ohms mismatch

[musicmasterguitarist]

i have a mesa rectoverb 50 amp.
i want to play it thru a 16 ohm marshall 4x12 cab.
is there a problem with using the 8ohm speaker output on the mesa amp?
will this cause any problems for the amp/tubes/output tranny...etc.
any info.
it sounds very good thru this speaker cab.
thanks.

 

[domct203]

Running your 16 ohm cab from the 8 ohm speaker output is fine. This is a "Safe Mis-match" per Mesa:

(From pg. 19 of the Solo 50 Rectoverb V.2 manual)

Here is where you can download manuals from Mesa's Website:
http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/user_manuals.htm

FYI- The V.2 Rectoverb has a Bias Select Switch (EL34/6L6) on the back, the V.1 does not.

Dom

 

[mr_fender]

As stated above, it would be safe. Boogie uses output tranformers that are rated to handle the extra stress of slight load mismatches. It will affect the tone and efficiency of the amp though. It will be darker sounding and you'll have less output. Be very careful about load mismatches with tube amps. Some can handle them and some cannot. Marshalls for example are much less tolerant to mis-matches.

Another option would be to rewire the speakers in the Marshall cab for a four ohm total load and then plug the cab into the four ohm output of the amp for a correct match. There's tons of info online about speaker wiring if you search a bit. Good luck.

 

[musicmasterguitarist]

thanks for the info.

 

[musicmasterguitarist]

again,
thanks for the info.

i've had this rectoverb (series I) amp for awhile.
originally it was in a 1x12 combo cab.
i was more impressed with the sound when playing it thru a 2x12 cab.
but i've just heard it at it's best...and that is thru a 4x12 cab.

if i was to use this setup for recording or in smaller venues and
wanted to use a marshall power brake (maybe 1 increment setting less..)
just to push the power tubes a little but bring the overall amp volume down a notch....

my question is..
i'm running the rectoverb out of the 8 ohm speaker output.
the cab is a 16ohm marshall 4x12 cab.

the marshall powerbrake has either 8 ohm or a 16 ohm setting.
what would you recommend be the safest setting on the powerbrake for the amp/speakers?
8 or 16 ohm?

any info.
thanks