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Subwoofer break-in ?

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4K views 22 replies 4 participants last post by  Mike P. 
#1 ·
So I watched my 2nd movie with the sub last night and we heard some mysterious "popping" sounds coming from the cabinet. It kind of reminded of wood at a campfire. Every time there was heavy bass from bombs or the like this would happen. The dog jumped out of his seat and ran away, quite funny actually!

Is this normal? I built my cab with 3/4" MDF wood and glued it together. Nothing unusual...
 
#5 · (Edited)
I've got CSS Trio 12 and PA-500..... the knob was at half-way on the volume, but, I was listening at a -13 db level on my receiver. It was loud... yes.

Why would it clip if it's only set at halfway? This only happened the one time during the movie. Video games and music have been fine. I'm really confused. It's in a 20" x 18" x 18" sealed cabinet.

 
#6 ·
Why would it clip if it's only set at halfway?

The "volume control" on a plate amp is really a gain control, it is dependent on how strong the voltage is that is coming from the receiver. Receiver output voltage to the subwoofer varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. If a receiver's output voltage is strong, it takes less gain on the plate amp to reach the plate amps maximum output.

I have a pair of plate amps connected to a Pioneer receiver, the gain controls are set at the 10 o'clock position, any more and the amps will clip.

If your amp is clipping then turn down the gain control a bit, if you are at the 12 o'clock postion then try 11 o'clock, and so forth until the popping sound stops.

And also realize that there is only so much a 12" sealed sub can do.


 
#7 ·
What do you mean sealed? Does that stop it from reaching a potential or something?

I have a port I just don't know how to calculate it. I have a flared port that runs 18" total, when assembled. I was going to start a new thread but maybe you can help me? How long does the port need to be? I need to cut it somehow...

 
#15 ·
OK, the box IS sealed and you were hearing noises. You have a port and want to install it.

A 3 round port is too small for your sub/amp combination. The port air speed will be way to high. If you install it be prepared for port noise. Depending on what side you mount the port, you need 3" from the end of the port to the back wall.
 
#16 ·
Hmmm... too small? The guy that sold me the port also sold me the amp and sub, and knew my cabinet size. In fact, he chose this size for me. I should mention my sub is downward firing.... don't know if that makes a difference.

I'm really confused.... :huh:
 
#21 ·
Yellow is what you currently have.

Orange would be if you added a 4" round port 18" long. You would notice more output in the 25-55 hz range.

If your sub is for home theater then you should consider building a bigger cabinet at some point in the future. Your box is currently too small for the driver to produce 20 hz output.

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