Tweeter on Bass Cab Question

[Tridacnid]

So let's say you're pumping 400 watts through your bass cab (2 x 12 for instance). How come the tweeter doesn't blow? Surely it can't handle all that power.

I'm asking because I'm looking to do a little experimenting with speakers and cabs (maybe even build my own, who knows), and I couldn't find any tweeters that could handle high wattage.

1st post! w00t!

Thanks,
Tri

[Foz]

Two words...

CROSSOVER

[Tridacnid]

So the crossover (let's say 1800Hz or 3500Hz) greatly decreases the wattage that reaches the tweeter? By how much?

[David1234]

That's entirely a function of what signal you're sending it. If you send a signal that's 400W and entirely above 3500Hz, then you should expect to smoke the tweeter (and risk hearing damage).

Bass notes tend be mostly bass frequencies - even the highest bass notes - containing a few percent treble at most, unless you are doing things like using a lot of fuzz or distortion.

I think you're asking all the right questions here. Next, look into "tweeter protection" systems like putting a lightbulb in series with the tweeter. During moments of too much treble, the bulb lights up and protects the tweeter.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Tridacnid

So the crossover (let's say 1800Hz or 3500Hz) greatly decreases the wattage that reaches the tweeter? By how much?

Power density goes down by 1/2 for each octave rise.

[Tridacnid]

Originally Posted by David1234

Next, look into "tweeter protection" systems like putting a lightbulb in series with the tweeter. During moments of too much treble, the bulb lights up and protects the tweeter.

Makes sense. A light bulb is just a piece of wire when it's cold (low resistance), but as the current increases, so does resistance.

Got any good links for me? I found this thread.

[Tridacnid]

Is the Eminence Delta 15A any good for a bass cab? The Xmax is kind of low.