Can Frequency Sweeps Damage Speakers?


Ayre makes a CD with frequency sweeps from 5hz upwards, which I would like to use to more accurately integrate my subwoofer into my system. I obviously don't plan on running the sweeps at 100db, but is there a general threshold where speaker damage starts becoming more likely? I thought any speaker with a crossover network would protect the woofers from even receiving the "too low" frequencies, but I read some horror stories and I just want to make sure frequency sweeps are ok to use before I go ruining my equipment.

- Dusty
128x128heyitsmedusty

Showing 1 response by shadorne

Provided you do not exceed 100 db SPL at 1 meter you should be ok for most well built full size speakers. Remember that the majority of expensive speakers actually use extremely cheap drivers (high quality veneer and woodwork can be very expensive). I run my sweep tests at around 90 db SPL at 12 feet back from the speaker.

The problem with running tests at a very low 75 db SPL is that this is not much above the noise floor - so you won't see nulls and you won't get a usable waterfall plot and RT60 due to background noise (heating/air condition/street noise/wind etc).