Double Bass Clarus SL @ 2 ohms

[Adrian Cho]

I've already sent a message to Rick @ AI but thought I'd ask here too:

Has anybody run a Clarus SL with a 2 ohm load (or any of the other AI heads rated at 2 ohms)? I'm running a Wizzy 10 now and considering adding in some instances, either an 8 ohm cab or another 4 ohm cab.

 

[jweiss]

I have used my Focus several times at 2 ohms (and loud volume) with two 4 ohm Acme Low B-2 cabs. Works fine, although the amp does get a bit warmer then when running at 4 ohms.

 

[LowNote]

I have routinely run a Clarus SL, a first generation Focus and a second generation focus into a two-ohm load, generally two ContraEX speakers or two Wizzy 10s. The only time I ever had a problem was one gig that involved doubling, and I needed to get quite loud for a Blue Brothers set. I was playing through the 2nd generation Focus into the 2 ContraEX cabs, and the amp started cutting out for short periods intermittently. When I spoke to Rick about it afterwards, he felt that the relative inefficiency (necessary in order to get the very low frequencies with no roll-off) of the original ContraEX cabs just weren't designed to have loud punchy bass guitar lines thrown at them. The amps have protection circuits built in so that I didn't do any damage. It was these circuits kicking in that caused the intermittent drop-outs. When I switched to 2 Wizzy 10s, I've never had a problem and two of those speakers can get loud indeed.

Erik Hansen
Scotland

 

[SAlcott]

I had the same experience running the Clarus with a WZ10 and a WZ12. I hit a big low B (bass guitar) and the amp cut out. Rick reminded me that actual impedance with bass can get REALLY low (like 1/10 ohm) when low notes and hard attack combine with volume.

 

[yodedude2]

I've already sent a message to Rick @ AI but thought I'd ask here too:

Has anybody run a Clarus SL with a 2 ohm load (or any of the other AI heads rated at 2 ohms)? I'm running a Wizzy 10 now and considering adding in some instances, either an 8 ohm cab or another 4 ohm cab.

i've used my focus series three at many loud 'slab' gigs running at 2 ohms or at 2.67 ohms with absolutely no problems save one: at daytime outdoor gigs with the amp placed in the sunlight, the amp would shut off. this happened twice. the solution: place the amp in the shade and keep it out of direct sunlight. huzzah! hth, later, ron