Question on gains and volume

[danz24 10+ year member]

So lets say for example I set my gains using a 41hz tone with max hu volume at 50.

I know it is harder on a speaker to play a lower frequency. So for example if a song has lots of lower frequency such as 30hz does that mean that I cannot safely play it at hu volume 50 anymore, the volume which I set my gains to?

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[Immacomputer 10+ year member]

It depends if you exceed the mechanical power handling of the sub down low. If it cannot, then you have set your gain too high for that volume level. Setting gains is all about using your eyes and ears to make sure the driver is safe.

If you do exceed mechanical power handling down low, you should use a subsonic filter to help lower the output levels.

 

[danz24 10+ year member]

Well its just at these power levels it is hard for me to distinguish if the sub is at its maximum mechanical handling power.

 

[Immacomputer 10+ year member]

If you can't tell when a speaker is approaching its mechanical limits, you have problems. The amount of power you're dealing with is irrelevant; I have over driven drivers with 100 watts and with 1000 watts and it's all the same. Listen for mechanical noises, too far of one way travel (you should roughly know the suspension limits given the T/S parameters), or the limits approaching of the surround. It's really easy to look for.

Also note that around tuning of ported enclosures that the cone will be controlled well by the port and so cone movement will be limited.

 

[danz24 10+ year member]

What threw me off the most was when I did hear mechanical noises. Or I think I did. It was at a low volume playing tocatta in B the bass mechanic version. Theres one note where it gets really low and it just sounded much different. What confused me the most was that the note was below my subsonic filter and at low volume.

Anyway one reason why I say its hard for me to distinguish mechanical limits is because of all the rattling noises. Its hard for me to tell the limits of the driver, when im listening and I can look at my sub for all my music.

It it helps, I have tuning at 32hz. And maybe a vid of a 05 15xxx full tilt will help get me an idea of mechanical limits

 

[Immacomputer 10+ year member]

That song has an 18hz drop in it at the beginning of the song and you might have been pushing mechanical limits. You may need to turn your subsonic filter up some.

If you fear you may be pushing them, play some various test tones from about 15hz to 30hz and slowly turn up the volume with each tone and see if the sub seems to struggle. You should see a little over 1" each direction so about 2" from full out to full in. But remember, start each tone with the volume low and then slowly turn it up. If any of those frequencies cause the sub any stress, turn up the subsonic filter first and then lower the gain if it is still close to its limits.

It very well could be something rattling back there. I have something rattling in my hatch area when I play a 15hz tone and it sounds like the sub is bottoming out but its not at all.