ID a part from my amp!

[mantekka]

I have an old Trace Elliot GP12 combo. Which still works ok, although I've noticed it overheating and cutting out after a long session.

There was something loose rattling around and it popped it out through the air hole. Not being to knowledgeable about the electronics side of things, I'm not sure what it's function was and how it affects the amp when missing.
Can someone enlighten me?

[Beer of the Bass]

When you say "air hole" do you mean the ports in the speaker enclosure? If so, it could be a wirewound inductor from the crossover, used to split the high frequencies to the tweeter.

[mantekka]

Yes the ports in the enclosure! So I might notice a lack of high frequency? Will check it out.

[BassBunny]

I'm with BoB on this.
If it is still working, then it is unlikely to be a transformer from the Amp circuit so most likely from a x-over of some kind.
Depending on which model would dictate exactly what it could do.

[3below]

Agree - BoB is on the money with this. If you are lucky you will be able to re-solder it back in and it will be obvious where.

[Chienmortbb]

That is almost certainly a choke from a crossover, if it has come adrift, then you should investigate why it came off before trying to repair it.

[BanditSid]

These inductors are often fixed to the board by their solder connections and possibly a bit of glue from a hot glue gun, it would be better to supplement this with a cable tie as well.

[HowieBass]

While you've got the combo opened up (to repair the crossover) you should carefully clean out any dust/fluff that's likely nestling inside it since this might be why it's prone to overheating.