How to Tell if Your Bass Speaker Is Loose

Bass speakers can sometimes loosen

Your bass speaker, whether it is a home stereo or bass guitar amplifier, projects low-end frequencies that regular speakers are not capable of projecting. As a result, it often works harder than other speakers that share the load of mid- and high-range frequencies. Since it is the sole bearer of low-end frequencies, your bass speaker might occasionally become loose. It is important to periodically check your bass speaker to ensure optimal performance, because nothing sounds worse than a broken or blown bass speaker.

Things You'll Need

• Bass speaker
• Music to play through the speaker
• Screwdriver, phillips or flathead

Instructions

Diagnosing and Fixing a Bass Speaker

1. Turn on your music at a relatively low volume. Gradually increase the volume so you can hear the bass speaker projecting bass tones. If you start to hear a buzzing or fuzzy low-end tones that are not normal, then your bass speaker might be loose or blown.

2. Turn the music off, turn the power off, and unplug all electrical equipment that the bass speaker is connected to, including the speaker itself.

3. Remove the outer case or covering with a screwdriver to expose the bass speaker cone. Examine the cone for rips or tears. If the cone is completely out of its casing, place it back in its casing and use the screwdriver to tighten the cone. Screws are generally located on the outer edges of the cone. Do not tighten the cone all the way; the cone needs to be able to move significantly within its casing to function properly. If the cone is tightened too much, it might break when you use it, so tighten it as loosely as you can without the cone falling out on its own.

4. Reassemble the speaker's outer case or covering using the screwdriver to attach the outer covering back to the speaker cone. Plug everything back in. Listen to music through the speaker, first at a low volume. Gradually increase the volume. If the problem persists, consult a home audio technician or sound engineer.

Tips & Warnings

• If your speaker is torn or ripped, consult an audio repair technician. Some speakers that are torn cannot be repaired, and it is best to have a professional assess the damage.

• To find the appropriate repairman to help diagnose or fix your speaker, start by calling the store that sold you the equipment.

• It is possible that your equipment is covered under a warranty and can be fixed or replaced at no extra charge. Consult your warranty information or salesperson who sold you the equipment to check on this option.

• Working with electrical equipment can be dangerous. Reduce all risk of electric shock by ensuring that everything is unplugged before you begin to disassemble the speaker.

References

• Boston Acoustics: Quality Powered Subwoofers
• Music Gear: Buying Advice - Bass Amplification
• Tripod: Speaker Surround Replacement