Help! Can I Use Both Inputs On The Same Cab

[StormeeBee]

Hey All! In a bit of a pinch here. I have an Ashdown ABM 900 head with 2 outputs (each output is 575W @ 4 ohms) I'm not getting enough power using an Aguilar GS212 cab (Accepts 600W RMS @ 8ohms). The cab has 2 what appear to be input jacks. Can I run both outputs from the head into both inputs on the cab?

 

[Mike A]

NO. Don't do it. There are two inputs to allow you to run daisychain from that cab to another cab, not to allow two different incoming powered signals.

 

[StormeeBee]

Thanks Mike, I was afraid of that. Looks like I'll have to pick up a different cab today.

 

[StraightSix]

Either get another 8ohm 212 and run a 412 rig or try a single 4ohm 212.

 

[StormeeBee]

I think I might try and trade in the GS212 for an Ampeg 410.

 

[bongomania]

I would strongly recommend getting another GS212 instead. That way you will get a 4 ohm load and double the speaker area, for maximum loudness. Much more potential loudness than an Ampeg 410.

 

[yodedude2]

Either get another 8ohm 212 and run a 412 rig or try a single 4ohm 212.

4x12! 4x12! 4x12!

 

[StraightSix]

Yup - doubling the speaker displacement effectively quadruples your volume output...the 410 wouldn't stand a chance

 

[Cirk]

2 2x12 cabs will work better in several ways. Don't always need both, easier to schlep, and the vertical stack for dispersion and monitoring. You already have a start, just grab a matching cab.

 

[StormeeBee]

The problem here is that there's a resistance mismatch and it's stealing my power. Amp is 4Ohm and Cab is 8. I'm afraid of doubling up and still not being able to hear anything.

 

[Bmorefoozler]

Watts are not your issue, speaker area is.
That cab can probably only handle a good, honest 300 watts.

 

[10cc]

The problem here is that there's a resistance mismatch and it's stealing my power. Amp is 4Ohm and Cab is 8. I'm afraid of doubling up and still not being able to hear anything.

If you double up two 8 ohm cabinets you'll be running your head at 4 ohms.

 

[StraightSix]

But as your amp has two outputs each with 575W @ 4ohms, you will only get 575W if you daisy-chain two 8ohm cabs out of one of the outputs - that is far more than you are currently getting (around 300W into 8ohms I would guess) and with twice the number of speakers will definitely be much louder.

If you want the ultimate rig, trade your 8ohm 212 for a pair of 4ohm 212 cabs - that will give you 575W into each cab (one from each amp output) and over a kilowatt of bass power if you use both together

 

[tbirdsp]

Yeah - I'd just get a matching 8 ohm 212 and try it both ways - both cabs hooked to one side for 575 into 4 ohms or one 8 ohm load on each side.

Doubling the speakers will make way more difference than 4 vs 8 ohms. Two 4 ohm cabs will end up being oddballs that you can't use chained together with most other heads down the line.

 

[Cirk]

Please read the stickies at the top of the list. Especially Ohm's Law. Thais should help clarify the arcane.

 

[Toolmybass]

That way you will get a 4 ohm load and double the speaker area, for maximum loudness. Much more potential loudness than an Ampeg 410.

Ampeg 410HLF has a 4ohm rating.
http://www.ampeg.com/products/classic/svt410hlf/

 

[bongomania]

...and much less speaker displacement.

 

[bassmachine2112]

2x 8 ohm for me and a matching cab would be good

 

[zenman]

I'm not sure the OP understands that his head has two power amps in it. Any single cabinet solution is still leaving half of his head unused.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Assuming you are almost there with the existing rig, doubling up your 8ohm 4x12 will get you to the happy place. You will gain 6db of headroom, giving each note significantly more heft.

Good thing you didn't plug both channels into the one cab, that could have smoked your amp in a millisecond.

8ohm per 2x12 is a nice cushion against you blowing them up with that amp. As someone mentioned, you don't have a wattage problem but a speaker area problem. Substituting with a 4ohm 410hlf would probably result in you toasting it at some stage.