2" vs 1" compression driver

[Jer]

Hello all I realize this is probably an age old question, but I am somewhat of a begginer in the PA design world, and would really apreciate some help from the pro's!

I am trying to decide on a compression driver for my new cabinets (8 of them), which will consist of a 12" 400 watt front loaded driver running from 300hz up to the compression driver x-over point.

My decision lies in 2" vs 1". I am on a budget and the way I see it is that I will be able to afford either moderatly expensive 1" driver, or a lower middle of the road 2" driver. Right now I am looking at Selenium and Beyma drivers.

I would like to use the cabinets for meduim sized indoor and outdoor events (1000people). My concerns are projection distance and overall quality of sound.

If you guys could offer your opionions on this situation it would be a great help!

Thank you very much!

[Brett]

The Beyma 380 (1") is a peach and quite reasonably priced too.

[Ken L]

No one else had posted to this thread, so I thought I would post

haven't heard any of these but have been researching them recently so treat the info accordingly -

BMS 2" coaxial seems to be well respected for the money

Beyma CP385ND probably a little pricey but is a sweet sounding and pretty flat 1" driver.

I've been looking at 1" drivers and came across several posts that indicated the BMS sounds very good -

There are several guys around here that are pro oriented so you may get some more feedback.

Regards

Ken L

[Ken L]

Hi Brett

You posted while I was composing mine.

Just curious, have you had a chance to listen to a Beyma cp385nd?

If so, wondered what your impressions were compared to the 380.

Don't see much Beyma stuff in the US, not much chance to actually hear before buying.

If I the cash had been available I would have already owned a pair of the 285nd's

regards

Ken L

[GM]

Sounds like you've already got the BW covered where a 2" is normally used, so assuming at least a 1.2kHz XO point, go with a 1".

GM

[roddyama]

You might also take a look at Radian Audio. They have a full range of 1" and 2" compression drivers.
http://www.radianaudio.com/products/...in_drivers.htm

[Brett]

Originally posted by Ken L
BMS 2" coaxial seems to be well respected for the money

It's a great driver. I've been using them on and off (mainly on) for two years, and when I finish the new flares they'll be back in service.

I've been looking at 1" drivers and came across several posts that indicated the BMS sounds very good

Based on my experience with the 4590 it should be excellent.

Originally posted by Ken L
Just curious, have you had a chance to listen to a Beyma cp385nd?

If so, wondered what your impressions were compared to the 380.

I technically own a pair of 380's (my friend won't return them; bastard) and they're the only one's I've heard from Beyma. But I'd expect the 385's to be similar.

When I get a bit of cash, I'll order another 380, or a BMS, for my bass guitar rig.

[Centauri]

I usually find it better to keep lower vocal ranges out of compression drivers, and find 2" types too "barky" sounding.

Using front loaded 12", you can easily cross over to 1" driver around 3kHz or even 3k5Hz - box will sound smoother on vocals. For a 400W 12", a 40 to 50W compression driver would be fine, however if you will be using passive crossovers, some form of driver protection is recommended (a feedback squeal at high power will kill a compression driver quick!).

Cheers

[eRiCdWoNg]

Isnt 300 hz quite a bit low for a compression driver? With 1" drivers most commercially made PA speakers are X'd over at 1.5K or so, with 12 or 15" drivers. 2" drivers have great power handling but their extreme highs above 12K are limited.

2" Drivers seem to go down to 700 Hz or so, but 300 I think is way too low.

[Brett]

Originally posted by eRiCdWoNg
Isnt 300 hz quite a bit low for a compression driver? With 1" drivers most commercially made PA speakers are X'd over at 1.5K or so, with 12 or 15" drivers. 2" drivers have great power handling but their extreme highs above 12K are limited.

2" Drivers seem to go down to 700 Hz or so, but 300 I think is way too low.

300Hz is only mentioned, as the low end of a 12" driver below the compression driver, so the CD won't be running anywhere near that low.

Agreed I wouldn't cross a 2" in a PA below 700 or so (except a couple of the Emilar and large Community drivers) but some of the better drivers will actually work easily to 400Hz domestically, loaded correctly.