Adding Stereo/Mono Switch to 4x12 Cab

[Paul Dascensio]

I'd like to add a toggle switch to a 4x12 cab I have that'll give me the option of running it in 8ohm stereo (each jack controls one vertical pair) or 16 ohm mono. The speakers are all 16 ohms each.

Is there a minimum rating (amps, volts, etc) I should look for on the switch itself? Also what type of switch would work best?

Thanks,

 

[Randy]

I saw a thread on another board about this recently. I think a DPDT 10A switch is what you want. I don't think the type (toggle, rocker etc.) really matters.

I've got some wiring diagrams if you need them.

 

[Paul Dascensio]

Thanks for the reply Randy. So 10A is the minimum I should look for in a switch?

 

[Randy]

Originally posted by Paul Dascensio
Thanks for the reply Randy. So 10A is the minimum I should look for in a switch?

Paul, I just found another thread which had this helpful link attached, which states a 300 watt amp at 4 ohms puts out about 8 1/2 amps, so a 10 amp switch should be fine.

http://www.bright.net/~robertso/marshall/1960cab.html

I'll bet Pilgrim Electronics over on Beaver Brook Rd will have a switch if you don't want to deal with Radio Shack (I work in Brookfield and live in Roxbury).

 

[Paul Dascensio]

Interesting diagram. I definitely don't need that much flexibility. Just want to have a choice of two 8 ohm vertical 2x12s or one 16 ohm 4x12. I guess I'll have to take out the multimeter and test my connections.

I was going to wire each vertical 2x12 directly to each jack. Then use the switch to combine the two jackets depending on the switch position. Does that make sense? So I'd just need the series connection between jacks to be switched.

You kind of freaked me when you recommended a place local to pick one up. I'm going to be ordering some other parts from Mouser and I figured I'd just add one to the list.

Thanks,

 

[Randy]

Paul,

I PM'd you some other diagrams which should be more helpful.

Randy

 

[Paul Dascensio]

Thanks. Funny you send me those. I've never looked at the disk that LV sends out with each order. Figures I've had it here all along.

Thanks,