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Impedance, wattage, and clean headroom question.


guitarman3001

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I've been looking for something like a 15 watt amp for gigs because my 30 watters are a bit too loud and have too much clean headroom. I want something that I can turn up to the point where the clean channel just starts to break up naturally. The amps I have now are too loud for that in the clubs we play.

 

Here's what I'm wondering - I just noticed that my 30 watt palomino 1x12 combo has an 8 ohm speaker in it. If I were to put a 16 ohm speaker in there, would it theoretically reduce the amp's net output to somewhere close to 15 watts and essentially give me less clean headroom? If I can do this, it'll save me from having to spend any $$$ on another amp.

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If you move to a speaker that is 3db less sensitive, it would reduce output similar to halving the wattage.

For example, if the current speaker had a sensitivity rating of 100db, you would want one with 97db...or less. The question is, what speaker is in there now?

Otherwise, just go with some attenuation. Something as simple as the Dr. Z Brake Lite.

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they have a new box that houses the speaker internally with a mike within so you just connect it to the PA. you can dial in your 30Watt head to the speaker but no sound comes out of the box, adjust the volume through the PA but jack your amp. Billy Gibbons uses this under the floor and sends it through the PA.

Forget what its called though

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either get an attenuator, or start using an iso-cab OR blocking off the cab altogether onstage.

otherwise, you're looking at a new amp - but like the others said...the math won't give you the desired result.

instead, i'd advise you to stick with the 30w and get an attenuator

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