Quick Cab / Amp Question - Ampeg

guermo · #1 10-19-2010, 11:22 AM

Hello -
I'm currently running a SWR 750x head with an Ampeg SVT410HE and have come across a good deal on an Ampeg SVT15E. I see that the 15 is only rated at 200W where the 410 is 500W. If i pair these together at 4ohms the SWR head will put out 375W to each. Will I immediatley blow the 15? Or will these work well together?
I'm worried about over powering the 15.

Selta · #2 10-19-2010, 11:39 AM

To answer your basic question, no, you won't overpower that speaker. You'll want to use your ears and if you hear farting etc., turn down as to not blow it, but you should be safe.

4x10 + 1x15 is not an ideal setup. Quite often, the 1x15 is not even heard when used with a 4x10. They usually don't add anything sonically (volume, low end, anything), either.

However, if you can try it out with your rig and end up liking what you think you hear with it plugged in, go for it. Then you have the option of just running the 1x15, the 4x10, or the 4x10 + 1x15 if you think it gives you anything.

JimmyM · #3 10-19-2010, 11:50 AM

agreed with ray on all counts. a second 410he is a better choice imho. nothing the 115e will add that you can't get from pairing two 410he's.

guermo · #4 10-19-2010, 11:53 AM

Thanks alot you guys, I appreciate it. I know that the second 410 would be a way better choice, I just came across a very good deal on the 15. Sounds like I should stay away from the 15. Does the same hold true with a 1x18 cabinet? I also came across one of those for cheap.

Selta · #5 10-19-2010, 11:58 AM

Honestly, try it. Some people swear by it. Just make sure to tote your whole rig and try it out as a set. Or see if you can try the 1x15 + 4x10 setup with your band at practice or a gig (i.e. buy it and return it if you don't like it).

For me, personally, I do not like 4x10 + 1x15 through experience with running such a setup.

JimmyM · #6 10-19-2010, 11:58 AM

imho, yes it does hold for the 18". it's not that the 115e is a bad cab. far from it. it's just that matching cabs always work better. some will argue this point but i've yet to hear a non-matched cab rig that sounds better than a matched rig, unless it was like a pa style rig where everything is crossed over correctly and the right size drivers for each frequency band are used. but with full range bass cabs, you're better off using matching cabs every time.