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Combine Two AMPEG BA-210 V2 Combos

nashman

nashman

Feb 11, 2011
559
137
#1
I recently bought an Ampeg BA-210 V2 (used). I've been looking for a second (Ampeg, 8 ohm) cab to add to it and I have come to the conclusion my best bet might be to "slave" a second BA-210. If one breaks I still have the other. My question is, what would be the best way to connect these two combos together? Using an instrument cable(?) go from "send" on one to "return" of the other? Would the amp in the second cab come into play or does the second cab just become a passive slave to the first? These combos are 283W standalone (8 ohm), 450W when adding an 8 ohm cab (4 ohm). Thanks in advance !!!!
 
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#2
Yes, connect your bass to combo A, use a 1/4" jumper cable from the Send on combo A to connect to the Return of combo B. The preamp of combo B is now bypassed, essentially turning it into a powered cabinet. All tone control is performed on combo A.
If you get real crazy, you can add an external 8 ohms cabinet to each combo.
Why is it easier/better to get a second combo rather than an external cabinet?
 
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#3
When I look at what Ampeg has available for 2x10, it would seem another BA-210 V2 would be a good option. Some of the Ampeg 2x10 options are either not best for stacking the two together, or they are expensive relative to a BA-210 V2 - which also has another amp and could be run standalone.
 
#4
abarson said:
Yes, connect your bass to combo A, use a 1/4" jumper cable from the Send on combo A to connect to the Return of combo B. The preamp of combo B is now bypassed, essentially turning it into a powered cabinet. All tone control is performed on combo A.
If you get real crazy, you can add an external 8 ohms cabinet to each combo.
Why is it easier/better to get a second combo rather than an external cabinet?
Click to expand...

Thank you!

The jumper cable would be a short 1/4" instrument versus cabinet cable, correct?

Is just the preamp of combo B bypassed, or is the combo B amplifier bypassed as well - i.e. would the amp of combo A drive both cabs at 450W @4 ohm, or would the amp in combo B also be engaged, where I'd be running 2 combos at their native 283W each @8ohm? ... and also, would the volume control on combo B control the output of combo B, or also be bypassed?
 
#5
I wouldn't slave it myself. You can have all kinds of fun by running them in stereo using an A/B box, Sansamp, or chorus as a splitter. You can dial up a thick sound on one and a little midrangey overdrive on the other to cut through the mix. Really good choruses sound better through 2 amps also, which is why some have one-in and two-out jacks.
 
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#6
jeff7bass said:
I wouldn't slave it myself. You can have all kinds of fun by running them in stereo using an A/B box, Sansamp, or chorus as a splitter. You can dial up a thick sound on one and a little midrangey overdrive on the other to cut through the mix. Really good choruses sound better through 2 amps also, which is why some have one-in and two-out jacks.
Click to expand...

Thanks, good option to consider. Maybe a simple Y splitter cable would do!
 
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#9
nashman said:
Thank you. Everyone is being super helpful. Greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

nashman, if you look a few weeks back in thr Combo Club, we have a member who exactly what you're talking about. He bought two combos and described what his plans were for them. Start in early December and look for his pictures. Also, ask any questions you want and someone will be there to answer them.
 
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#12
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#20
nashman said:
When I look at what Ampeg has available for 2x10, it would seem another BA-210 V2 would be a good option. Some of the Ampeg 2x10 options are either not best for stacking the two together, or they are expensive relative to a BA-210 V2 - which also has another amp and could be run standalone.
Click to expand...
I would just go with a 210he, and tilt back the combo on top of it.
 

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