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Post subject: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 4:04 pm
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I know this is a recurring subject and i've read several threads regarding it already but i'm still confused about it!

I have a Mustang 3 v2, which i am deliriously happy with - apart from one thing - and that's the obvious lack of a dedicated speaker extension socket on the rear panel. This amp will suit my needs at the majority of the gigs that i play but, occasionally, i play some larger venues and it would be really useful to at least have the option of adding a speaker cab for a bit of extra power and, admittedly, from a visual perspective.

Can anyone give me a defining answer whether i can run an extension speaker cab from my M3 without modifying the amp or internal speaker?

I thought i read somewhere that the "send" of the effects loop could be run into an external speaker cab. Or can the new Stereo Line-outs be utilized for such a purpose? Forgive my ignorance on the subject.

I have a Marshall 1960A stereo/mono 4x12" cab that is gathering dust in the garage that i'd love to make occasional use of.

Failing all that, my other option is to purchase a Mustang 5 head and attempt to run that through the Marshall. Obviously, that's a more expensive option than using my M3 which i have only just bought - and also, from what i've read on this forum, i'm not even sure the Marshall would work with the M5. Does anybody know for sure?

I would appreciate any advice. Many thanks.


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Post subject: Re: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 9:51 pm
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the main thing to look out for is proper impeadance, you would have to disconnect the internal speaker of your mustnag amp and add a 1/4" mono jack to hook up an external cab, this is easily reversible and if done right will not damage your amp, I believe your amp takes an 8ohm load, so the factory speaker would have to be disconnected when using an external cabinet, external cabinet should also be an 8ohm load, the M3 has enough power to rock the hell out of a 4x12 cab, just be mindful of proper speaker impeadances as not to overload your amp


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Post subject: Re: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2014 6:47 am
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Copied from this old thread:

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=68583

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Any kind of service or modification performed by anyone other than a fender authorized tech will void the warranty.

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Post subject: Re: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2014 12:00 pm
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Quote:
adding a speaker cab for a bit of extra power

Adding an extra speaker may give a 'fuller' sound but won't give more power - the amp still has the same power, however many speakers it is driving.

Quote:
a defining answer whether i can run an extension speaker cab from my M3 without modifying the amp or internal speaker?

For your question as written, the defining answer is 'no' but read on for another suggestion.

Quote:
the "send" of the effects loop could be run into an external speaker cab. Or can the new Stereo Line-outs be utilized for such a purpose?

Neither of these will work. The effects loop and the line-outs are 'line-level' signals. Which means they are low voltage and very low current. To drive a speaker you need larger voltage and current - from a power amp.

Quote:
Marshall 1960A stereo/mono 4x12" cab

You would need to run the line-out from your Mustang 3 into an external power amp, then the output of that power amp into the Marshall cab. Alternatively, forget the Marshall cab and get something like a Tech 21 Power Engine that is an amp and speaker in a single package. You could connect that to the line-out of your Mustang.

Quote:
Mustang 5 head and attempt to run that through the Marshall ... not even sure the Marshall would work with the M5. Does anybody know for sure?

See this topic: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=54868
In summary, it will work if your Marshall cab has two independent circuits (ie, if it's actually two completely separate 2x12 cabs in one box, with no electrical connection between each side at all), and if each circuit is 8 ohm impedance.


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Post subject: Re: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2014 3:01 pm
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I vote for the Mustang V v2 approach...

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Post subject: Re: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2014 5:07 pm
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it can be done so long as proper impeadances are maintained, is it necessary ? No. Would it work ? Yes absolutely so long as proper impeadances are maintained, It can be done in a way that would not alter the construction of the amplifier, the only mod would be disconnectiong the stock speaker which could easily be reconnected at any time


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Post subject: Re: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2014 2:57 am
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Many thanks to everybody who has taken the time to post a reply to my query. The advice i have been given has given me a clearer picture about the whole situation.

scott - uk, your suggestion of connecting to an external power amp has intrigued me. I have a 100W Ibanez Toneblaster head that i have sometimes used with my Marshall cab - would that do the job?

If so, do i understand you correctly?.....i take a lead from the Line-out on the back of the M3 and plug it into the front input on the power amp (Ibanez) (there are no rear inputs or Line-in) and then just hook up the Marshall cab to the power amp (Ibanez) as i would normally?

It all seems a bit too good to be true and i have a feeling that you're going to tell me that the Ibanez is isn't what you had in mind! I hope i'm wrong!

With regard to your comment/link about my Marshall cab needing to have 2 independent 2x12" circuits - there is a switch on the back of the cab that allows me to change from mono (using a 4 ohm or 16 ohm input) to stereo (using two 8 ohm inputs). I'm presuming that means that the cab would be suitable?

Thanks.


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Post subject: Re: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2014 2:07 pm
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Ref Kreature: yes one could easily disconnect the internal speaker and instead connect the wires to an external cabinet. I agree with you that whereas this is possible it seems largely pointless. I echo your comment about getting the impedance right. My earlier reply was discussing options that didn't involve any changes to the original amp.

Ref "would the 100 watt Ibanez do the job" - I know nothing about this amp, but it could be a good answer. If you've already used it with the Marshall cab, you know that part works. As for whether its input matches the Mustang's line-out level, I suggest you try it, starting with all volume levels set to zero, and turn up slowly until you find a good level (or determine that there is no good level!).

Ref Marshall cab stereo setting - yes it sounds like that does what the Mustang V needs. Again, start with all the volumes set to zero and turn them up slowly. But as you have the Ibanez, this probably isn't necessary.


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Post subject: Re: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2014 6:47 am
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Thank you, scott-uk. Your information is invaluable.

I'll certainly try the Ibanez/Marshall before i make any firm decision. The M3 has an adjustable Line-out boost hidden away in one of it's menus - perhaps this may be useful if there's any discrepancy between the two?

If the Ibanez/Marshall isn't up to it then at least it looks like i'll be able to use the Marshall cab if i decide to go for an M5.

Thanks again.


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Post subject: Re: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2014 10:33 am
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Hi Flingel Bunt,

Thanks once again to scott_uk for his always helpful and insightful assistance. I wanted to add that the Line output control is located in the UTIL menu on your amp. It has a default level of 19.9%. You can either increase or decrease as needed to better match the line output level from your amp to go to the input of the other amp. Please let us know if we can assist further from our end.

Best Regards,

Alan

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Post subject: Re: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 4:41 am
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Just an update for anybody who may be interested.

scott-uk - your idea to run a cable from the line-out on my Mustang 3 into my Ibanez/Marshall half-stack works a treat...and sounds incredible!

I may still invest in a Mustang 5 head at some point in the future but, in the meantime, this set-up seems to fit the bill and has saved me paying out for yet another amp.

Thanks for the tip.


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Post subject: Re: Mustang 3 extension cabinet
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 9:54 am
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Glad to hear it works and sounds good!


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