Author Topic: Mixing watts of speakers in a 4x12 (Read 4863 times)

everton_fc · « **on:** May 18, 2007, 08:25:00 AM »

Is there anything wrong in mixing 75w speakers with 30w speakers?

If so, please explain as I'm a dumb ass about this,

Thanks

Twinfan · « **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2007, 08:44:16 AM »

No problem. Make sure you get the same ohm rating (probably 16) and obviously the power handling capability will reduce.

everton_fc · « **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2007, 08:50:44 AM »

"power handling capability will reduce"

What does that mean? The speaker will distort earlier?

Thanks

Twinfan · « **Reply #3 on:** May 18, 2007, 10:14:57 AM »

No, it'll blow up earlier :o

4x12 with four 75w speakers = 300w power handling. With a 100w head, no problems.

4x12 with four 30w speakers = 120w power handling. With a 100w head fully cranked you're pushing the upper limit of the speakers. Add a pedal boost and you'll likely blow a speaker or several. EVH used to blow 25w Greenbacks with his 100w head on a regular basis.

A rule of thumb is to have twice the power in your cab as your head when using vintage style speakers. I use a 100w head with a 130w 2x12 but I don't run it fully cranked. Plus the Vintage 30s I use are generally able to withstand abuse better. Vintage spec speakers are much more delicate.

What speaker combination did you have in mind, and what amp are you using?

everton_fc · « **Reply #4 on:** May 18, 2007, 10:19:23 AM »

currently using a 50w Hiwatt head into a 50w Hiwatt cab - the cab uses 4x75W fanes but one has blown.

Was thinking of replacing with a Celestion G12H30 as they are going cheap on the Watford Valves site at the moment.

What do you think? Suppose I could go for a Celestion GT75 but wanted something with a little warmer top end, and the G12H30 sounds pretty good.

Got any alternative suggestions?

Twinfan · « **Reply #5 on:** May 18, 2007, 10:44:06 AM »

I'd get a pair of G12H-30s and put them in an X pattern. Should be absolutely fine with a 50w head.

:)

_tom_ · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2007, 03:10:56 PM »

^+1, I'm using a G12H in my 2x12 (so my cab is 60w max.) and running my GH50L into it. Seems fine, though I dont get to crank it a lot so its never really had the full power of 50w upon it..

Orkestra · « **Reply #7 on:** May 18, 2007, 05:20:08 PM »

Is the X formation the best way to do this?

I have a cab with 2xV60's on the top and 2x30's on the bottom - to push out those tight vibes.

Should I try them in the X formation you reckon?

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #8 on:** May 18, 2007, 07:38:17 PM »

Quote from: Orkestra

Is the X formation the best way to do this?

I have a cab with 2xV60's on the top and 2x30's on the bottom - to push out those tight vibes.

Should I try them in the X formation you reckon?

I personally like mixed speakers the way you have them wired - I think the x-pattern makes the cab sound uneven, especially when the sensitivity isn't matched (i.e. G12M versus V30)

btw (to original poster), you could always get your Fane reconed if you want to retain the Fane tone - Celestions sound totally different.

:twisted:

everton_fc · « **Reply #9 on:** May 19, 2007, 08:45:01 AM »

Any idea where to get it re-coned (in the UK)?

Was gonna stick it on ebay as a blown vintage Fane but maybe worth while re-coning it especially if I sell the cab.

Any suggestions on reconing? I based on the sunny south coast if that makes any difference.

Thanks

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #10 on:** May 19, 2007, 12:56:15 PM »

Quote from: everton_fc

Any idea where to get it re-coned (in the UK)?

Was gonna stick it on ebay as a blown vintage Fane but maybe worth while re-coning it especially if I sell the cab.

Any suggestions on reconing? I based on the sunny south coast if that makes any difference.

Thanks

I've used these guys quite a few times - approx 7 days turnaround and they're always spot on... http://www.wembleyloudspeaker.com

JamesHealey · « **Reply #11 on:** May 19, 2007, 10:03:08 PM »

I've got two Fane GS-V30 (70watts) 12" speakers for sale..

£25 + P&P, for both..

u can keep the Fane tone and have a backup.

everton_fc · « **Reply #12 on:** May 19, 2007, 10:55:06 PM »

how many ohms is each speaker rated at? I need 16ohms... cheers

Calum_Barrow · « **Reply #13 on:** May 20, 2007, 10:54:54 PM »

Quote from: Twinfan

A rule of thumb is to have twice the power in your cab as your head when using vintage style speakers. I use a 100w head with a 130w 2x12 but I don't run it fully cranked. Plus the Vintage 30s I use are generally able to withstand abuse better. Vintage spec speakers are much more delicate.

Vintage 30s are 60W each BTW. I have a V30 loaded 2x12 too, and I run a 120W all valve head into it :P Not only that, but that 120W comes from 6 EL34s, which are capable of producing a lot more than that.
It does for now more than well enough, as I'm not gigging yet, and I am gonna get a 4x12 and two more V30s sometime in the future.

Twinfan · « **Reply #14 on:** May 20, 2007, 11:54:33 PM »

Depends who you talk to, but V30s have been quoted to me as 60/65/70 watts, even though their website says 60.