Cab for SWR Interstellar Overdrive

[Ox Han]

I’ve been a lurker on here for a while and now I need advice that I haven’t been able to dig up from previous threads.

I picked up an SWR IOD for recording. I’m hoping to use it also as both a guitar and bass amp (for recording) in addition to a bass pre going into a two notes cab sim.

the question: Can the IOD even push a regular bass cab, like a 2x12 or a 4x10, when being used as an amp? Also, what’s a good bass cab to pair with the IOD? I’d like to buy used but new options are also welcome.

I’m only recording so I think a 1x10 or 1x12 is fine for my needs, but I’m open to suggestions.

thanks

 

[pickles]

Mine sounded phenomenal with a bergantino nv610. It’s just 5W, so it doesn’t get loud, but sounds great.

 

[Ox Han]

Mine sounded phenomenal with a bergantino nv610. It’s just 5W, so it doesn’t get loud, but sounds great.

The IOD could push a 6x10? If so, I guess I’m not really limited in options. I was thinking “how can 5W push a 700w cab?

Not loud is perfect for my needs.

 

[pickles]

It’ll push any cab to as loud as that cab will get with 5 watts. Which is about half as loud as it would be with 50 watts.

 

[Omega Monkey]

I would think something tweeterless and full range like either of the Trace ELF cabs (2x8 or 1x10) would probably be perfect for that.

Alternately, if you wanted something really purpose built, you could find a really nice 8 or 10" driver and build an "over sized" lower tuned cab for it. Since you won't be using a ton of power, the drop in power handling from the low tuning shouldn't be an issue, and you should get a nice deep, full sound as long as you don't over do it. You can play with the tuning and volume in WinISD with the TS parameters of the driver you pick to get a nice flat response to way down low.

 

[Ox Han]

I would think something tweeterless and full range like either of the Trace ELF cabs (2x8 or 1x10) would probably be perfect for that.

Alternately, if you wanted something really purpose built, you could find a really nice 8 or 10" driver and build an "over sized" lower tuned cab for it. Since you won't be using a ton of power, the drop in power handling from the low tuning shouldn't be an issue, and you should get a nice deep, full sound as long as you don't over do it. You can play with the tuning and volume in WinISD with the TS parameters of the driver you pick to get a nice flat response to way down low.

I agree. I don’t want a tweeter/horn. Just a bass speaker. I have looked at those Trace Elliott ELF speakers and they look like they’d be good. Never heard one though. I have also looked at that ampeg svt 210 because there seem to be a good number on the used market and people seem to really like that amp/cab.

As to your other suggestion. It’s good but not for me. It’s Above my pay grade, out of my skill set and something I don’t have time to do.

 

[zekmoe]

I had one and didn’t love it. It seemed to change sound the longer it was on. Had it looked at and they found nothing.

 

[Ox Han]

I had one and didn’t love it. It seemed to change sound the longer it was on. Had it looked at and they found nothing.

tubes change as they warm up, but after about an hour will reach there spot. Both amps and tube mics will sonically change a little as the tube(s) warm up.

is that what was happening or something different?

 

[zekmoe]

tubes change as they warm up, but after about an hour will reach there spot. Both amps and tube mics will sonically change a little as the tube(s) warm up.

is that what was happening or something different?

It was long ago, when they were new, and I used it as an overdrive, not as an amp if I recall. I didn’t have much experience with amps then so it’s possible.

 

[SC Bassboy]

I've been using a IOD for over 10 years now. The grit/drive definitely changes as it warms up. I always turned mine on during soundcheck and left it on until we went on stage later, otherwise I would have to tweak the drive/blend knobs a little after it warmed up. As other threads concerning the IOD have discussed it sounds different when its pushing a speaker, more organic and squishy, so I got to where I had a 1x15 cabinet sitting beside my 8x10 cabinet. The IOD speaker output drives the 1x15 and then the line out goes to a GK head that pushes the 8x10. It's not practical now that I no longer play in a touring band with roadies to help me move everything around but it sure sounded great.

 

[NKBassman]

I know this is an old thread, but just a note: The Speaker Output is before the EQ section on the IOD, so if you're using it to drive a cab you will have no EQ control over the sound.

 

[rickdog]

One other note: connecting a real speaker will change the sound out the line out. The complex impedance of the speaker affects the power amp differently from the pure resistive dummy load. I experimented with hooking a small speaker (laid face down on a carpet to muffle it) to mine and listening through headphones. I like it better, to the point where I'm contemplating building a speaker load simulator.

I think I've also seen mention of people getting feedback through that speaker if they have it on stage while routing the signal to a much bigger amp - the speaker actually acts as a crude microphone and injects a signal back into the preamp. I haven't tried that myself.