Both Paradigm V12 subwoofers make an unpleasant fluttering sound during low-frequency test — suggestions?

[Steve1001]

I have two Paradigm V12 subwoofers, and both produce an unusual fluttering/vibrating sound with an unpleasant tone during strong low-frequency effects in movies.

I can also reproduce the sound using the subwoofer test provided in the Paradigm control app. I recorded that test here:

I have already emailed Paradigm support and sent them the video, but I would appreciate opinions from experienced owners and installers while I wait for their response.

Because both V12 units exhibit the behaviour, I am trying to determine whether this is likely to be:

- port turbulence or chuffing;
- the driver reaching excessive excursion or the amplifier/limiter intervening;
- a loose grille, trim piece, amplifier plate, foot, cable, or nearby object resonating;
- a setup issue involving gain, EQ, room correction, phase, or the app test level;
- or a fault that needs service.

Has anyone heard this particular fluttering tone from a Paradigm V12 or another ported subwoofer? Does the video suggest airflow noise, mechanical vibration, driver distress, or something else?

I have two V12s and hear the issue from both during low-frequency events. I can provide additional details about settings, placement, AVR/processor configuration, and room correction if that would help diagnose it.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[LSPhil]

Just my guess, but I wonder if the subwoofer's high-pass filter, which I believe is around 30 Hz, is making it harder to diagnose the problem. Since it rolls off the very low frequencies, you can't really play the deepest bass where it would often be easier to identify whether something inside is vibrating or moving behind the woofer.

If the amplifier compartment isn't completely isolated from the woofer enclosure, it could simply be a small piece of insulating paper, a wire, or another loose part vibrating and tapping against something inside.

That said, the signal in the video doesn't sound completely clean to me either. I'm also wondering whether the recording itself might be clipping or overloaded, which makes it difficult to tell whether the noise is coming from the speaker or the recording.

 

[LSPhil]

I recorded this test, and it confirms what I suspected. The subwoofer appears to have a high-pass filter at around 30 Hz, so it's not possible to test it with very low frequencies, which would make it easier to identify the source of any mechanical noise.

Based on what I'm hearing, the driver also seems to be on the more budget-oriented side.

 

[LSPhil]

 

[Steve1001]

Thanks everyone for the replies and suggestions. The Paradigm support team reviewed the issue and advised that the subwoofer most likely has a blown driver. Our next step is to escalate the matter with the dealer for warranty review. I’ll close out the thread here. Thanks again for taking the time to help.

 

[Hayabusa]

Thanks everyone for the replies and suggestions. The Paradigm support team reviewed the issue and advised that the subwoofer most likely has a blown driver. Our next step is to escalate the matter with the dealer for warranty review. I’ll close out the thread here. Thanks again for taking the time to help.

Yea, to me it sounds like the coil touching the magnet/metal