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How do I connect this amp to the cab?

V

vcklaas

Jul 26, 2022
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#1
Hi, I have a FENDER BXR DUAL BASS 400 and a BXR Spectrum 1x18 2x10. But I don't know how to connect them since I have only used combo amps until this point. What cables do I need and what Input/Outputs do I need to use? bass3.png
 

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#2
Welcome to TB!
What you have is a rig made for “bi-amping”. It’s a bit unique.
You need two 1/4” speaker cables, at least 3 feet in length each.
One connects from the output on the amp labeled SPEAKER LOW/A to the input of the cabinet labeled LOW RANGE.
One connects from the output on the amp labeled SPEAKER HIGH/B to the input of the cabinet labeled HIGH RANGE.
Set the Crossover control on the front to BI-AMP mode, the Crossover Balance to the middle position, and the Crossover Frequency to 300Hz.

With just about any other amp head, you would only have a single speaker output and you would connect it to the FULL RANGE input on the cabinet.

With just about any other cabinet, you would set the Crossover control to STEREO mode and use either one (or both) of the outputs.

https://www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/Original/10001/OM_leg_bassamp_BXR_Dual_Bass_400_19871993.pdf
 
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#4
Since you're new to "separates" I'll say this:
A 1/4" guitar cable is NOT the same as a 1/4" speaker cable.
If you have soldering skills, you can make your own speaker cables at a fraction of the cost.

But what you can't do is use guitar cables for speaker signals.
The ends will fit, and it'll transmit the sound...for a while - but there's a real possibility of frying the cable and damaging the amp.

For a biamp setup like this, it matters where each speaker cable goes.
What I'd do is...
  • Put a wrap of colored electrical tape around each end of the speaker cable.
  • Then put a wrap of a different color around the ends of the other cable.
  • Cut 2 squares of each color and stick them to the respective speaker outs and speaker inputs.
Then (for example) you're just plugging the yellow-labeled speaker cable into the yellow labeled jacks, and the red-labeled speaker cable into the red-labeled jacks.

Makes it easier to see with poor lighting and much harder to make mistakes.
 
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#5
vcklaas said:
Hi, I have a FENDER BXR DUAL BASS 400 and a BXR Spectrum 1x18 2x10. But I don't know how to connect them since I have only used combo amps until this point. What cables do I need and what Input/Outputs do I need to use?View attachment 4761954
Click to expand...

Slightly unusual connection arrangement on this amp cab combo, so good question...
You have all the right answers already so you have clearly come to the right place. Welcome to Talkbass!
 
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#7
vcklaas said:
Hi, I have a FENDER BXR DUAL BASS 400 and a BXR Spectrum 1x18 2x10. But I don't know how to connect them since I have only used combo amps until this point. What cables do I need and what Input/Outputs do I need to use?View attachment 4761954
Click to expand...
Low out (A) into low range, high out (B) into high range.

You need two 1/4" speaker cables.
 
#8
Just to emphasize this, while both guitar cords and speaker cables may end in 1/4" phone plugs, they are not the same thing. At your handy music vendor, ask for two speaker cables. They can be had in short lengths suitable for your application hooking up your amp to your speaker cabinet. For instance the one below comes in 3 foot or 6 foot lengths. Notice how much thicker the cable itself is compared to a standard guitar cord.:thumbsup:

upload_2022-7-27_9-31-26.png
 
#11
AND... I can't zoom in on the picture of the amp, but given that the speaker output jacks on the back are labeled A/B Stereo or Hi/Low, check the front of the amp for a switch that selects Bi-Amp or full range. It could be labeled different things, but have some reference to Bi-Amp. Make sure it's set to Bi-Amp to use it the way everyone's explained. I think there was a crossover knob to to change the frequency where it crosses the highs and lows to separate amps. Experiment with that to see what sounds best to you.
jte
 
#13
Taking them apart…
 

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#14
I've still got my old BXR400. Heavy beast, it is actually one preamp with two 200W power amplifiers in one box, without the ability to bridge the two power amps. Each power amp can only handle down to a 4-ohm load.

You can use either amp or both. When using only one side (e.g., with a single 8-ohm cab) you can use either output but be sure the amp is in Stereo (not Bi-amp) mode.

I used this amp with a 4-ohm Ampeg 2x15 and a pair of 8-ohm GK 1X15s, bi-amping and sending the lows to the Ampeg, crossed over at its lowest setting of 100 Hz.

With better, more modern, full range cabs - you'll get more from using the two amps in stereo mode.

I read once that these were the first line of bass amps Fender offered after moving back to Fullerton and the new ownership wanted to "get it right", and FWIW, each of those two 200W amps are very strong, very beefy. I was trying to keep up with two Marshall full stacks and a hard-hitting drummer playing in a Judas Priest-sounding heavy metal band... and that 400W 4x15 rig could (almost) do it!
 
#17
H Nighttrain said:
I've still got my old BXR400. Heavy beast, it is actually one preamp with two 200W power amplifiers in one box, without the ability to bridge the two power amps. Each power amp can only handle down to a 4-ohm load.

You can use either amp or both. When using only one side (e.g., with a single 8-ohm cab) you can use either output but be sure the amp is in Stereo (not Bi-amp) mode.

I used this amp with a 4-ohm Ampeg 2x15 and a pair of 8-ohm GK 1X15s, bi-amping and sending the lows to the Ampeg, crossed over at its lowest setting of 100 Hz.

With better, more modern, full range cabs - you'll get more from using the two amps in stereo mode.

I read once that these were the first line of bass amps Fender offered after moving back to Fullerton and the new ownership wanted to "get it right", and FWIW, each of those two 200W amps are very strong, very beefy. I was trying to keep up with two Marshall full stacks and a hard-hitting drummer playing in a Judas Priest-sounding heavy metal band... and that 400W 4x15 rig could (almost) do it!
Click to expand...
Sounds like a great rig! Hoping to do something similar with 18’s and 10’s. Going for that old Accept sound.
 

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