Humidifier for Speakers?

[fu22ba55]

Seeing the word "humidifier" in another thread reminded me of this question:

In the winter months, in a house with HVAC (forced hot air), is it wise to run a humidifier down in the room where my vintage cabs are?

I've never really worried about it much since I've usually only used late-model drivers, but this year I acquired some vintage cabs (70's Ampegs) and I want to preserve the original drivers as long as possible.

Is this wise? Is this done? Am I crazy?

Maybe just a bucket or pan of water sitting in the room to evaporate naturally would be sufficient?

[billfitzmaurice]

It can't hurt. And keeping the humidity up in winter is better for the rest of the occupants as well.

[sjb64]

Normal bass drivers require a minimum of 53.7% RH (relative humidity). However those Hartke aluminum drivers will handle a RH of less than 14.3%.

[hrgiger]

this is great I have another question about this. what is best for storing drivers that are not in a cab? I have several 'back-up' drivers that I would like to have ready to go, but truthfully they may not see any action for a long time. what should I do?

[fu22ba55]

Originally Posted by sjb64

Normal bass drivers require a minimum of 53.7% RH (relative humidity). However those Hartke aluminum drivers will handle a RH of less than 14.3%.

This seems strange to me. I understand that the Hartke cones are aluminum, so humidity is not as much of an issue, but my primary concern would be the surround drying out... not the cone... what material are surrounds usually made of, and what do the Hartke cones use?

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by sjb64

Normal bass drivers require a minimum of 53.7% RH (relative humidity). However those Hartke aluminum drivers will handle a RH of less than 14.3%.

Seriously?

It is rarely that humid here. My speakers shouldn't work in the late summer and early fall, if that's the case.

[chadds]

It's been said instruments like it where you like it.
This isn't that important except where our HVAC systems make it real dry.
You should worry about your basses too. Between 40 and 60% sustained. Just remember there's great vintage amps in New Orleans that have stood the test of time if you exclude a Katrina level of humidity.:/

[Jim C]

As far as forced air heat in the winter:
* Many suggest that 40-60% relative humidity is good for houses and humans
* You will find that even modern furnaces in larger house will be hard pressed to reach that level with most standard humidifers (meaning evaporative humidifiers and not steam or mist generators)
For example my last house (approx 3,000 sq/ft - Washington DC area) with humidifier off = 14% RH in a bad winter (it was broken when I bought the house)
With a new and properly sized AprilAire unit, we could barely get to 40%