Re-wiring my cab

[neatobassman]

I have a yamaha 6x10 that currently is wired all in series. Yep, all 6 speakers. I want to do it in series/parallel now. My question is, where do I buy the speaker wiring at? Is there specific types I should, or should I just take plain old speaker wire and solder it to the speakers?

Thanks guys.

 

[billfitzmaurice]

16 ga speaker wire is fine, but be very sure of what you're doing, as you'll drop the cab impedance by 75% if you go 3/3. I can't imagine why they'd be wired series, make sure they aren't some oddball low impedance drivers.

 

[neatobassman]

16 ga speaker wire is fine, but be very sure of what you're doing, as you'll drop the cab impedance by 75% if you go 3/3. I can't imagine why they'd be wired series, make sure they aren't some oddball low impedance drivers.

na, I checked and they are 8 ohms. I was dumbfounded when I saw they were in series. It looks like someone did it themselves because there's tape everywhere. Explained why the cab was so quiet. lol. If I did my math right, it should bring it down to 12 ohms, correct?

 

[billfitzmaurice]

3/3 would be 12 ohms. Pairs in series, the three banks in parallel would give you 5.3, which might be better.

 

[neatobassman]

3/3 would be 12 ohms. Pairs in series, the three banks in parallel would give you 5.3, which might be better.

true, but I'm also running a Mesa/boogie 2x15 and I think it's 8 ohms, and I want to run both. I really need to open up my mesa though and find the ohms out because it has no serial plate or anything like that.

 

[billfitzmaurice]

true, but I'm also running a Mesa/boogie 2x15 and I think it's 8 ohms, and I want to run both. I really need to open up my mesa though and find the ohms out because it has no serial plate or anything like that.

The Mesa is probably 4 ohms, loaded with EVM15Bs or Mesa EV clones. Meaure the DCR (about 80% of impedance) and you don't have to open it. I can't imagine needing both, let alone lugging both. The Mesa with a 1x10 or even better a vertically aligned 2x8 atop for some midrange dispersion should be plenty.

 

[neatobassman]

The Mesa is probably 4 ohms, loaded with EVM15Bs or Mesa EV clones. Meaure the DCR (about 80% of impedance) and you don't have to open it. I can't imagine needing both, let alone lugging both. The Mesa with a 1x10 or even better a vertically aligned 2x8 atop for some midrange dispersion should be plenty.

Yea, I'm actually looking to get rid of the 6x10 for something smaller if I don't like the new sound.

Also, how do I measure the DCR?

 

[billfitzmaurice]

Also, how do I measure the DCR?

With a VOM or DMM (if you had one you'd know what it was).

 

[neatobassman]

With a VOM or DMM (if you had one you'd know what it was).

So do I just stick the probes into the input jack or is there a certain place to place them.

 

[RWP]

You said the drivers were 8 ohm? How did you determine that? You would need to measure them disconnected with an ohm meter to be sure. It is very strange that they are all wired in series. I would take a ohm reading at the input connector before doing the mods.

 

[neatobassman]

You said the drivers were 8 ohm? How did you determine that? You would need to measure them disconnected with an ohm meter to be sure. It is very strange that they are all wired in series. I would take a ohm reading at the input connector before doing the mods.

The speakers said 8 ohms on the back. And when testing that, what is the proper process so I can get an accurate reading? I've got a DMM

 

[billfitzmaurice]

The speakers said 8 ohms on the back. And when testing that, what is the proper process so I can get an accurate reading? I've got a DMM

Plug in a cable, take the reading off the other end.

 

[neatobassman]

Plug in a cable, take the reading off the other end.

Wow, that's simple. Thanks for the help man.

 

[RWP]

I am curious as to the reading you get from the input connector of the cabinet.
If all the drivers are in series you should read about 48 ohms. Is that what you are getting?

 

[billfitzmaurice]

I am curious as to the reading you get from the input connector of the cabinet.
If all the drivers are in series you should read about 48 ohms. Is that what you are getting?

DC resistance would be closer to 36 ohms.

 

[RWP]

DC resistance would be closer to 36 ohms.

Ya, you are right. It's been a while since I have made that measurement, thanks Bill!

 

[neatobassman]

Yea, I tested the cab and it read about 48 ohms and the mesa tested 4 ohms.

So if I were to wire the cab to 12 ohms and then run the 12 and the 4, it would run down to 3 ohms right?

 

[billfitzmaurice]

Yea, I tested the cab and it read about 48 ohms and the mesa tested 4 ohms.

So if I were to wire the cab to 12 ohms and then run the 12 and the 4, it would run down to 3 ohms right?

Yes, but doing so 75% of your signal would go to the 2x15, 25% to the 6x10, so for all intents and purposes the 6x10 might as well not be there. That's why I suggested you get it down to 5.3 ohms, low enough to actually do something. That would make the total load 2.3 ohms.

 

[Sean S]

Yes, but doing so 75% of your signal would go to the 2x15, 25% to the 6x10, so for all intents and purposes the 6x10 might as well not be there. That's why I suggested you get it down to 5.3 ohms, low enough to actually do something. That would make the total load 2.3 ohms.

I realize the intent to balance the power distribution, but I think we should know what head he's using. It may not be stable at that low an impedance...

I'm no expert...correct me if I'm wrong...

sean

 

[billfitzmaurice]

I realize the intent to balance the power distribution, but I think we should know what head he's using. It may not be stable at that low an impedance...

I'm no expert...correct me if I'm wrong...

sean

An amp that won't handle 2.3 ohms won't handle 3 ohms either.