biamping question

Nerevar · #1 11-25-2011, 09:10 AM

If i were to biamp a 210 cabinet and a 410 of different make and model though my GK 800rb, would there be phasing issues? Or issues of any other kind? Or is that the purpose of biamping, to eliminate the issues of mixed cabinets? The reason I ask is that I will need this setup for a show later and don't have the time to dig through and find the answer, although I'm sure its been asked before! Thanks everyone.

somegeezer · #2 11-25-2011, 09:12 AM

The only thing I would imagine wouldn't be a problem, that usually would be, is that each cab is on it's own power amp. So they don't have to split the power between them, which would cause the 410 to be underpowered compared to the 210. Things like phase issues and such will be just the same as they usually would.

billfitzmaurice · #3 11-25-2011, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerevar

Or is that the purpose of biamping, to eliminate the issues of mixed cabinets?

It isn't. You bi-amp to send the lows to one cab, the mids and highs to another, and it only works well with cabs specifically designed to work as dedicated low frequency/midrange-high frequency cabs. Electric bass cabs aren't.
There are only minimal phase issues running a 210 and 410 if they use the same drivers, not enough to be a concern. For equal power distribution with a mono amp the 210 should be twice the impedance of the 410.

Nerevar · #4 11-25-2011, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

It isn't. You bi-amp to send the lows to one cab, the mids and highs to another, and it only works well with cabs specifically designed to work as dedicated low frequency/midrange-high frequency cabs. Electric bass cabs aren't.
There are only minimal phase issues running a 210 and 410 if they use the same drivers, not enough to be a concern. For equal power distribution with a mono amp the 210 should be twice the impedance of the 410.

Interesting. that does make sense, but by the sound of it there aren't really any advantages to running a biamp setup?

And I doubt they are have the same drivers. I just wanted to borrow by buddy's cabinet to be louder, but I may just stick with the 410 for this evening. The Independence doesn't match up for them either.

will33 · #5 11-25-2011, 09:28 AM

It won't hurt anything per se but it won't gain anything sonically because you're using all full range speakers. One reason to try it anyway would be if the full stack puts the impedance too low for your amp. Remember the 800rb's high amp is 8ohm minimum, only the low side is 4ohm. Can try it if the 210 is 8ohms and on the high side but it might sound wierd compared to running them all full range.

husky123 · #6 11-25-2011, 09:58 AM

It won't sound weird. You may be pleasantly surprised when you push that little biamp button. I know I was and full range is in the rear view mirror now. YMMV.

The thing you will need to experiment with is your separate volumes for each cab and the crossover frequency. Your mids are likely to come through MUCH stronger and more pronounced in biamp mode. You may want to cut that volume level from the high amp if need be. Just takes a little experimentation. The best thing is, if you don't like it, switch back to full range. Bam.

FuNkyLoWNotEs · #7 11-28-2011, 02:01 PM

I have only had my 800rb for a few days, but when I first got it hooked it up I hooked to a 115 and a 410 in parallel. Sounded good, Then I hooked it in bi amp with the high to the 4x10 and low to the 1x15, it sounded like poop until I adjusted the frequency knob to about 2 sending high mids and up to the 4x10...its sounds way better than running them both full range. Im not much of a gear head though, It sure takes alot of tweaking though...but thats what we love right?? Also, maybe someone can answer this for me. My 4x10 cab is rated for 200w @ 8ohm....and the 1x15 at 400w/8ohm. If I do run these in full range...will that overwork the 800rb since I will then be at 4ohm? I get confused on that

billfitzmaurice · #8 11-28-2011, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FuNkyLoWNotEs

My 4x10 cab is rated for 200w @ 8ohm....and the 1x15 at 400w/8ohm.

Power ratings mean nothing, it's excursion that limits low frequency output. While your rig may sound fine it's a massive waste using a 4x10 for mids and 1x15 for lows, as most 4x10s have more low frequency capability than most 1x15s, not less. A logical bi-amp rig is a 1x15 for lows, 1x10 for the mids, and a very small 1x10 at that. Fully 3/4 of the box size with full range speakers is to allow them to work into the lows. If they're not being used for lows that box size is wasted pack space.

FuNkyLoWNotEs · #9 11-28-2011, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

Power ratings mean nothing, it's excursion that limits low frequency output. While your rig may sound fine it's a massive waste using a 4x10 for mids and 1x15 for lows, as most 4x10s have more low frequency capability than most 1x15s, not less. A logical bi-amp rig is a 1x15 for lows, 1x10 for the mids, and a very small 1x10 at that. Fully 3/4 of the box size with full range speakers is to allow them to work into the lows. If they're not being used for lows that box size is wasted pack space.

haha, probably right. But thats all I have, and it looks alot cooler than setting my rig on my 1x15 haha. Would a 2x10 instead of 4 be better then? I could always put more low frequency to the 4x10 but it starts sounding mushy.