Just got a Ampeg reissue V4-B and am looking to maximize the volume/sound I get from it. Currently the only cab I have is a Goliath II 4x10 which is 8 ohms. Wanted to know opinions on how much louder a 4 ohm 4x10 would be, or if a 6-8x10 at 4 ohm would be that much better than a 4 ohm 4x10.
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V4B cab options
- Thread starter Johnsy
- Start date
Welcome to TalkBass!!!!!!!
More speakers equals more surface area to "shake the air". That translates to more volume. So, all other aspects of the cabs being equal, a 610 or 810 would he louder than a 410.
An Ampeg 810 with a V4 is a fantastic rig if you don't mind hauling it.
More speakers equals more surface area to "shake the air". That translates to more volume. So, all other aspects of the cabs being equal, a 610 or 810 would he louder than a 410.
An Ampeg 810 with a V4 is a fantastic rig if you don't mind hauling it.
Tube amps don't up their output when cab impedance lowers the way that solid state amps do. Best bet for more volume is more driver sensitivity and/or more drivers.
The V-4B goes to 2 ohms. You can load up with two 4ohm or four 8ohm cabs. I've seen rigs with 4 svt 210av cabs to create a "modular" 8x10. This set-up lacks the low end of an actual 810, but provides flexibility for smaller venues and you don't have to lug 100+ lbs. I use 2 svt 212s or 2 svt 210s and it gets plenty loud.
Unlike solid state amplifiers, tube ampe, like the V4B, deliver essentially the same power to the impedances the output transformer has secondaries for: typically 2, 4, 8 and 16 ohms. So there is no power advantage for 4 ohm cabs.
The V4B does have limited power, so it does not place serious demands on driver excursion. You just need efficient drivers in optimally designed cabs. If you are particular about tone, you should describe the tone you want. Also, describe the typical venues you play in, and how loud the band plays. Lastly, budget ($$$) and portabliity (weight & physical size) limits. That information will help people here make recomendations that are more useful to you.
Thanks y’all for the input. I’m not poor but not rich, I could likely afford a used 8x10 to be my show amp but carrying around the better part of 150 lbs wouldn’t be my first choice if I had a say. The 212AV looks interesting: would this cab be better at delivering the power from the amp than the 8 ohm Goliath 2 4x10? I play pretty heavy music mostly (highly distorted guitar next to me) which is why I wanted a V4b in part, because it breaks/crunches up sooner.
Inara is right, with a tube amp, increased volume is only achieved by adding speakers or changing to more efficient speakers, as long as the total impedance is able to be handled by the amp. If I were in your position I'd look at the svt212av or 2x svt210av's, unless you really want to schlep an 810 (all of these are 4 Ohm, btw).
Having a V4B with some flexibility in cabs to pair it with, I personally like the sound of my 4x12 best, closely followed by the 810. The 2 210 cabs together is no slouch, though, and way more portable...
Of the 3 the 4x12 is the loudest at the same amp settings, as the speakers are very efficient (Basslite s2012 @ 97 db sensitivity each). The 810 is nearly as loud, though the 12s have more "umph", IMO.
Having a V4B with some flexibility in cabs to pair it with, I personally like the sound of my 4x12 best, closely followed by the 810. The 2 210 cabs together is no slouch, though, and way more portable...
Of the 3 the 4x12 is the loudest at the same amp settings, as the speakers are very efficient (Basslite s2012 @ 97 db sensitivity each). The 810 is nearly as loud, though the 12s have more "umph", IMO.
8 ohms, 4 ohms, 2 ohms, thr V4B puts out pretty much same power into either load.
The amount of speakers, how efficient they are will get ya the most volume.
I'd go the SVT212 route, then get another SVT212 later if you need more volume than one lets you get outta the amp.
The amount of speakers, how efficient they are will get ya the most volume.
I'd go the SVT212 route, then get another SVT212 later if you need more volume than one lets you get outta the amp.
Honestly, it looks like the Goliath may be louder and lower at the same amp settings than the svt212av. Your Goliath is rated at 105 dB SPL @ 1watt @ 1 meter, whereas the svt212av is 99dB @ 1 watt @ 1 meter. It also can handle lower frequencies better too (40 Hz @ -3 dB, vs. the svt212av which is 71 hz @ -3 dB)
If you have a means to do so, you should directly A/B compare them and see what you think.
Dunno.... might be very similar in volume, depends on, again, the efficiency, design, voicing of the cab, ....... probly ..the 212 is voiced more to suit the V4B, I've not used one, but have heard great reports about it.
I have used my V4B with the Bergantino NV412- a sealed 412 cab - & it sounded superb.
It'd just be a matter of trying em out, if that's an option
I have used my V4B with the Bergantino NV412- a sealed 412 cab - & it sounded superb.
It'd just be a matter of trying em out, if that's an option
I used a pair of Bag End S15-D's with mine. Between surface area and sensitivity, I got plenty of volume. Plus sweet tone.
Sorry, you are right; the one I found was the Goliath 3. Seems as if the 2 and the svt212av are pretty close, for specs at least.
As rodl2005 said, the svt212av is built and voiced to match the V4B; you may very well like it. I know many here with that pairing rave about it.
Good luck, and let us know what you decide!
Are 15's un-cool now? I use my V4-B with a 2x15 Peavey cab that has Faital 15PR400's. 15's are the way to go IMO.
I thought the dude who started this thread was looking for something louder. What does the lack of 'inherent sound' in a 15" (a dubious proclamation) have to do with it.
You said 15s are the way to go. i interpreted that as you suggesting they have a distinct sound. but if you meant go 15 for pure displacement, then sure that makes sense.
