where I get confused.

Back up a step. I wouldn't recommend running a 410HLF with another cab. If you want a multi-cab modular setup, maybe think about getting two 410HE cabs (not ported). This cab is like half of their 810. I have a modular setup consisting of 15E and a 410E. I think that two 15E cabs would also sound good with an SVT-CL, and those cabs are very light.

EricF · #9 03-18-2010, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derridiandrift

Back up a step. I wouldn't recommend running a 410HLF with another cab. If you want a multi-cab modular setup, maybe think about getting two 410HE cabs (not ported). This cab is like half of their 810. I have a modular setup consisting of 15E and a 410E. I think that two 15E cabs would also sound good with an SVT-CL, and those cabs are very light.

The problem with using 8 ohm cabs is that you have to use two cabs. The OP is looking for the ability to use a single cab for small venues.

blackba · #10 03-18-2010, 01:35 PM

I have a 4ohm SVT410HLF and a 4ohm BXT210M. That setup would work for you. Ampeg also made a 115 BXT cab that is 4ohms.

http://www.talkbass.com/reviews/show...uct/320/cat/28

My BXT210M is cleaner than the SVT cab. They pair well together, but the 210 is a bit more efficient.

jzangari · #11 03-18-2010, 04:35 PM

so Blackba, if I do get 2 4 ohm cabs, I would need to set the SVT Head for 2 ohms, right? I know this may be elementary for most but I don't want to make another mistake.

rodl2005 · #12 03-18-2010, 04:51 PM

Yes using 2 x 4 ohm cabs you set the SVT on 2 ohms. Best bet to get two cabs- say a 4x10 - 4 ohm & a 2x10 4 ohm . They aint as prevalent as 8 ohm 210's but they ARE about.

Son of Bovril · #13 03-19-2010, 02:49 AM

2 x 4ohm cabs together = 2ohm load

or run 1 x 4ohm cab by itself on the 4ohm setting

jzangari · #14 03-19-2010, 09:20 AM

One last question guys, since the classic has 300w of tube power, do I need to be concerned with the cabinets wattage as well? Do they need to handle 400w or more? Is a cabinet that handles 1400w too much? What would be ideal wattage?

BurningSkies · #15 03-19-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzangari

One last question guys, since the classic has 300w of tube power, do I need to be concerned with the cabinets wattage as well? Do they need to handle 400w or more? Is a cabinet that handles 1400w too much? What would be ideal wattage?

First off "tube watts" equals "solid state watts" equals "watts".

Second of all, I wouldn't worry too much about 'matching' your cabs watts to the head. If you're running 2 cabs, remember your power is distributed between the two cabs. So really if you're pushing hard, your cabs aren't probably going to see more than a few hundred watts even on harder transients. The concept of 'underpowering' is a myth as well.

Baskesman · #16 03-19-2010, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatwad

and I wouldn't recommend mismatching 4 and 8ohm cabs.

Interesting thread again!
Wouldn't this work if you switch down to 2ohm on the amp?

BurningSkies · #17 03-19-2010, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baskesman

Interesting thread again!
Wouldn't this work if you switch down to 2ohm on the amp?

Well, it should work on both taps, but one cab is getting twice the power of the other...

jzangari · #18 03-19-2010, 11:04 AM

Thanks for everything! I think I've got the direction now.

BassmanPaul · #19 03-19-2010, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodl2005

Yes using 2 x 4 ohm cabs you set the SVT on 2 ohms. Best bet to get two cabs- say a 4x10 - 4 ohm & a 2x10 4 ohm . They aint as prevalent as 8 ohm 210's but they ARE about.

Problem with this idea is the same as the single 15. The 4x10 will get the same power as either the 2x10 or the 15. The 4x10 will be way more efficient than either choice and you'll end up blowing whatever cabinet you mate with it. It's always best to mate identical cabinets.

Paul

blackba · #20 03-22-2010, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Problem with this idea is the same as the single 15. The 4x10 will get the same power as either the 2x10 or the 15. The 4x10 will be way more efficient than either choice and you'll end up blowing whatever cabinet you mate with it. It's always best to mate identical cabinets.

Paul

There are exceptions. My Ampeg BXT210M is actually more efficient than my Ampeg SVT410HLF. So your statement that a 410 will be more efficient than a 210 does not hold true here.

However, I agree in my setup, the 210 is at more risk of blowing than the 410 if I am giving the 2 cabs the same power.