markbass f1 questions

manafest222 · #1 06-17-2010, 05:25 PM

Hi everyone

I've just recently purchased a MarkBass F1. From what I understand, it puts out 550w through two outputs. I'm a drummer, and know very little about amplifiers/speakers. My question is: Does that mean it's putting out 275w through each output? What if only one speaker is hooked up?

Currently, I have a 15' Gallien Krueger speaker hooked up, 200 watts. Does that mean the speaker is at it's limit at around 80% power? I don't turn up even close to that, but I want to be careful not to blow the speaker.

Also I plan on getting another GK speaker with 4 10s in it. My friend had one, and the four smaller speakers sounded much clearer than the 15'. I will probably eventually trade it in for another matching cab as well, but until then, that's what I plan on using. I assume that if you're running an amp through 2 cabs, you would generally want them to be the same model to sound good.

Or, perhaps I should go with a different brand for the cabs. Are there any distinct advantages for pairing a MarkBass cab with the amp, or does it really not matter? I've always liked the way GK amps sound, but maybe you could recommend a different brand? I'm looking to get a full stack with a clear, but thunderous, ballsy tone.

Hopefully I'm not doing anything wrong to burn the place down?

edit: also, is there anything other than turning up the volume too loud that would damage either the amp or the speakers that I may not know about?

Musicman20 · #2 06-17-2010, 05:40 PM

Firstly, what rating is the cabinet you are using? 4ohms or 8ohms?

1 x 4 ohms or 2 x 8 ohms is the maximum load the amp can take.

Markbass amps tend to work much better into 4 ohms....just 'whump' a lot better

PS - Congrats, that is one NICE amp.

manafest222 · #3 06-17-2010, 06:08 PM

The cabinet I'm currently using is the Gallien Krueger 115BLX, 200 watts, 8 ohms. Got it from a friend for $100

I was originally looking to upgrade to two of the Gallien-Krueger 410BLX, 400 watts, 8 ohms.

Not sure if I would be able to find two of them (they've been discontinued), but I was planning on running one of each until I could find the second 410.

Musicman20 · #4 06-17-2010, 06:19 PM

Ah, yes, you can use 1 8 ohm, 2 8 ohm, or 1 4 ohm. So your idea is fine.

You might be able to find more suitable cabinets that are lighter for the F1, incl the new GK cabs.

With the 15 you have now, the F1 is putting out approx 275-300W peak into it, so just be careful with your master. If it sounds like its too much for the speaker, then just turn down.

RickenBoogie · #5 06-17-2010, 06:22 PM

GK's Backline cabs are the bottom of the line. Their Neo cabs are much better. Doesn't matter what brand you use, and it'll be all a matter of personal preference. Speaker cabs have a MAJOR impact on your overall tone, and volume. 2 matched cabs will always sound better than 2 mis-matched cabs, and the 410/15 combo is horrible, though also popular, (for the *look*). I'd consider getting 2 8 ohm cabs, and don't leave out 2x12's as an option. GK's Neo 212 is an awesome cab, as are many other brands, Genz Benz's Uber line to mention my fave.

Jimmy Stump · #6 06-17-2010, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manafest222

Hi everyone

I've just recently purchased a MarkBass F1. From what I understand, it puts out 550w through two outputs. I'm a drummer, and know very little about amplifiers/speakers. My question is: Does that mean it's putting out 275w through each output? What if only one speaker is hooked up?

I'm not understanding the part in bold? The F1 should deliver 550 watts with a 4 ohm speaker load (either a single 4 ohm cabinet, or two 8 ohm cabinets), or about half of that with a single 8 ohm cabinet.

manafest222 · #7 06-17-2010, 07:13 PM

Jimmy Stump, I was asking if you plug a 8 ohm 200 watt speaker into a 4 ohm 500 watt amp, would the amp output 250 watts or 500? It has two speaker outputs, currently, only one is being used.

Thanks for the help on the ohms.

As far as watts, if I were to run, for example, two 500 watt speakers out of an amp that has an output of 500 watts, would it be essentially the same as running one speaker? I know running too many watts through a speaker may blow it, but too few would just restrict the speaker from reaching it's potential volume?

Also, for example, would two 200 watt speakers be preferred over one 400 watt speaker, or does it not make a difference?

Jaco who? · #8 06-17-2010, 07:38 PM

First of all, the F1 is rated to produce a maximum of 300 watts @ 8Ωs and 500 watts @ 4Ωs.

Two or more speakers will always be better than one.

Cabs will have a displacement limit where the cone of the speakers reach the end of their mechanical limits. This is typically anywhere from 1/3rd to 1/2 of what the thermal limit of it's voice coils are rated for.

Don't get fixated on wattage ratings for cabinets, they mean little.

murphy · #9 06-17-2010, 07:59 PM

Plug one 8 ohm cab into either speaker output and you will get your 300watts at 8 ohms
Plug another 8ohm cab into the other output and you will get your 500 watts at 4 ohms
Or Plug another 8 ohm speaker into the other speaker out on the back of the cab and you will get 500watts at 4 ohms
2 ,8 ohm cabs in parallel = 4 ohms
Plug one 4 ohm cab into either speaker output only,on the amp and you get the full 500watts

Jimmy Stump · #10 06-17-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaco who?

First of all, the F1 is rated to produce a maximum of 300 watts @ 8Ωs and 500 watts @ 4Ωs.

550 watts, no? My F1 says 550 watts on the side.

Jimmy Stump · #11 06-17-2010, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manafest222

Jimmy Stump, I was asking if you plug a 8 ohm 200 watt speaker into a 4 ohm 500 watt amp, would the amp output 250 watts or 500? It has two speaker outputs, currently, only one is being used.

You'd think it would be 250 watts but I think the F1 pushes out 300 watts into the 200 watt single 8 ohm cab.

Quote:

Originally Posted by manafest222

As far as watts, if I were to run, for example, two 500 watt speakers out of an amp that has an output of 500 watts, would it be essentially the same as running one speaker? I know running too many watts through a speaker may blow it, but too few would just restrict the speaker from reaching it's potential volume?

I think the speaker wattage rating isn't that important in this scenario, but their ohms are. If you are running a 500 watt amp into two 8 ohms speaker cabs, you are getting the full 500 watts out of the amp. The new math with cabs is two 8 ohm cabs magically equals a total 4 ohm load. At that load, your 4 ohm capable head (the F1) is working at full capacity.

Quote:

Originally Posted by manafest222

Also, for example, would two 200 watt speakers be preferred over one 400 watt speaker, or does it not make a difference?

I'm not sure it would make any difference, the amp outpowers the cabinet(s). A single cabinet with a wattage rating much higher than the wattage rating of your head is the ideal. My cab is rated for 1000 watts, and is a 4 ohm cabinet.

I'm not an expert on this at all, so hopefully this is correct.