Need some help figuring wattage that my custom cab can handle

**monkeybass68** · #1 03-13-2013, 03:49 PM

I've got a custom made 2x10" cab that was loaded with Eminence Legend B102s (which replaced the original speakers). They're both 8 ohm & are wired parallel. According to Eminence's site, the B102 has the following power rating: Watts - 200W Music Program - 400W
I've been going under the assumption that this is a 4 ohm - 400W cabinet. Am I correct?

Downunderwonder · #2 03-13-2013, 04:08 PM

Yes, but not really. You can't call open season on it with a 400w amp. Even my 250W could blow it up in a heartbeat. Not that it's a lousy speaker, just 4mm of xmax isn't going to set your hair on fire.

RickenBoogie · #3 03-13-2013, 04:16 PM

+1 wattage ratings are more of a general idea, rather than hard and fast numbers. Always use common sense. A 2x10 will never get super loud on it's own, and yours being a 4 ohm cab puts limitations on what amp you can use. Double up on the cab if you need more volume, and if your amp is stable to 2 ohms.. (ie: another identical 210)

basscooker · #4 03-13-2013, 05:10 PM

^that, and ^^ that.
the way you eq plays a big part. if you smiley-face it, or at least kick in lots of low end you've still got a chance at hurting something, even with a 100 watts or less. your speaker will tell you if something hurts, you just have to listen.

Bass_Pounder · #5 03-13-2013, 05:14 PM

And..................

If the cab size/porting is not properly reverse engineeered to the T/S specs of the replacement speakers, your actual power handling can alot less.

**monkeybass68** · #6 03-13-2013, 05:34 PM

Ok, let me clarify. I am NOT having any problems with "overpowering" this cabinet. I use it by itself for smaller venues paired with an Ampeg PF-350. It has 2 rear ports & I am in no risk of blowing my speakers as I really don't blast it with either too much volume or too much bottom end.
I posted this thread as more of a curiousity of how much it could handle, not because I'm overly concerned about damaging my speakers or cabinet.
That said, thanks for all the input.

Bass_Pounder · #7 03-13-2013, 05:42 PM

Unless you model the speaker in cab design software, it is hard to say exactly what the power handling is.

**monkeybass68** · #8 03-13-2013, 05:45 PM

Thank you, that is actually the best answer that I've gotten so far, even if it doesn't give me the answer I was looking for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

Unless you model the speaker in cab design software, it is hard to say exactly what the power handling is.

Downunderwonder · #9 03-13-2013, 05:56 PM

Even if you had the answer you can't measure watts in use without an oscilliscope or two.

**monkeybass68** · #10 03-13-2013, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downunderwonder

Even if you had the answer you can't measure watts in use without an oscilliscope or two.

True enough, thanks

1958Bassman · #11 03-13-2013, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeybass68

I've got a custom made 2x10" cab that was loaded with Eminence Legend B102s (which replaced the original speakers). They're both 8 ohm & are wired parallel. According to Eminence's site, the B102 has the following power rating: Watts - 200W Music Program - 400W
I've been going under the assumption that this is a 4 ohm - 400W cabinet. Am I correct?

Call Eminence and ask. They'll ask specific questions about the cabinet, so you'll need to know all of the dimensions, including port (if applicable).