Will this guitar and bass set-up work?

Goodacheese · #1 01-22-2012, 04:22 PM

Hey guys,
So I currently have two awesome Ampeg SVT 4x8 cabs. Each has two jack inputs in the back. One is if you want to use the horn and the other is if you do not want to use the horn.

I am in a band that possibly requires me to switch back and fourth from guitar and bass quite a bit. Would it be safe/work to plug a bass head into the non horn inputs and then plug a guitar head into the horn inputs.

My thoughts are as long as only one amp is on at a time it should be fine but im pretty nooby at this stuff and don't want to fry anything.

Thanks for any advice.

Downunderwonder · #2 01-22-2012, 04:46 PM

Not safe.

There may possibly be a way to a/b the amps safely with some kind of shuffle switch. All I know is you can't have two amps on the same speakers at the same time for even a split second, and having no speaker connected is also a nono, but maybe for a split second with no power wouldn't harm. You won't be the first so have a little search.

Downunderwonder · #3 01-22-2012, 04:49 PM

Even with amp2 off there is a low impedance path for amp1 to fry itself.

Goodacheese · #4 01-22-2012, 06:13 PM

Is the frying hazard still there if the two inputs are completely separate inputs?
I'm not sure if they are but i could try to contact Ampeg.
From my understanding the other jack can not be used to daisy chain cabs and is merely an input.

Downunderwonder · #5 01-22-2012, 06:54 PM

It's a mystery to me how two inputs can be separate and yet only one drives tweeter while both drive the main woofers. Probably some physical disconnect happens when you plug the tweetless one in.

walterw · #6 01-22-2012, 08:17 PM

that's a wildly bad idea, and in any case, i can't imagine those 8" foam-surround car-woofer looking speakers are that good for guitar anyway.

you're much better off with an actual guitar cab with a guitar speaker in it, even a little 1x12 or something.

ksandvik · #7 01-22-2012, 08:19 PM

Get a Fender SCXD, could get used for $200 or so, DI it to the PA and use the amp itself for stage work. I actually added a $80 Ragin Cajun speaker to get 102SPL just because it was fun, but that's the max you could get from a 10" speaker before going to 12" speakers that sound better for guitar.

Darkonar · #8 01-23-2012, 09:01 AM

I don't want to start new thread, and don't have enough time to do searh either, so i'll just hijack this thread.

I bought a great cab not long ago, it's a DIY 1x15'' + 1x10'' and I can run each one separately, so i was wondering If I could work the 15'' with a proper bass head to get clean bass and run the 10'' with a guitar head for mid and highs with distortion?