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Radub1
Advanced Member
USA
856 Posts |
 Posted - 03/15/2005 : 09:00:47 AM
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Hey guys, I would appreciate any advice I could get on this topic. I am running an Ampeg SVT 3 Pro paired with a 410xlt (8 ohm) cabinet. That combination is an ideal choice, but I got it all in a package deal for $500.00 My amp seems to have taken a dump on me, and in calling St. Louis Music (the ampeg people) they told me my cabinet caused the problem. I know this is not the case, and have since traced the problem to a faulty footaswitch jack on the amp. I was told by the service guy that powering the cabinet with that amp could cause damage to my Eden. Is this true? I know there have been a lot of posts about underpowering cabinets. I am planning on picking up a WT800 when my finances allow it. Would I be better off running a Mackie 1400i to power my rig over the SVT? I have a 1400i and a POD that I am not using. Would this be better for my cabinet than using an SVT rated at 275 watts @ 8 ohms?I could get my amp fixed for a small fee, but will continuing to use it damage my cabinet? Thanks for listening to my rantings.....
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Vinny D
Advanced Member
USA
9295 Posts |
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Radub1
Advanced Member
USA
856 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2005 : 09:13:17 AM
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| Well, I live in an apartment so I cant practice through my amp. I havent used it for about a month or so, so I got it out the other day to stretch its legs, and no sound at all. The Mute buttong was on and I could not get any sound from it at all. Ampeg told me my cabinet caused the problem, but after investigating on the ampeg web site i found that a lot of SVT users have this problem. I guess the soldering on the footswitch jack gets cracked or damaged and then causes it to open the citcuit. The switch controls the mute and EQ. |
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Vinny D
Advanced Member
USA
9295 Posts |
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Radub1
Advanced Member
USA
856 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2005 : 09:20:32 AM
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| no, i got some guy that was not very helpful. I spoke to him before turning to the website. Now I know better. he didn't even sound like a service guy, more like an operator at a call center. I found a shop that can repair it for me, but is it wise to continue using this amp with this cabinet? I know I need a new amp eventually, but should I go to my other components, or will this one be safe to continue using until I get my WT800? |
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njschaub
New Member
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2005 : 09:45:03 AM
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Let's see: The SVT 3 Pro will put 275 Watts into 8-ohms and with an 8-ohm 410xlt not sure how this could generate a problem. Sounds like somebody at Ampeg has no friggin' clue. Don't think the SVT 3 to 410xlt is a problem at all, though be aware of the under/over powering philosophies.
-nj |
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Radub1
Advanced Member
USA
856 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2005 : 09:46:56 AM
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Thanks....that is why I posted the question. I never thought of it being a problem, but when you start reading all of the under/over powering theories, it makes your head spin. I would rather scrap my ampeg then blow up my eden....
Thanks again.... |
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fox
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
685 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2005 : 10:16:45 AM
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Hi Radub. I also own a 410xlt 8ohm, its a damn fine box!
Sorry to hear you have a problem with customer service, but you would be wise to heed the advice found in many parts of this forum. The basic rule is that it is best to at least match the rated power handling of a speaker with the output of the amp. It is simply a way of ensuring you have enough headroom for transient peaks which make very high and sudden demands on the output stage of the amp. An over driven amp will deliver a clipped signal to speakers asking them to do things they were not designed to do. This results in damage. Fast.
To avoid this, my suggestion would be for you to consider using your 1400i to run the cab and use the SVT as a preamp only.
Certainly at moderate levels you should not harm the 410, but 'moderate levels' is very hard to define. The farting sound is a clear warning that all is not well.
As to the claim that your cab damaged the amp, this is possible but not for the reasons most would think.
A friend of mine has had a few problems with his 3Pro which were largely due to joint fatigue because, he claims, nothing is fixed down too well inside. Just by sitting an SVT on a cab you are vibrating any loose components with probable consequences.
He now uses a foam cushion to decouple it.
Longterm, you are on the right track. Why not check out Lane's personal site. I hear he has a s/h WT800 up for grabs!
Go forth bro' and kikass! |
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njschaub
New Member
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2005 : 10:38:05 AM
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Fox-
Your comments below are a refreshing and level-headed reiteration of the entire over/under issue. I don't think anyone with a basic understanding of electronics, audio and design can refute your statements below.
Thanks again,
<The basic rule is that it is best to at least match the rated power handling of a speaker <with the output of the amp. It is simply a way of ensuring you have enough headroom for <transient peaks which make very high and sudden demands on the output stage of the amp. An <over driven amp will deliver a clipped signal to speakers asking them to do things they were <not designed to do. This results in damage. Fast.
-nj |
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Radub1
Advanced Member
USA
856 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2005 : 10:38:08 AM
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| Thanks again. I just joined this forum yesterday, but I am already reaping the rewards! |
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LaneOnBass
Advanced Member
USA
9171 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2005 : 1:08:44 PM
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Welcome, Radub1, to the forum. You've alredy gotten some good advice so I won't repeat it. Just wanted to say hi...
Keep Thumpin',
Lane Baldwin
Special Projects Coordinator
and Forum Moderator
Ask not what bass can do for you...
Ask what YOU can do for bass.
www.laneonbass.com |
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Ampeg SVT 3 Pro and 410xlt
