Two amps into one cab?

nightlight · Jan 26th 2018

I'm really looking at doing some dual amp profiles for my own esoteric purposes, and was looking at getting a 4x12 cab to do this.

I narrowed down on a Mesa Boogie 4x12 and a VHT 4x12, both with V30s.

I noticed that both have a stereo input Jack. You can either run them mono at 8 ohm or stereo at 4 ohm a side.

According to other threads I read, it is indeed possible to run two amps into a single. Cab if they are wired the right way with two speakers an input. This seems to be the case with both the Mesa Boogie and the VHT.

Is there any danger from running two amps at 4 ohms each into either of these cabinets?

Also, the Vht or the Mesa... Any opinions? I was leaning towards the VHT.

397f7c95538961c9090da40b2b0b6e229b278069 · Jan 26th 2018

Go for the VHT

Have you seen this? Headbone

nightlight · Jan 26th 2018

Quote from 808illest

Go for the VHT

Have you seen this? Headbone

Yes, I saw a lot of recommendations for this device, but I will have to skip it for the time being. Maybe down the line, but not at the moment.

No way to send two amps into a single 4x12 with two inputs without something like this amp switching system?

397f7c95538961c9090da40b2b0b6e229b278069 · Jan 26th 2018

Not that I'm aware of AJ. I suppose you could modify the cab and make another jack, then wire the correct impedance speakers, like two 8 ohm parallel for 4 ohm each side I think?

I just picked this up, this kinda idea.

nightlight · Jan 26th 2018

Quote from 808illest

Not that I'm aware of AJ. I suppose you could modify the cab and make another jack, then wire the correct impedance speakers, like two 8 ohm parallel for 4 ohm each side I think?

I just picked this up, this kinda idea.

So what exactly is the purpose of those stereo jacks on some amps. For example, the Mesa Boogie 4x12s? Or the second pic of a VHT Fat Bottom Cab?

Is it only stereo from one amp? How is that different from using two separate 4ohm speaker outputs on two amps?

I'm assuming the speakers in these cabs are already wired the right way for separate inputs.

V8guitar · Jan 26th 2018

To be honest Ive never understood the stereo wiring on those types of cabs, far easier to modify yourself so you know what's going on...you are also not restricted to cabs then...ENGL 4x12's are monstrous!

paults · Jan 26th 2018

I’ve not used those particular cabs, but I have used other stereo 4-12 cabinets with multiple Marshall heads or stereo amplifiers - as long as both amps are connected to an appropriate load, a stereo cab can be used with two separate heads without a problem.

397f7c95538961c9090da40b2b0b6e229b278069 · Jan 26th 2018

They're for adding another 4x12 for a full stack. V30's rated at 30w x2 is 60w. Don't dime a 100w amp through them and yeah, fine.

It's not true stereo anyways, it's a bigger spread. You'd still want an amp switcher at some point.

nightlight · Mar 11th 2018

Hey guys, I have another option added and was hoping for some advice in the vein of...

VHT 4x12 Vs Rivera Knucklehead 4x12. Both are V30 equipped cabs and both can handle two amps.

I need some authentic advice so I can do some dual amp profiles for you lads :thumbs up:

Plus the other thing I'm working on...

The Rivera is a bit rusted, the VHT is in mint condition of that has any bearing.

397f7c95538961c9090da40b2b0b6e229b278069 · Mar 12th 2018

Rivera stuff is built great, I've never had any issues with Paul's stuff. That Rivera would do you well, sounds like the speakers are nicely broken in just make sure they aren't pooched, or tired

The VHT is nice with the front mounted speakers (if that's what it is, Soldano does this for better bottom end).

Let your ears decide, if you can?

lightbox · Mar 12th 2018

Be careful about the MeBo 4x12, it's 4 Ohms each in Stereo mode while the VHT is 8 Ohms each. Marshall also has V30s equipped 4x12 cabs with 2x8 Ohms in stereo mode, e.g. the Silver Jubilee cab.
Check your amps which cabs suite your purpose best.
Yes, you can run 2 amps into one stereo cab using the stereo mode. But I don't recommrnd doing this for 2 actual guitarists. One guitarist through 2 amps into one stereo cab ... no problem given the impedance is right and max load isn't exceeded.

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