Ashdown: Mag or ABM

[Hepworthbass]

I currently have an Ashdown ABM 900 EVO III bass amp head, going through a Ashdown Mag 410 (450 W).
I am pleased with the sound, however I am in a 5 piece band, with 3 guitarists, so even in practice it can be a tad too quiet (please no comments of how the band might be too loud).
The band plays many original gigs, supporting touring bands and we're going to different county's again ourselves soon, and playing in-city festivals.

I've been thinking about getting the Mag 115 to go with them, as i've found a rather cheap price for it, however i'm unsure whether to, or to get the ABM 410 blueline cab instead, which is more than double the price, but it probably will be what i end up with in the future.
I've read that the sound quality is a lot better, but is it louder?
I am aware that it will get put through the speakers of a big venue, but that isn't always the case.
Thanks

 

[bassestkkm]

First off look at your head. Its putting out 575 watts through each channel. Your Speaker cabinet is only rated at 450W. A blue line 4x10 is rated at 650W new. that would cover 1 channel well. If you want a 115 as well then the MAG 115 will pair with your existing 410 to allow a total of 700ish watts. Soneone else will ring in about different cabinets and power to volume ratings. That thing is putting out way too much power to have only one 450W 410.

 

[Bass_Pounder]

Since the average 1X15 only puts out about the same as a 2X10, I would say the 4X10 will almost always be louder (and they also usually go lower then a 1X15) so don't see the point in mixing cabs.

 

[grenadilla]

To get louder, get another 410. For the most volume with that head, get big with two ABM 610s or two ABM 810s. Or two SVT cabinets. Remember you have two 575 watt power amps.(@4ohms) They might only put out 350-400 watts @8ohms. To go econo get 4ohm MAG 810 ($700). ROCK ON !

 

[RickenBoogie]

Don't add a 115 to a 410, that's as unbalanced a pair of cabs can be. But, the ABM 410 is a much better cab than your Mag 410. A pair of the ABM 410's would kill- one on each half of the amp. Balance.

 

[El Raro]

Don't forget there's also the issue of PERCEIVED loudness which is how loud your rig sounds based on its positioning. Putting your 410 on a raised platform (like a couple of milkcrates for example) will make it sound louder because its closer to ear-height.

Your amp is already pretty powerful at 8 Ohms (pushing 575 watts at that resistence). In fact, I'd say that your current MAG is the culprit as to your loudness issues since its max load is 450 watts - significantly under your amp's output. Mind you, this is a good way to damage your speakers too.
I'd recommend stacking two ABM 410's so the wattage is distributed. In doing so, you'll be running your amp at 4 Ohms meaning you'll utilise the full 900 watts of the head which will REALLY make you louder. Don't bother with the 115. As mentioned earlier, its a mismatched setup thats surrounded by misconception. What you want/need is more speakers to push more air to get a clearer sound. That's what will give you the impression of "loudness".

Otherwise, from personal experience with the ABM 410, a single cab should do you fine but I don't play in big bands with 2+ guitarists.