Maybe stupid ohms question....

[WEDGE]

So I scored a new amp and want to hook up two cabinets to it, both are 8 ohm. One has a single speaker and one is a 2x12 but both have 8 ohm inputs. The amp has a choice of 8 ohm or 16 ohm. One cabinet is a Mesa and has a second jack hole to parallel cabinets but what is the ohms then?

It sounds good through one cab but I want to push some air and even at low volumes I imagine it will sound bigger.

Help.

 

[RickP]

The parallel load of the two cabs is 4 ohms. You’d be best running the 2x12 to get the most air movement. Generally, two equal loads in parallel will half the load, and will double it if in series. Some 4x12 cabs use a series-parallel combo to keep the ohm load the same as all 4 speakers.

 

[László]

The parallel load of the two cabs is 4 ohms. You’d be best running the 2x12 to get the most air movement. Generally, two equal loads in parallel will half the load, and will double it if in series. Some 4x12 cabs use a series-parallel combo to keep the ohm load the same as all 4 speakers.

^^ Agree.

 

[WEDGE]

Well that settles it then, thank guys!

 

[Egads]

You can use a series box to get the two cabs in series for a 16 Ohm load. Easy to build, though I haven't built one in ages.

YMMV, but it might sound better with just the 2x12.

 

[RickP]

You can use a series box to get the two cabs in series for a 16 Ohm load. Easy to build, though I haven't built one in ages.

YMMV, but it might sound better with just the 2x12.

@WEDGE
I didn’t mention, but I have a Weber Z-Matcher to handle these things... set the amp ohms on one dial, the speaker ohms on the other, and play! Great to have around, relatively inexpensive, doesn’t ruin the tone. It’s a magic box that I never let leave the music room. Might be an option for you.

 

[WEDGE]

I have a 2x12 with a Celestion Vintage 30 and a G12H anniversary that will be plenty, I just figured if I had the other cab I’ll hook it up. For my house playing I should be fine. Truth is I also like to have the head taller so I don’t have to get down to twirl knobs

 

[Egads]

I have a 2x12 with a Celestion Vintage 30 and a G12H anniversary that will be plenty, I just figured if I had the other cab I’ll hook it up. For my house playing I should be fine. Truth is I also like to have the head taller so I don’t have to get down to twirl knobs

Well, you could put the 2x12 vertically on top of the 1x12, then the head. You might have to reach up for the knobs.

 

[WEDGE]

Well, you could put the 2x12 vertically on top of the 1x12, then the head. You might have to reach up for the knobs.

I would love that so I wouldn’t have to bend over. When I was a kid I rocked a full stack and loved it.

 

[Egads]

I would love that so I wouldn’t have to bend over. When I was a kid I rocked a full stack and loved it.

Well, this would be a...3/8 stack!