Epifani 310 (series 1) "farting"

[paulygonemad]

I picked up this Bugera head because it was cheap.

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I know there won't be many fans out there, but this thing seems pretty solid and I have 60 days to return it if I decide against it. I am trying to run this head through an older Epifani 310 (Non NEO/Older version) and it simply farts out before it gets loud enough for me. I play in a Heavy band, not metal but I do require a ton of low end and volume to pull off our songs live. I am thinking I either...
A) am underpowering that Epifani
or
B) Need a cab that can take the low end.

I am looking at the SVT-410HLF, which I can pick up fairly cheap. I will be testing the Bugera on that cab and will gladly post up the results.

Any ideas? I am not a rich man so be gentle
Head = 550w @ 4 OHMS
Cab is 5.3 OHMS, really not buying the specs I see online for it, 700w would melt this thing I think.
Cab is used and I don't know much about its history, could very well have blown speakers.

 

[Marton]

Had you tried the cab with another head ? Maybe it's a blown speaker.

 

[paulygonemad]

I am waiting on my buddy who plays in a band in our bandroom complex. After I try out his cab with this head I will post up.

 

[Rick Auricchio]

You're simply asking too much of that cabinet. By cranking the low EQ you'll cause almost any cab to fart out.

 

[paulygonemad]

100% correct.
A good little cab really, for the right setting. I adjusted my tone to that of someone less abusive and I must say this Epifani has a very true, clean tone. It got loud enough to be heard once I thinned out my tone. I could see matching it with a smaller SS head and a sansamp type pedal. I would even mic this cab before going DI, as it sounded great when I did so through a PA system.

I am going to pick up an Ampeg SVT-410HLF, as it seems to go as low as I need and pairs up with my head well. This little Epifani will most assuredly find a good home. I just need something I can abuse a bit more.

The Bugera has sounded great through a few cabs. I will let you guys know how it works out down the road. It really does sound surprisingly good.

 

[paulygonemad]

I upgraded to an Ampeg SVT-410 HLF (American) and I have to say this head is brutal.

We will still have to see about durability, but I have more power than I need. This head is rated at 550 watts @ 4ohms, the cab is a 500w @ 4 ohms encasing 4X10's w/driver, ported for a usable lowend response of 28hz.

The tube pres are very, very hot. They even suggest in the manual that you dial in the Gain knob to where a certain light is just hitting red. I have found anything beyond that will blow up buildings. I would highly suggest compressing your signal pre head if you are a finger player. The Gain is insane.

The "Valve Gain" knob adds plenty of grit. I have yet to really dial in the amount I want yet. That is a fairly subtle effect, which is actually all that is needed as there is already a considerable amount of nastiness present in the tone of this thing. Around 3/4 knob was sounding very gritty, without pushing too far.

Eq knobs/sliders are touchy. Some heads have some play, these really don't. I was able to dial in a good sound in a 2 hour sitting. You have the standard Ultra low and highs, I am abusive so I hit both. The Low end needs to be controlled if you use Ultra Low, it really is a bit over the top. Using both and killing the mids gives a good, beefy 70's tone when used with the Valve Gain. Boosting the highs and mid highs results in that really bouncy twang. Slapping is incredible with that setting.
Oh, did I say more bass than Oprah has A$$? Really, I have to say perhaps too much, but I was able to dial it in. Coupled with the svt-410hlf I was knocking stuff off the walls.

I really don't need to say, "Great for $399", but being able to say that makes the head even better. I am surprised by its brutality, so much grit with so much bottom available. Nice clear highs if you want them, plenty really. Spank away.