How to safely run a 4 & 8 ohm cab?

[jlepre]

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.

You spoke for me just fine. I couldn't have said it better myself. This A/B/Y box sounds interesting. I've never seen/tried one though.

 

[ko stradivarius]

I think zon6c-f assumes the OP has two amplifiers, and is suggesting he simply split the bass's signal between them with a Y chord or box.

Sure. Easy enough. I thought maybe there was some jedi mind trick involved.
In that case slaving the second amp should be just as easy.

 

[smogg]

You spoke for me just fine. I couldn't have said it better myself. This A/B/Y box sounds interesting. I've never seen/tried one though.

Thank you sir. If the OP has two amps already then the a/b/y box would be a nice option as you could dial up two separate EQ options. Whereas slaving would only give one EQ option. But then again slaving would be the cheapest "test" solution. (ie: only the cost of a short line cable)

 

[zon6c-f]

Simple signal splitter.

You can plug (1) bass INto the box. It has (2) outputs. Plug an instrument cord to the (2 ) OUTputs; one line each into a seperate amp; ohmage not a concern. Should have (2) button/ switches. Depress to engage: Either one amp or the other or both simultaneously.

Kind of like "mock" stereo; you can run one amp bassy; the other clean. One with effects; the other dry.

Another great feature is the reverse: (2) basses into one amp.
If you need a 4-string for so many songs and your 5-er for just one..Plug each bass INto it, with a cord going OUT into your amp. Same button/switches will now cut either bass on/off or both ON..I don't recommend the latter, as the bass awaiting in its stand will vibrate,sending that signal into the amp as well. Or you may want to switch from fretted to fretless without having to stop and plug-in another bass.

I have no concerns about the box changing tone; adding or subtracting either tone or volume; ity does neither. It is purely a switching device which adds no color of its own.

Best investment in a "box" yet. Makes switching sooo easy. Many brands and priced points all do as above. Do a search pick one.