Mismatched cab impedance?

[MacDaddy]

I'm not a bass player per se so I have noooooo clue about these things but I'm hoping somebody here will.

My bass amp has two outputs in parallel, 2 ohms minimum load. If I run two cabs with different impedances will I run into problems either technically with the amp being unable to cope or sonically for any reason.

I have one 1X15 cab rated at 8 ohms and want to add either a 2X10 or a 4X10 but a lot of cabs seem to be 4 ohms only.

Thanks in advance

 

[dystrust]

Re: Mismatched cab impedance?

You don't have to use two cabs of the same impedance, it just makes calculating the total load a bit more difficult. You can use your 8 ohm cab plus one of the 4 ohm cabs for a combined load of 2.6 ohms.

 

[MacDaddy]

Re: Mismatched cab impedance?

Dayum, that was a rapid reply thank you very much!

 

[BlueTalon]

Re: Mismatched cab impedance?

There are amps that can handle a 2 ohm load, but the majority have a 4 ohm minimum load. You will always be able to use two 8 ohm cabinets with any amplifier, but check your amp literature or website to be sure of what the minimum load is before you hook up a 4 ohm cab plus any other cab. You can damage your amp if you hook up a 2-3 ohm load to a 4 ohm minimum load amp.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Mismatched cab impedance?

there are lots of 8 ohm cabs out there. I have a swr 4x10 that's 8ohms and my ampeg 1x15 is 8ohms as well

 

[MacDaddy]

Re: Mismatched cab impedance?



This seems to suggest that a 2 ohm load should be safe? I hope so anyway.

Yes there are some 8 ohm cabs out there but I'm yet to come across an 8 ohm 2X10 cab, oh well, will just have to settle for a 4X10 instead then

Thanks guys

 

[dystrust]

Re: Mismatched cab impedance?

View attachment 55046

This seems to suggest that a 2 ohm load should be safe? I hope so anyway.

Yes there are some 8 ohm cabs out there but I'm yet to come across an 8 ohm 2X10 cab, oh well, will just have to settle for a 4X10 instead then

Thanks guys

With your amp 2 ohms is safe, but that's a bit unusual; most SS bass amps are designed for a 4 ohm load.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Mismatched cab impedance?

I don't know about that. my ampeg can run at 2ohms just fine.

one thing to note is that if you have mismatched impedance, the lower impedance cab will get a little stronger signal.

 

[BlueTalon]

Re: Mismatched cab impedance?

Many amps can run a 2 ohm load. But if the amp doesn't specifically say it can, like the Peavey above, then it would be wise to check before hooking up a <4 ohm load. It's risky to simply assume an amp can handle it.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Mismatched cab impedance?

if its not rated for 2 ohms, I wouldn't do it. the amp will push too much power and probably cook something if its run for too long or at higher volume settings

 

[kilphody]

Re: Mismatched cab impedance?

My 5F6A Bassman is 2ohm output impedence. I have it wired into 4 8ohm (8+8=4 x2 wired in parallel)speakers to get a 2 ohm load. Cannabis Rex sound great.
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