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Vox pathfinder mod (running a cab)
Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 8:50 am
by ianscanlon_Archive
I have a 15 watt solid state pathfinder combo that I scored off ebay for peanuts. Some places online (harmony central mainly) mention running it into a cab to get more useable volume from it.. However mine has a headphone out but not a speaker out.. The Headphone will be totally the wrong impedance to plug into a cab (i am thinking a 2x12 with low powered speakers) right? But it would be a relatively easy modification? Just involving a different resistor on the output jack? yes no?
Vox pathfinder mod (running a cab)
Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 9:14 am
by Rodabod_Archive
Add a 1/4" jack socket to the back panel and wire the two wires originally running to the speaker to this socket.
If you need to be able to switch between the speaker, this is possible too by using a socket which "normals".
Vox pathfinder mod (running a cab)
Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 9:26 am
by ianscanlon_Archive
Aha so I already have the 1/4' inch out (for the headphones) so potentially I just need to wire the outs from the speaker to there? Yes no?
Vox pathfinder mod (running a cab)
Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 9:43 am
by alex maiolo_Archive
Do what rodabod suggested and put the output on the back panel. The thin piece of wood that guards the speakers would be a good place to mount this. Are you sure this amp can drive another cab?
My suggestion is to sell this thing and get a louder amp. I love the Pathfinder, but for the cost of a cabinet, speaker, and the time to do this mod, which clearly the factory didn't like the idea enough to do for you, you could get a Cambridge.
There is a 1x10 and a 2x10 Cambridge solid state. Probably $200 and $300 respectively. They are 30w and plenty loud. Louder than a Pathfinder with an extra cab and easier to carry.
-A
Vox pathfinder mod (running a cab)
Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 9:54 am
by Rodabod_Archive
ianscanlon wrote:Aha so I already have the 1/4' inch out (for the headphones) so potentially I just need to wire the outs from the speaker to there? Yes no?
I'm afraid not. The headphone section is a different circuit separate from the main amp circuit and will be too quiet (and will cause other problems too).
I'd go with Alex's suggestion, although buying a good cab and swapping the amp later is an option too.
Vox pathfinder mod (running a cab)
Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 10:18 am
by ianscanlon_Archive
Thanks for that, shame, I really like the sound of the pathfinder, I've gigged with it before now as well up against proper drums and everything worked well in small places (and ones with good monitors).. but it could just do with being a teeny bit louder! Am thinking of picking another H&H for ROCK purposes.. I had an IC100 combo but swapped it for an ampeg bass amp.. Swings and roundabouts looks like I need a loud guitar amp again. Hey ho!
Vox pathfinder mod (running a cab)
Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 12:03 pm
by eliya_Archive
ianscanlon wrote:Aha so I already have the 1/4' inch out (for the headphones) so potentially I just need to wire the outs from the speaker to there? Yes no?
If you meant disconnecting the headphones amp from the jack, and connecting the wires going to the speaker, then yes.
(saving the bother of drilling another hole for another jack)
Vox pathfinder mod (running a cab)
Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 12:37 pm
by Adam CR
eliya wrote:ianscanlon wrote:Aha so I already have the 1/4' inch out (for the headphones) so potentially I just need to wire the outs from the speaker to there? Yes no?
If you meant disconnecting the headphones amp from the jack, and connecting the wires going to the speaker, then yes.
(saving the bother of drilling another hole for another jack)
The headphone jack is probably (externally) plastic (thus unlikely to short anything with it's external shell) so why not unscrew the holding nut and push it into the body of the amp (wrapping insulation tape over its terminals), then attach and connect a new jack socket for the external speaker.
That way you can easily restore the amp to original state for re-sale.
Vox pathfinder mod (running a cab)
Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 4:08 am
by ianscanlon_Archive
Aha! I like your idea Adam, I may well give that go.
Vox pathfinder mod (running a cab)
Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 6:38 am
by Rodabod_Archive
eliya wrote:If you meant disconnecting the headphones amp from the jack, and connecting the wires going to the speaker, then yes.
(saving the bother of drilling another hole for another jack)
I think I may have misinterpreted the question. Eliya and Adam's suggestions sound good.