Small Outdoor Speaker Project - A few questions

rb132333 · 30th July 2012, 05:02 PM

I am somewhat of a nooby (This is my 4th set of speakers) with a couple of questions with my latest project. It is for small outdoor parties. I am using a couple of closeout drivers - Aurasound NS-6 (2 of them) and a single Foster horn tweeter. I can find the box size fairly easily using existing sites on the internet but how is the box (and port) size affected by adding the 2nd NSB-6?
Since I do not have the skillset or equipment to measure, I purchased the Behringer DCX 2496 to aid with crossover selection. Initially, I chose 4K as the crossover point and when I muted the LF/HF drivers independently and checked the DB level for the drivers, the HF drivers were significantly down (more than 15 DBs). I played around with various crossovers until the HF and LF drivers were close to matching in DB output (3k). Is this a legitimate concern and something that needs to be addressed?

tvrgeek · 30th July 2012, 07:40 PM

Adding the second driver doubles box size. Download WinIsl or similar programs and it will show you all about it. It lets you add a second driver. (free)

The crossover does both functions, filter and level adjust. That is normal. Tweeters are far more efficient than most woofers, 6 to 8 dB is not uncommon, and then adding for baffel step, another 6 dB so your ears may be telling you the right things. Check the specs on the drivers and see the difference.

Measurement is not that expensive. Calibrated mic ($80), USB mic preamp ($70), ARTA (free), and my favorite WooferTester ($100) Learning to use them does take a lot of effort. You have already done what too many skip. Trust your ears. Measurements are an AID, not the answer.

Now my standard soapbox: Read Joe D'Appolito's book Measuring Loudspeakers If you don't understand what you are measuring, all the computer stuff won't get you consistent results.

30th July 2012, 05:02 PM	#1
rb132333 diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2010	Small Outdoor Speaker Project - A few questions I am somewhat of a nooby (This is my 4th set of speakers) with a couple of questions with my latest project. It is for small outdoor parties. I am using a couple of closeout drivers - Aurasound NS-6 (2 of them) and a single Foster horn tweeter. I can find the box size fairly easily using existing sites on the internet but how is the box (and port) size affected by adding the 2nd NSB-6? Since I do not have the skillset or equipment to measure, I purchased the Behringer DCX 2496 to aid with crossover selection. Initially, I chose 4K as the crossover point and when I muted the LF/HF drivers independently and checked the DB level for the drivers, the HF drivers were significantly down (more than 15 DBs). I played around with various crossovers until the HF and LF drivers were close to matching in DB output (3k). Is this a legitimate concern and something that needs to be addressed?

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30th July 2012, 07:40 PM	#2
tvrgeek diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Md	Adding the second driver doubles box size. Download WinIsl or similar programs and it will show you all about it. It lets you add a second driver. (free) The crossover does both functions, filter and level adjust. That is normal. Tweeters are far more efficient than most woofers, 6 to 8 dB is not uncommon, and then adding for baffel step, another 6 dB so your ears may be telling you the right things. Check the specs on the drivers and see the difference. Measurement is not that expensive. Calibrated mic ($80), USB mic preamp ($70), ARTA (free), and my favorite WooferTester ($100) Learning to use them does take a lot of effort. You have already done what too many skip. Trust your ears. Measurements are an AID, not the answer. Now my standard soapbox: Read Joe D'Appolito's book Measuring Loudspeakers If you don't understand what you are measuring, all the computer stuff won't get you consistent results.