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Elf/Mesa crackle noise

I'd add a second Subway 112, in that case 1+1=3. It would make a killer small rig that will peel the paint off of most any room.

yeah, searching the interwebs this morning for another 112. I have to say I was really loving the vertical-ness of that setup not have to worry about kicking it back or anything like that.
 
Does the ELF alone make this noise when driven to the same level?

I am assuming that you have ruled out an intermittent speaker cable and you are using genuine Neutrik SpeakOn plugs on the cables and not counterfeit/knock-off parts from Asia?
 
Does the ELF alone make this noise when driven to the same level?

I am assuming that you have ruled out an intermittent speaker cable and you are using genuine Neutrik SpeakOn plugs on the cables and not counterfeit/knock-off parts from Asia?

Yes and correct. I'll be doing some more experimenting just to double down on all this before I pull the trigger on any purchases. I'm going to isolate each cab again and also test my 4x10 8ohm TE cab that I am retrieving out of storage just to confirm that the ELF is in fact the culprit.
 
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.

The Elf 2x8 cabinet I had came with 16 Ohm Faital Pro 8PR200 speakers.

Are they using different speakers now? I was running a 2 stack of the ELF cabs with a GK MB800 just fine.
 
All drivers have limitations. Strengths and weaknesses will vary based on the designer’s intent and trade offs that are made. Even top of the line drivers can fit into this scenario.
 
I have read that the Elf 2x8 driver voice coils can hit the caps under large excursion conditions creating a snapping noise. I have not hit it with mine but I have never pushed it that hard.

OP running loud and boosting the lows would certainly be putting the Elf to the test. Turn down, cut the lows, use an HPF, or get a different cab.
 
I have read that the Elf 2x8 driver voice coils can hit the caps under large excursion conditions creating a snapping noise. I have not hit it with mine but I have never pushed it that hard.

OP running loud and boosting the lows would certainly be putting the Elf to the test. Turn down, cut the lows, use an HPF, or get a different cab.
"Hit the caps"?
 
As the dust caps move with the cone, or should, this would be difficult. A more plausible reason would be hitting the back plate of the magnet structure.
Agreed, I couldn't even think of an explanation that involved caps of any kind.
 
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If the ELF isn't damaged, I would trade it in for another Subway 112.


I don't believe there's any damage it has not happened excessively
came for the discussion and stayed for the music. good times man!
send links for more!


thanks!! this was our first gig together minus guitar player who couldn't get out of work. singer plays ukulele and kazoo among other silly little instruments. lots of fun!
 
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I don't believe there's any damage it has not happened excessively



thanks!! this was our first gig together minus guitar player who couldn't get out of work. singer plays ukulele and kazoo among other silly little instruments. lots of fun!
I’m sure in some forum somewhere the kazoo people take themselves as seriously as talkbassers
 
had rehearsal last night. brought the TE 4x10. sounded loud and clear. tried it with both my speakon cables.. all good. same 1/4" cables for instrument and pedals etc. leads me to believe it was definitely the ELF hitting the backplate. No damage done, however, the ELF is still sounding excellent! will be on the lookout for another Subway 12! thanks for the help TBers!!
 
Glad you got this sorted out.

I had the pleasure of working with Steve Gadd, supporting a clinic tour that he did maybe 20 years ago. Nice guy and of course a great drummer. His versatility is really amazing. We provided the PA for select dates.
 
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Glad you got this sorted out.

I had the pleasure of working with Steve Gadd, supporting a clinic tour that he did maybe 20 years ago. Nice guy and of course a great drummer. His versatility is really amazing. We provided the PA for select dates.

That's so cool!

Here's a what-if for you.. what if I got a second ELF and did all three cabs @ 2 ohms. Think of how tall and "wall of sound" it could be.. :roflmao:
 
That's so cool!

Here's a what-if for you.. what if I got a second ELF and did all three cabs @ 2 ohms. Think of how tall and "wall of sound" it could be.. :roflmao:
That would work fine. You might also try operating the amp in 2 ohm mode, that will reduce the rated power to about 300 watts per cabinet.