Double Bass 2 ohm load vs 2.6 on Acoustic Image head

[james condino]

Quick question: any noticeable difference or issues running a 2 ohm load vs a 2.6 load on an amp?

Synopsis: I'm currently running an Acoustic Image Focus 2R series 3 head that has performed fantastic for hundreds of gigs with two 8 ohm ACME B1s. This year I've had issues with a couple of drummers and a rowdy crew wanting me to seek out more volume. I borrowed another 8 ohm B1- triple stack, with a total 2.6 ohm load- and that solved the problem fine; but I had to return it.

I like the sound and don't want or need to seek another brand of cab. The secondhand acme market has been slow lately, but I have found a couple of 4 ohm models available. Two 8 ohm cabs plus one four would leave me with a 2 ohm total load. The amp can handle a 2 ohm load, so is there any real reason why a 2.0 vs 2.6 would make any practical difference?

Thx for the help....j

 

[jsf729]

Not an expert here, but if the head can handle 2 ohms I don't see a problem. But just wondering how the amp would handle an outdoor concert on a hot NC summer day.

 

[Larry6153]

I would wait on another 8ohm cabinet. The 4ohm cab will be pushed harder than the 8ohm cabs and most likely distort early. I bet some tech guys can answer your question definitely.

 

[Wasnex]

Quick question: any noticeable difference or issues running a 2 ohm load vs a 2.6 load on an amp?

Synopsis: I'm currently running an Acoustic Image Focus 2R series 3 head that has performed fantastic for hundreds of gigs with two 8 ohm ACME B1s. This year I've had issues with a couple of drummers and a rowdy crew wanting me to seek out more volume. I borrowed another 8 ohm B1- triple stack, with a total 2.6 ohm load- and that solved the problem fine; but I had to return it.

I like the sound and don't want or need to seek another brand of cab. The secondhand acme market has been slow lately, but I have found a couple of 4 ohm models available. Two 8 ohm cabs plus one four would leave me with a 2 ohm total load. The amp can handle a 2 ohm load, so is there any real reason why a 2.0 vs 2.6 would make any practical difference?

Thx for the help....j

If the amp is stable and doesn't overheat or go into protect mode running 2 ohms, it should be fine running 2.6.

You are only using B1s, you would be better off using all 8 ohm cabs. Why not get four?

If you mix cabs with different impedance, the single 4 ohm cab will pull the same power as the two 8 ohm cabs. Also I believe there may be problems with damping variances if you mix impedance on one power amp, so the sound may not be ideal. I may be remembering wrong, but I think @ThisBass has discussed something related to this recently.

 

[Keyser Soze]

Call Rick Jones at Acoustic Image. In my experience, he's likely to be the one answering the phone there. Can't do better for authoritative answers on Acoustic Image gear. He's been very helpful to me more than once.

The "Acoustic Image Amazing Customer Service" meme exists for a reason. Rick Jones is the reason.

 

[Matthijs]

Maybe the amp can pull it off, but I think you’ll reach the limits of the 4 ohm acme cab. At the very least I’d put in on top so you’ll hear if it does.

This will be one loud setup though!

 

[John Le Guyader]

Call Rick Jones at Acoustic Image. In my experience, he's likely to be the one answering the phone there. Can't do better for authoritative answers on Acoustic Image gear. He's been very helpful to me more than once.

The "Acoustic Image Amazing Customer Service" meme exists for a reason. Rick Jones is the reason.

I have the same amp. I bought it used and had an issue with the mute button. Rick was very nice and helpful. Don’t hesitate to call him. He wants to help.

 

[neddyrow]

i too vote cab inadequacy.

i have the same amp and have only had trouble with using cabs that weren't able put out the volume needed. i had two crazy 88s that could not keep up with a drummer and electric amps when my revsound 48VT does fine. what is the rating on those drivers in those acme cabs?

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I have run two 4 ohm B1 cabinets with the Series 1 Clarus with no problem. The amp was working hard because those cabinets need more like 500 watts rather than 300 but it did fine. That Clarus is the amp that won’t ever quit. You would be fine.

 

[james condino]

Problem solved- I snagged a brand new 8 ohm B1 that went up for sale over on the slab side today. 'Excited to bring out a triple stack at rehearsal when it shows up later this week!

 

[Ric Vice]

Problem solved, I like the Acme B1's they put out a lot of sound and low end for their incrediblely small size. I had a pair of EA VL-108's, and frankly
the B1's were louder and sounded a little better by comparison. You've settled on a much easier carry vs that Epifani 3x10 you were looking at and
better sound IME.

 

[ThisBass]

Quick question: any noticeable difference or issues running a 2 ohm load vs a 2.6 load on an amp?

Synopsis: I'm currently running an Acoustic Image Focus 2R series 3 head that has performed fantastic for hundreds of gigs with two 8 ohm ACME B1s. This year I've had issues with a couple of drummers and a rowdy crew wanting me to seek out more volume. I borrowed another 8 ohm B1- triple stack, with a total 2.6 ohm load- and that solved the problem fine; but I had to return it.

I like the sound and don't want or need to seek another brand of cab. The secondhand acme market has been slow lately, but I have found a couple of 4 ohm models available. Two 8 ohm cabs plus one four would leave me with a 2 ohm total load. The amp can handle a 2 ohm load, so is there any real reason why a 2.0 vs 2.6 would make any practical difference?

Thx for the help....j

Acme offers different kinds of cabs. Which kind of 4 Ohm cab do you want choose in particular?