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Parallel connection

TheOnlyJuan

TheOnlyJuan

Feb 27, 2012
228
12
Bronx, New York
#1
Fellow TBers,

I have done as much research as possible, without having to ask the same questions, and I still wind up pulling my hair out. I have a GK 410MBX and a 115MBX cabinet. Both are rated @ 8ohms. The 410 can hold 400 watts and the 115 200watts.

I have been experimenting with a number of amp heads (the most recent of which was the GK 400RB) and my cabs just do not sound right.

I was so desperate that I even contemplated selling the cabs because I just could not figure out how to get the most out of my cabs. Should I get rid of the 115 and stay with the 410 (I do not play in venues that require both - as a matter of fact I most use my Ampeg BA115 - but I would like to have a back-up and since I already have the cabs...).

If I stay with both, should I get a head that delivers 400 watts into 4ohms?

I have been reading many posts here, but I am still confused...maybe I should sell them anyway and get a nice combo amp for a back-up. What do you guys think?

Thanks,
 
#2
The MBX are darker somewhat boomy cabs. Do you like the sound of either on their own? The power handling of the 410 would be prefered but not if the 115 sounds better to you.
When mixing cabs ONLY double the lowest power handling. So in your case you would not want an amp that is rated to put out more than 400 watts @ 4 ohms load.

If you don't like the sound of either cab by itself, sell them both and look for other options.
 
#7
B-string said:
That is an odd power output figure for G-K? What model?
Click to expand...

I actually continued to look after my last post and I was looking at few options:

1. GK MB500 ultra light
2. Behringer BX4500H (may be a little light on the output).
3. Hartke LH500
4. Ampeg PF500 (MAAAYBE - I already have an Ampeg combo).

Any of these should be able to push my GK 410MBX.

I am open to any other suggestions. Since I will be getting rid of my 115MBX, I will just take the money I get for that and get something better. I was also of Markbass - I love the way their combos sound but I have not checked out their heads.
 
#10
HolmeBass said:
Good work, that's what I would have done in your situation. Then get the GK or the Hartke head, in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Thank HolmeBass. A lot of work and I still did not know if I was correct. I had tried at least a half dozen heads and I was wracking my brain trying to get the proper output so I said, "the hell with it. I need to ask the people that know about this the most". Thank goodness for the guys who created this site...and thanks for the recommendation...of all the heads that I have tried, the only one that I haven't has been the Hartke.
 
#12
B-string said:
I would personally choose the G-K or the Ampeg. Either will give you at least 350 watts to pound that 410, still concerned about whether the PF-500's are stable so be sure you go new from an authorized dealer.
Click to expand...

I will do my homework on all three (three more days until I get paid and cost IS a factor). I really do appreciate your input. It has helped me to significantly narrow down the field for the amp and finally pushed me off the fence to get rid of the 115.

Thanks guys!
 
#14
tjh said:
Do you like the sound of your 410 using the 400RB?
Click to expand...

I actually was having a hell of a time getting the nice clean sound that I was looking for (too much distortion and I do not use pedals). I tried everything including disconnecting one cab at a time. I got fed up with it and sold it to a friend of mine. I think that I will go with a simpler head and ditch the 115.

I've narrowed my new head to a Hartke LH500 or the Ampeg PF500 (which I already know how to set up because it is the exact same layout as my Ampeg BA115).
 

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