Did anything ever come of these?
I'm interested as after I move I'd like to do another small PA for various functions around the small town I'm moving to, but especially for my Church as they lack one. I've seen some of the sub-box and small line PAs like Bose, EV and others have and would like to try the same especially as they would be more portable than a trad small PA and we'll have a CNC soon to be able to make the WGs.
Nothing finished yet. Now the 3D printed Hydra is being made. I will resume printing the updated waveguide soon with 0.6 mm nozzle, so it will take a while.
I'll watch with interest and in the meantime have a go at it myself. Just didn't want to reinvent the wheel if you had something finished already.
If the Hydra clone is printed in parts, it is not much less work that gluing together the plywood slices.
Just some rough filling, sanding and spraying. It would require much more work to get a perfect surface finish and I do not want to do that. The color I chose to be the top is the Altec grey (RAL 7038). Today I will install the wires and glue the speaker chambers on the main body. All the parts got already first layer of grey this morning, the looks will not be too bad in the end. Just not as nice as the wooden version.
Just some rough filling, sanding and spraying. It would require much more work to get a perfect surface finish and I do not want to do that. The color I chose to be the top is the Altec grey (RAL 7038). Today I will install the wires and glue the speaker chambers on the main body. All the parts got already first layer of grey this morning, the looks will not be too bad in the end. Just not as nice as the wooden version.
Second Hydra clone is finished. It is slightly larger because the plywood I used was not full 15 mm but a bit less and I had to sand away some not to have steps. The black front adds a nice little detail to it, still have to print one more and then paint them.
All the STLs will be soon on Thingiverse.
All the STLs will be soon on Thingiverse.
Attachments
Each weights a little over 1400 g. I did have a quick listen on my workdesk at low level and really like them. They do something I like - they just disappear and the music plays out of air🙂 I need to make a high volume test with better placement. And some directivity measurements.
By the way, the SSS box on the same desk does the same and with a wider soundstage. I can highly recommend both projects, in smaller rooms with a subwoofer, the 3FE22s in the SSS or Hydra clones are just great.
By the way, the SSS box on the same desk does the same and with a wider soundstage. I can highly recommend both projects, in smaller rooms with a subwoofer, the 3FE22s in the SSS or Hydra clones are just great.
I have lost my patience with Thingiverse, so the files are at PrusaPrinters.org - https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/146974-dual-3-loudspeaker
The first aura-like waveguide is printed and this time it looks like it is really usable with a bit of processing. Three more to go.
Here is a single element. It works mechanically and for printing. The only slightly unusual thing is the square M4 nut used for holding the drivers. The holes need drilling and the diameter is intentionally smaller so that the thread can be tapped into the plastic directly. With a small modification, heat-set threaded insets should work well. I have no measurements or listening impressions yet, I still need to cut panels for a simple sealed box. It will have around 0.8 l per driver, sealed. Since I like the Hydra clones (and will be building some single cubes for a small near field setup), I expect the mini array to work fine as well, with more SPL available.
The elements are to be glued together aligned on M6 threaded rods and the design allows to put nuts and washers between two elements to hold them better mechanically together.
The elements are to be glued together aligned on M6 threaded rods and the design allows to put nuts and washers between two elements to hold them better mechanically together.
Attachments
I mounted and wired the drivers today and the prototype is ready for testing. First impression - nothing special, a bit laid back, not enough bass (as expected). The Hydra clones sounded more lively. Most probably some EQ will be needed. Need to make some measurements.
Attachments
Finally, I got a chance to set this up as a temporary left channel in my work room. When listening from ca 2 m away, horizontally on axis, it is actually pretty good. It definitely needs some distance. Also, I was able to hear some comb filtering (sort of like a flanger effect) when moving forwards and backwards, but only very slight.
I have plenty of 3FE22s, so maybe I will build up more of these and try some frequency tapering in a composed line - 5 modules of 4 drivers with 3 channel DSP and amplifier.
I have plenty of 3FE22s, so maybe I will build up more of these and try some frequency tapering in a composed line - 5 modules of 4 drivers with 3 channel DSP and amplifier.
Attachments
