Aguilar ToneHammer 500 without cabinet

[Carlo Vanoni]

Hi, everyone!

Bought this head several weeks ago.
I've tested other lightweight class D heads (Eden WTX500, GK MB500), and in their user manuals I've read that these can be used without any cab connected (e.g., using only headphones or D.I. output).
TH500 have no headphones output, and in the user manual, in the "Basic Setup" section, first thing to do (after setting the input voltage) is to "connect your speaker cabinet(s)".

Question is, is it safe to use the head without any cabinets? (only D.I. output)

Usually it is safe with class D amps, but since the manual doesn't mention it, I prefer to ask here...

Thanks!

 

[Stranger Danger]

Any class D head is OK to use without cabinets. However if you are really uncomfortable, the best thing to do is send Aguilar an email. They will have much more reliable info if that is what you're after.

 

[Double E]

This was confirmed by one of our resident Aguilar reps in one of the TH500 mega-threads.

It is safe to use without any speaker load.

 

[Carlo Vanoni]

Thanks for the info.
As suggested by StrangerDanger I've contacted Aguilar tech support, too. I'll share the response.

 

[jmattis]

Yes, its fine. I've done it a bunch of times with mine, including testing its DI vs. a Walkabout and SVT7 pro.

 

[-Kramer-]

I have also done this many times with no problems.

 

[CElton]

I've done this several times. Works like a charm.

Works for this guy too:

 

[The Regulator]

Only amps with power tube sections need to always have a speaker load when used.

 

[Carlo Vanoni]

Received confirmation from Aguilar tech support:

Thank you for using the Tone Hammer 500!
It is perfectly safe for you to use the amp with no speaker cabinet connected. This allows for silent recording through the DI. You can continue to set the gain and eq controls for the sound you desire.
Enjoy the amp, and let me know if I can assist further.

 

[monsterthompson]

Only amps with power tube sections need to always have a speaker load when used.

You've never read the M6 manual.


"Comparison is the thief of joy."
- Theodore Roosevelt

 

[MascisMan]

You've never read the M6 manual.


"Comparison is the thief of joy."
- Theodore Roosevelt

The M6 doesn't have a power tube section. It has a pre-amp tube section.

 

[monsterthompson]

The M6 doesn't have a power tube section. It has a pre-amp tube section.

Right. And the manual still says you must always have a cabinet connected. That was my point.

If it really will harm the head to have it run without a cab is up for debate.

 

[Bass_Pounder]

Right. And the manual still says you must always have a cabinet connected. That was my point.

If it really will harm the head to have it run without a cab is up for debate.

If you mean this:

WARNING: Always make sure proper load is connected before operating the amplifier. Failure to do so could pose a shock hazard and may result in damage to the amplifier.


I believe it is stating that making speaker connections while the amp is on can cause shocks and damage the amp, NOT that the amp must always have a load attached.

 

[monsterthompson]

If you mean this:

WARNING: Always make sure proper load is connected before operating the amplifier. Failure to do so could pose a shock hazard and may result in damage to the amplifier.


I believe it is stating that making speaker connections while the amp is on can cause shocks and damage the amp, NOT that the amp must always have a load attached.

That's not what the Mesa shop employees told me when I asked them about it. Again, not saying it can't be done, just that Mesa doesn't suggest or advocate it.

 

[MascisMan]

Maybe its a Class D thing that allows the TH500 to be operated in such a way? Is the M6 Class D?

 

[Bass_Pounder]

Maybe its a Class D thing that allows the TH500 to be operated in such a way? Is the M6 Class D?

It is not a "class" thing.

All that matters is if the amp has an output transformer. 99% of solid state (regardless of class) can be run without a load on the output.

 

[Amplified]

Only amps with power tube sections need to always have a speaker load when used.

Ampeg SVT3 Pro needs a speaker load. It has a solid state power amp but a tube preamp.

 

[Bass_Pounder]

Ampeg SVT3 Pro needs a speaker load. It has a solid state power amp but a tube preamp.

Says who ?

 

[Amplified]

Says who ?

Mine is the older US made version. Blew it because it had no speaker load when turned on. Had to send it back to the service centre.

 

[The Regulator]

Mine is the older US made version. Blew it because it had no speaker load when turned on. Had to send it back to the service centre.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Q11) Can I run my amp without any speaker cabinets connected to it?
Any Ampeg amplifier with a solid state output (SVT-4PRO, SVT-3PRO, SVT-350H, B-5,4, and 3R) can be used for recording purposes using only the line output to record and without speakers attached to the speaker jacks. The amp must have a speaker load if the amp has a tube output section (SVT-CL, SVT-2PRO, and V-4B), not doing so can result in extensive damage to the amplifier.