Pairing an Ashdown Superfly with...

ZB2005 · #1 06-20-2011, 11:43 AM

I've been using an Ashdown Superfly (the old kind which has 500W potential but only with 2 separate 4 ohm cabs) with an Ashdown USA 115 (which it seems like NO one else has because I can't find any threads on these). The cab unfortunately runs on 8 ohms, and my band is now playing big enough gigs that the 160W or whatever it runs at is simply not enough.

A nearby GC just got a used Ampeg B410HLF that they're selling for under $250. Before I make the trek up there to try and trade in the Ashdown cab for this one, I wanted to see if anyone on here has any experience with this cab? Since it runs at 4 ohms, it should be considerably louder, but I'm new to this whole amp thing (came from an upright bass background) so any info would be helpful.

Thanks!

billfitzmaurice · #2 06-20-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZB2005

Since it runs at 4 ohms, it should be considerably louder,

No, it won't. Not due the impedance, anyway. At full power you might get an additional 2dB output, because watts mean nothing. Repeat 100 times: Watts mean nothing, watts mean nothing...
If it's significantly louder it's due to having higher sensitivity. You'd be far better off adding another 1x15 as close as possible to what you already have. The added power from the second power amp will give you 3dB, the increased sensitivity from the adding the second cab another 3dB.

ZB2005 · #3 06-20-2011, 12:13 PM

Thanks for the info, Bill. As I said, I'm extremely new to the world of amps and cabs, so advice like this is great.

My problem with the extra 1x15 is just the cost right now. Until my band gets a few more gigs under its belt, I just can't justify spending the money on two cabs.

The amp can run 250W per side. Any recommendation on a single cab that I could get max volume and decent tone with? I play a CV 50s Squier P and a Peavey T-40.

jady · #4 06-20-2011, 12:28 PM

Honestly, I would say that you are wasting your money trying to get a gig worthy volume from that head. I owned one and currently own a LG1000 which is the 1000W stereo/non digital version and can barely keep up with my blues band even with the added power. For the money you would pour into another cab you could very easily get a more powerful head (especially on the TB classifieds)

If you feel the need to keep the Superfly (they do sound good at a low volume) then get an outboard pre or a clean boost. The input section of the Ashdown Micro heads (the Superfly and the Little Giant series) is pretty low and you will find yourself maxxing the input gain often. Boost the incoming signal and lower the input gain, your sound will be louder with more headroom.

Good luck, these amps do sound great but between the non bridgable power section and the low input gain there are a couple pretty major design flaws.

ZB2005 · #5 06-20-2011, 12:54 PM

Jady -- I was afraid that someone with experience with this amp was going to give me advice similar to that. I might have to see how much GC will give me for trade-in value, and just eat the loss and get something worthwhile.

I fell in love with this amp-cab pairing at the store, and it sounded great for our smaller gigs. But during the last few shows we've played, I've felt absolutely drowned out. Frustrating...but such is life.

billfitzmaurice · #6 06-20-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jady

Honestly, I would say that you are wasting your money trying to get a gig worthy volume from that head.

I use a Superfly, no problem with volume at all. But I don't use an inefficient cab. Power is seldom the reason for inadequate volume, cabs usually are.

Sundogue · #7 06-21-2011, 06:33 AM

I ran two 4 ohm 115 cabs loaded with Basslites using my Ashdown Superfly and that little sucker can get real loud quite easily with the right cabs.

You just need efficient cabs. 250 watts per side may not be the holy grail of power sections, but as BFM mentioned, it ain't about watts.

You just need more speakers. Hell, you could run four 8 ohm cabs off that little amp and it would be VERY loud. It's all about the speakers and number of them. Ever wonder why an Ampeg SVT can get so loud at only 300 watts? Hint...it ain't cause it's a tube head, but think about what cab it's usually connected to.