Question about Hartke LH1000, could probably be answered by anyone.

autodidact · #1 09-12-2011, 06:40 PM

My Hartke is rated at 1000w [2x500w] RMS. There are two inputs on the back "side A" and "side B". The manual says "Dual Parallel Mode: 2 x 225 watts @ 8 ohms"

My question is, if I only plug into "side A" that would mean I'm only getting 225w correct? If I ran a cable from "side A" into my cab and a cable from "side B" into the other input on my cab would it run at 550w or would it somehow damage my cab/head?

I really don't know much about these amps with 2 seperate parts, I'm started with my Firebass700 which seemed a lot less complicated but the Hartke sounds SO good

will33 · #2 09-12-2011, 06:48 PM

DO NOT run speaker cables from both A and B and plug them both into the same cab, you'll burn up the amplifier. Think of it as two separate amps. You can run a cab on each side, two cabs on one side provided they're 8ohm cabs, but you can not run the 2 amps into one cab. It'd be the same as running a cable from one amp to the other, like pointing 2 firehoses at each other, something's gotta give.

JimmyM · #3 09-12-2011, 07:00 PM

Will is right. However, you can run your amp in bridged mode. You'll need to switch your speakon cable over to work in bridged mode (I forget how to rewire it but it's easy and only requires a screwdriver), but you'll be able to put 750w into your 8 ohm cab if you do that.

WARNING: That's a hell of a lot of power, so make darn sure your cab can take it, and if it can't and you still want to use it in bridged mode, watch your volume.

autodidact · #4 09-12-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

DO NOT run speaker cables from both A and B and plug them both into the same cab, you'll burn up the amplifier. Think of it as two separate amps. You can run a cab on each side, two cabs on one side provided they're 8ohm cabs, but you can not run the 2 amps into one cab. It'd be the same as running a cable from one amp to the other, like pointing 2 firehoses at each other, something's gotta give.

Thanks! Good look!

autodidact · #5 09-12-2011, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Will is right. However, you can run your amp in bridged mode. You'll need to switch your speakon cable over to work in bridged mode (I forget how to rewire it but it's easy and only requires a screwdriver), but you'll be able to put 750w into your 8 ohm cab if you do that.

WARNING: That's a hell of a lot of power, so make darn sure your cab can take it, and if it can't and you still want to use it in bridged mode, watch your volume.

The Hartke specifically has a switch that you just change to "bridge mode" I just need a cable with speakon on one end and 1/4" on the other. Cabs only rated at 600watts so that scares me a little. Not sure what I could even take the volume up to at that point

will33 · #6 09-12-2011, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by autodidact

The Hartke specifically has a switch that you just change to "bridge mode" I just need a cable with speakon on one end and 1/4" on the other. Cabs only rated at 600watts so that scares me a little. Not sure what I could even take the volume up to at that point

Just listen to your speaker, when it starts to distort or "fart" a little that's the limit. Back off a little from there and consider that full volume, wherever the knob happens to be.

JimmyM · #7 09-12-2011, 08:04 PM

I see your cab is a Legion 410. OK well don't be alarmed if it feels like your cab can only take half that power, because it probably can only take half that power real world. The power handling rating is based on what causes voice coils to blow, not what its real world power handling is before it starts to fart out. So if it sounds like your cab is going to blow up at a volume you don't think should blow it, it's going to blow it. But if you're smart with the volume knob, you'll be fine. Personally, I'd stick with running one side of it.

autodidact · #8 09-12-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I see your cab is a Legion 410. OK well don't be alarmed if it feels like your cab can only take half that power, because it probably can only take half that power real world. The power handling rating is based on what causes voice coils to blow, not what its real world power handling is before it starts to fart out. So if it sounds like your cab is going to blow up at a volume you don't think should blow it, it's going to blow it. But if you're smart with the volume knob, you'll be fine. Personally, I'd stick with running one side of it.

Thats probably what I'm going to go with for now, just running it like I have been until I can finally save up enough for a Hydrive 4x10...but thats not really a priority right this second.

Thanks a lot guys. Jimmy, you're always very helpful

Whitbass · #9 09-14-2011, 10:16 AM

Bridge it if you need the power or want the headroom. Run 8 or 4 ohm load min. Listen to your cabs. If they begin to sound stressed, back off and do not go beyond that point. I run LH1000 bridged into 8 ohm 350w RMS 1x12 quite often, or at times 2x 8 ohm 1x12s, or 1x 4 ohm 4x10. All possibilities work fine. Just have to keep volume reasonable for what cab can handle....and use speakon if in bridge mode...you should be fine, just don't go too crazy....