Plugging/Unplugging from an un-muted channel

[ElectroVibe]

We've all that "pop" that happens when we plug from any link in the un-muted channel.

My question is: Does this do any damage to the speakers, or is it just an annoying sound?

Thanks

 

[hbarcat]

There are 2 ways speakers are damaged by sound.

1) Overheating that melts the voice coil. This isn't something that can happen simply because of a couple of short pops or clicks while fiddling with a live cable connection.

2) Mechanical damage caused by over excursion as a very loud sound pushes the speaker cone outside of its physical limits.

I've never heard of this happening from unplugging a guitar cable, but it may be possible - if the popping sound is very much louder than the normal sound of the instrument playing.

If I'm wrong on this, someone with more expertise please correct me

 

[s0c9]

Over time it will probably damage the speakers, and the volume level of the PA at the time of the event will dictate the decay.
It's not really something to worry about..
However.. one can buy "anti pop" guitar cables!
Better still, make sure the channel is muted

 

[Wasnex]

We've all that "pop" that happens when we plug from any link in the un-muted channel.

My question is: Does this do any damage to the speakers, or is it just an annoying sound?

Thanks

Depends upon how loud the system is turned up, but I think it could potentially damage compression drivers. More importantly IMHO, it's incredibly inconsiderate and unprofessional, so it is something you should avoid.

 

[kalle74]

It could damage your speakers, depending on many variables. But why you should not let it happen is because it's very unprofessional and potentially painful for the people around you.

 

[thumbknuckle]

Unplug the other end of the cable first.

 

[s0c9]

Unplug the other end of the cable first.

That won't stop the pop... merely moves it from one location to another!

 

[thumbknuckle]

That won't stop the pop... merely moves it from one location to another!

Of course it stops the pop. Try it sometime.

Plug your bass in to your amp. Pull the plug out of the bass and it goes pop. Pull the plug out of the amp first and it doesn't do anything, unless something is broken. Pull the plug out of the input first, always.

 

[ElectroVibe]

Of course it stops the pop. Try it sometime.

Plug your bass in to your amp. Pull the plug out of the bass and it goes pop. Pull the plug out of the amp first and it doesn't do anything, unless something is broken. Pull the plug out of the input first, always.

Probably true. I almost had a nightmare imagining pulling the plug out of my bass in a live setup.

 

[s0c9]

Of course it stops the pop. Try it sometime.

Plug your bass in to your amp. Pull the plug out of the bass and it goes pop. Pull the plug out of the amp first and it doesn't do anything, unless something is broken. Pull the plug out of the input first, always.

You're assuming the other end is an amp.
Many folks have pedal boards, wireless or other connections between bass and amp.
There are also those who go direct.

 

[LBS-bass]

You're assuming the other end is an amp.
Many folks have pedal boards, wireless or other connections between bass and amp.
There are also those who go direct.

Pretty sure he meant unplugging at the amp input, regardless of what's in between. That's the "other end" of the input signal chain, not the "other end" of the cable. But yep, probably important to be clear because people often misunderstand things you say on the internet.

 

[s0c9]

Pretty sure he meant unplugging at the amp input, regardless of what's in between. That's the "other end" of the input signal chain, not the "other end" of the cable. But yep, probably important to be clear because people often misunderstand things you say on the internet.

My point was... There's NOT always an amp being used... I guess I should have clarified that point too!

 

[thumbknuckle]

I meant precisely what I wrote. If you are plugged in to a direct box unplug from the direct box first. If you are plugged in to a pedal board unplug from the pedal board first.

Don't pull the plug out of the bass first. Unplug the other end first.

 

[richntiff]

This thread is proof that TB'ers will argue about anything.

my take - the only damage is likely to be to your dignity. Just don't do it....

 

[s0c9]

I meant precisely what I wrote. If you are plugged in to a direct box unplug from the direct box first. If you are plugged in to a pedal board unplug from the pedal board first.

Don't pull the plug out of the bass first. Unplug the other end first.

Again, that won't necessarily stop the pop on an unmuted channel.. but your principle is correct.. unplug the other end first!

 

[ak56]

I try not to plug/unplug on a non-muted channel, but sometimes it happens ( or someone else does it). I have never seen a speaker damaged by it, but best not to take chances.

Lightning on the other hand...

 

[Paulabass]

That won't stop the pop... merely moves it from one location to another!

Does actually.

 

[ElectroVibe]

I appreciate the tips, but I'm still not clear on everything. What if I am using my DI box which splits the bass towards my amp (using as my monitor) and towards the XLR. My goal would be to unplug the direct box (mine) from the XLR. Is that even possible in a live system?

 

[JRA]

a 'switched' instrument cable works.

NP2RX-AU-SILENT

 

[Humbled]

I...My goal would be to unplug the direct box (mine) from the XLR. Is that even possible in a live system?

If the channel is un-muted at the mixing board(s), un-plugging your DI from the XLR that feeds the house will likely pop in the house system, especially if they are feeding phantom power to your DI.