Powering an Ampeg 8x10 cab with a Power Amp

Hi all,



I’m using an Ampeg 8x10 Bass Cab to play my drum machine for my live show and I have no idea how to power it properly.



I am aware that it's going to sound muddy, but it's the best I can do at the moment.



Ampeg SVT-810E Specs:



LF Drivers: 8 x 10”

Voice Coil: 2”

Magnet Weight (each): 30 oz

RMS Power Handling: 2 x 400-Watts (Stereo)

RMS Power Handling: 800-Watts (Mono)

Frequency Response (-3dB): 58Hz-5kHz

Usable Low Frequency (-10dB): 40Hz

Nominal Impedance: 2 x 8-Ohms (Stereo)

Nominal Impedance: 4-Ohms (Mono)

Sensitivity: 100dB

Maximum SPL: 130dB

Dimensions (W x H x D inches): 26 x 48 x 16

Shipping Weight: 165 Pounds

Handling Weight: 140 Pounds




So from the research I’ve done, wattage and Ohms are big things to consider when looking to power this speaker.



I’ve heard that the formula for watts is that it should be 2x more watts than the speaker provides (for overhead). Since I’ll be using the speaker in stereo, 400 watts x 2 = I need an amp with at least 800 watts of power, right?





Secondly, I’ve read you divide the Ohms of the speaker in stereo by 2. So with 2 x 8-Ohms (stereo) = I’d need an amp outputting at 4 Ohms, right?



I plan on buying a mixer too so I can put drum machine, synth, vocals on each channel and mix accordingly. I’m not sure how that plays into everything if the mixer is powered or not.



My budget for both the mixer and amp is about $600. I’m poor.



Am I on the right track? Any recommendations?



Thank you so much!!



James

Powering an Ampeg 8x10 cab with a Power Amp