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Markbass combo question..

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by fullcircle, Jul 6, 2008.

  1. Jul 6, 2008 #1
    fullcircle

    fullcircle Live your dreams

    Jan 24, 2004
    My apologies if this has been addressed before... I have a newer CMD-102P and was wondering what the lowest wattage extension cab I could safely use with it would be. Would it kill and melt a 200 watt, 8 ohm 15" cab?

    Thanks,Tom
     
  2. Jul 6, 2008 #2
    bugbass

    bugbass

    Apr 8, 2004
    Norway
    No, that would be fine
     
  3. Jul 8, 2008 #3
    fullcircle

    fullcircle Live your dreams

    Jan 24, 2004
    Actually, I e-mailed Markbass and got this answer:

    "As you know the combohead gives 500W of power with 4ohm impedance (with 8ohm extension cab) so a cabinet power handling 200W is underpowered, the extension cab power handling must be [email protected] minimum."
     
  4. Jul 8, 2008 #4
    KJung

    KJung

    Apr 9, 2005
    Wisconsin and Upper Michigan
    This makes no sense. Most who know anything about this realize that it is very rare that an amp puts out its full rated power long enough to 'cause a problem' with a speaker that is rated slightly below the amps maximum power output. 250 watts of power (i.e., half the 4ohm power output of the MB head into a second 8ohm cab) into a 200 watt maximum safe operating power rated cab is just about perfect. Also, the idea of '8ohm minimum' regarding a cabinet also makes no sense... 400 watts at 4ohms is the same as 400 watts at 8ohm... doesn't make sense.

    Of course, if you hear distortion, turn down a touch, but you should be just fine.

    Shame on the person who sent you that information.

    EDit: to be fair to the person from MB, they are probably making sure they cover their liability in case you crank the amp so loud that the cab does run into thermal problems and fail. They don't want you then coming back and saying 'but you told me it was OK'. Again, if you use your ears and make sure the cab isn't farting out, there's not reason that I know of that it shouldn't work just fine.
     
  5. Jul 8, 2008 #5
    fullcircle

    fullcircle Live your dreams

    Jan 24, 2004
    That's what I was thinking,too. The extension doesn't take anywhere near the whole 500 watts. I have a possible trade deal on a 200 watt,1x15 8 ohm cab. I think the speaker is an eminence (not 100% sure). The 102p is *great* on its own but there are situations (particularly outdoor gigs) where a little extra oomph would be good.
     
  6. Jul 8, 2008 #6
    Bassamatic

    Bassamatic keepin' the beat since the 60's

    Dec 7, 2007
    Studio City, SoCal, USA
    Perhaps Markbass is considering PEAK wattage - having a safety margin. Is the cabinet rated at 200W RMS or Peak?

    Either way, if you don't crank it full it should be OK. If it starts distorting, back it off.
     
  7. Jul 8, 2008 #7
    fullcircle

    fullcircle Live your dreams

    Jan 24, 2004
    The cab is 200 watts RMS, I believe.