Single 2ohm cab?

ThunderousFunk · #1 06-13-2010, 01:39 PM

Is it possible to make a 2ohm cabinet, mainly a 4x12?

ehque · #2 06-13-2010, 01:43 PM

Sure, why not? 4 8ohm speakers, wired all in parallel.

Question is, why would you want a cab like that? 2 4ohm, 2x12 cabinets would be more modular, portable, and stack much higher, allowing you to hear yourself.

**B-string** · #3 06-13-2010, 01:44 PM

Yes, 4 8 ohm drivers wired in parallel. But why? There is no advantage to a cab that will only run by itself from an amp. Most PA amps won't even go down to 2 ohms in bridged mode, most bass heads don't like it either.

ThunderousFunk · #4 06-13-2010, 01:53 PM

I have a huge bass cab(5'Hx3'Wx2.5'D) that I wanna redo. It would obviously be a single cab, but want it to get as much of an amps power as possible.

**B-string** · #5 06-13-2010, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThunderousFunk

I have a huge bass cab(5'Hx3'Wx2.5'D) that I wanna redo. It would obviously be a single cab, but want it to get as much of an amps power as possible.

Then you must have a SS amp. Read the specs carefully, some amp can drop wattage at 2 ohms, most do not. You will also produce the maximum heat the amp can handle under average conditions into a single cab. If you are running a tube output the question is moot.

ThunderousFunk · #6 06-13-2010, 02:12 PM

So, I take it my better option would be to make it just a 4ohm cab.

**B-string** · #7 06-13-2010, 02:35 PM

It's still up to you, just keep in mind that an extra 150-250 watts will not make up in volume if needed that a second equal cab can give you. Running an amp at it's maximum designed value is not necessarily efficient, usually means you don't have enough amp or speakers. Getting the "most" power from an amp means you are running at it's designed maximum and you have no room for variables like excessive ambient temp or humidity, line voltage problems....

Sundogue · #8 06-13-2010, 03:13 PM

Really depends on your amp, the cab and what you are after.

I have a 210/6 cab that (being more like an Acme) sounds better with more power (and yes in that case 150-200 watts does make a difference because we are not talking about volume only). When I need more volume I use a second 210/6 cab.

One cab is strictly an 8 ohm cab. The other cab is identical in every way except when I run it alone, I prefer to run that 210 as a 2 ohm cab (the 6" mid is bi-amped so the load is separate for that). I installed a Series/Parallel switch to switch that cab between 2 ohm or 8 ohm. Basically an Accu(rate)switch (one that actually works).

My Carvin BX1200 easily handles the 2 ohm load on one side (600 watts) with the other side driving the bi-amped 6" mid.

I've run 2 ohm loads for years and I will never buy an amp that can't handle a 2 ohm load as I use a lot of combinations of speaker cabs and I do not want to be limited to a 4 ohm load.

To the OP, if your amp can handle it and you feel it's worthwhile, go for it. If you install a Series/Parallel switch you won't be stuck with it only being a 2 ohm cab.

**B-string** · #9 06-13-2010, 03:17 PM

You can't wire a 412 for 2 or 8 ohm operation, 2 and 4 ohm yes. I could care less if an amp will go down to 2 ohms, of course I live in the desert.

Ric5 · #10 06-13-2010, 03:24 PM

Most amps should not be run less than 4 ohms.

Bass_Pounder · #11 06-13-2010, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

You can't wire a 412 for 2 or 8 ohm operation

Correction...........

Using four 8 ohm drivers, you can

In series/parallel = 8 ohms

In parallel = 2 ohms

Calaverasgrande · #12 06-13-2010, 03:29 PM

Mesa Bass 400+ and the venerable SVT both are capable of running 2 ohm loads.

**B-string** · #13 06-13-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

Correction...........

Using four 8 ohm drivers, you can

In series/parallel = 8 ohms

In series = 2 ohms

Yeah you right, thanks for thr correction.

johnk_10 · #14 06-13-2010, 03:42 PM

i wired my Ampeg 4x12 V4 cab with a switch so it can be run as a 2 or 8 ohm cab. that way i can run it with a V4 head (which allows 2, 4,or 8 ohms), or one of my my SVT's, that will only allow a 2 or 4 ohm load. IMO, with a 4x12 cab, i rarely have the need to use any more than one of them, but if i do, i can just switch it to 8 ohms and use two of them for a total load of 4 ohms.

Jaco who? · #15 06-13-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThunderousFunk

I have a huge bass cab(5'Hx3'Wx2.5'D) that I wanna redo. It would obviously be a single cab, but want it to get as much of an amps power as possible.

That really is a refrigerator. Unless my math is wonky, subtracting drivers and bracing, you still have around 30 cubic ft. to work with. Heck, just load it with four 3015LFs, a pair of mids, and make the first goliath fEarfull. Do it, man. You may as well get rewarded somehow for lugging a pita like that around. Remember though, no pics, no cab.

Rick Auricchio · #16 06-13-2010, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

Correction...........

Using four 8 ohm drivers, you can

In series/parallel = 8 ohms

In series = 2 ohms

No, that's parallel for 2 ohms.

Bass_Pounder · #17 06-13-2010, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

No, that's parallel for 2 ohms.

Man..........it must be brainfart day

Corrected - thanks

David1234 · #18 06-13-2010, 06:25 PM

Go for 4 ohms. You'll be happy.

Crockettnj · #19 06-13-2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David1234

Go for 4 ohms. You'll be happy.

35 cubic foot cab and "happy" are not long for the same sentence IMO.

ThunderousFunk · #20 06-14-2010, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaco who?

That really is a refrigerator. Unless my math is wonky, subtracting drivers and bracing, you still have around 30 cubic ft. to work with. Heck, just load it with four 3015LFs, a pair of mids, and make the first goliath fEarfull. Do it, man. You may as well get rewarded somehow for lugging a pita like that around. Remember though, no pics, no cab.

Yeah, I think that might be what I wanna go for. Thanks for the idea. Any idea where I can get a schematic/design of that cab?