Your struggles are very odd. My 410HLF is anything but boomy & scooped. I found my Ampeg head to be the source of that concern.
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Parting with my Ampeg 410hlf
- Thread starter jd_watt
- Start date
I agree about the 410HLF- I really wanted to like it; I was going to buy one and re-grill it to match my 70's SVT's. I lined all 3 Ampeg cabs up side by side at Truetone and tested them with an SVT head. The 410 was out of control in the sub area. The 8x10 was tight and classic (4 isolated 2x10 cabs essentially,) but the 610 was the tonal winner for my thing. The right kind of low end and tight throughout (open cab design.) It was the least colored to my ears and good for a big stage.
I also have a Eden 4x10 that I used for years. It's been great- but now sits in my storage locker in it's road case (with it's brother 1X15- same scenario.) OP, (or anyone in/near LA) I would let it (them) go for peanuts.
I also have a Eden 4x10 that I used for years. It's been great- but now sits in my storage locker in it's road case (with it's brother 1X15- same scenario.) OP, (or anyone in/near LA) I would let it (them) go for peanuts.
Maybe it's something with the PF-410HLF? Different design? I had to turn the horn off on mine, as it was too trebly.
I'd say give a 15 a try or two. There not for everyone but I would say my SVT-15 nails the clear lows and mids sound.
I have the same head and I use a Fender P also. I was looking for less of a "Hi-Fi" sound than my SWR SM400S with a Goliath IV rig was giving me. I wanted something a little wooly without giving up all of my articulation. I originally was gonna go with a 4x10 HLF, but I found it to be too boomy as well. Then, I found a used Ampeg 4x10 HE, totally different animal. Very tight and articulate but with that Ampeg sound I was looking for.
I have since found a second 4x10 HE so I can run just one of them or both while keeping the same sound profile. Adding the second cab just makes it louder for when that type of thing comes in handy. (outdoor shows or particularly big rooms)
The 4x10 HE is kinda heavy at around 90lbs, but it has good handles and comes with easily removable casters.
I have since found a second 4x10 HE so I can run just one of them or both while keeping the same sound profile. Adding the second cab just makes it louder for when that type of thing comes in handy. (outdoor shows or particularly big rooms)
The 4x10 HE is kinda heavy at around 90lbs, but it has good handles and comes with easily removable casters.
The older, US made SVT-410HLFs sound darker and "muddier" than the newer, Asian ones. There is a clear difference.
Many traditional bass amps are to low on power and have too much baked in tone to work well with these cabs, IME.
If I run my LMII (reported to be a vary "flat" amp) into a QSC PLX PA amp, I get more control, clarity, SPL and sheer impact from these cabs, compared to using the internal power amp.
I sometimes add a bit of high mid boost, perhaps to 1 o'clock and have NO problem getting a dynamic, open tone that sits nicely in the mix.
This regardless if I play a vintage Precision, EMG Jazz, luthier fretless or short scale "thump machine".
I can imagine the speaker will not work that great with a dark, growly Ampeg amp or anything with a Fender tone stack.
Many traditional bass amps are to low on power and have too much baked in tone to work well with these cabs, IME.
If I run my LMII (reported to be a vary "flat" amp) into a QSC PLX PA amp, I get more control, clarity, SPL and sheer impact from these cabs, compared to using the internal power amp.
I sometimes add a bit of high mid boost, perhaps to 1 o'clock and have NO problem getting a dynamic, open tone that sits nicely in the mix.
This regardless if I play a vintage Precision, EMG Jazz, luthier fretless or short scale "thump machine".
I can imagine the speaker will not work that great with a dark, growly Ampeg amp or anything with a Fender tone stack.
I was in the same boat at one point. Couldn't stand the boomy nature of the hlf. I'm currently using a ampeg 410he. Easier to move, easier to pickup, and the tone is much more controlled an balanced. The big issue i had with the hlf is its no where near flat sounding so I'd cut lows and boost mids to get a sound i liked but then the xlr signal off my pre was useless because it didn't have enough lows
Dang, all I can think of is when I tried the 410HLF with an SVT-CL at a Guitar Center and I loved the sound. Granted, it was just me playing and it was my first dip into tube amps. It definitely brought the boom so I can see how it may be a problem in band situations.
Fortunately, I'll never have to worry about it not jiving with my rig. I've got the 810 and my next cab(s) will be something smaller for my RH450 (probably a 2x112 or 2x210).
Fortunately, I'll never have to worry about it not jiving with my rig. I've got the 810 and my next cab(s) will be something smaller for my RH450 (probably a 2x112 or 2x210).
I tried a 410hlf with my SVT-3 Pro and wasn't very impressed. Very boomy and not a lot of mids. I ended up getting a GK Neo 410 and I'm more than happy! As much lows as the 410hlf would dish out but all the mids and highs to go along with it. Very detailed cab.
Man, I've never owned a 410HLF, but every time I read one of these threads I keep wondering if plugging 1 or 2 of the ports might help tame this cabs low end a bit. Have any of you guys ever rolled up some towels and tried it?
I know some speakers are rated for use in both ported or sealed cabs. I don't know If the speakers in this cab fall into that category or not, but I'd bet plugging all 3 of the 410HLF ports would give a dramatic cut to it's deep low-end, hopefully letting its mids/low-mids shine through better...
I know some speakers are rated for use in both ported or sealed cabs. I don't know If the speakers in this cab fall into that category or not, but I'd bet plugging all 3 of the 410HLF ports would give a dramatic cut to it's deep low-end, hopefully letting its mids/low-mids shine through better...
They have a dip in the upper mids, which can easily be compensated for. Luckily, these cabinets have a fairly consistent tone from low to high SPL. Many bass cabs change tone dramatically once the SPL goes up, for which there is no compensation.
Reducing bass on the amp's tone controls seems much smarter than forcing the drivers to work in a environment they are not designed for.
Reducing bass on the amp's tone controls seems much smarter than forcing the drivers to work in a environment they are not designed for.
