haed-cabinat switch

[EmpInfNed]

I have at home two heads and a single cabinet: I wondered if, on the market, there are switches (so I don't have to move the speaker cable from one head to the other anytime).

Something similar to this:
ACS 4x2 - Amplifier Cabinet Switcher — KHE Audio | Amp Cab Switchers
or to this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
or to this:
https://www.palmer-germany.com/it/prodotti/signal-splitter-e-switcher/5242/tino-system

but much cheaper and possible without the need to insert my instrument jack inside the device (because I'd prefer to insert it directly into the specific amp I want to use).

Also different solutions are welcome.

Thank you very much

 

[abarson]

These are specialty hand built units and are priced accordingly.
I’m surprised that none of them list the maximum power that can be run through them. Bass amps often are more powerful than guitar amps and may be too much for the switch.
Radial Engineering has the Headbone VT which does the same and can work with amps up 100 watts.
Headbone VT Features - Radial Engineering

I can’t think of a way to route the bass’ signal without it connecting through the unit.

 

[mellobud]

Does your cab have two inputs?

You could potentially run your bass to an a/b y box to both amps and connect both amps to the cab.

 

[EmpInfNed]

Does your cab have two inputs?
You could potentially run your bass to an a/b y box to both amps and connect both amps to the cab.

Yes, the cab has got two inputs. Is it possible to connect two different amps in that way (one for input)? I tought the second cab input was for connecting an additional cabinet only.
But, before to do it, I want to be sure it is possible and I don't damage anything.

P.S. If it works it's ok + (if I understand well the usage you suggest) I don't think I need the "a/b y box" because I'm fine connecting my instrument jack directly to the one the two amp I want to use.

Thank you

 

[abarson]

Does your cab have two inputs?

You could potentially run your bass to an a/b y box to both amps and connect both amps to the cab.

It’s terrible advise to connect both amps to the same cabinet at the same time! Damage is guaranteed!

 

[Redbrangus]

Yes, that's a terrible idea. Even if one of the amps is switched off -- do NOT do that. It's the equivalent of plugging the output of one amp into the output jack of the other. As pointed out -- damage is sure to occur.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

NO!
NO!
NO!

Does your cab have two inputs?

You could potentially run your bass to an a/b y box to both amps and connect both amps to the cab.

You will send power from one to the other and back to the other killing it all. Even if one amp is turned off.

Some amps you may be able to do this add a switch box thing, without knowing EXACTLY what you have it should not be recommended.
Any Class D amp, NOPE! Not with any "Special Box".

 

[agedhorse]

Any speaker selector used for bass (because most class D amps are internally bridged) MUST be fully isolated. Otherwise one or both amps can be damaged… expensive damage too.

 

[mellobud]

You guys are awesome.

I had this recommended to me by a well respected local “pro sound tech”. I put it in my back pocket in case a need ever arose.
Never once thought to question the guy because he has run so many events.

He was either being malicious or truly is not as reputable I thought he was.

Apologies on misinformation spreading

 

[Wasnex]

Is it really that much easier/neater to use a switch? I believe my current amp count is 32. I usually switch between two speaker systems that are located on opposite ends of the room.

The pair of EV TL405 cabs are spaced out a bit, because my TV is between them. I have one speakON run permanently between them, so they are in parallel. I also have a second short speakON connected to each cab that is layed over the top of the cab for easy access. The cab on the left has a pair vintage SVTs stacked on top of it. The cab on the right has an Ashdown 427 on top.

The other speakers I use are a pair of Genz Benz 1288Ts. The jack panels on these have one speakON and two 1/4" jacks. Depending on which amp I am using I use either a short speakON jumper or a short 1/4" to 1/4" jumper.

All of my solid-state amps speakON outputs. Many of my tube amps use 1/4" or combo speakON.

Some of the amps have a short speaker cable connected permanently to their 4-ohm output. I dangle the cable over the table so it hangs down in front. This makes it easy to plug to patch into the longer cable that run to the speakers. I eave the speaker cable connected to these amps because it's not really possible to see the markings that designate the output impedance.

Cables:​

I use a variety of short speakON cables and one that is 30' long. I also use a variety of short 1/4" to 1/4" speaker cables.

Adapters:​

Neutrik NL4MMX
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Hosa 1/4" to speakON

The exposed shield of this 1/4" adapter presents a hazard for amps that operate in bridge mode. With tube amps, the sleeve is connected to ground. With amps that operate in bridge mode, the output is differential. This means both the + and - terminals carry voltage.

As you see. Amplifier #2 drives the - output, so it carries AC voltage. So you need to be careful to avoid shorting the sleeve of the 1/4" connector to the chassis, or holding it in your hand while the amp is on.

 

[Michedelic]

Does your cab have two inputs?

You could potentially run your bass to an a/b y box to both amps and connect both amps to the cab.

I can see the smoke from here.

 

[Turnaround]

Does your cab have two inputs?

You could potentially run your bass to an a/b y box to both amps and connect both amps to the cab.

NO! Don't ever connect two amps to the same cab without some kind of switch that connects either one head or the other to the cab. Only one head at a time.

 

[Michedelic]

I have at home two heads and a single cabinet: I wondered if, on the market, there are switches (so I don't have to move the speaker cable from one head to the other anytime).

Something similar to this:
ACS 4x2 - Amplifier Cabinet Switcher — KHE Audio | Amp Cab Switchers
or to this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
or to this:
https://www.palmer-germany.com/it/prodotti/signal-splitter-e-switcher/5242/tino-system

but much cheaper and possible without the need to insert my instrument jack inside the device (because I'd prefer to insert it directly into the specific amp I want to use).

Also different solutions are welcome.

Thank you very much

What is your endgame here? What heads are you using, and what’s the nature of the cabinet(i.e. what drivers are in the box, and what’s the wattage)? IF you’re trying to switch between two different sounds during the course of your gig(if you’re gigging), there are much easier ways to go about that…using preamp, EQ, filter, boost, etc. pedals for a start. There are endless, more convenient options. OR…is there a problem with bringing another cabinet for the other amp?

 

[Zoffy]

I believe this is what you want. You can run two different amp heads through a common amp cab with this.

 

[AGCurry]

It would be possible to build a box that does this, if you can find the right switch. It would need six terminals. In one position, the wires from amp A would be connected with the speaker while the wires from amp B would be disconnected. In the other position, amp A's wires would be disconnected and amp B's wires would be connected.

Caveats:
1. The switch would have to handle the power;
2. Most switches work by opening/closing ONE wire. You need a switch which does two, for each amp, at a time;
2. The amps would need to be capable of working without a connected speaker.

Is it worth it? Not to me.

 

[AGCurry]

I believe this is what you want. You can run two different amp heads through a common amp cab with this.

View attachment 4690942

I don't think that's right. It looks like an A/B box for an electric instrument to use two amplifiers, not two amplifiers to use one speaker.

 

[Zoffy]

I don't think that's right. It looks like an A/B box for an electric instrument to use two amplifiers, not two amplifiers to use one speaker.

Yes, I think you are correct. The MESA Head-Track seems to be the one for multiple heads and one cab - good catch!

 

[agedhorse]

I believe this is what you want. You can run two different amp heads through a common amp cab with this.

View attachment 4690942

No, that's NOT a speaker switcher, it's a signal switcher into amps.

Note that many guitar switcher products are not isolated and can cause damage when used switching speakers.

 

[Zoffy]

No, that's NOT a speaker switcher, it's a signal switcher into amps.

Note that many guitar switcher products are not isolated and can cause damage when used switching speakers.

Yes, my mistake; would the MESA Head-Track would work for 2 heads into one amp?

 

[ardgedee]

Yes, my mistake; would the MESA Head-Track would work for 2 heads into one amp?

From the owner's manual:

Amplifier & Load Rating: 4, 8 or 16 ohm @ 150W Max.

That's considerably less than most bass amp heads.