Can i use a different external speaker cab with my CATALYST CX 200?

[NC870]

I read somewhere that this is possible... if so, how and what kind of cab?

 

thx

[rd2rk]

On 4/27/2024 at 9:00 PM, NC870 said:

I read somewhere that this is possible... if so, how and what kind of cab?

 

thx

 

The 1x12 Cats are 4ohm and there's no external speaker out.

Since it's a solid-state amp you can use a 4ohm and probably an 8ohm cab, but using an external cab and either would (IIRC how combining speakers works) lower the load to 2ohms and I'm not sure that would be safe for the power amp.

You could wire a cut-out to use only the external cab at either 4 or 8ohms, but at 8ohms it would lower the output power of the amp.

I'm sure that someone with more electronics know-how than me will chime in on this. @Schmalle?

I use a powered cab (FRFR112) and the XLR Out which I think sounds great, and it's frelling LOUD!

[NC870]

On 4/28/2024 at 2:17 AM, rd2rk said:

 

I use a powered cab (FRFR112) and the XLR Out which I think sounds great

ok, so  i can go from the xlr out on my catalyst 200 into an frfr speaker?  does this bypass the catalyst speakers?

will the amp function as normal, with the edit software, panel controls, etc...  but audio will come from the FRFR cab?

 

Thanks always for you help. much appreciated

[rd2rk]

The Channel Volume controls the Output Level from the XLR.

The Master Volume controls the level of the Main Cab Speaker.

Use them in conjunction to balance the levels. The Channel Volume affects the Master, but NOT vice versa.

IOW - if you WANT to bypass the Cat's speaker, just turn down the Master Volume.

Everything else functions as expected and with the latest FW you can turn OFF the Speaker Emulation on the XLRs, which allows you to use your own IR Loader.

I find that for LIVE use (with powered FRFR) the Speaker Emulation sounds fine, but this is a handy feature if you're using the XLR Out for recording.

[NC870]

 

On 4/28/2024 at 2:23 PM, rd2rk said:

 

I find that for LIVE use (with powered FRFR) the Speaker Emulation sounds fine, but this is a handy feature if you're using the XLR Out for recording.

 

 

This is very helpful,  since i can essentially use another powered FRFR cab ...

I wasn't a fan of the the L6 Powercab.  Which one are you using?  Can you recommend other good sounding powered cabs?

 

Thanks

[rd2rk]

I'm using a Headrush FRFR112. Despite the bad rap it gets from tone snobs on the forums (mostly, I suspect, because it's cheap), I think it sounds great and, unless you're touring (where dependability/durability becomes a factor), it's a great bang-for-the-buck option. Its Alto cousins are also fine. If you want to spend more for the durability factor then Yamaha, EV, QSC, any PA type cab works. If "backline appearance" (MUST look like a GUITAR cab) matters, there's even higher end choices like Atomic CLR. Recently, Fender has released the FR10/FR12 cabs which are both affordable and guitar cab looking which, while I've never used them, are said to sound great (even on the tone snob forums). Just be sure to get them at a proper dealer with a reasonable returns policy, as the earliest mfg runs had audible low volume "hiss" problems. I wouldn't buy one used, as there's no way to tell by s/n when it was mfr'd.

[NC870]

On 4/28/2024 at 4:38 PM, rd2rk said:

I'm using a Headrush FRFR112. Despite the bad rap it gets from tone snobs on the forums (mostly, I suspect, because it's cheap), I think it sounds great and, unless you're touring (where dependability/durability becomes a factor), it's a great bang-for-the-buck option. Its Alto cousins are also fine. If you want to spend more for the durability factor then Yamaha, EV, QSC, any PA type cab works. If "backline appearance" (MUST look like a GUITAR cab) matters, there's even higher end choices like Atomic CLR. Recently, Fender has released the FR10/FR12 cabs which are both affordable and guitar cab looking which, while I've never used them, are said to sound great (even on the tone snob forums). Just be sure to get them at a proper dealer with a reasonable returns policy, as the earliest mfg runs had audible low volume "hiss" problems. I wouldn't buy one used, as there's no way to tell by s/n when it was mfr'd.

thx!! id like to get 2x12 powercab... or maybe just 2 head rush cabs? (not sure i can do that with only one xlr output)

i was so dissapointed in the L6 PC 112 +

 

how would i use an "IR loader" with the Catalyst amp?

[rd2rk]

The Powercab+ amps excel with Helix Rack/Floor/LT. They also have a learning curve.

Lots of people post "I had one for 10 minutes and returned it 'cause it sucked!"

Good for you! I hope you lost money on the deal, 'cause you're an idiot!

 

If all you have is the Catalyst, get the FRFR112. You can use 2 by linking them by XLR (there's an XLR out on the FRFR112).

Or you can get an XLR Splitter, which makes level matching easier.

However, be aware that the XLR Out on the Cat is not stereo. Your 2 Powered speakers will be MONO.

The only stereo function in a Cat is the HP Out on the 100/200, and that is ONLY stereo from the AUX in.

The Cat guitar signal is not stereo at any point.

 

[NC870]

On 4/28/2024 at 7:32 PM, rd2rk said:

 

The only stereo function in a Cat is the HP Out on the 100/200, and that is ONLY stereo from the AUX in.

The Cat guitar signal is not stereo at any point.

 

 

 

woah...ok, that's good to know thanks...  what is the HP out?   

 

So.. none of the effects,,etc. on the Cat 200... with 2 12" speakers have stereo functionality?

[rd2rk]

HP = Head Phone.

 

Correct. Catalyst is a MONO amp.