Octave Pedals & Blowing Speakers

[baconbits89]

Hey TB! I recently got the Earthquaker Devices Organizer pedal. I'm super excited to experiment with the pedal, but I have a concern regarding its impact on my speakers.

By dialing in some of the -1 octave (and upto -2 at times), does this run a greater risk of blowing my cab's speakers? Basic logic tells me it would. I'm sure that producing notes with such a low frequencies requires a TON of power, and I'm concerned about the cab's speakers farting out/blowing. Can't allow that!

Any advice for a newbie octave user on ensuring my cab's health? For reference, I'm using an Aguilar TH500 and DB210 (x2) rig.

 

[JustSomeDude]

Just use a bit of common sense caution.
I've been playing preposterous noises through bass amps for a really long time without blowing them up

 

[johnk_10]

+1.
or you might get one of fdeck's HPF's, or an sfx micro thumpinator to help protect them from over excursion.

 

[Mosfed]

I wouldn't worry too much if you are playing at "normal" volumes. If you had guitar speakers I would be more concerned but with a bass cab, it should be ok. I have never had an issue.

But I also don't use the -2 setting EVER on bass. It just doesn't sound good.

 

[baconbits89]

Thanks for your input guys. As expected, common sense and judgment prevails. I tend to play loud (as do we all...), but will have to make sure the octave downs aren't dialed in too much then. Just paranoid about doing speaker damage - don't want to spend a small fortune on new cabs!

 

[bassmusic17]

I try not to worry about it. I am pretty sure my speakers can handle it at 1200W a piece. Even though at times it makes me a little nervous when I am making crazy oscillations and they are thumping pretty hard. I just tell myself it's ok there is plenty of headroom. No problems yet!

+1 on a thumpinator if you are concerned though.

 

[MoeTown1986]

I use an octave with fuzz and boosted low end all the time. Haven't had an issue. I think as long as you're using a decent cab, you'll be ok. Let your ears be your guide!

 

[Bob C]

Use your ears, yes. But I fear that you might not hear the damage until it's too late.

I know some effects veterans on this forum use limiters and high pass filters. But considering how popular the "octave, fuzz, envelope" synth recipe is, I'm surprised the OP's concern doesn't come up more often.

I'm pretty new to the bass effects world. I'm mostly using a Boss multi. My few octave down patches are on the conservative side. So far, so good.

 

[HolmeBass]

I think if you ran super-loud it might be an issue, but you can get a cabinet that can handle it (greenboy or other high-end like Bergies, Aguilar, etc) or get one of the two HPF's mentioned. One thing about the HPFs- they will actually help your amp pump out more power in audible frequencies, instead of wasting power on inaudible subharmonics.

 

[baconbits89]

Thanks guys. The more I think about it, the more the Thumpinator sounds like a necessity.

Came in for advice on one pedal, might be leaving with yet another one...