Help with Ampeg V4BH issue

SBrown · #1 03-24-2011, 09:50 AM

Looking for some advice- I searched around but didn't find what I was looking for. I play a V4BH with a 410hlf, both p-bass and jazz depending on whether its the blues/r&b band or dance band. Heres my issue- I've been generally happy with my cab, and really happy with my head. But I got that itch- so I know a guy who wanted to trade his USA 810e for my 410. I was curious about the tone possibilities, so I went over and demoed the cab with his B2r and everything seemed in order, all the drivers working normally and in good shape, so we did the trade. I plugged in the V4BH and fired it up- it has about half of the volume of the 410hlf. I mean my wife and I can have a conversation while playing maxed out. So I went down the list- passive input-check, switched to 4ohm-check, mono upper/lower cab input-check. The weird thing is that it actually sounds better at 8ohm on the upper 410 of the cab. My head was performing perfectly before we did the trade- could it be that there is just too much real estate in the 810e for my V4BH? I've read some pretty glowing reviews on this set up, am I missing something? I appreciate any wisdom before I put the 810 on the chopping block.

coreyfyfe · #2 03-24-2011, 10:02 AM

That to me says something is wrong with your setup - and seeing as the 8x10 is the new element, it could be that. Are all the speakers moving when you play? And are they moving in the same direction at the same time? The 810e is sealed, so maybe you're expecting more low end than you'll be able to get (probably not as much as with your ported cab) but you shouldn't be able to dime the head and talk over the volume. Is everything legit on the cab? Do any of the speakers look replaced or mismatched? Do you have a multimeter so you could check the impedance of the cab?

SBrown · #3 03-24-2011, 10:50 AM

Just did some experimenting. I jacked into the top jack (its the 5 jack plate), set the amp to 4ohm, and wow there it is. Now I have full volume. AFAIK, the top jack is for separating the top 4x10 @ 8ohm, but in this case it seems to run the whole cab mono @4ohm. Its possible I need new glasses, or maybe someone tinkered with the back of the plate at some point. But at least I know there is nothing wrong with my amp. BTW, it sounds great now, but I dont think the jack plate is wired right. Thanks for the quick response, it seems like you are always ready to pounce on any Ampeg thread!

I will investigate more-

SBrown · #4 03-24-2011, 12:05 PM

Upon further inspection, the lower 410's are moving opposite the upper 410. Drivers appear to be standard issue. Will start pulling drivers. I was fooled by the overwhelming good tone of the uppers.

coreyfyfe · #5 03-24-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBrown

Upon further inspection, the lower 410's are moving opposite the upper 410. Drivers appear to be standard issue. Will start pulling drivers. I was fooled by the overwhelming good tone of the uppers.

If that's the case, it sounds like the bottom half is in reverse phase with the top half. I'm not sure how those stereo cabs are wired, but it sounds like the leads going to the bottom half were switched.

SBrown · #6 03-24-2011, 04:12 PM

OK, got it. The leads from the plate to the upper left speaker were reversed. Switched them back, mounted everything back up, and it rocks now. Now it sounds as I imagined it would- Lots of tight lows, and mids on tap. Excellent volume as well. Definitely an upgrade in both tone and volume over the 410hlf for my taste. I'm ashamed of myself for letting the excitement of a good trade cause me to miss that

but all is well now. Thanks for the ideas.

rodl2005 · #7 03-24-2011, 05:35 PM

glad U got it sorted. The V4BH is a great amp & if I had the stages, here in my hometown, that suited an 810, I'd've had one years ago. But when I HAD a V4BH runnin into my Berg NV610 it WAS KILLER!!!! Congrats. I think you'll be far happier with that amp running into the 810 than the old 410HLF, I know I was floored when I ran mine thru the NV610 after the 410HLF. So much more punch!!!

SBrown · #8 03-24-2011, 07:44 PM

Oh yea, I agree. Although I didn't really need the 810, I just had to go for it. Its kind of like a Corvette, I guess. Its actually easier to get into my truck than the 410hlf, I only have to lift one end. On a side note, a 48he fell into my lap today- Wow! I cant recommend this little guy enough for the smaller gigs and practice w/ the V4BH. Plenty of low end, punchy mids, and detail, it has it all including volume! If anyone w/ a V4BH runs across one, dont miss it! Now I have the Big Boy waiting in the wings, and a portable small gigger with similar tone.

rodl2005 · #9 03-24-2011, 08:32 PM

Fell into yr lap!! ;-) I know that feeling!!
Congrats!!
I like that li'l 4x8" cab!! Punchy li'l devil!! I agree- would be a great cab for smaller venues/practices etc.. to get the V4BH pumping but without the full on volume!