Bass Amp Popping -Is This Bad For My Amp?

[SquierVM]

I recently purchased an Ampeg BA-112, and I've noticed that when i play low notes, the amp makes a popping sound, kind of like a percussive bass drum or something. The note still comes through clearly, its just that the amp pops. I do play with a lot of low end in my tone, and very little treble. Personally, I like this popping. The question is, is this popping harming my amp in the long run?

Thanks

[beebassdude]

ive had that happen before, and in my case it was my action being low and the strings hitting the pickups, which created a clicking noise.

i dont think its bad for the amp at all, however if youre playing loud you can damage the speakers that way. regardless whether you like it or not, i cant imagine thats ever good for the speakers (unless your popping is different than what im describing).

[BassmanPaul]

Or, if you are using a lot of low EQ boost, it could be the voice coil hitting the back plate of the magnet assembly. This will destroy your speaker fairly quickly.

[Mcrelly]

bassmanpaul that's what I was thinking. if it corresponds directly with notes being plucked then the speaker is traveling TOO FAR and "popping"

NOT GOOD....

[Bass_Pounder]

Another vote for your speaker hitting it's mechanical limits.

You state you play with lots of low end...........

Try turning the bass/lows down and play again. Does the popping stop ?

If so, continuing the way you are will result in a destroyed speaker.

[Old Joe]

Maybe its time to clean the pots and input jacks with some contact cleaner?