Multiple amps into a 212 cab

[bandade]

Ok here is the dilemma;
I have built 3 different style amps; 70's style Dumble with reverb, Liverpool with some tweeks, and a Rocket style variant. All use the same chassis so I have a 112 combo cab that I can run each in or head cabs and a Dumble style 212.

Currently My 212 is setup to only run 1 head; I know that I can wire the cabinet with an additional jack to run it in stereo (1 head/speaker).

The question is can I rewire to run 2 or all heads through the 212 and control them with a footswitch?

Has anyone done this? Does running 2 amps through the same speaker sound good or like crap?

I know many guitars run multiple amps simaltaniously to get their signature sound but I beleive they ahve different cabs for each amp.

[Reeltarded]

Yeah, I split cabinets all the time. 100%.. it can work.

3 into 2? Not without other power, and loads for the amps.

You should get another 2x12, and use the inside pair for one amp, and the outside singles for the others, or something like that. It's generally how my stuff works.

[M Fowler]

There are commercial switches available that allows to run all three heads into one speaker cabinet.

It provides proper loading to the tube amp when switched out.

Tone Bones amp switcher. http://www.tonebone.com/


Mark

[spiralstairs]

I think he's asking to run 2 (or more) amps at the same time into both speakers (not splitting, and not 1 at a time)

Afraid I'm not sure of a solution as I've never really explored this avenue, but interested in what you come up with.

I agree splitting 1 per speaker is a good solution - why note a 3x10, 4x10, or 4x12 cab?

[M Fowler]

A/B/Y pedal use a mono 212 cab for the Dumble and a stereo 212 cab for the Liverpool and Rocket. All can be stacked if your tight on stage room.

Or wire a 412 so the Dumble uses two speakers and the TW are split between the remaining two speakers.

Mark

[selloutrr]

ultimate attenuators used to make a product for multi amplifiers into a single cab. I can't seem to find any information on it now I'm guessing it was 1.) over priced. or 2.) didn't work as well as they had hoped.

The problem with switching between two operating amplifiers is the fly back voltage during the switching. Whichever amp is not in use needs a dummy load capable of handling it's full wattage plus any peak spikes during selecting of the amplifier in use.

It would need to be a make before break switch, you never want an amp to have an open load. which for a split second would double the wattage and double/half the ohm load, depending on wiring, to the speaker, plus the dummy load. this could take form as a noticeable pop or volume drop / increase.

I've seen the UA model in use but I don't recall it used to switch amps during a song.

With use of the standby switch, a dummy load, and a heavy duty toggle switch you could make a similar device to allow between song switching.
as long as you used the standby switch before selecting the amp to cabinet it would minimize the negative impact on the amp and the dummy load would act as a safety.

[bandade]

All of this sounds like dream rig! I am going to persue the dream in the next couple weeks. I will make couple alterations to my 212.

[Reeltarded]

All of it? 86% of it is a prediction (righteously so) of doom!

Make sure you at least mention what you are about to do before you do!

Careful! Loads are finicky; they HAVE to be.

[bandade]

I am going start safe and easy by adding a second mono jack and run the 212 in stereo with the dumble through a wgs et65 and run the liverpool through a wizard. I didn't think I would but I really like the liverpool through the wizard. 2 jack Furrel that picked up at parts express on sale for like $1.

I have ran both amps through a 112 combo and they both sound killer. I like the added fullness of a 212 but I dont play out much so it may be overkill.....I do like overkill.

[Reeltarded]

Don't fear the rig. I use nothing smaller than a 4x12 live, anywhere. You don't have to find a chair for it to sit on.

Just make sure that you don't run two amps into the same speaker. That was what it sounded like up thread!

I had someone who should know better ask me what ohmage an empty cabinet was last week.. just checking.

[M Fowler]

I though you said you were going to run three heads?

I use a stereo 412 for my gigs but your idea for the 212 with two jacks should work well.

Mark

[bandade]

I do want to run 3 heads but until I get another 212 built I think I will only be running 2 through a cabinet, especially if I want to run them simultaniously. I can always run the 3rd amp through my 112 since they all have the same chassis.

[selloutrr]

Build a 3x12 cab and run all 3 heads on one cab.

Trace Elliot made a very cool 3 x 12 cabinet.
the speakers angled in creating a focal point.

running two heads into one speaker will most likely result in cancelling freq as both heads fight to move the same speaker.
As the speaker fights to please both heads it will start to heat up..
Most likely it will blow and the amps will send voltage to each other resulting in a sweet burned marshmellow smell and with any luck some pyrotechnics. It's alos very possible the speaker will be just fine and the voltage from both amps will pass back and forth to each other. The amp with the most wattage will blow up the small one. while at the same time damaging it's self. I would suspect at the very least you would burn up your OT and cause considerable wear and tear on the output tubes. I wouldn't be at all surprised if it burst into flames assuming you are running stage volume.
I suggest you wait until you have a free gear endorsement and try it out during a video shoot so you can capture it on film.

[bandade]

[quote="selloutrr"]Build a 3x12 cab and run all 3 heads on one cab.

Trace Elliot made a very cool 3 x 12 cabinet.
the speakers angled in creating a focal point.

running two heads into one speaker will most likely result in cancelling freq as both heads fight to move the same speaker.
As the speaker fights to please both heads it will start to heat up..
Most likely it will blow and the amps will send voltage to each other resulting in a sweet burned marshmellow smell and with any luck some pyrotechnics. It's alos very possible the speaker will be just fine and the voltage from both amps will pass back and forth to each other. The amp with the most wattage will blow up the small one. while at the same time damaging it's self. I would suspect at the very least you would burn up your OT and cause considerable wear and tear on the output tubes. I wouldn't be at all surprised if it burst into flames assuming you are running stage volume.
I suggest you wait until you have a free gear endorsement and try it out during a video shoot so you can capture it on film.[/quote]


This sounds pretty awesome!...do you think my insurance will cover the home damage?

[selloutrr]

it all depends on how you explain it over the phone.


here is a link to pics of the TE cab
http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/v ... I19d0NkvR9