Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

[speed2dirt]

I was wondering what the best method is for breaking in 2 new speakers in a 4x12 cab. I currently have it wired up with all 4 speakers (2 old & 2 new), but was thinking it might take longer for the new speakers to break-in due to a shared workload with the old speakers. Is it best to wire the 2 new speakers up alone and play them until they are broke in or just leave all 4 wired up?

[75lespaul]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

An old trick I learned here on the forum, many years ago would be this: Load up the new speakers in the cab. Shouldn't matter that the old speakers are there. Turn on your amp and run music through it at a very, very low volume. I forget how long I was advised to do this for, but I let it run overnight for a few nights. I mean the music was barely audible. I turned it up slightly more during more reasonable hours, but still, very low. After a few days, my speakers sounded much, much better than when new. Forum bros who taught me this old trick, chime in if I'm a little off, but I'm pretty sure that's what I was told. Luckily, I had all the wire adapters to run from the rca outputs on my stereo to the quarter inch input.

[Demanic]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

I would say, hook them up and play muted sort of clean stuff for a couple of days and gradually bring up the volume. Or just do what I do and plug them in and just start playing as you normally do. After all, they are in your cabinet, you might as well get them used to your sound.

[ItsaBass]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

I'd say just play it as normal. They will eventually break in.

[the toad]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

"Break in" refers to the sound not anything special you have to do to them... Just play them as you normally would (within their ratings of course).

[formula73]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

They're speakers, not brake pads. Jesus.

[Securb]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

Don't over think things just rock the crap out of the cab.

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

I'd say just play it as normal. They will eventually break in.

They're speakers, not brake pads.

Don't over think things just rock the crap out of the cab.

+1 to these sentiments. Don't get too wrapped up in the esoterica. A good loudspeaker shouldn't change THAT much over the span of its life in any event, unless something is wrong with it.

[uOpt]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

You know you are breaking in right when the cops show up.

[zzmoore]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

I'd say just play it as normal. They will eventually break in.

Exactly...do not even worry about it.
There are pages and pages discussing speaker break-in...and it DOES happen, but so what. Music is not about hanging out in a sound-proof room, and trying to hear the difference between a new speaker, and one that has 800 hours through it.
Just play it.
good luck

[Securb]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

Keef never broke in a speaker.

[Demanic]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

I just don't recommend staving them in, as in with a boot, to get that "British" sound.

[Chickenwings]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

Sheesh. Just wire them up and play your guitar business as usual.
This whole "tonehound" thing spawned by the internet has got way out of control.

[speed2dirt]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

Let me write that down: "Play more". Got it! Thanks guys! Now I know what advice to offer when people ask about pickups and amplifiers.

In all seriousness, I will take the advice and just jam on it. This is the first new set of speakers I've bought that were not restocks (ie already broke-in). The G12K-100s are definitely tighter & brighter than my worn in K100, hence the reason I was asking.

[zzmoore]

Re: Speaker break-in for 4x12 cab

Let me write that down: "Play more". Got it! Thanks guys! Now I know what advice to offer when people ask about pickups and amplifiers.

In all seriousness, I will take the advice and just jam on it. This is the first new set of speakers I've bought that were not restocks (ie already broke-in). The G12K-100s are definitely tighter & brighter than my worn in K100, hence the reason I was asking.

Yeah...it CAN be obvious...and sometimes Bad/Annoying.
But, if it is just a "difference" that you notice, you will become acclimated to it pretty quick.
Hope they all fall into line pretty quick.
good luck