| Author |
Topic: Speaker ohm question |
George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 30 Mar 2018 10:02 am |
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Both my rack mount Steelaire and Carvin BX 500 are showing 4 or 2 ohms at the speaker output jacks. I am using a Telonics cabinet that is loaded with the Telonics 15" 4 ohm speaker. I just ordered a Katana head only and was planning on using it with the Telonics cabinet. I downloaded the Katana owners manual and it says to use a speaker of 8 ohms or higher. So should I not use the Telonics speaker with the Katana?
Or should I build another speaker cabinet with an 8 ohm speaker for the Katana?
Now to confuse me even more, I know that the Travis Toy and Paul Franklin speakers are both 8 ohm. Does this mean they should not be used with either my Steelaire or Carvin? Doesn't make sense to me. |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 30 Mar 2018 10:53 am
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I don't know about the Steelaire, but the Carvin will handle 8 ohms, 4 ohms or 2 ohms with switch for 2 ohms depressed. I've used a TT12 with my BX500 and no problems.
I know nothing about the tech specs of the Katana but design must be that below 8 ohms can cause too much current and damage. Keep it to 8 ohms for that amp. |
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Todd Blair
From:
Richmond Virginia, USA
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Posted 30 Mar 2018 1:29 pm
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Speaker ratings and output ratings are relevant. It is safe to have mismatched impedance (within 1 step up/ down) but you will certainly hear a difference in tone. Tube amps are a bit more finicky, and will not reliably function if the impedance is mismatched too far (ie: A 4ohm Fender Bassman amp should not be run through a 16ohm cabinet).
With matched impedance, you will hear the difference. I'd say build the 8ohm for the Katana, or you can always find them on the second-hand market, as 8ohms is pretty common for guitar amps. The lower ratings (2ohm and 4ohm) are typically used for bass amps.
_________________
Sho~Bud Pro III Custom,Rickenbacker 330, G&L ASAT Special. |
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George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 30 Mar 2018 7:12 pm Speaker ohm question
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I guess I had better contact Roland before hooking the Katana to my 4 ohm Telonics speaker. I don t want to damage the amp or the speaker. I will just have to live
with the 5" speaker built into the head and headphones until I can get a cabinet built loaded with an 8 ohm speaker.
Last edited by George Kimery on 1 Apr 2018 7:44 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 31 Mar 2018 5:52 am Speaker ohm question
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| I think I have figured out a solution. My Carvin and Steelaire will both accept an 8 ohm speaker. The Katana requires an 8 ohm. My current speaker is a Telonic's 4 ohm. If I replace the Telonics with a Travis Toy T-15 8 ohm, then all amps are happy. Plus sometime in the future, I want try a Stereo Steel, which will also accept an 8 ohm speaker. Unless I learn something different, this looks like the best way to go. |
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George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 1 Apr 2018 12:45 pm Speaker ohm question
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Contacting Roland was a bust. They wanted $5.00 to make an "appointment" to talk to tech service and another $31.00 to talk to them. This is a piss poor way of treating a customer that just bought one of their amps and I am going to try to contact them and let them know. All I want to do is connect the Kantana head to my 4 ohm Telonics speaker for 30 seconds to see how my new toy sounds.
Last edited by George Kimery on 1 Apr 2018 7:42 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Bill Moran
From:
Virginia, USA
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Posted 1 Apr 2018 1:54 pm
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Which one of the amp / speaker combo's make you sound like Buddy Emmons ?
_________________
Bill |
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George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 1 Apr 2018 7:10 pm Speaker ohm question
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| Touche, Bill. |
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Tom Wolverton
From:
Carpinteria, CA
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Posted 2 Apr 2018 10:49 am
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The service policies of Roland would cause me to sell that Katana.
_________________
To write with a broken pencil is pointless. |
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George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 2 Apr 2018 11:25 am speaker ohms question
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| I don't even have the amp yet and I already hate Roland. The amp is in UPS transit and will be here tomorrow. I found a way to get an email through to them bypassing tech service. I had to put in my phone number so they can email or call me to answer my simple question. So, far, they haven't responded. I will be shocked if I hear anything from them. In their list of authorized service centers, they listed a local guy. I have left a message on his answering machine, but he has not got back to me either. I think Roland tells their service centers not to return calls. I shutter to think what a mess it will be if I have a question or ever have to send it in for servicing. Good thing I got it from Musicians Friend with a 45 day return policy. |
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Godfrey Arthur
From:
3rd Rock
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Posted 10 Apr 2018 6:54 pm
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I would err on the side of caution and not connect a 4 ohm speaker into an 8 ohm only amp.
That said, just because Roland USA has quirky service policies, I would not take the policy against the amp.
Pro Tools users have to pay a $100 fee to talk to a tech but I don't think we're wanting to get rid of our Pro tools DAWs just because of that.
The Katana is a good amp. In this case you do see an 8ohm requirement on the back of your amp. This should be self explanatory as the required load.
Going to "11" notwithstanding.
_________________
ShoBud The Pro 1
YES it's my REAL NAME!
Ezekiel 33:7 |
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George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 11 Apr 2018 6:00 am Speaker ohm question
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| I played it safe. Never connected a 4 ohm speaker. Got a PF 350, which is 8 ohm. Fantastic speaker. |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 14 Apr 2018 11:12 am
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| Quote: |
| It is safe to have mismatched impedance (within 1 step up/ down) but you will certainly hear a difference in tone. |
That is NOT true in all cases.
There are amps such as vintage Marshalls that can be damaged by mismatched impedance. MOST of those have impedance switches - but not all.
Audible differences also vary widely and depend on the amp, speaker(s), volume level and the amp's maintenance status. You can't say "you will certainly hear a difference" because in many cases, especially at lower volume in single ended amps - you can't.
Because answers often are only partially correct ( or incorrect) on forums it's always best to consult the manufacturer or a local tech. If the amp is under warranty Roland normally doesn't charge for phone consults - if it's a used amp the change is perfectly legit as you didn't buy anything from them.
I would not mess around with speaker changes. cabinet swaps etc in your case. Contact a local guitar/amp tech (you should know one anyway in case you ever need service!) and pay him a few bucks to answer the question (DO NOT ask for free help unless your tech is a good friend!)
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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Todd Blair
From:
Richmond Virginia, USA
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Posted 15 Apr 2018 10:12 am
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Hence the use of the "generally" qualifier. 
_________________
Sho~Bud Pro III Custom,Rickenbacker 330, G&L ASAT Special. |
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Billy Carr
From:
Seminary, Mississippi, USA (deceased)
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Posted 15 Apr 2018 11:38 pm Psg
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| Lots of amp/speaker guys building great products to have to put up with such nonsense. A fee charge for a discussion about an issue or whatever? Come on, that really smells !!! |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 16 Apr 2018 11:06 am
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| Quote: |
| Hence the use of the "generally" qualifier. |
Really Todd? Nice try at a backpedal, but please - show us where you used "generally" in the statement "
| Quote: |
| It is safe to have mismatched impedance (within 1 step up/ down) but you will certainly hear a difference in tone. |
- which is what I directly referenced! Or anywhere else in your post, for that matter (unless you decided to edit it today)
Yikes. Well, sure makes it easier to know whose posts to ignore.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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Todd Blair
From:
Richmond Virginia, USA
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Posted 17 Apr 2018 1:06 am
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Point taken. I did not use the word "generally"-- I stand corrected. I did not intend to make an absolute statement that it is an understood rule that it is OK in all circumstances, as that would be foolish.
It is worth noting that we are comparing apples to oranges; a Boss Katana solid state amp v. a Bassman (my example) or a vintage Marshall. The commonly cited concern is tube arcing/ failure, which doesn't exist in a solid state amp.
As much as we may disagree, it is not a universally agreed upon topic, as an internet search will yield various answers from reputable sources. Anyhow, I am pleased that the original poster solved the issue, and bought a speaker with matched impedance.
_________________
Sho~Bud Pro III Custom,Rickenbacker 330, G&L ASAT Special. |
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Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
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Posted 1 May 2018 3:51 pm
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Does the magnate make a difference?
I have a 4 ohm BW with a peavey neo mag....says 8 ohm...
Any conflicts.......I want to sell it but also want to make sure it's a clean speaker
_________________
There is no such thing as too many steels!!
Emmons P/P 8/7 Strings....whatever I have.....Picks..mixed...Bars...one of four..but I like the Bullet Bar
Walker Stereo Steel Amp
TC M1 XL
Peavey Nashville 400. Fox Mod
Various sundries and toys.. |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 1 May 2018 4:31 pm
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No. The magnet doesn't matter. Peavey used the same magnets on both 4 and 8 ohm speakers. The impedance is taken from the speaker coil components. I don't know why, but Peavey's neo magnets had 8 ohms stamped on the magnet. You have no worries.
_________________
proud appalachian american
those of you who think you know everything annoy the he!! out of those of us that do. 
never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level then beat you with experience-Mark Twain- |
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Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
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Posted 2 May 2018 4:39 am
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Jerry...
Thanks for the info..
JD
_________________
There is no such thing as too many steels!!
Emmons P/P 8/7 Strings....whatever I have.....Picks..mixed...Bars...one of four..but I like the Bullet Bar
Walker Stereo Steel Amp
TC M1 XL
Peavey Nashville 400. Fox Mod
Various sundries and toys.. |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 2 May 2018 1:38 pm
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| Quote: |
| Does the magnate make a difference? |
Just to back up what Jerry said - the magnet type is irrelevant.
Impedance ratings are determined by the construction of the voice coil. The cone, basket (aka "frame"), spider and surround also are meaningless, so the appearance of a speaker can't help you figure out impedance. Two speakers that are virtually identical in appearance may be a 2 ohm and a 32 ohm - so never assume.
"Impedance" is also not the same as "DC resistance" - if you use a multimeter to read the resistance across a speaker's terminals the reading will NOT match the rated impedance. But it will be slightly lower than the impedance.
Examples - an "8 ohm speaker" generally reads between 6.8-7.6 ohms DC resistance; a 4 ohm speaker between 3 and 3.6 ohms; a 16 ohm speaker between 14.5-15.2 ohms. There are a few 32 ohm speakers used in bass amps that read between 29.5-32 ohms.
Anything outside those ranges is probably NOT a guitar amp speaker. There are a few exceptions but most of those are clearly marked.
And the impedance has nothing at all to do with the power rating, sensitivity or efficiency. Tweaking combinations of impedance, sensitivity, power handling and construction/components are how designers "voice" speakers
If a speaker's impedance is not marked - read the DC resistance. It should get you close enough.
But if the power handling isn't known, don't guess or assume. That's how you blow up speakers. Or amps.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
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Posted 10 May 2018 9:19 am
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Does the magnate make a difference?
I have a 4 ohm BW with a peavey neo mag....says 8 ohm...
Any conflicts.......I want to sell it but also want to make sure it's a clean speaker
_________________
There is no such thing as too many steels!!
Emmons P/P 8/7 Strings....whatever I have.....Picks..mixed...Bars...one of four..but I like the Bullet Bar
Walker Stereo Steel Amp
TC M1 XL
Peavey Nashville 400. Fox Mod
Various sundries and toys.. |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 10 May 2018 7:30 pm
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| Quote: |
Does the magnate make a difference?
I have a 4 ohm BW with a peavey neo mag....says 8 ohm...
Any conflicts.......I want to sell it but also want to make sure it's a clean speaker |
What you posted is a bit confusing.
First - there are no "clean" magnets. There are different types that affect weight, sound and other qualities - but no type of magnet is inherently cleaner than another.
Second - are you saying you have a 4 ohm Peavey neo magnet Black Widow - or an 8 ohm neo magnet Black widow?
It CAN'T be both. Peavey made/makes Black Widow speakers with in different sizes different impedance ratings and different magnet types. But the magnet type does not determine the impedance.
Can you post a picture ow whatever is leading you to think it has two impedance ratings?
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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