extension cab. for Markbass combo

staurosjohn · #1 02-20-2011, 07:03 AM

I have a Markbass CMD 121P- 12" combo amp... want to get an ext. cabinet... can't seem to figure out how the wattage works for 8 v 4 ohm. The head is 300 watt @ 8 ohm (as is)... and goes to 500 watt @ 4 ohm (w/ext. cab). I will only use the ext. a few times per year... don't (can't) want to spend alot of money... but my question is: with the external cab connected... how is the wattage dispersed? will a 250 watt ext. cab suffice? or do I need more- so as not to blow it? Looking at a Hartke HX112 Hydrive Bass Cabinet (300 watt)... anyone have experience with this cab?

Thanks- John

**jlepre** · #2 02-20-2011, 07:11 AM

As long as the Hartke cab is 8 ohms, you should be fine. You will be running the head at 500 watts with a 4 ohm load.

As far as tone, I have no idea how this setup will sound. Best bet is try before you buy, but if that's not an option, buying used will save you some money as well.

EDIT: I just noticed that this cab is a dual impedance cab, so you would need to set it to 8 ohms so as not to damage your head.

staurosjohn · #3 02-20-2011, 07:23 AM

Thanks for the insight... I guess my real question is... with both cabinets connected... is there a true "split" of wattage? If both cabinets are 300 watt (internal Markbass & ext. cab.)- will that do? I presume that since Markbass put a 300w speaker in- I can just add a 300w- and be safe?

**jlepre** · #4 02-20-2011, 07:26 AM

Yes you are correct. In a perfect world you would add another MB cab to match drivers, but the Hartke should do the job nicely as well.

staurosjohn · #5 02-20-2011, 07:31 AM

Thanks! Can I get a perfect world? it would help!!

Roedkill · #6 02-20-2011, 01:17 PM

I'm pretty new to the Markbass world but, the experts say you should match your combo with the same extension cabinet; 2x10 combo + 2x10 ext cab. I've got the 102p combo and matched it with the standard 102hf cabinet and couldn't be happier! Gigged with the whole thing last night and loved every minute! Markbass for life!!!

martyman5000 · #7 02-20-2011, 01:43 PM

I have the Markbass CMD102P and I'm actually looking forward to adding a Ampeg 15" cab...I don't want to have 2 more tens...