[JonnyBoy]

Top 10 Ways To "TOAST" Speakers and Diaphragms

1.FREQUENT OCCURRENCES OF HARD FEEDBACK
If you go "ouch" after that last squeal, chances are so did your speakers! This one is compounded by proceeding to use the speakers after they have probably been damaged.

2.IMPROPER BIAMPLIFICATION: CROSSOVER TOO LOW OR TWEETER AMP TOO HIGH
Always check your speaker specs for the best crossover points.

3.NOT ENOUGH SPEAKER SYSTEMS FOR SPL REQUIREMENTS OR PROPER COVERAGE
Most folks throw "extra watts" at the same speaker complement: add extra channels of amplification in concert with additional speakers.

4.TRYING TO COVER AN OUTDOOR GIG WITH YOUR INDOOR SYSTEM
Outdoor gigs require at least 12 dB (16X power) more sound output than indoors, and as much as 20 dB (100X power!) to really do it right.

5.EXCESSIVE EQ
The classic "smile" EQ curve is actually smiling at your speakers imminent demise! Keep in mind that EQs are best used for cutting, not boosting the signal. Need more highs? Reduce the bass...Need more lows? Reduce the highs.

6.INCORRECT USE OF COMPRESSORS/LIMITERS
Excessive compression squeezes the life out of your music AND your speakers!

7.NOT ENOUGH AMPLIFIER HEADROOM
Too little power, and amplifier clipping becomes the norm.

8.SUDDEN TRANSIENTS WHILE THE SPEAKERS ARE HOT
Turn-off thumps, plugging/unplugging mics, etc.

9.CLIPPING THE SIGNAL BEFORE IT GETS TO THE POWER AMP
Improper mixer gain distribution, line signal too hot, etc.

10.KEEP USING YOUR SPEAKERS AFTER DAMAGING THEM...
And failing to have the crossover parts checked for damage after abusing the speaker system that way! Let your ears be your guide. If you hear distortion from any clean inputs, damage has likely occurred. Note: Any time you suspect a problem, be sure and check with your local Peavey dealer/service center.


Most of this we all know, it is good to be reminded every now and again...

[strumminsix]

I dig the common speak vs all techy!

[JonnyBoy]

Very simple mistakes, and I have made them all at some point, #4 I thought was a good reminder for this season coming up! The most common, making thumps and such during setup or breakdown when someone turns up or forgets to turn off the amp before it is all set up or during breakdown? Since I own the powered speakers I am kinda crazy about doing things right.

[tcsned]

thanks Jonnyboy!

I'm wondering about the compression issue - is it that compression squashes the dynamic range and when pushed up close to clipping that the constant signal level hurts speakers? I don't use any compression in our PA because I'd rather have more dynamic range but though that was interesting and hadn't heard that before.

[JonnyBoy]

Yes I think they are talking about turning the compressor to 10 and not allowing for the speaker to transmit the wavelength properly. I am assuming they are speaking of "over" compressing which to me sounds like shit anyway. I have found that slight compression with vocals is ideal, not squashing them into a pancake. I think it has to do with your dynamic range anyway, if you are not bellowing like Robert Plant or Michael Jackson you really don't need a huge amount to keep the dynamics in check.