la bam

Superb. Such a talented bassist, rhythm section and band.

Which ever way you do it, I wouldnt stay in that line up if he turns up every practice saying that. Been there, done that several times. All it does is continually boil up inside and drive you mad, whilst holding the band back, until it will eventually come to a head maybe even years down the line. Then you'll wonder why you put up with it. If hes 'too busy at work' to put in the effort like everyone else, then he shouldnt be there with you.

As soon as you here that, walk away. It's not a good sign.

I'd give him another chance. Give him 5 songs to master for next time then give him all night to have them sorted in a band scenario. I can play just about anything, but cant 'jam' for love nor money. I absolutely hate it! and I'm useless at it. He may just be a player who can play what hes practiced. Also, nerves play a huge role when first meeting up. Once he relaxes he may be fine. If after that he isnt up to it, and doesnt have the enthusiasm to improve, then take it from there.

Follow it the best you can, then make it your own with what you cant, or what doesnt work for your band. I always look at it that if you give 100 people a paragraph to read out loud, then everyone will be read out differently, but say the same message. Different pronunciation, phrasing, dynamics, but all come across good because they are natural. Not forced. And they all say the same thing. Try to copy someone exactly and it just wont sound right. Maybe something you cant put your finger on, but you can tell something is not quite right or doesnt sound natural. I look at musicianship the same way. No 2 musicians will be exactly the same, no two bands will play the same piece exactly the same way. Embrace it and enjoy it.

The smoothest strings I've ever used were the ghs precision flats. Totally different to rounds. Just all round silky smoothness.

Thanks for your patience Bill. I'll get there I promise:) Ah, so the link mechanism is not to link subs to tops etc, it's to link tops to tops, and subs to subs?

Actually...... am I over thinking it? Is 2 ohm one side L and 2 ohm the other side R - actually 2 ohm. Not the 1ohm i mentioned (i was thinking if it was bridged). So I could use 1 amp that is 2 ohm stable like a qsc rmx2450 or plx2402?

Ok Bill, sorry, I'm getting confused again if I send the amp to the tops then the link to the subs, they all work. so what is the ohmage there? How would you power this system with amps and connections?

That's what it looks like, but then linking them gives 2ohms. Linking the other side gives 2ohms. So a total of 1 ohm which isnt safe. Weird. I've used some systems in the past that keep the load spread - ie stays at 4ohm, or halves - linking 2 gives 8ohm. That's why I'm a bit stuck with this design.

Yes, that's what I was thinking. Just weird that they build in the links to connect the tops to the subs but that then makes this system 2 ohm per side per one input from the amp which is unusable for any amp (combined 1ohm).

Yes, it took some working out. However, I think weve worked it out now. Tops run on +1 -1. Link is +1 -1 +2 -2. Subs are +2 -2. My only thing left to work out is how to power them now. Do I use: 1. x4 amps (1 for each cab) will it be ok running one channel at 4ohm? 2. x2 amps capable of running down to 2 ohm (1 for x2tops and 1 for x2 subs). 3. Are there any other ways? Could I use x2 amps put power them daisy chained? Ie 1 top and sub per amp, but one one channel. 4. Any other ideas?

Thanks Bill, someone in an hk group, suggested the tops are connected +1 and -1 and the subs +2 and -2. I've just tried 4 core cable (had one lying around) and it works fine into the top from the amp, then works fine from the top into the sub via the link, but not the amp direct to the sub.

Thanks, I couldnt find anything either. Problem is the sub speakons dont seem to work as they are wired at the moment.

The writing on the Speakon connection says NL4MPR.

Tops are wired differently. 3 pin xlr types on left Speakons on right.

Ahhh, looking at this below, the subs connections - the wires to the speakers only go from the 3 pin connectors.

This might be clearer. Xlr types on top and speakons on the bottom.

Photos of the back of one of the subs. The x2 on the left of the inside shot are the 3 pin xlr type. The 2 on the right are the Speakon.

If your making an empty box look like an amp cab for stage looks - make it useful. Have it actually being a case or carry equipment in it. Saves you carrying it needlessly then.

I remember having a peavey UL system linked like this. No, the 3 pin look like xlrs but are also the same cables you find on old bass cabs and amps, like older trace elliot's. I'll try and get some photos, thanks.

Ok, thanks. I'll take the back of the subs and see what's in there.

Thanks bill. These have an IN and OUT on them though? I remember years ago, I had some cerwin Vega subs that were similar. I've no idea on whether or not the subs or tops have a built in crossover like some cabs do. Theres no info on them. I know they're probably 20 years old and from a time when HK Audio (Harmon Kardon) and Hughes & Kettner where the same company in the same building. I've been out of the passive pa game for a while. I agree powering the tops and subs separately with a crossover and 2 amps is probably the way to go unless I can find any info.

Oh, yes, sorry, it's the mini max I have. The mega max is used on tour by John Taylor of Duran Duran. He mentions it briefly in one of those rig rundown youtube. He compares it to why he uses that instead of an ampeg.

Hi all, not sure where to put this as theres no real PA section, so this seemed closest. I've just bought a second hand pa. 2 tops and 2 subs. The cabs are 4 ohm each, but have 2 connections on each cab (a + and -). Well in truth they have 4 - 2 speakons and 2 of those old 3 pin connectors. Question - if I was to link these (top to sub etc) are they designed to stay at 4ohm load, or do they drop to 2? Also, the tops work fine on usual 2fc speakons, but the subs only work on the 3 pin. Could it be the subs are powered using the 4fc speakons? (or whatever variant it is). If it helps it's an old model, a hk linear L24 and L30. Any help appreciated.