Hello,
I'm not new to large sound systems, but would appreciate the wisdom here.
I want a subwoofer for small events, not home HiFi.
This will be left at a single location, so I don't need to worry too much about weight and efficiency.
But would need to be moved around on site, say between storage and outdoors.
I want something that sounds super musical.
Low harmonic and phase distortion etc.
I don't care about having to EQ the subwoofer.
Not sure how important group delay is either, I could delay the tops with processing.
Doesn't have to go that high, I could put a kick on top.
My understanding is that a sealed enclosure is the best quality, but the efficiency seems a bit too low for me.
If its true that they are at least 4x more volumetrically inefficient.
So question is what is next best simple standard subwoofer topologies?
Are these horn based? Especially front-loaded horns?
And beyond the topology, the devil is in the detail.
Can anybody recommend free high-quality tested designs? Not just hornresp.
Especially interested in simple DIY builds.
I've seen these here, but I'm sure there's loads of community designs I'm not aware of.
https://www.eighteensound.it/en/resources/suggested-designs/
Thanks!
I'm not new to large sound systems, but would appreciate the wisdom here.
I want a subwoofer for small events, not home HiFi.
This will be left at a single location, so I don't need to worry too much about weight and efficiency.
But would need to be moved around on site, say between storage and outdoors.
I want something that sounds super musical.
Low harmonic and phase distortion etc.
I don't care about having to EQ the subwoofer.
Not sure how important group delay is either, I could delay the tops with processing.
Doesn't have to go that high, I could put a kick on top.
My understanding is that a sealed enclosure is the best quality, but the efficiency seems a bit too low for me.
If its true that they are at least 4x more volumetrically inefficient.
So question is what is next best simple standard subwoofer topologies?
Are these horn based? Especially front-loaded horns?
And beyond the topology, the devil is in the detail.
Can anybody recommend free high-quality tested designs? Not just hornresp.
Especially interested in simple DIY builds.
I've seen these here, but I'm sure there's loads of community designs I'm not aware of.
https://www.eighteensound.it/en/resources/suggested-designs/
Thanks!
Chendy,
Sealed subwoofers sacrifice output in the name of small size, transient performance (NB - subject to degradation by minimum-phase filters) and the potential for extreme LF extension, albeit at limited SPLs.
A ported box within its bandwidth will have lower harmonic distortion (or, more output available) and a limited LF cutoff.
Questions to help us get started:
Most PA systems use ported boxes, and with good reason: they're a good balance between bandwidth, size, output, build complexity, driver requirements, etc etc.
The hierarchy of small-to-big, quiet-to-loud cabinets are:
There are variants, like transmission lines, quarter-wave stuff, under-sized horns, which slot in-between.
Finally, someone has mentioned a Bill Fitzmaurice cabinet. The BFM designs have a lot of controversy around them, including unreliable measurements that others have been unable to replicate. Personally, I wouldn't bother.
Chris
Sealed subwoofers sacrifice output in the name of small size, transient performance (NB - subject to degradation by minimum-phase filters) and the potential for extreme LF extension, albeit at limited SPLs.
A ported box within its bandwidth will have lower harmonic distortion (or, more output available) and a limited LF cutoff.
Questions to help us get started:
- What's the actual size limit? Would you be happy with something that requires a forklift to move?
- What's your budget?
- What will you be driving this with? (Amplifiers and processing)
- How's your carpentry?
Most PA systems use ported boxes, and with good reason: they're a good balance between bandwidth, size, output, build complexity, driver requirements, etc etc.
The hierarchy of small-to-big, quiet-to-loud cabinets are:
- Dipole
- Sealed
- Ported
- Tapped horn
- Full-sized front-loaded horn
There are variants, like transmission lines, quarter-wave stuff, under-sized horns, which slot in-between.
Finally, someone has mentioned a Bill Fitzmaurice cabinet. The BFM designs have a lot of controversy around them, including unreliable measurements that others have been unable to replicate. Personally, I wouldn't bother.
Chris
A single fold straight flare tapped horn is about as simple as you can get.
Just like a bass reflex enclosure, all you need is 7 panels to complete the enclosure (not including appropriate bracing).