So, if I have a speaker that's excursion-limited to 400 W and I give it a momentary 800W blip as my thumb thwacks an open E, I won't necessarily blow it? I realize that I'm simplifying things, but is this the gist? Or is an excursion limit (as opposed to a thermal limit) more of a hard limit -- go beyond it, even for a fraction of a second, and you're toast?
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Jule Amps Monique part 5
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
So, if I have a speaker that's excursion-limited to 400 W and I give it a momentary 800W blip as my thumb thwacks an open E, I won't necessarily blow it? I realize that I'm simplifying things, but is this the gist? Or is an excursion limit (as opposed to a thermal limit) more of a hard limit -- go beyond it, even for a fraction of a second, and you're toast?
With my speakers I'm super aware of their power handling as far as excursion and thermal limits. For instance, my 66 has a power rating of 450 watts (fartout) and a thermal rating of about 600 watts.When I play an amp based on the ICE250AXL module (800 watts) (Minnie, Puma900 GK800 and many others) when I'm pushing to the edge of volume get farty at a certain point. Highs get smeared, lows have less power, etc. When I plug into the ICE Module rated at 1200 watts (likely similar to the module rated at 700 watts that Jule is using) it actually gets a bit louder, less farty, more open, more authority to the lows.
My experience is that speakers can do well with an amp above the speaker's power rating---if one is careful. That headroom means A LOT to me. Notes are more effortless. Lighter, more controlled right hand and more low end power.
The 250AXL2 module has been tested by Bass Gear to produce 800 watts no sweat. But the amp rated at 1200 watts even at less than top volume delivers more perceived power and overall refinement. And to a speaker rated for a lot less power.The fact that the 700 module is using a power supply rated for a 1200 watt amp also speaks to this.
Watts ain't just watts---there is a lot more involved.
My experience is that speakers can do well with an amp above the speaker's power rating---if one is careful. That headroom means A LOT to me. Notes are more effortless. Lighter, more controlled right hand and more low end power.
The 250AXL2 module has been tested by Bass Gear to produce 800 watts no sweat. But the amp rated at 1200 watts even at less than top volume delivers more perceived power and overall refinement. And to a speaker rated for a lot less power.The fact that the 700 module is using a power supply rated for a 1200 watt amp also speaks to this.
Watts ain't just watts---there is a lot more involved.
Funny thing was that there were 2 bassists in the crowd that seemed pretty gear savvy. They didn't recognize my beautiful Fodera (which is absolutely fine with me), thought the Rob Allen looked cool, but was strange (no visible PU), but were amazed by the look/sound of Monique.
Great to do gigs that you can just pull up to and unload (Mercedes isn't mine... The redneck mobile is out of the shot!).
2 years+ and still loving it!
Yup. I am Canadian after all. Duct tape is the handyman's secret for sure!
I remember that Canadian show with the guy named, "Red" something. Fixed everything with duct tape. Great show. I was fortunate enough to race motorcycles for a number of years (Desert), most of them in leathers held together by duct tape. Worked great. I just kept adding more tape on the tape over the years. Became a "style" statement.
It's that six digit number on the rear of your Monique, up on the left. The shiny label.
I appreciate you adding to this speaker conversation Michael. Thank you.
I do understand that folks want to know if they are going to blow up their gear, and I wish there was a definite way to tell them when and if it will happen. As you say, "Watts ain't just watts. . ."
Several speaker manufacturers, let's just' say not as committed as you, have documentation that says something to the effect of, "Since the notes are only being hit 1/8th of the time, we can multiply the power handling of our product eight times over what it can handle full time." That one gives me concern.
Overhead power residual is proving to be even more important than I had considered over the years. Bass players are largely used to the idea that those lower notes require a heavier hit on the strings than the higher notes, and that is how a lot of amplification (and cabinets) work. But. . . when it is even, when there is plenty of power for all the notes, it becomes a largely more dynamic audio/touch spectrum, and that means more fun.
- Apr 3, 2003
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- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
Fat yet articulate, dynamic yet even, quick yet smooth, strong yet responsive,..... the list goes on.Jule Potter said:
Jule - you've brought something very special into this world for gigging and recording bass players. Thank you!! :thumbup:
Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell wish they looked nearly as cool as Red did in flannel.The Red Green Show! Love it!
I actually have a couple Red Green books (Christmas gifts) which is scary.
Jule, how about a duct tape finish on a Monique 700?
Maybe cover an entire rack in duct tape to get you by...Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell wish they looked nearly as cool as Red did in flannel.
I actually have a couple Red Green books (Christmas gifts) which is scary.
Jule, how about a duct tape finish on a Monique 700?
Maybe a silly question! But have you Jules have any plans about doing a preamp pedal version of the monique? I know you can't put all things of a monique into a pedal but maybe some of it 
Got to record some with my Bamboo Monique last week.
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