Constant Beam Width Transducers line arrays

[gainphile]

Very interesting loudspeaker topology by Keels and Button. Look at the sims comparing vertical directivity which considers the floor reflections between point source, normal straight line array, and CBT array

http://www.xlrtechs.com/dbkeele.com/...0Paper%205.pdf

Aside from the cost of buying large number of drivers, this looks very interesting. The large number of drivers must make for a very low distortion loudspeakers.

[CLS]

Very interesting indeed.

I have very few (positive) experience with line array. Maybe it's because it's too hard to get right...

I'm also wondering how that curvy line would work on dipole

[twest820]

The design's novel in that it uses the same concepts as a Quad but applies them in the opposite manner. Wonder how the imaging changes relative to a linear array; degrading the degree of time alignment to increase the size of the sweet spot would normally make it worse. But if the floor's reflective enough to form a well balanced source it could end up projecting a phantom image from the center of curvature.

[gedlee]

Five years old now and still not seen a product - I think that there is a reason for that. I've heard these small driver arrays and they all lack good sound quality. The directivity patterns don't resolve the problem that its a bunch of small inexpensive loudspeakers that sound like an AM radio.

[mondogenerator]

Originally Posted by gedlee

Five years old now and still not seen a product - I think that there is a reason for that. I've heard these small driver arrays and they all lack good sound quality. The directivity patterns don't resolve the problem that its a bunch of small inexpensive loudspeakers that sound like an AM radio.

I have to agree.

A different angle would be what an array of 10 alpair5/6 or other good 2-3" drivers such as the Peerless ones...um these:

Peerless 830970, 2" Full Range 4 ohm from Madisound

however im sure it wouldnt be all that inexpensive, and surely in ALL these arrays, there comes a point when multiple driver masses/BL/Fs etc etc(which ARENT equal), only sum to give a more muddied transient response than a comparatively priced single FR driver...

[ZilchLab]

JBL :: Product Family

[Speedskater]

Another line array using budget drivers, but the 50 budget drivers add-up to $645 US!
The Murphy Corner-Line-Array (MCLA) at True Audio:

The Murphy Corner-Line-Array Home Page

[daniel]

In his book Toole considers them line arrays best suited to surround duty.
Reason is that with correct radiation pattern you can have equal sound level between L and R surround independent from seating position. With regular speakers you lose envelopment quickly with off-centerline seating.
Havent tried yet this configuration, but maybe properly aimed, simple constant directivity speakers do the job too with less cost?

[Davey]

Originally Posted by gedlee

Five years old now and still not seen a product - I think that there is a reason for that. I've heard these small driver arrays and they all lack good sound quality. The directivity patterns don't resolve the problem that its a bunch of small inexpensive loudspeakers that sound like an AM radio.

Earl,

It looks to me like Don is standing next to the product.
No doubt there is some equalization and crossover design to make the AM radio speakers sound good?
Expense doesn't necessarily define the quality of speaker drivers.

Cheers,

Dave.

[sumaudioguy]

Originally Posted by gedlee

Five years old now and still not seen a product - I think that there is a reason for that. I've heard these small driver arrays and they all lack good sound quality. <snip>

So what is this?

Sanctuary Series . SSE LA