Impedance match with parallel cabs and solid state amps

[DaLaP21]

I think this is a very specific situation:

I have a VOX BC112 cab that runs at 8 ohms, and has 2 input/output jacks for 8 ohms each that have a parallel circuit (the owner’s manual states that if you run another 8 ohm cab there, you’ll reduce the impedance to 4 ohm).

I have a solid state amp that says “minimum 8 ohms” in the loudspeaker section.

If I want to run my cab with another cab in parallel (as the only available option), what should the impedance be on the other cab for it to equal to 8 or 16 ohms?

 

[Chocol8]

Is it a single channel or stereo amp?

There is no way to combine another (single) cab in parallel to an 8 ohm cab and not get less than 8 ohms. Two 8 ohm cabs in series would be 16 ohm but you will need to rewire the amp jack, use a serial box, or somehow wire them in series without using the parallel out jack on the existing cab.

 

[jay mitchell]

If I want to run my cab with another cab in parallel (as the only available option), what should the impedance be on the other cab for it to equal to 8 or 16 ohms?

If the first cab ia 8 ohms, and that's the minumum impedance your amp can drive, you can't add a second cab of any impedance in parallel. No matter the impedance of the second cab, the combined impedance will be less than 8 ohms.

 

[DaLaP21]

Is it a single channel or stereo amp?

There is no way to combine another (single) cab in parallel to an 8 ohm cab and not get less than 8 ohms. Two 8 ohm cabs in series would be 16 ohm but you will need to rewire the amp jack, use a serial box, or somehow wire them in series without using the parallel out jack on the existing cab.

Single channel, it’s the Laney loudpedal.

Interesting. So if I were to “mod” it and change the way of the wiring, it could be paired up with another cab but only if I manage to change the wiring to series, right?

Also, what is a serial box?

 

[Nathan Explosion]

Also, what is a serial box?

Series Box

The official Mesa Boogie online store for factory replacement parts, custom parts, hardware, shirts, hats and accessories.

store.mesaboogie.com

 

[Chocol8]

Also, what is a serial box?

Autoincorrect version of a series box!

 

[laxu]

Autoincorrect version of a series box!

I eat Captain Crunch's serial boxes for breakfast!

Anyway, the best solution for OP would be two 8 ohm cabs in series for 16 ohms using something like a Palmer Cabmerger. You will lose output power on the amp though, but this might not be a too big issue.