LM386N-4 Not up to expectations

deadgirl · 6th September 2011, 01:01 AM

Hello all! I used an LM386N-4 to build a small amp for my guitar. I used the typical application in the datasheet and an 8-Ohm 1 Watt speaker. When I play a note lightly the sound goes through. However, when I strum a chord or pluck loudly, the sound cuts out and wont come back until I stop all ringing notes. What is causing this?

Thannks!

deadgirl · 6th September 2011, 05:47 PM

Thanks for looking at my thread (to the 40 some odd that did), but I just figured it out.

Apparently, I needed more than a 1 watt speaker if I wanted to fully utilize +200 gain.

Mooly · 6th September 2011, 06:49 PM

If the sound cuts out completely and doesn't with a different speaker then it's just possible the speaker is faulty. It's not that uncommon for the voice coil to go intermitent open circuit when driven (it's a common fault scenario on old TV's).

The gain (200) shouldn't have anything do with it as long as you are not driving the amp into clipping... and any small speaker should work.

6th September 2011, 01:01 AM	#1
deadgirl diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2011	LM386N-4 Not up to expectations Hello all! I used an LM386N-4 to build a small amp for my guitar. I used the typical application in the datasheet and an 8-Ohm 1 Watt speaker. When I play a note lightly the sound goes through. However, when I strum a chord or pluck loudly, the sound cuts out and wont come back until I stop all ringing notes. What is causing this? Thannks!

6th September 2011, 06:49 PM	#3
Mooly diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	If the sound cuts out completely and doesn't with a different speaker then it's just possible the speaker is faulty. It's not that uncommon for the voice coil to go intermitent open circuit when driven (it's a common fault scenario on old TV's). The gain (200) shouldn't have anything do with it as long as you are not driving the amp into clipping... and any small speaker should work. __________________ ------------------------------------------------------- *A simulation free zone.* *Design it, build it, test it.*

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Expectations from an inexpensive 3-way	peter_m	Multi-Way	4	27th May 2007 09:14 AM
limiting gain for LM386N-3	gpond	Chip Amps	1	27th July 2006 03:38 PM
Help with LM386N-1 amplifier	Rob-israel	Chip Amps	12	27th March 2004 07:41 AM
Isobaric 8" expectations?!	Rarkov	Multi-Way	18	12th September 2002 02:41 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

6th September 2011, 05:47 PM	#2
deadgirl diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2011	Thanks for looking at my thread (to the 40 some odd that did), but I just figured it out. Apparently, I needed more than a 1 watt speaker if I wanted to fully utilize +200 gain.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)