amp/ cab question---distorted kind of

[dvs20]

does running an amp to hard distort the signal to the cab? I'm running about 180 watts into a 4x10 rated well over 180 watts.

[GrowlerBox]

Originally Posted by dvs20

does running an amp to hard distort the signal to the cab? I'm running about 180 watts into a 4x10 rated well over 180 watts.

If I understand correctly what you're getting at, running too hot a signal to the cab will cause distortion at the level of the speaker. This is generally considered an indication for reducing said signal, usually by means of pronating the right wrist whilst the fingers of the right hand grip the volume knob. There was one bloke on this forum who was looking to build a cabinet specifically for the purposes of distorting at the speakers -- he was quite prepared to go through a lot of speakers to achieve his tone.

Desirable distortion is generally achieved by overdriving a tube-based power amplifier, or by simulating this sound in a solid-state overdrive channel or pedal. This need not damage the speaker if the amplified signal to the cabinet provided by the power section of your head is not too strong.

[Pollinator95]

I think the 180W limit on the cab refers to the wattage at which the speakers in the cab will melt. It distorts much before that.

[dvs20]

cab rated at 500w, i was just wondering if the amp is sending distorted signal if "overdriven"

[GrowlerBox]

Originally Posted by dvs20

cab rated at 500w, i was just wondering if the amp is sending distorted signal if "overdriven"

Well, yes, it is. If you don't like the distortion, turn down the gain. I have no idea what amp you're using, but if it's solid state, most of these sound awful when "clipped", whereas tube pre-amps just break up more and more as you dial up the gain, an "effect" for which they are prized.

I may well be teaching you to suck eggs here, but you're not giving us much to go on.