Speaker preference?

[Alfredo3]

First time talkbass user here. Started gigging a little over a year ago and since then I’ve blown 2 speakers in my Hartke 4x10 vx, which I have paired with the Hartke HA 3500 head. I’m thinking about replacing the speakers in the cab with a better quality alternative over time when the wallet agrees. Is it worth replacing the speakers? Or should I just start looking into different cabs? If anyone has advice on what speakers would pair best with that cab while also being budget friendly please let me know. Mostly 90’s alternative and pop/rock is being played if that gives you any better idea of speaker preference.

 

[agedhorse]

That said, surely both compressors can be set to reduce speaker damaging transient peaks?

Maybe, but there can also be a false sense of security. Nothing is fool-proof.

 

[Sparky Mark]

Maybe, but there can also be a false sense of security. Nothing is fool-proof.

Absolutely, the OP has admitted his lack of experience. Learning how to listen to, and use his system EQ and maybe employ common tools such as compression and HPFs, is important in avoiding repeated destruction.

 

[frankie5string]

That's very interesting, and I've no idea how that affects differences between how the two compressors function? That said, surely both compressors can be set to reduce speaker damaging transient peaks?

Yeah, the DBX version (in the MOSFET) is a little punchier because it has a relatively slow attack. The later version had a shorter attack setting that eats the initial punch a bit more. Either way, I wouldn't consider either of them there for "speaker protection" - they're clearly (to my ears) a tone-thing because of how they ride the signal. They can also get little wooly.

Also, you can dial in a compressor such that you think it's protecting speakers, but it's actually being harder on them if you manage to set them so they are constantly re-gaining back up over time, pushing a louder overall signal to the cabs. It really pays to learn how compression works when you *can't* hear it working.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Lots of good advice. An admonishment from a known builder: "stupid behavior results in speaker damage". A better secondhand 4x10 (...or configuration of choice) enclosure....perhaps a tutorial in set-up...is in the cards. What's your budget and what's available on your local secondhand market?

Riis