Another 2*10/4*10 question

[Esdraas]

Hi everyone !

Long time lurker, but first post here so please be gentle

After almost 10 years of bedroom bass playing, I finally joined a band recently.
I have at the moment a Ashdown LB 30, perfect at low volume but wich can't get loud enough with a drummer and two guitarists, so I've got to get another amp.
I've settled for a GK700RBII head (480w at 4ohm, 320w at 8ohms), but I can't make my mind regarding the cab.

I already have an Ashdown Mag 210 (200w), and am considering the following :
- Get rid of the 210, buy a mag410 in replacement
- Keep the 210+mag410, but both beeing 8ohms cab, I am concerned because the 210 is only rated 200w, while the head delivers 480 at 4ohms so 240w per cab
- Keep the 210, add another identical 210 (same problem regarding the head's wattage, but I read that the sound dispersion would be better if stacked vertically than a 410)
- Keep the 210, add a MAG414 : 4*10 at 4ohms, so each speaker would get the same power.
I've spotted both MAG410 and 414 in my local classified (my budget is kinda tight, so that's a plus).

I've read lots of threads here on TB regarding ohms and watts, but I can't really try anything, my local music store having exactly 0 bass heads or cabs...

We're playing 70's blues/rock, the two guitarist have 100w SS half stack. My guess is that a single 410 would be enough volume wise, but that leaves the 210...

So what are your experienced thoughts ?

Thanks,
Esdraas

PS : English not being my mother tongue, please kindly excuse grammar and/or spelling errors

 

[Trus3683]

Personally I don't think it'd be smart to run any head through something with a lower wattage rating. You run the risk of blowing the speakers if you turn up too high and you won't be using the head to it's full potential. It'd be best to get a cab that's rated over what the head is. (In your case, one cab at 500+ or two at 250+. It provides headroom.

 

[iualum]

Hi everyone !

Long time lurker, but first post here so please be gentle

After almost 10 years of bedroom bass playing, I finally joined a band recently.
I have at the moment a Ashdown LB 30, perfect at low volume but wich can't get loud enough with a drummer and two guitarists, so I've got to get another amp.
I've settled for a GK700RBII head (480w at 4ohm, 320w at 8ohms), but I can't make my mind regarding the cab.

I already have an Ashdown Mag 210 (200w), and am considering the following :
- Get rid of the 210, buy a mag410 in replacement
- Keep the 210+mag410, but both beeing 8ohms cab, I am concerned because the 210 is only rated 200w, while the head delivers 480 at 4ohms so 240w per cab
- Keep the 210, add another identical 210 (same problem regarding the head's wattage, but I read that the sound dispersion would be better if stacked vertically than a 410)
- Keep the 210, add a MAG414 : 4*10 at 4ohms, so each speaker would get the same power.
I've spotted both MAG410 and 414 in my local classified (my budget is kinda tight, so that's a plus).

I've read lots of threads here on TB regarding ohms and watts, but I can't really try anything, my local music store having exactly 0 bass heads or cabs...

We're playing 70's blues/rock, the two guitarist have 100w SS half stack. My guess is that a single 410 would be enough volume wise, but that leaves the 210...

So what are your experienced thoughts ?

Thanks,
Esdraas

PS : English not being my mother tongue, please kindly excuse grammar and/or spelling errors

First, DO NOT do the MG414 with your current amp & your 210. Your thinking about the 4 ohm 410 & 8 ohm 210 is correct regarding each speaker receiving equal power, but unless you get an amp that will safely run at 2 ohms it won't work. If you get a 2 ohm stable amp, then yes, this option works.

Of your other listed options, I think the best is keeping your existing 210 (if you like its tone, that is) & adding an identical one. The GKs 480 @ 4 should be no problem as long as you don't keep it cranked. Plus you can stack the 210s vertically which allows you get the drivers closer to your ears so you can hear your sound better. This "vertical" 410 provides better dispersion for the crowd, too.

Replacing the 210 with a 410 works, too, but I just think the 2x210 is a better option. Plus even if you sell your 210 to help buy the 410, you'll probably spend less just picking up another 210. If you get some sort of super deal on the 410, then that's a different discussion.

The 210 & 410 combination (both 8 ohms) is a poor choice. The 410 is always going to be limited by the 210. If you want a 410, better to get rid of the 210 & pick up the MAG414 only. You'll get the full 480 from your GK.

 

[Jaco who?]

Sell the mag210 and get a GK neo 212 to start with. Even at 320 watts, the 700RBII is LOUD. When you can afford it, (and if you need one) get another.

 

[Nev375]

Add an identical 2x10. Stack vertically. Never crank your amp up all the way. You really should not have to anyway.

If you ever have to run loud, listen for speaker distortion so you know your limits. (this is obvious, no?) Don't let other people borrow your rig. Even if you think they are smart enough to not blow it, just don't. They will disappoint you every time.

Enjoy the extra headroom in your just slightly overpowered amp.

 

[Esdraas]

Thanks for all these replies!

Iualum, seems I miscalculated the 8ohms/4ohms thingy, thanks for correcting me !

Jaco, I looked the GK Neo 212, but I can't spend that kind of money ATM (they go by 600€...)

The new 210 and used 410 are the same price (roughly 200€) hence the dilemma

Well thank you guys, I guess I will go with 2*210 and watch my volume, until I can afford the GK or Ampeg Stuff

Esdraas

 

[beans-on-toast]

The new 210 and used 410 are the same price (roughly 200€) hence the dilemma

Bienvenu Esdraas.

I would rather buy a new 210 than a used 410 unless you know the history behind the used cab. Sometimes used cabs can be badly abused and unless you are very careful, you might find yourself in a position where you are paying for re-cone jobs on the speakers down the road.

 

[BassmanPaul]

This is the second time this week for basically the same question.

The ONLY way a 4x10 and a 2x10 can work properly together is if the 2x10 has TWICE the impedance of the 4x10. Thus a 4Ω 4x10 needs an 8Ω 2x10 for a resultant load of 2.67Ω. An 8Ω 4x10 needs a 16Ω 2x10. for 5.33Ω. In both cases each driver in either cabinet will receive the same power as any other in the system and is therefore a viable 6x10.

Mixing a 4x10 and a 2x10 at the same impedance chokes the system to the equivalent of the singe 4x10. The pairing is pointless.