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TC electronic Cab linking question.

V

vene-nemesis

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Jul 17, 2003
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Bilbao España
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#1
IM really gassing for a TC amp after trying them, im probably getting a classic 450.

So i start reading their manuals and they claim that their heads can power 2 8 ohms cabs linked in parallel (since the minimum load of their cabs is 4 ohms) but that it can handdle any combination of 3 of their own brand cabs. How is this possible if all their cabs are 8 ohms?
 
#2
This issue has been discussed quite a bit, but all the discussions are buried in different threads.

TC basically says that, due to them knowing the impedance curves of their cabs, you can use three 8ohm cabs, resulting in a total nominal impedance of 2.67 ohms.

My guess is, the reason they state their head has a minimum impedance requirement of 4ohms, but yet you can use three of their 8ohm cabs is a bit of reality (the impedance curve thing.... again, nominal rated impedance is only part of the story), a bit of a 'communication thing'... i.e., putting '2.67 ohm minimum operating impedance' on the back of an amp would probably confuse more consumers than help them, and finally, a bit of 'preventative service and support', eliminating guys and gals connecting too many cabs or cabs of the wrong impedance (i.e., all their cabs are only available in 8ohm version).

So, the simple way to think about it is that, unless you are very sure of what you are doing, the safest way to operate one of their heads is with one 4ohm or two 8ohm cabs of any manufacturer, or one, two, or three of the TC cabs, which are all 8ohms.

:)
 
#4
vene-nemesis said:
Thx a lot!

Now i have to start searching for a not too expensive lightweight 4 ohm cab.

That or a DIY 2x12 4ohm cab.
Click to expand...

The amp (RH450) is just killer... amazing volume, great features, high quality construction. I love mine.

I'm sure an Avatar Neo 212 would sound great with it. If you don't need a ton of volume, the little 8ohm RS210 is BEAUTIFUL sounding to my ear, and puts out 'typical 210' volume. The coax tweeter is beautiful sounding... very organic, smooth top end.. reminds me of the Bag End 'x' cabs a bit.

I assume an LDS 212 cab using the Eminence Neo 3012's would also sound nice with a tweeter, and wouldn't break the bank.
 
#5
I want to be able to use those 450w, the amp is not cheap nor overpriced but still expensive and I want to be able to get the most out of it.

I want to get a portable yet powerful rig, im not involved in a gig at the moment so i would like to have a rig I can transport easily, just in case there comes a jam session rehersal with some friends, etc. Thats why im looking at a 2x12 set up, I have disscarded the TC cabs ATM because of the 8ohm impedance, I dont find it smart to buy a cab that wont let me get the most out of my amp and if I get a 4ohm cab i can allways dime the volume and have that extra power for whenever i need it.
 
#6
The important thing is loudness, not how many watts you use.

To that end, you must listen to cabinets. An 8-ohm Eden D112XLT, for example, can often sound louder than some 4-ohm 210 cabs. Why? It's the frequency response. What you HEAR is what counts, not what the numbers say.

Don't ignore a cab just because it's eight ohms. Give it a listen.

If you buy a single 8-ohm cab, you can add a second. The extra drivers will get you FAR more volume than the impedance change. If you buy a single 4-ohm cab, that's all you're going to get.
 
#7
Yes i know the whole "volume means decibels not watts" thing, but at the price a 8ohm 2x12 cab is i wont be able to buy a second for a long time, nor am i being to be able to justify its expense to myself (im a very thoughtful buyer i allways consider the cons of my purchases prior to the benefits).
 
#9
Rick Auricchio said:
Well, that make a difference. Now you're talking money, not impedance.

Since you don't know how loud the RS212 cabinet is, how do you know it will be insufficient for your needs?
Click to expand...

I know the TC 4x10 is loud, the store i tried it cracked the celing with it and it wasnt maxed out. They had the 2x10 or 12 i cant remeber but i was too exited by the bass i was trying to remember to also try the smaller cab.

At 8 ohms that amp must be delivering 260-270w, wich isnt a lot but the volume depends on the sensitivity of the cab. And stores over here wont bring any equipment unless it is extremely popular or under payment...

The main problem i have is that i cant try the cabs im after... all the TC stuff was tried in another city 5 hours away by car. Plus the stores around here wont get any kind of gear thats not popular unless youre buying it...
 

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