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Testing a Cab

Rusty2867

Rusty2867

Jan 12, 2014
188
47
De Soto,Ks
#1
I would like to test this 4ohm cab before I drop more coin on a head to power it.So before I do this just want to make sure I am not making a mistake.It is a Ampeg BSE410HLF 4ohm if I unhook 2 speakers at a time then it would be 8ohms right? Keep in mind I just want to make sure the speakers are ok and it works.My combo has a out for an ext speaker so I figured I could use that as a test head. Thanks for your help,Todd
 
#2
If you already have (own) the cab, take the grill off and inspect the drivers. Are they all the same? If so, continue by inspecting the cones for circumferential creasing: its creasing that can run from part way to all the way around the cone, usually in the outer 3rd. If one or two are different (and the drivers are not labeled on the front (usually on the dust cap), you'll have to pull the different driver and look for ID on the back. You may have to pull one of the other drivers to confirm their ID. If the drivers look pretty different (magnets much different size, impedance is different from the others), you will want to replace the non-original drivers with stock drivers or something recommended by Ampeg. If all is well, play through the cab, using your combo as a head. First play high notes and listen for the sound from each driver. If you can hear the high notes clearly from all 4 drivers, they are all 'working'. Step 2: play low notes: listen for buzzing or other non-musical sounds. If you don't hear anything that you didn't play, and all the drivers cones move about the same amount (and you've played loud enough to move the cones at least 1/8 inch, you are home free - the cab is good.
 
#3
Rusty2867 said:
"...It is a Ampeg BSE410HLF 4ohm." ...if I unhook 2 speakers at a time then it would be 8ohms right?..."
Click to expand...

Hi Rusty,

The answer to your question depends whether your speakers are (1) All 4ohm and wired in series/parallel or, (2) All 16 ohm and wired in parallel. I'm not understanding why you'd want to disconnect two of the four drivers... is it because you wanted an 8ohm cabinet? Cheers!
 
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#4
rigtec said:
Hi Rusty,

The answer to your question depends whether your speakers are (1) All 4ohm and wired in series/parallel or, (2) All 16 ohm and wired in parallel. I'm not understanding why you'd want to disconnect two of the four drivers... is it because you wanted an 8ohm cabinet? Cheers!
Click to expand...

The reason I was asking about unhooking 2 speakers is because I don't have a head and my combo has a ext output but says 8ohm.This cab is 4ohm,I just want to make sure the cab works before spending money on a head.So if all of them are 16ohm 2 at at time would be 8ohm,all the speakers look good,all the same,but I can take one out to check the ohms.Thanks,Todd
 
#5
Okay Todd,

Totally got it! So your combo has a 4ohm amp built-in. It uses an 8ohm speaker; 'which is included' and has an 8ohm Ext speaker output for a 4ohm load. You could (as an option), disconnect the 'on-board' speaker in the box, and use the four ten cabinet as a primary set-up(?)... Just a suggestion...
 
#6
rigtec said:
Okay Todd,

Totally got it! So your combo has a 4ohm amp built-in. It uses an 8ohm speaker; 'which is included' and has an 8ohm Ext speaker output for a 4ohm load. You could (as an option), disconnect the 'on-board' speaker in the box, and use the four ten cabinet as a primary set-up(?)... Just a suggestion...
Click to expand...

I don't wan't to open the combo,it is brand new would void warranty.I got this cab cheap and was told it was great but could not hook it up and hear it,took the chance at $125 couldn't pass on it! Thanks for the help. Also I have a line on a SVT3Pro I'm going to look at next sunday
 
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#8
Rusty2867 said:
I don't wan't to open the combo,it is brand new would void warranty.I got this cab cheap and was told it was great but could not hook it up and hear it,took the chance at $125 couldn't pass on it! Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Rusty2867 said:
The reason I was asking about unhooking 2 speakers is because I don't have a head and my combo has a ext output but says 8ohm.This cab is 4ohm,I just want to make sure the cab works before spending money on a head.So if all of them are 16ohm 2 at at time would be 8ohm,all the speakers look good,all the same,but I can take one out to check the ohms.Thanks,Todd
Click to expand...


I just checked and the speakers are all 4ohm,i'll figure something out!
 

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