tweeter noise - what's normal?

Black Sheep · #1 03-15-2011, 06:30 PM

I am running a Carvin BX1500 with an Epifani UL2-410. They sounds great, but I'm wondering how much high Hz noise to expect from the tweeter. The setup is super quiet with the tweeter dialed out, but gets a pretty good hiss going at the "normal" level. Is this typical for an amp of this type and power level? When I plug my MB200 into the Epifani, it is quieter, but seems to lack the range and transparency of the BX; so maybe it's just what you get. This is the most efficient setup I've ever had, so I'm a bit of a newbie with the high end...

will33 · #2 03-15-2011, 06:36 PM

Well, the tweeter doesn't make noise, it reproduces noise made earlier up the chain from the amp, effects, etc. Without hearing, it's hard to say if it's "normal" or not. A little bit is normal. More hiss can come from having some effect set hot or just from turning up a treble knob. Also from a questionable ground somewhere or a neon light or other things that interfere with pickups, amps, etc.

seamonkey · #3 03-15-2011, 06:43 PM

Tweeter don't make noise, they reproduce noise that is sent to them.
Turn the treble down on your amp.

I don't know who started this woofer/tweeter spread for bass amps, but it's time to stop it.

See the fEarful threads

Black Sheep · #4 03-15-2011, 08:59 PM

Yes, I'm aware that the tweeter is not the thing originating the noise... Although I focused on the cab perhaps, the question should really be about the amp. Typically, I play with the tweeter off anyway, but for the very occasional slap, it sounds good with more highs. Generally very happy with this rig. This is difficult to pose, as it's not clear to me there is a problem and it is largely subjective. I thought it was interesting that the GK is quieter, but they are very different amps.