I use a Bose compact or Spacestation v3 on my jobs and in the studio. One or the other may be on 10hrs a day sometimes, with shutting them off when not in use for more than an hour. My thought was to use the amp that goes with the setup I am using, still, I wonder if I am cutting into their lifespan, and use a smaller practice amp, such as my CM30's, since I know my settings on the others for the gig?

From my experience as a Technology teacher we were told the greatest stress on electronic devices is the cycling of on and off. The surge of electricity thru the components and the heat and cool cycles has the most capacity for causing damage. We left the computer labs on 24 hrs. a day except for weekends and Holidays.
If your happy using your CM30's for practice do that and leave your gig equipment packed and ready to go. I have a closet in my garage for my gig PA equipment and a small PA in my studio for practice.

Valuable information. Thanks Bill

No problem Bernie. I'm full of misc. information . Ready for Jeprody.
Ever wonder why a light bulb never goes out while its on but blows when you first turn the switch on.

The on/off cycling problems were addressed many years ago when computer manufacturers began using activation and shutdown delay powering devices, thereby sequentially turning on and off the device. This same technology is used with a myriad of electronic devices, including cell phones, arranger keyboards and amps. Consequently, turning the device on and off no longer has the same detrimental effects as it did in the past.

The big killers of sound system, IMO, is overloading them and the lack of cooling fans. Donny Pesce experienced this with the old models of Barbetta Sona 32SC that he owned. When they got hot, they would actually trip the safety cutoff thermister, which shut down entirely until it reached a safe operating temperature. I solved his problem by installing cooling fans inside the cabinets and placed vents in them as well.

Many years ago, I had two amps trashed by cigarette smoke in the American Legion where I performed every Friday night. The smoke was so thick when someone opened the entrance door, folks outside would think the building was on fire when the smoke rushed out the door. Every plug, jack and switch inside that fan cooled powered mixer/amp was completely covered with cigarette tars in less than 6 months of use.

High humidity will destroy PA systems during outdoor jobs. When very moist air is drawn into the system via the cooling fan, it can readily condense on the PC boards especially if the PA is fired up right after being removed from an air conditioned vehicle and set up in that warm, moist environment. Best to allow the PA temperature to equalize with the surrounding environment before turning it on.

When not in use, it's always a good idea to cover the PA with some type of cover to prevent dust and moisture from entering the system. Same is true with your arranger keyboard.

Hope this helps,

Gary

Im in the school of use it till it goes then dump it and buy another its only gear...

Fine Donny, as long as it doesn't take it's last breath on my gig lol

Ditto, Bernie!

Gary

I'm a believer in letting it run. I have a Yamaha mixer in my office that has not been turned off in maybe eight years and it runs like new.
The technician who works on my gear when necessary tells me the same thing--it's better to let it run than turn it on and off frequently.
I only have personal experience with this, not any sort of technical expertise.
The light bulb in my closet is always on. I can't remember changing it, but I do know it has been several years.

and if it does you GOTTA always have backup!!!!

Then you have to carry two with you, unless you want to excuse yourself to go home and get it!!!

Bernie that's the beauty of playing in STEREO.....just sayin..

Bernie the old school of saving dollars and wear and tear on a unit was to turn it off. I never turn my computer off. If my set up is in my garage (where I can be loud) and I am using the equipment it gets turned off only if I am leave for an extended period.

I have a light on a pole in the front of my home; it has the house number: we call it the lollipop. It has a 40W bulb which I replace 2 to 3 times a year. The control shuts the bulb at dawn and turns it on in the evening. As I was replacing the bulb I damaged the control unit ---- the bulb/light now stays on 24 hours a day and I have not
replaced the bulb in three years.

I have to be honest --- I do what I have written above but it goes against my old beliefs.

I try not to use the same PA to long. When it begins shows signs of wear I replace the same PA or move on to what is new and inviting.

John C.
Ps, in the many, many years of playing my PA shorted out once. The owner of the home had wired a 220 wire into outlet into a 110. The head blew. I ran lines from my fender Twin Guitar Amp to the speakers. At best it was fair, but we finished the job.

How about carry an additional Amp/Mixer only --- speakers normally don't go. If you have a Bose type of setup forget what I just wrote.

John C.

I only had one amp fail in more than 50 years - my Peavey 600-watt stereo, powered mixer. Since then, nothing died, regardless of how hard or many times it was turned on and off.

Good luck,

Gary

Thanks guys for all the advice. I have decided to do like Bill Lewis and keep the amps ready to go. Even if constant use has no real effect, it will be more convenient, and the twin CM-30's set up in stereo sound great in my studio. To me, it's a win win situation.

Bermie I once played a wedding with TWO CM-30s kool versatile speakers.

Slightly off-topic question about the CM-30s... do you tilt them up somehow, or put them on some kind of pedestal stand? I tried one once with my Roland E-50, and when placed with its base flat on the floor, i thought that it sounded kind of "muddy." The highs didn't come through very well. (Again this was only ONE speaker. Insert debate about mono vs. stereo here.)

You can do either, but there is a threaded slot on the bottom that fits a mic stand thread or pole if desired. When I used them for smaller venues, I used two small stands.