Worried about my setup...

[jbass_1234]

Hi. I have recently joined a gigging band and have had to graduate from my little combo amp. I’ve been piecing together a rig through some good used deals I’ve found and this is what I have….

Kustom 1200 Groove Bass Amp rated 750 watt at 4ohm
Ampeg 4x10, 8 ohm, 500watt RMS
Ampeg 1x15, 8 ohm 200 watt RMS

It is my understanding that when running these two cabs in parallel, the watts out of the amp will be split between the cabs, so 375watts to each. I guess my main concern is if I’m pushing the 1x15 to hard. When setting up I turn the gain and master all the way down, slowly turn the gain up until the signal LED lights up pretty regularly, then turn up the master to my desired volume. I may be overly anxious, but I don’t want to make a rookie mistake and blow anything I don’t need to. Would I be better off running the amp at 8ohm, 450 watt through just the 4x10? Comments? Thanks!

 

[JimmyM]

if you can control your volume to protect the 115, you'll be fine. if you can't, then you won't.

 

[jbass_1234]

Thanks. I play a Fender Jazz bass through it, and last night at rehearsal it felt like everytime I started to really get into it I heard some distortion and the sound levels pull back a lot. At the previous rehearsal I was just running it at 8 ohm 450 watt through just the 4x10, and it seemed like I had more control and even a little more volume. Would this be because the wattage of the amp and cab are paired up more evenly? Thanks!

 

[carlos840]

If you search into it a little you will find a lot of reasons not to pair a 4*10 and 1*15!
Especially if they have such different power ratings!
I would use one or the other and if you need more power either get a second 15 or 410...
Either way it will work better than using one of each!
2 410 will have the edge though.

 

[jbass_1234]

Thank you. Sounds like I'm going to have to match my cabs up a little better. For now I'll just play through the 4x10 until I figure something else out.

 

[BassmanPaul]

The last thing any of us want is for you to be scared of using the equipment that you have. You CAN use it as is but you will have to be cognizant of the fifteen. In your place I would stack the fifteen on top of the 4x10. That way the weaker speaker will be closer your ears and you'll be able the hear any signs of distress.

If you run a lot of effects or overdrive you'll have to be even more careful still.