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Elf/Mesa crackle noise

Zackabinoff

Zackabinoff

Mar 23, 2018
103
117
#1
Hey all,

Just looking for some more input. Running a Mesa D800 to TE 2x8 Elf daisy chained to Subway 112 (4ohm load combined). Running the D800 at about 11 oclock input and gain. I am getting a nasty electronic crackling sound at louder volumes but curiously not necessarily when I am plucking. Lowered the PUPs to rule out the poles catching. Tried the Subway by itself no crackle. Not sure if there is an issue with power dispersion between the different sized drivers or if voice coils are hitting the back of the ELF. The ELF is brand new, still have to remove grill and speakers to check connections. Going to bust out by 4x10 cab and make sure there is no crackling just to be very sure its not bass input jack or pickup poles and rule any anomalies on the amp etc. Like I said, just looking for some more input.. I am by no means an expert on subject! Thanks in advance!
 
#2
Other things to note

- Bass is Fodera Monarch Standard with the bass freq running pretty hot.
- was using passive input and monitoring extra volume via onboard volume but did try active input for the reduced gain but still got the crackling noise.
- all cables are in good shape.
 
#5
If your ELF cabinet is 8 ohms (I don’t know if it’s available in 4 ohms), it will receive 400 watts RMS which at low frequencies may exceed its mechanical power handling capabilities. I believe the low frequency sensitivity is also lower which can exaggerate this symptom.

Don’t keep doing this as it’s possible to damage the speaker.
 
#6
agedhorse said:
If your ELF cabinet is 8 ohms (I don’t know if it’s available in 4 ohms), it will receive 400 watts RMS which at low frequencies may exceed its mechanical power handling capabilities. I believe the low frequency sensitivity is also lower which can exaggerate this symptom.

Don’t keep doing this as it’s possible to damage the speaker.
Click to expand...

thanks for the reply!! yes its 8 ohms getting 400 and the Subway 112 is getting the other 400. definitely will heed your advice. Sad because it sounded great and was very easy to move around
 
#7
Breakin' Ohm's Law
Breakin' Ohm's Law
upload_2020-10-7_21-9-39.jpeg
 
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#9
If you look at the specifications for the Subway cabinets you will see detailed and substantial specs. for mechanical power handling. This was the result of public TB discussions.

It’s not uncommon for a speaker’s mechanical power handling to fall by 50% compared with thermal power handling at low frequencies. I have often warned about this and the risk of damage.

if you need that kind of volume, it’s important to consider both sensitivity as well as mechanical power handling.

most published power handling numbers are thermal rather than mechanical.
 
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#12
Zackabinoff said:
Hey all,

Just looking for some more input. Running a Mesa D800 to TE 2x8 Elf daisy chained to Subway 112 (4ohm load combined). Running the D800 at about 11 oclock input and gain. I am getting a nasty electronic crackling sound at louder volumes but curiously not necessarily when I am plucking. Lowered the PUPs to rule out the poles catching. Tried the Subway by itself no crackle. Not sure if there is an issue with power dispersion between the different sized drivers or if voice coils are hitting the back of the ELF. The ELF is brand new, still have to remove grill and speakers to check connections. Going to bust out by 4x10 cab and make sure there is no crackling just to be very sure its not bass input jack or pickup poles and rule any anomalies on the amp etc. Like I said, just looking for some more input.. I am by no means an expert on subject! Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Turn your gain down.
 
#14
agedhorse said:
If you look at the specifications for the Subway cabinets you will see detailed and substantial specs. for mechanical power handling. This was the result of public TB discussions.

It’s not uncommon for a speaker’s mechanical power handling to fall by 50% compared with thermal power handling at low frequencies. I have often warned about this and the risk of damage.

if you need that kind of volume, it’s important to consider both sensitivity as well as mechanical power handling.

most published power handling numbers are thermal rather than mechanical.
Click to expand...


thanks for the solid input. I feel some kind of way about the fluff and misinformation about cabinets and their capabilities. maybe that's my own fault in part of mixing and matching without proper knowledge. then again I feel like I did the basic math.. at any rate I think I'll just match my 112 with a 115 or 210 subway and relinquish my worries to trying to just play the @#$%>*^ bass
 
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#15
Zackabinoff said:
View attachment 4010525I'm running it j bass funk style except eq is flat and voice is at 9 o'clock
Click to expand...
Well, there's no point in having a pre set position for input gain. It changes with every bass. Well, instrument in general. And any desired result and playing style. If you're getting a crazy pop crackle, turn your gain down, and see if it goes away. You can always up your master to compensate for the volume.
 
#16
Zackabinoff said:
thanks for the reply!!! both cabs are 400 watts and D800 is shelling out 800 at 4ohms. Can you clue me in on what I'm missing?
Click to expand...

You're missing how Mesa rates their cabinets 'real world' and Peavey's method of rating is a little...shall we say........a bit generous. Peavey is likely using a 'max' rating on the Trace cabs, so real world would actually be around 200 watts.
 
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