DI to a 2nd amp/combo?

[Bredian]

Using a GK MB 115 (200 watts, 1 x 15") which might be fine for the gig, but I have another rig we scrapped together, of a GK combo head (8ohm @ 80-100 watts) and a GK 410.

Been waiting for the new line of powered cabinets to emerge, but in the mean time, could I successfully take the post equalizer line out and run it into another amp, even an identical model if available?

[vbchaos]

I guess using the DI to input to another Amp is no good idea (regarding the impedance). As far as I know you manage these thing by either using the FX send-return or PreAmp out - Amp in.

So: Main amp FX out to aux amp FX return
or
Main amp PreAmp out to aux amp PowerAmp in

[tom-g]

Yes, that should not be a problem (DI or line out). If the signal is to hot for the passiv in, you can use the active in. Or, use the power amp in if your amp has it. Impedance is not a problem.

[sad_katz]

Maybe a bit different from the original question, but does it mean it's okay to use a DI out into an external power amp? Say from GK MB200 into Crown XLS2500.

[tom-g]

In general that works. With Crown you need to be careful though. It needs 1.4 V to drive it to full power. Not all devices are able to supply that much output. Another drawback is if the DI's output cannot be adjusted separately from the volume of the combo. In that case it might also be difficult to balance the two systems.

[Joe Louvar]

EDIT: There is no “lineout” on the GK115, plus lineout signal levels are normally hotter than instrument signal levels and you don’t want to overdrive the input or it will clip and distort and DI’s have two outputs, one hi and one lo Z - so one feed would me mismatched.

Checkout the Lehle P-Split II Spiltter

NOTE: If you have a bass amp with a “preamp out” you can use it to drive another bass amp if the other amp has a “power amp input”. Lineout goes to a mixer, tuner, etc.

[tom-g]

The DI will work perfectly. No need to throw money at some device if a cable is sufficient.

[JHAz]

FWIW, the direct out is pre-EQ according to the MBE manual. I don't really have an opinion on how it'll do going straight to a second amp. I do note that, IIRC, GK says it's output is not sufficient to drive the new powered cabs. Of course, it's fixed output, so it wouldn't work the way the powered cab+combo systems are supposed to anyway . . .

and the more I think about it, the less certain I am that the output level was a concern . . . . Been a while since I was in that thread on teh MBE powered enclosures (they're here! they're not here who can keep it straight when they're coming?)

[Bredian]

for the input. Reading the manuals (and I was looking to you guys for any red flags) I'm using an MB 115 combo that contains a "balance direct out" line meant for the PA that I've used 2 weeks ago into the PA, then the power head from an older combo (GKBL112) that I've temporarily disassembled ("we" blew out the speaker) has a 1/4" jack for a

"17-Line Out: Sends a line level signal for use with a direct
box or to a second amplifier."

that will drive 100 watts at 8ohms to a GK410blx cab we bought for $50 and soldered a wire.

The combo above is 200w into a 15" w a tweeter.

Looks like I can use either as the primary.

This is a short term, one or two gig solution for a little more volume capability but typically in small venues, the MB115 is ok alone.

Joe's solution for using 2 MB115s with a splitter is an interesting proposition that I/we will likely pursue for a short term as it give us (myself and my son) some options. Long term, looks like a speaker cabinet build or 2 or 3 + a lightweight head for dad and maybe a used head for the young metal head.