Overheating problem/new stuff?

[natbers78]

OK...here we go. I was on a gig last night using my Acoustic Image Focus IIR running through a Berg HT 322 and an Acme 2x10 in parallel (both are 4 ohm cabs, so that's a 2 ohm load, right?). The amp shut off in the middle of the set (on "Billie Jean", no less!) due to what I'm guessing is overheating. I called AI today and they said I should try running the amp at 4 ohms. I do realize I push that amp really hard most of the time. I also use a synth pedal with the sub octave quite a bit, so I'm sure that doesn't really help the situation. My question is this: if I wanted to continue to run two 4 ohm cabs together off the same amp, how do I do it with out over-doing it? I realize I won't be able to do this with the AI, so feel free to suggest different amps, power amps, pre-amps, etc. I know there are some amps that have two power amps in them. Would that be a possibility to drive two 4 ohm cabs at once? Are there any other amps that can handle a two ohm load and not overheat? Please help!

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Seems like you were just pushing your amp too much, was it clipping or anything? If it wasn't, I would be wondering if maybe it is more a problem with the amp.

Two 4 ohm loads in parallel is 2 ohms .

You could always add another power amp. Run one cab from your AI and the other from a seperate power amp (i'm assuming the AI will have a Preamp out or something). Or you could always run both cabs from a stereo power amp as you suggested. That would also give you control over the volume of the individual cabs.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Carvin B1500 should fit the bill nicely. You could also go with a pre/power setup. That way you could run each cabinet from one channel and use the level controls to balance the cabinets for a better distribution of sound. I'm very happy with my Carvin DCM1000 power amp.

Paul

 

[natbers78]

The amp definitely was not clipping. I thought it was odd that it got so warm. I had the gain at about 10 o' clock and the master usually stays about halfway up.

 

[Scotty53]

If the head doesn't like running at 2 ohms you could always get a separate power amp as others have said or rewire one of your cabs to series.

 

[PeterT55]

A GK2001 RB would work well too. It has 2 power amps in it and it also handles 2 ohm loads....plenty of power too. I love mine! Hope you find something you like.......it's all about the sound...gotta have it!