Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

[Nightburst]

After my latest purchase I need to save up for a good 4x12 cab. In the mean time I'd like use my new tube amp instead of looking at it.
So I figuered, I already have 2 speakers in my Randall combo why not convert it to a 2x12 speaker cabinet.
Is it possible? I think it is, but I'm not shure on how to do it.

Can I just get 4 wires and run them from the speakers directly to an input jack?

 

[Marcel]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

I think it would be better to disconnect the speaker from the comboamp while using it as cab...
You can cut the wires that goes to the speaker and make a connection between it. So you can disconnect it and then you can connect the head.
A simple way would be to solder one input jack on each side of the (cutted) wire. So you can use it as cab and with an patch cable you can use it as combo. Just an idea....

I wanted to do somthing similar:
I wanted to use a 4x12 on my Fender Princeton 112 but then i got my head....but there I just need a male plug from the speaker and a jack on the amp.

In my opionion every combo should have an jack between amp and speaker(s).....

BTW: It's impotant you know the impendance (ohms) of the speakers and if they're wired parallel or series,,,,

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

The speakers are 8 ohm Celestions and are connected to the amp with shove on clips (not soldered) So if I take those off and get new wires can I simply go from the + of the speakers to the input jack?

 

[Thames]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

Nightburst,

Do you have a jack input for the speakers on your Randall ? Or the speaker cables are going directly thru the chassis ?

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

Nightburst,

Do you have a jack input for the speakers on your Randall ? Or the speaker cables are going directly thru the chassis ?

Through the chassis.

 

[Thames]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

Ok, so you'll probably have to add a input jack to facilitate switching between 2 heads. Id suggest to install a jack plug at the end of the current speaker wires (wires coming out of the chassis). Then install/solder/crimp new wires to the speakers, and install a jack input at the other end.... here's a simple drawing I just made for you

 

[Thames]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

DONT FORGET TO MATCH IMPEDANCES!!!!

The drawing shows a parallel wiring, making a 4 ohms load. You'll probably want to wire them in serie, to achieve a 16 ohms load.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

Thames, you're the best! Thanks!
I had no idea it would be so simple.
And yeah I do prefer to wire it in series so I can use the half power switch on my amp...

 

[Thames]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

Nightburt, for a cleaner looking job, you could install the jack input into a small box (metal, plastic, wood, no need for shield anyway) and attach/screw that box to the wood chassis.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

Nightburt, for a cleaner looking job, you could install the jack input into a small box (metal, plastic, wood, no need for shield anyway) and attach/screw that box to the wood chassis.

That's a good idea, thanks again!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

If at all possible, in the future, buy the matching 4-12 for your head. It really sounds best with it. After hearing that head on a bunch of cabs, I really prefer the 4-12 vintage 30 or H30's.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

If at all possible, in the future, buy the matching 4-12 for your head. It really sounds best with it. After hearing that head on a bunch of cabs, I really prefer the 4-12 vintage 30 or H30's.

Thanks,
the funny thing is I saw a Bogner Ubershall 4x12 cab going for 800 last month...
Lol you must think we are crazy here in Holland :laugh2:.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

This question might sound really dumb but I'm not shure I can figure this series thing out. And I want to make shure I get it right.
Is this correct:

?

 

[Marcel]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

This question might sound really dumb but I'm not shure I can figure this series thing out. And I want to make shure I get it right.
Is this correct:

?

that's parallel!!
series would be:
from Jack (hot) to (+) Speaker A
(-) Speaker A to (+) Speaker B
(-) Speaker B to Jack (Ground)

 

[Marcel]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

This pics shows it: Maybe better than my desc.

ahh the pic is transparent maybe just go here:

http://www.avatarspeakers.com/wiring diagrams.htm

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Converting a 2x12 combo to a speaker cabinet? Wiring help needed

This pics shows it: Maybe better than my desc.

ahh the pic is transparent maybe just go here:

http://www.avatarspeakers.com/wiring diagrams.htm

You rock! :headbang:

I should know this stuff considering I'm an electrician. :smack: I'm such an idiot! I was a little off yesterday due to hectic private life events, but today I feel right on track again! :dance: