Ignorant cab input question

[jbasski]

All modern speaker cabs have two input jacks, I assume to enable daisy chaining a second cabinet. My question is: can I run two amp heads into one cab if I'm only using one at a time? It's a matter of doubling, two different instruments, two heads, and one cabinet?? Thanks.

 

[DannyW]

NO!

 

[abarson]

You must absolutely NOT connect two heads to one cabinet!!!

...even if you have great home insurance and are buddies with the fire department.

 

[beans-on-toast]

A modern SVT810E allows that. One amp connects to the top 410’s, the other to the bottom 410 group. This connection has to be done using the correct jacks. Some other cabs allow this.

On most cabs, this is not the case. The two jacks are connected in parallel for daisy chaining as you said. This would connect the two amps together and cause a serious problem.

 

[Redbrangus]

Just no. If you had a cab that allows you to separate it into two different loads, you'd know it. It's marked.

Also, just in case you didn't think to ask... not even if one of the heads is turned off and/or unplugged. It's still no.

 

[Drredplate]

Each amp would see the output impedance of the other amp which is extremely low effectively a short. This could destroy both amps

 

[S-Bigbottom]

NOT EVEN TURNED OFF.

 

[Michedelic]

All modern speaker cabs have two input jacks, I assume to enable daisy chaining a second cabinet. My question is: can I run two amp heads into one cab if I'm only using one at a time? It's a matter of doubling, two different instruments, two heads, and one cabinet?? Thanks.

First of all, like everyone else has said, NO!!! Any of the split cabs mentioned are exceptions, and are used for different purposes.
The main question is, what are the “two different instruments”? Two unlike basses? A bass and guitar? Bass and keys? If it’s any of those scenarios, what is/are the amp(s) being used and what is the cab? What’s the difference in EQ requirements? If drastically apart, you could use two separate pre-amp or EQ pedals(different effects for each, if used?)with maybe a A/B switch set-up or to keep it simple, a programmable EQ like the Source Audio 270 EQ2, all going into one amp.

 

[Tommy Sparks]

There’s magic smoke in your amps and you will definitely let it out. It needs to stay inside to operate properly.

 

[themickster]

It's fair and wise to ask. Ignorant/stupid would be to do without asking first.

 

[Lobster11]

It's fair and wise to ask. Ignorant/stupid would be to do without asking first.

True dat. How many times have we seen threads that start with something like "I think I might have just killed two amps. All I did was.... Was that wrong?"

 

[Slevage]

A modern SVT810E allows that. One amp connects to the top 410’s, the other to the bottom 410 group. This connection has to be done using the correct jacks. Some other cabs allow this.

On most cabs, this is not the case. The two jacks are connected in parallel for daisy chaining as you said. This would connect the two amps together and cause a serious problem.

It’s just a visual situation- no different than stacking two cabinets of your choice and connecting an amp to each cabinet.

 

[roccobass]

You did the right thing by asking. Never not do this. It’s all good. I still ask ignorant questions and I’ve been playing 45 years. By the way, I’m in the DO NOT CONNECT TWO AMPS INTO ONE CAB crowd also. If you’re interested in the really technical side of this, there’s a TBer you can PM. He’s really knowledgeable! (agedhorse).

 

[HolmeBass]

I agree with the stark consensus:

NO!

 

[lug]

It really depends on your goal. If your goal it to make magic smoke just once, then sure!

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

All modern speaker cabs have two input jacks, I assume to enable daisy chaining a second cabinet. My question is: can I run two amp heads into one cab if I'm only using one at a time? It's a matter of doubling, two different instruments, two heads, and one cabinet?? Thanks.

No

 

[baxter_x]

Good Idea for the 4 of July!

 

[Drredplate]

You did the right thing by asking. Never not do this. It’s all good. I still ask ignorant questions and I’ve been playing 45 years. By the way, I’m in the DO NOT CONNECT TWO AMPS INTO ONE CAB crowd also. If you’re interested in the really technical side of this, there’s a TBer you can PM. He’s really knowledgeable! (agedhorse).

Agree it’s best to ask. If you ask enough “ignorant “ questions you will end up as an expert

 

[Killing Floor]

Only if you post the video.

 

[Tommy Sparks]

There is no such thing as a stupid question.