How will my G-K 800RB sound with two 8ohm 410 cabs?

[fretless99]

Hello:

I am relatively new here. I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice? I just bought an old G-K 800RB, and Fender 410 PRO and Yorkville XC410 cabs. I chose the G-K after reading people's opinions of it here on TB. I have never used any of this gear before, as I used to use combos exclusively. Both 410's are 8ohms. I plan to run them together full range to get the maximum possible performance from the G-K's 300w power amp. I am wondering if it might not be better to get a 4ohm 1-15 or 4ohm 410 cab instead, to get a little more low end? I know my G-K can be bi-amped, so... another question: how would it sound if I ran a 4ohm 15" cab through the low end, and ran the 8ohm 410 through the 100w 'high' amp? Any advice will be most appreciated. Thanks!

Robert

[cchorney]

I don't have experience with 410s but I do have experience with the head you just bought, as I have one. Keep in mind if you run just one 8 ohm cab off the 300 watt channel you will only be pulling about 200 watts instead of the full 300. That may not matter especially if you are running the 100 watt side too.

In regards to your specific question, if the 410 cabs you have can go that low in terms of frequency response, then you don't need a 15 to get the lows. Best to try both cabs on the 300 side, then one cab on each - playing with the crossover knob.

Have fun and good luck getting your sound!

[jackcheez]

Originally Posted by fretless99

so... another question: how would it sound if I ran a 4ohm 15" cab through the low end, and ran the 8ohm 410 through the 100w 'high' amp? Any advice will be most appreciated. Thanks!

Robert

Probably not as good as the two 8 ohm cabs plugged into the 300 watt amp. 100 watts to a 4 X 10 is kinda weak.


The two 4 x 10's should kick plenny azz.

An SVT 8 X 10 cab is a great match for those heads.

I also used a 4 ohm 2 X 15 and an 8 ohm 2 X 10. That was fun.

[Crabby]

I owned an 800RB for many years and tried all kinds of cab configurations and agree that 2 8 ohm 410 cabs will work best if they are both plugged into the 300 watt amp. The 100 watt amp will likely power an 8 ohm 115 just fine but you may not need three cabs.

I found with this amp I was always trying to find a way to use the 100 watt amp as well as the 300 watt amp but just didn't really need it as the 300 watt side has so much usable juice.

If you avoid the voicing switches and not boost the low end on the amp, you can get an insane amount of clean volume out of this amp. Just keep the boost engaged and cranked to max, dont use the mid scoop, run the master volume higher then the input gain and dial up the low and high mid knobs for some added snarl and you will be good to go!

[robgrow]

I have played many large shows where the supplied backline included a GK 800RB and two 4x10 cabs. This was a standard rig, if not the standard, for many years, and it always worked well IME. I'd still be happy to use this setup just about anytime.

[fretless99]

My thanks to all you kind folks that responded. I have been playing bass for 34 years, but have never used this type of setup before, so all the good advice is much appreciated. I can't wait to get to rehearsal next week and try out my new rig. I injured my left wrist and fingers, and haven't been able to play for a couple of weeks now. I expect that I will need to use one cab at rehearsals, and save the spare to gig with. I have two outdoor gigs coming up on July 1st and 2nd. A local music store is supplying the PA and onstage amps for the gig on the 1st. These guys have an excellent reputation (Long and McQuade, AKA The Evil Empire ). I know they will have a bass amp there for me, and I am guessing they will have something decent for me to use, but I will bring my own rig anyway. These things are always a crap shoot, and you never know what you will be playing through. For the gig on the 2nd, I will use both cabs full range; I think there should be enough power, with the rig DI'd into the board.

Though I love the way they sound, I can't picture myself lugging around an 810. I have a heart condition and other medical problems. Luckily, the band members that I play with are an understanding and generous bunch, and help me move my gear. Truth be told, the 2 410's together probably weigh more than an 810, but as they are two pieces, it is a little more manageable for me. I have used a 215 before, but I found that they could sound a little muddy at times. I will let you all know how things go at rehearsal, with the tone settings suggested by Crabby. Thanks again, everybody!

Robert