Can Setting gain too high damage amp?

MrRoden96 · #1 01-16-2013, 04:38 PM

Can this happen because the peak light on my tc electronic BH 500 keeps coming on

KJung · #2 01-16-2013, 04:44 PM

If you are talking about the input clip light, then no, you cannot damage an amp by overdriving the preamp, and with some amps (especially those with tube preamps) that can be a very nice sounding thing.

With most solid state amps, you would not want that clip light coming on much, not for safety reasons, but rather that it can sound like dog (i.e., solid state preamp clipping).

If, on the other hand, you are talking about your power amp/output clip light constantly coming on, that suggests, depending on the design of the indicator, that you are overdriving the power amp past its spec'd limits. Over time, that can cause some issues, and in a short time, you can blow a tweeter diaphragm pretty easily (the distortion coming out of the power amp is mostly very high frequency, which can damage tweeters that aren't protected.

Preamp clip light.... if it sounds good to you, have at it!

MrRoden96 · #3 01-16-2013, 04:46 PM

It doesnt sound distorted....

I think all of this TC stuff is abit over engineered

MrRoden96 · #4 01-16-2013, 04:47 PM

And thanks for the detail.

So as long as it doesnt hurt my cabs its ok?

And its the input light thats coming on

B-string · #5 01-16-2013, 05:11 PM

You should be just fine. If it sounds good, it is good.

hdracer · #6 01-16-2013, 05:14 PM

just put a piece of black electrical tape over the light.

That's what I do with the check engine light in my car.....

cashpoor51 · #7 01-16-2013, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdracer

just put a piece of black electrical tape over the light.

That's what I do with the check engine light in my car.....

Haha you made me chuckle pretty good on this one

TolerancEJ · #8 01-16-2013, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdracer

just put a piece of black electrical tape over the light.

That's what I do with the check engine light in my car.....

This is also the correct method to deal with the flashing clock on VCRs. Used to be near impossible to program.

B-string · #9 01-16-2013, 05:25 PM

My ex wife did the black tape on the oil light.......don't do it with that light.