Hartke stack clipping

Doombringer

Doombringer

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Dec 15, 2015
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#1
Hey guys!
I've got a hartke ha3000 head (300w 4ohm) connected to one 1x15 300w cab (8ohm) and one 4x10 400w cab (8ohm) in parallel. For some reason the clip light comes on every now and then, though the volume is only set at half and the lows are quite attenuated. I don't understand what the reason for this could be since the amp is only 300w.
Any help much appreciated!
 
#2
Has it always done this or has something changed?

I think most bass amp clip lights indicate either too hot bass signal coming in to preamp, or combined preamp gain is too much. You would turn down pedals or the input gain or eq's or a combination, and turn up the master volume.
 
#3
Nothing has changed, I recently bought the stack from a friend who said he had been playing this setup for 2 years without any problems. I'm wondering if it would help if I bought a 500-600w amp to kinda match the speakers.
 
#10
The clip light means you've reached the limits of what that amplifier can put out.

You get a more powerful amplifier that 115 is toast.

I say say another 4x10 of you want more volume. If you still want more volume then get a bigger head.
 
#12
Be careful here. Don't worry so much about the numbers. They're not carved in stone. Clearly something's not right regardless of what the cabs are "supposed" to be able to take. Combining a 410 with a 115 sets up a condition in which it's very easy to overdrive the 115, even though the numbers don't indicate that. Use your ears.

Raf
 
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#13
Raf Seibert said:
Combining a 410 with a 115 sets up a condition in which it's very easy to overdrive the 115, even though the numbers don't indicate that. Use your ears.

Raf
Click to expand...
This is what I was getting at, generally 4x10s have much higher power handling capacity and much higher sensitivity so when the 115 is beginning to struggle its harder to hear it struggling because the 4x10 is louder with the same wattage input.

I'm making broad generalizations, you could be fine. But it sounds like you aren't getting the volume you want, and in the pursuit of more volume that 115 is going to be your weakest link.
 
#14
#1. An amp set at "half volume" can easily be at its maximum clean output power.
#2. Occasional "clip" light on that amp is not a concern unless you are not loud enough (then you need a higher power amp or more speaker displacement).
#3. You cannot "underpower" a speaker cab (there is no power to the speakers when the amp is off right?). You can, not have enough power for your volume needs.
#4. It is entirely possible to "match" the power output (amp) to the rated power input (cab) and blow speakers.

Most amp heads run out of clean (undistorted) power with master (or single volume) controls between 11:00 and 2:00.
 
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#20
B-string said:
#1. An amp set at "half volume" can easily be at its maximum clean output power.
#2. Occasional "clip" light on that amp is not a concern unless you are not loud enough (then you need a higher power amp or more speaker displacement).
#3. You cannot "underpower" a speaker cab (there is no power to the speakers when the amp is off right?). You can, not have enough power for your volume needs.
#4. It is entirely possible to "match" the power output (amp) to the rated power input (cab) and blow speakers.

Most amp heads run out of clean (undistorted) power with master (or single volume) controls between 11:00 and 2:00.
Click to expand...


this.

If your only problem is that the clip light comes on now and then here's how to fix it:
Don't do anything. You're good. Your bass, just as any other bass on this planet, puts out a highly dynamic signal. Sometimes with strong peaks - and these may lead to clipping.
As long as your sound is right and you're loud enough, leave it as it is.
 
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