FAQ: WHY ARE MY SUBS SMELLING BAD WHEN THEY ARE COLD?

We love the feedback and questions that we get in our comments section of our videos. We are able to see what is buzzing in the basshead world because of you guys so we are always paying attention to your thoughts, feedback, and opinions on anything down4sound related.
In this video, we grab a question from an awesome viewer, a question that we have seen repeadetly in the comments sections. Why do subs smell bad, even though they feel cold?
Check out the Machete MF-08S D2 8" Subwoofer featured in the video at dwon4soundshop.com in the link below!
Machete MF-08S D2 8" Subwoofer
www.down4sound...

[@johng6673]

One thing I would add, when building the box, don't forget to add the volume of the sub to the volume of the box for normal mounted subs, and make sure not to build it with the sub volume for inverted specs. I saw this a lot where they couldn't figure out why the box was oversized but then the subs were inverted making the volume half a cube oversized. And lastly, brand new subs can have a slight oder while breaking in

[@Pittsburgh-412]

I'm a believer that it's important to warm the subs up before slamming on them. Especially in the winter. Work it up slowly, don't just go right to max levels

[@Trucker-Belly]

An old friend had a new (at the time) a Diamond brand sub. I think that was the name. It was like a silver or metal cone either real metal or look a like metal. On a cold morning he cranked up the subs and one of them cracked all the way across the cone lol.

[@frankbarlow3154]

@@Trucker-Belly yes cold weather old plastic type cones . Paper cones will be fine in extreme conditions

[@________GHOST________]

THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE IT IS CLIPPING IS THE HUGE PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF YOU BECAUSE IF YOU ARE TRYING TO GET LOW LOWS THE RIGHT SUB BOX IS THE ANSWER PERIOD. MY X 15 V2 ZERO SMELLING AND WHEN I CLIP IT THEN IT SMELLS NO MATTER IF COLD DAYS OR HOT DAYS.

[@Pittsburgh-412]

@@________GHOST________ clipping because the gains ain't set right

[@davidperry4013]

Sometimes excess CA glue on new subwoofers can cause that burnt plastic smell. My Fi Neo 3.5 12 inch smells like burnt plastic for the 2 weeks and then it cleared up. Then it doesn’t smell anymore even when running it on full tilt with my PG Ti3 1300.1. I enjoyed that bump in the trunk a lot and love the sound quality.

[@gioarteaga3984]

Dis is who you go to, way to go JP,✌️

[@TMan4897]

You gotta warm the speakers up before slapping 100% I know this living in Northeast Ohio when your speakers are -20°F metal shrinks and clearances inside the subwoofer motor/magnet might be different than at warmer temperatures

[@chuckschob107]

I do the same I’m in south eastern Ohio

[@davidperry4013]

I do the same whenever it’s 45 degrees or colder. Let the spider and surround warm up and then bring the sub to town.

[@iradean1608]

So many people get their amp tuned perfect,no clipping,decide they want that bass boost knob and fry a perfectly good sub or set of subs,bass boost might as well be renamed clip and cook

[@mad_mechanic]

Lpf and subsonic are excellent tools if your using a good amp I'm betting on he has the switch in full mode though

[@________GHOST________]

A nice idea but it all depends on the songs a person is playing.

[@richardbaker7261]

JP question do they make water cool speakers. If not that's a potential invention

[@cartruck1070]

Excellent advice. 😎👍👍

[@wormjohnson2348]

A lot of people fail to realize distortion will kill any speaker..i mean any speaker

[@rockfordhx2768]

I don’t need no down for sound I’m still running my Rockford fostage power hx2 12s from 2003 and they bang as loud as the new shit in today’s day also 2 alpine 1100 watt rms amps

[@StevenBacon-z7s]

Hell yeah brother keep it up

[@rammerrr]

Got a 12inch SDR skar audio kit, was going good for 3 weeks then started farting and would cut power after only a minute of pounding. Took it to a sound shop paid to get it inspected they said it was on the way out and suggest a new sub. I send it back to skar to get a new one under warranty and they say the sub and amp are fine after rigorous tests. So that leaves me to believe something is wrong with the installation of the kit. I paid a coworker of mine who’s been doing sounds for years and I was impressed when he demoed his car for me so he has to know what he’s doing. He says I could be short on power but it’s a 12 inch sub with a 800w amp which isn’t a lot at all. He suggests I buy a battery and throw it in the back and run the amp off of that but at this point I’ve heard 3 different things from 3 different people. Really looking for some help and guidance here because I love how it sounded but all this frustration is making me wanna revert back to a stock sound system w just an aftermarket touchscreen radio in the dash

[@subdynoman]

Test components individually. So if you can, try running another sub just to see if the problem still exist. To me it sounds like the wiring may be suspect, most likely the ground wire. Especially if its grounded to an area on the car body. An 800 watt amp can draw up to 100 amps. If you know electrical, you could test things out with a multimeter and get a better diagnosis on the issue. It could be multiple issues. Try to test your sub on another power source. Dont give up, you will be happy once you find the answer.

[@rammerrr]

@@subdynoman it is grounded to a bolt inside my rear wheel well. It says it’s coming to me on the 28th so I’ll keep what you said in mind and keep looking for anything out of the ordinary. Thanks

[@rammerrr]

@@subdynoman I don’t know my electrical but I’m sure with enough research and caution I can get some results for my issues

[@rammerrr]

@@subdynoman also another thing, when I first got it tuned I guess the guy put the gain all the way up assuming that the amp came in a bundle so it should be able to handle the full power his words not mine. Just wonder if that could have anything to do with it. After I got it inspected and they tuned it properly it would still do it just not as fast but same result

[@Contact_Info]

@@rammerrr sounds like.a.fool

[@fredinalaska]

My x18 had an initial smell slightly during break-in very slightly and didn't last long and I've been banging it with over 3kw daily with no issue whatsoever , rookies get their new set up with no experience and think they know it all and burn up their gear , good luck rookies

[@Terranwilliamson1745]

Hehehehehehehehehehe XDDDDDDD

[@DeeHermanson]

Turn your bass knob up all the way and your volume down to cool them down. I dont shut them down i keep them moving to cool the coil. Works perfectly

[@daedae1342]

Why don't you sell some mids,high and amp bundles that would be nice

[@chris.o]

I run a x15 v3 on a crescendo bass clef 4K and it definitely smell’s I’ve been smelling the sub for 4 months now sounds amazing only time will tell If it lasts I want to believe most of it was break in odor

[@mvpstats4277]

Clipping and trippin lol

[@ezekielleon7602]

Asset management and the family are well with my hair is hername 📛

[@Random_4400]

😂😂

[@williamcastine7591]

My orion spl was doing something similiar and checked everything twice. Nothing seemed off. This isnt recommended but knowing i can fix it if i break it. I just pushed it hard and the smell didnt get worse and then stopped after a few minutes. Idk why but hadnt smelled since and gets pretty warm without smell know. Its confusing.

[@danielalexander2715]

So quick ? unrelated to this video but really looking for advice. I've had 0 luck finding a high output alternater for an 07 h3 so im looking at either a bank of d4s lithium or a d4s supercaps which would be better. I have 4 evls on a bass 8k.

[@rexnhogz]

its the same as my colorado. JS alternators makes one.

[@danielalexander2715]

@@rexnhogz how many amps is it

[@THELIFEOFPRICE]

Email this to [e-mail]

[@rexnhogz]

@@danielalexander2715 Mines a 410 but you can buy any amperage.

[@OlmanEg]

Question! I have an old am old 12 sub that calls for a 1cuft enclosure, but I have it in a 5 cuft box tuned to 30hz. It sounds awesome for what it is. Cant you explain the upside, and downside to this?

[@Audysseus]

upside, can sound better and can take less power to get louder (depends on the exact setup) and the downside is that obviously the sub was not designed to move that amount of air and probably definitely not at that frequency, this will cause the pressure inside or behind the sub's cone to become too much and youll blow a hole in the surround of your sub

[@Trucker-Belly]

Get WINISD and look at the graphs.

[@kathygarber3230]

If you invert the sub it will give you more airspace in your enclosure making it closer to the suds recommended volume therefore making it sound better.

[@Trucker-Belly]

@@kathygarber3230 he doesnt need more airspace in his box. Get WinISD and look at the graphs. Go down to 1.5-2 cubes and play around with it. If you adjust the volume of the box the port will need to be changed as well. Get WINISD. Its free.

[@blaqkbearr1392]

Idk if this goes with your policy but have you or do you travel out of state to hook up people's system??

[@tim9928]

I have a question… I am lactose intolerant, if I eat mozzarella cheese on my lasagna, I will have a steady normal bowel movement's during the day. But if I eat a peanut butter and jelly bagel… It's worse. Any advice?🤣

[@scottiffanimccord1509]

Thx Dude!!! LOL

[@subdynoman]

There could be so many reasons for the problem. Even something as simple as using silicone sealant in the box. I would guess incorrect box size, so the volume nob is used to compensate. Need more info.

[@moneycat3789]

I followed my subwoofers recommendation's

[@mrevoomk4]

if i lower my gains on amp, then my sub wont play as good as it should, How do you fix that? I've seen so many people saying lower gain , But then all bass is just gone almost,

[@Andre-qx2ro]

I have a RF T1500.1 with two 12" P3s. I've noticed one of my subs letting off a burning smell like crazy lately.. I have the gain on the amp MAYBE a 1/4 to 1/2 up. The amp has a built in LPF that you can't tune.. But I have a double din pioneer that let's me tune it there...I currently have it at 80hz with the slope (which I don't even know anything about) at 24. Does this seem remotely correct?? Or do I need to change something? They're also in a ported prefab RF box by the way 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@moabs10blowthru41]

Subs are inverted in 4th order professional designed.

[@bigmike547]

That has basically answered my question for almost a year I went to a shop they did perfect work but I wondering y my u15’s on my crossfire 4K in a qbomb xl box was smelling I’m upset at myself about this one I can bet my subs r messed up now after a year n sum month taking it out tomorrow and gonna look at the damage thanks jp

[@RandoManFPV]

Was the smelling frequent? I have two SVR 15s and they are still breaking in, I've owned them for about a week. But I started smelling them today and it sketched me out. Wasn't really playing them any louder than normal but idk. Glad I inverted them tho cuz I got a shitty sealed prefab

[@bigmike547]

@@RandoManFPV umm it was doin for at least 6-7 months jus never knew y I paid a shop 2000$ for double runs of OFC I got it back looking nice but it start smelling a week after the installation

[@RandoManFPV]

@@bigmike547 dang man, yea if I was smelling them things I'd probably turn them them or take them back my man months of cooking coils ain't no good Hopefully you have better luck next time bro I smelled mine the other day and immediately turned music down for them to cool. I know smelling subs is bad but idk what is causing it in my case, I gotta get to the bottom of it and not ignore this

[@bigmike547]

@@RandoManFPV yea I haven’t been able to take em out due to work so hopefully this weekend I will get to it I really need too

[@ronnydisalvo80]

And jp does another segment of KNOWLEDGE BOMBS...i got 2 skar zvx12v2s currently on a smart3..at half ohm..i know its not meant for half ohm .do u think i should get a 5k? because they are 1500rms each conservatively..any advice on an amp for these id appreciate...

[@TheBassking15]

I believe ive scene people run 4k on them.

[@StevenBacon-z7s]

Would do a 3k rms because 1500x2 is 3000 your rally only want the power is asking rms to go to them and if people run more power to them it's really abuse

[@OnlySubzz]

So I can't run 3k rms on my x8 🤣

[@southern_merican]

If your clippin, your trippin 🎶😂

[@jman4573]

I got x12v on a sia 3500 mine smells too, tuned with oscope and calibrated with cc1 no clipping gain is barely up

[@________GHOST________]

Ok you need to turn down the gain or build a low end sub box for your sub. Did you read the info on the x series subs they are FOR LOW END BASS ONLY.

[@kdoeone]

Well after seeing this. I believe I am under powering my x8 from sundown. 1ohm on my jp95 probably is not enough.

[@kdoeone]

I did a bunch of reading. On rms and the laws behind it. The amp is rated 900 at 1 ohm. But tested at 1300ish. The sub should be just fine. Running at 900 to 1000 watt. But it can handle over 3000 watt in bursts. I probably should have went with a sv model and may in the future. And buy a jp 43, for the x8. For another vehicle

[@defectahz6399]

Hey guys, i just bought a DD 712f (1500 rms) and powering with T1500bdcp. I tuned amp to clipping at volume 30. But my dumbass installed the sub (in spec box) and immediately turned it to volume 32 with a bass heavy song for about 5 seconds. Coil started smelling (but not really bad like a blown sub, just enough for me to notice it’s getting hot), so I turn the volume down slowly and let it cool. So basically I over powered sub (because Rockfords are underrated) with dirty clipped power. But I’ve been playing it below volume 30 for a few days now and it seems perfectly fine. Should I worry that i lessened the subwoofers life? Or was it the glue on coil “breaking in”? Thanks you guys

[@senkofam]

Might be the box smell if it's newer.

[@StevenBacon-z7s]

Box don't give off burning smell if anything it would be the glue used to seal the box on the inside if there is a smell but it would be a glue smell

[@Raymo2u]

@THELIFEOFPRICE I have a question JP. I have a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SE with a JS 240a Alt. If I got your Battery or Cyber 12k or Titan8 and a Supercap - would this be enough for 2 SKv23500.1D strapped, powering 2 12" Skar VXFs? Ive got runs and runs of 0/2 Welding Wire to the back. Right now I only have one of those amps hooked up on 2 EVL 12s but Ive got 4 Interstate MTX-94R Cells in the back and a MTX-34 in the front. I dont like all the weight but my voltage is sitting in the low 13's at full volume. I planned to go lipo but they do not make a larger Alt for my car and there is absolutely no room for a second alt.....but I would like to finish my "vision" of getting 8K in my Jetta. What are your thoughts?

[@glueberryglueberry1291]

Plenty of grounds? Sometimes bad ignition coils can drop voltage as well

[@Raymo2u]

@@glueberryglueberry1291 Ill add another few runs for grounds and see if that helps. I planned on getting R8 Coilpacks so I will test to see what kind of difference that makes as well. My question was more on the line "Would a 240a Alt coupled with JP's LTO Battery or Cyber 12k or Titan8 along with a 500F Supercap be enough for 2 SKv23500.1D strapped, powering 2 VXF 12's at 2ohms.

[@________GHOST________]

I have a 09 jetta with a 270 alt and my max rms watts is 5k with 3 xs power batts xp series and you want to run 3500 2 of them NOT A GOOD IDEA BECAUSE YOU NEED A 2ND ALT WHICH IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN 1 OF YOUR AMPS ARE GOOD ENOUGH BECAUSE IF YOU HOOK UP BOTH OF THEM YOU WILL HAVE HARD CLIPPING WHICH IT IS BAD NEWS ON THE MOSFETS ON THOSE AMPS. RUN A SINGLE 4K AMP AND BE DONE WITH IT.

[@mahlum2]

I know the zv4s are rated at 2k rms. What kind of "clean" power can they actually handle all day long

[@alcurtis93]

2k. Whatever the rating is, should be what they can handle as a constant load, not peaks

[@Big_TD]

How accurate are the clip lights on the bass knobs on crescendo/ sundown amps? Can u even go off of them? Do they catch fast hits?

[@arok_audio]

They are a bit more sensitive then dd1. And yes they catch the fast hits👍

[@alcurtis93]

3kw through a sub damn. I wouldn't like to have that with the electricity prices we have in the UK. This for blasting a nightclub or what?

[@seanandersen338]

are these Machete MF-08S any good looking to put 2 or 3 in my truck thanks!

[@jackace803]

Do you know anyone that makes speaker adapters for crescendo audio mids?

[@bigmike547]

So I have a question how can I tell if my subs are damaged from clipping?

[@spoonsr1755]

Use a multimeter and see how far off it is from the stated ohm load …. If u have dual 2 ohm subs they shouldn’t be reading 2.8 or 3.5 per coil … hopefully one of the more knowledgeable ppl can chime in but that’s how I would do it ..hope it helps

[@bigmike547]

@@spoonsr1755 thanks bro for your help I really appreciate it

[@________GHOST________]

Zero smelling on my x-15 and my lows are very strong BUT IF I CLIPP IT THEN IT SMELLS NO MATTER OF COIL IS HOT OR COLD CLIPPING DOES THAT PERIOD NO MATTER THE SIZE OF SUB OR BRAND. SO TURN THE GAIN DOWN OR BUILD A BETTER SUB BOX.

[@derekroope1311]

Maybe the same problem I'm having with coil rub with my wolfram pt15. At low volumes you can hear the scrathiness then when turned up you can smell coil.

[@benh1261]

Sounds like ur sub is blown and the coil has unwound.

[@derekroope1311]

@@benh1261 no it has just shifted over and the coil is rubbing on like the former or gap in the motor. The wolfram platinum subs have the hardest to remove bolts to hold the basket to the motor so I can't get any of them loosened to try to align the coil back in the center of the gap.

[@thomasrabideau6950]

How long does it take for a subwoofer and amp to warm up? Cause I live in Minnesota and it’s starting to get cold I just want to make sure I don’t play it if I shouldn’t be when it is cold

[@kdoeone]

Probably just wait till the vehicles warm. Inside

[@subdynoman]

Never really heard of any issues with sub freezing temperatures. The amp should perform better at cold temps, so you shouldnt have to worry about that. The sub could have an issue if theres moisture built up to the point of freezing the sub surround and possibly causing it to crack. But we are talking extremely cold, like -40. So I honestly couldnt worry about it.

[@drivingdadevil]

JP , when will the Avatar STU 15's be back in stock?

[@RomaVilla]

I've been waiting for them as well, I got Lucky and bought mine in February but they have been out of stock for almost all yr. I might sell stu and then upgrade to the svl series

[@THELIFEOFPRICE]

Around a month

[@drivingdadevil]

@@THELIFEOFPRICE 👍

[@devincurtis3075]

Thx

[@TopgC04]

My subs never smells bad but I can hear it clipping and the dust cap gets hot. The rms power of both together is 2000w and I’m only running a 800rms amp at quarter gain. Why is it clipping and getting hot?

[@CVLova]

the amp dont have enough current to push those subs, can also be wired too low.

[@MemphisMojo15s]

An underpowered sub that doesn't flex and move air over the coil will heat up faster than a sub that's properly powered and flexing nicely. Get it moving or you'll lose it

[@bsmbB]

Maybe the amps aint clipping but the sub excursion is making it clip its self

[@j0rdanray186]

Also check your impedance, turn all your gains down, and boost off and make sure your subs are both wired at proper polarity and impedance, then slowly add your levels, i put a power acoustic in 2.5 cu ft box just for shits and giggles and i had the same issue with it smelling immediately, cold to the touch, and i had to switch the ohm load, then i tested it and sent it to the moon, but make sure your sub is hooked up properly maybe go up to 2 or 4 ohms, i wired my evls to .5 ohms and they were not happy, similar issue

[@adamsdiyandrandomvids5379]

So if it don't clip send it

[@garroyo7533]

So what's up with Harmony audio? Just wondering if you gonna try to get them on your site.

[@blackhornet25]

Listen at JP getting technical.

[@stringgreens6387]

Why do my subs make a loud thump when I shut the power down? Is there a way to prevent this? Is it doing damage?

[@jenkanz9612]

That might be a ground issue

[@jammaster2324]

That might have to do with your remote wire or ground. Lots of times it's the remote wire. If you have your remote wire hooked up wrong it will do that. Had an issue with my nephew's subs doing that and it was wired to the remote wire but something was wrong with it so I wired it to the cigarette lighter and it never happened again

[@jtsgarage2999]

or they can have the subs wired to the wrong ohms and they'll will heat up fast like that

[@brick2077]

If wired at .5 it will deliver more current to subs causing to heat very fast. Clipping is not the only thing that will cause a sub to smell

[@moneycat3789]

Jp do you sell SSA icon 12" subs

[@billsmith8795]

No, but they are on sale right now at the SSA website. Just put 2 in my f150 and damn they sound great

[@moabs10blowthru41]

Been doing it since 95

[@419gcs]

Cold coil less impedance rise. Less impedance rise Amps make to much power.

[@equanox100]

We need to engineer a better bonder for coils, not keep using the same shit that starts melting and bubbling at high temperatures.

[@scottiffanimccord1509]

Yep, finely someone gets it right!

[@moabs10blowthru41]

Set it with a dd1

[@Van1018s]

If it smells before the motor is extremely hot you’re clipping. Period. Badly.

[@denisbasshead7787]

Lower tune hz must be careful with that 💣👌

[@Trucker-Belly]

CLIPPING, CLIPPING, CLIPPING!!

[@Aged_Whiskey]

I purposoly clip mine sometimes but just for an extra umph not good but i know its bad smd

[@zechariahtheking]

Get dd1/ oscope

[@commonsenseisdeadandgone]

sundowns just smell

[@kcmullins6179]

You know the Skar EVL stinks for a while even after break in lol?? And no it's not clipping with the EVL it's just a smell those give off. But yeah normally if you smell a burning smell or a funky funny smell it's a clipping coil aka scrambled egg coils 😂

[@shack3955]

EVL is smelly 😂

[@scottiffanimccord1509]

It depends on the brand of sub and what glue thy use.. Orion HCCA will stink all day and then stink some more! Thy smell like shit! On the other hand I currently run B2 Rampages never have I smelled them, 4 12s on a HCCA 8k wired to .5

[@K-Effect]

Or he has rodents pissing on his subs

[@kenneththompson9889]

Sealed 4th order ?🦺