bass rigs: ohms and watts?

thumbstruck · #1 10-03-2010, 02:59 PM

Hey everyone, this is my first post. I primarily play guitar, but have had a secret love affair with the bass for a few years now.I'm used to playing guitar through combo amps, where you don't have to consider connecting the right ohms for watts, etc... wondering if you guys could guide me on the rig I'm considering.

For portability, I'm thinking about getting an SVT-7PRO, and running it into an avatar b210 Neo cab. Do I need an 4ohm, or 8ohm cabinet, and can someone give me some sage advice on what the difference means?

Thanks much

doctorpunch · #2 10-03-2010, 03:08 PM

There's like 8000 threads on here about ohm/watts and quite frankly, I still don't get it.

BassmanPaul · #3 10-03-2010, 03:10 PM

A 2x10 will not be enough for an average player to gig with. Pretty much a minimum will be 4x10s.

BassmanPaul · #4 10-03-2010, 03:12 PM

And that amp will kill any 2x10 you connect to it unless you are very very careful.

Steveaux · #5 10-03-2010, 03:13 PM

Read.

AMPS FAQ!! Info on OHMS, Allsize RIGS-OverUnderPowerCabs DIY TechTalk-Links

hasbeen · #6 10-03-2010, 03:14 PM

to tap into this amps full watts, you can use one 4 ohm cabinet or two 8 ohm cabs.

So, if you think you'll want to run two cabs at some point, I'd start with 8 ohm cabs. I'd would start though with 4x10 cab though.

Lastly...I'll play along- why is your love affair with the bass a secret?

thumbstruck · #7 10-03-2010, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

A 2x10 will not be enough for an average player to gig with. Pretty much a minimum will be 4x10s.

so a 2x10 is only for practice spaces?

thumbstruck · #8 10-03-2010, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steveaux

Read.

AMPS FAQ!! Info on OHMS, Allsize RIGS-OverUnderPowerCabs DIY TechTalk-Links

thank you

thumbstruck · #9 10-03-2010, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hasbeen

to tap into this amps full watts, you can use one 4 ohm cabinet or two 8 ohm cabs.

So, if you think you'll want to run two cabs at some point, I'd start with 8 ohm cabs. I'd would start though with 4x10 cab though.

Lastly...I'll play along- why is your love affair with the bass a secret?

Kept it on the down low because one of my good friends plays bass. He's been part of most of the projects I've been involved in, but love for the bass outweighs the chance that he'll be butt hurt.

hasbeen · #10 10-03-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumbstruck

Kept it on the down low because one of my good friends plays bass. He's been part of most of the projects I've been involved in, but love for the bass outweighs the chance that he'll be butt hurt.

retardedpossum · #11 10-03-2010, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

And that amp will kill any 2x10 you connect to it unless you are very very careful.

genz benz uber 210 sure comes close

BassmanPaul · #12 10-03-2010, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumbstruck

so a 2x10 is only for practice spaces?

IMO yes. I'd never even attempt to gig with only one of my 2x10s.

hasbeen · #13 10-03-2010, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumbstruck

so a 2x10 is only for practice spaces?

you can easily handle SOME gigs with a 2x10. He was simply saying that you could blow the cabinet if you aren't careful.

The more you can tell us about the application for which you'll be using the rig....the better advice we can give.

So...are you playing metal?.....jazz?......outdoor weddings?.....PA or no PA support?

thumbstruck · #14 10-03-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

IMO yes. I'd never even attempt to gig with only one of my 2x10s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hasbeen

you can easily handle SOME gigs with a 2x10. He was simply saying that you could blow the cabinet if you aren't careful.

The more you can tell us about the application for which you'll be using the rig....the better advice we can give.

So...are you playing metal?.....jazz?......outdoor weddings?.....PA or no PA support?

I won't be competing for volume with a full on rock/metal band. It's more like a Sting style jazz/rock quartet, probably looking at small/mid size venues for the time being. PA support in mid size venues, but it's unlikely in the smaller ones.

As far as wattage, should I be looking at the SVT-3PRO instead of the 7? I was interested in the 7 for its light weight. I've messed with Mark Bass stuff, but haven't heard anything that I really liked yet.

BassmanPaul · #15 10-03-2010, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retardedpossum

genz benz uber 210 sure comes close

Now don't you go tryin' to get me to dis Andy and Roger!

I stand by my opinion that no 2x10 can cope with either 600 or 1000 watts that the 7Pro puts out.

hasbeen · #16 10-03-2010, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Now don't you go tryin' to get me to dis Andy and Roger!

that's funny.

dannster · #17 10-03-2010, 03:42 PM

2 vertical stacked 8ohm Avatar Neo 210's will do quite nicely!
I had/have 4 Avatars. Currently an 8ohm 212 and an 8ohm 210.

hasbeen · #18 10-03-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumbstruck

I won't be competing for volume with a full on rock/metal band. It's more like a Sting style jazz/rock quartet, probably looking at small/mid size venues for the time being. PA support in mid size venues, but it's unlikely in the smaller ones.

As far as wattage, should I be looking at the SVT-3PRO instead of the 7? I was interested in the 7 for its light weight. I've messed with Mark Bass stuff, but haven't heard anything that I really liked yet.

hmm...well, I have to go with BassmanPaul then. In these situations, I don't think a single 2x10 will get you there.

Here's a COMMON circumstance:
* bassist runs 600 watts into a single, "small" cabinet.
* on the gig- hmm....I can't hear myself and BTW, this doesn't "sound" like 600 watts. I think I need more watts.
* bassist, not realizing he has PLENTY of watts but not enough speaker, turns up the amp.
* Hmm, he thinks...."it isn't any louder".

What has happened is that the cabinet it at "terminal velocity"....x max. No matter how many more watts you put through it, it isn't going to move more air.

Last entrance into above circumstance:

* Poof.....goes that cabinet.

To your question...should you look at another head. Your choice of head is fine. Just make sure you have enough cabinet to get the job done so you don't risk what I've outlined above.

My rule of thumb- no PA support...playing with a drum kit....I want two cabs.

thumbstruck · #19 10-03-2010, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hasbeen

hmm...well, I have to go with BassmanPaul then. In these situations, I don't think a single 2x10 will get you there.

Here's a COMMON circumstance:
* bassist runs 600 watts into a single, "small" cabinet.
* on the gig- hmm....I can't hear myself and BTW, this doesn't "sound" like 600 watts. I think I need more watts.
* bassist, not realizing he has PLENTY of watts but not enough speaker, turns up the amp.
* Hmm, he thinks...."it isn't any louder".

What has happened is that the cabinet it at "terminal velocity"....x max. No matter how many more watts you put through it, it isn't going to move more air.

Last entrance into above circumstance:

* Poof.....goes that cabinet.

To your question...should you look at another head. Your choice of head is fine. Just make sure you have enough cabinet to get the job done so you don't risk what I've outlined above.

My rule of thumb- no PA support...playing with a drum kit....I want two cabs.

sound advice. So I guess the only thing to weigh out now is whether I want a 4x10, or two 2x10's, or do a 2x10/2x12 split. What sort of circumstances would warrant a 2x10 by itself? Coffee house?

I'm reading Steveaux's link. Thanks for all the help you guys!

RickenBoogie · #20 10-03-2010, 05:05 PM

For me, a 210 alone would be good for home practice, or if I did really quiet coffeehouse jazz gigs. An 8 ohm 410 is a great starter cab, leaving you the option of doubling up, (2x 410), if you need to be really loud. 2x any cab is better than the sum of it's parts, and mixing cabs can be a nightmare. Welcome to the bottom.