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How to safely run a 4 & 8 ohm cab?

G

Geddabass

Jan 23, 2012
25
0
#1
My amps are all rated anywhere from 280-300w @ 4ohms. I run a 215(200w @ 4ohm) or occasionally a Crate 1810(200w@4 ohms). I recently acquired a GK goldline 410(400w @8ohms) from a friend and I would like to run a combined 610/18 for our bigger venues. A tech I talked to said I`d be looking at about a 2.6 ohm load in which my amp would not be happy with. My question is, can this be done? What kind of amp would I need? Just Bi-amp?

Suggestions please.
 
#3
+1 to the above, but if you really want to do it safely, get a dual channel power amp, then pick your favorite preamp from your bass amps. Go out the send, or preamp out to the power amp. Most dual channel power amps can take different loads on each channel. There are bass amps, like the Carvin BX1500 which can take a 2 ohm load per side.
 
#5
jlepre said:
I wouldn't waste the time or effort. You would not be pleased with the sound you get. It would be quite a letdown, and not worth the extra $$$/EFFORT.

If you're REALLY curious, find a friend with an amp that can handle a 2 ohm load and give it a whirl.
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jnewmark said:
+1 to the above, but if you really want to do it safely, get a dual channel power amp, then pick your favorite preamp from your bass amps. Go out the send, or preamp out to the power amp. Most dual channel power amps can take different loads on each channel. There are bass amps, like the Carvin BX1500 which can take a 2 ohm load per side.
Click to expand...

These two posts pretty much sum it up. But, no harm in checking it out since you already have the cabs. As stated above, either a 2 ohm capable amp or a 2x4 ohms capable amp. If you try to run your 4 ohm rated amp @ 2.6 ohms you will inevitably fry the amp.
 
#7
These two posts pretty much sum it up. But, no harm in checking it out since you already have the cabs. As stated above, either a 2 ohm capable amp or a 2x4 ohms capable amp. If you try to run your 4 ohm rated amp @ 2.6 ohms you will inevitably fry the amp.[/QUOTE]

Any suggested amps under $500 that would do either?
 
#8
Geddabass said:
These two posts pretty much sum it up. But, no harm in checking it out since you already have the cabs. As stated above, either a 2 ohm capable amp or a 2x4 ohms capable amp. If you try to run your 4 ohm rated amp @ 2.6 ohms you will inevitably fry the amp.
Click to expand...

Any suggested amps under $500 that would do either?[/QUOTE]

The Carvin BX500 will do 2 ohms, but only 500 watts. I believe it's under $500.
 
#9
jlepre said:
I wouldn't waste the time or effort. You would not be pleased with the sound you get. It would be quite a letdown, and not worth the extra $$$/EFFORT.
Click to expand...

Geddabass said:
Could you elaborate on what I could expect?
Click to expand...

I can not speak for jlepre, but mixing speaker sizes and brands can get dodgy. There are quite a few threads in the amp section about the perils of mixing speakers. Some of the concerns are phase cancellation issues, EQ issues, etc, etc.

Not gonna say it's doomed from the start, but it's a crapshoot at best. High probability you'll end up with mud. I would def barrow/rent an capable amp to try it before spending money on a new(er) amp when mixing these cabs is unpredictable at best.

Ya never know 'till you try though. You could find your tonal bliss. Crank it up, have fun, & don't forget your earplugs. :D
 
#11
Any suggested amps under $500 that would do either?
Click to expand...

The Carvin BX500 will do 2 ohms, but only 500 watts. I believe it's under $500.
Click to expand...

500 watts is plenty. Also look at used gear, lots of great deals out there on non micro heads. Or get a used power amp that can do 2x4 oms and use the pre section of an amp you already have.

Disclaimer: I am in the "stick with the same size driver" camp.
But sometimes ya just gotta do for your self just for the sake of learning and growing.
 
#15
Geddabass said:
My amps are all rated anywhere from 280-300w @ 4ohms. I run a 215(200w @ 4ohm) or occasionally a Crate 1810(200w@4 ohms). I recently acquired a GK goldline 410(400w @8ohms) from a friend and I would like to run a combined 610/18 for our bigger venues. A tech I talked to said I`d be looking at about a 2.6 ohm load in which my amp would not be happy with. My question is, can this be done? What kind of amp would I need? Just Bi-amp?

Suggestions please.
Click to expand...

Get an extra amp head and run one as a slave.
 
#18
Running them both from the same head will get you nowhere fast. It's not all about whether or not the amp will. Ohm values AFFECT the equation that is your rig. Everything is not just a number, it's a VALUE. What that means (in short) is that the lower ohm cab will get most of the wattage, and the higher ohm cab will pretty much be a table to set the other one on. It's more complicated than that, but you get the idea. Your best bet would be to have a cab yard sale and take the proceeds to the nearest 8 ohm cab store so you wind up with two 8 ohm (hopefully matching) cabs. Take one to smaller gigs and two to bigger ones. Anything else is a crap shoot.
 

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