Hello, I'm still doing research, but I'm wanting to start my first project by making a soundbar. I want to use the hivi b3n speakers and pre-made crossovers. I saw a thread about the b3n made as a center channel and like the way it looked. I want something similiar but as a soundbar. Apologies if these are really stupid questions.
1) I read somewhere that 3 way was good for vocals on the center channel. Is there and issue using 1 b3n for the low and 1 for the mid hookup on the crossover?
2) I read some where that 2 way is good for the left and right channels. I read about MTM design for the lh and rh speakers. Can I do this config the same way in the soundbar?
3) can I use the guts from a used soundbar to power everything or do I need to use a separate amp?
1) I read somewhere that 3 way was good for vocals on the center channel. Is there and issue using 1 b3n for the low and 1 for the mid hookup on the crossover?
2) I read some where that 2 way is good for the left and right channels. I read about MTM design for the lh and rh speakers. Can I do this config the same way in the soundbar?
3) can I use the guts from a used soundbar to power everything or do I need to use a separate amp?
No, you should start simpler by selecting a decent true wide band drive unit and drive it with an amp of your choice.
If you insist on learning how to design a 2 way loudspeaker, then the proper choice of units would be about 3.5" midwoofer and a 1" tweeter.
However, this is a rather challenging task even for someone familiar with technology, and much more for a novice.
If you insist on learning how to design a 2 way loudspeaker, then the proper choice of units would be about 3.5" midwoofer and a 1" tweeter.
However, this is a rather challenging task even for someone familiar with technology, and much more for a novice.
I think you are confusing two things.
A sound bar is not just a center channel. It is a rather complex system using phase and frequency variations on multiple drivers to provide a wider soundstage for right, center and left channels. It often contains complex DSP processing. A sound bar is usually a HDMI input, so it contains the digital to analog conversion and de-coding.
A center channel is only the, well, center channel. It is actually a rather "catch-22" problem due to polar patterns. The best center channel is one of the same as the R and L, but space is often an issue, so a basically bad design of a horizontal MTM is common just for space constraints. A center will be either a passive speaker to be driven by your AVR, or active driven by the AVR RCA line out.
Premade crossovers are not suitable for anything. They only sell them for beginners who don't know better. The crossover is specific to the driver parameters and the designers choice.
The cabinet is part of the system design. Reusing some old box will not likely be the correct size and tuning for the drivers you intend. The old electronics were specific to the drivers used.
You should start much simpler. First, you need to do a lot of reading. Although speaker design is a true engineering exercise, it can be learned by anyone with the willingness. No calculus needed. I suggest starting with some of the available books on the subject. Parts Express sells some.
I then suggest a first project as a well documented kit so you can follow along duplicating the measurements and design comparing it to the kit. Another good first build is often a subwoofer. A sealed low Q sub ( the best for music and IMHO, still best for HT) is a very easy introduction with a high probability of success. You always want your first build to be suscessful! Otherwise we may not draw you into the rabbit hole of long time speaker design victim. 🙂
Hint: I am an engineer and have been building speakers as a hobby for 50 years. I would not attempt a sound bar without a huge investment in reading all the AES and IEEE papers on the subject. If what you need is a sound bar, buy one. If interested in the hobby for real, then pick a far simpler first project.
A sound bar is not just a center channel. It is a rather complex system using phase and frequency variations on multiple drivers to provide a wider soundstage for right, center and left channels. It often contains complex DSP processing. A sound bar is usually a HDMI input, so it contains the digital to analog conversion and de-coding.
A center channel is only the, well, center channel. It is actually a rather "catch-22" problem due to polar patterns. The best center channel is one of the same as the R and L, but space is often an issue, so a basically bad design of a horizontal MTM is common just for space constraints. A center will be either a passive speaker to be driven by your AVR, or active driven by the AVR RCA line out.
Premade crossovers are not suitable for anything. They only sell them for beginners who don't know better. The crossover is specific to the driver parameters and the designers choice.
The cabinet is part of the system design. Reusing some old box will not likely be the correct size and tuning for the drivers you intend. The old electronics were specific to the drivers used.
You should start much simpler. First, you need to do a lot of reading. Although speaker design is a true engineering exercise, it can be learned by anyone with the willingness. No calculus needed. I suggest starting with some of the available books on the subject. Parts Express sells some.
I then suggest a first project as a well documented kit so you can follow along duplicating the measurements and design comparing it to the kit. Another good first build is often a subwoofer. A sealed low Q sub ( the best for music and IMHO, still best for HT) is a very easy introduction with a high probability of success. You always want your first build to be suscessful! Otherwise we may not draw you into the rabbit hole of long time speaker design victim. 🙂
Hint: I am an engineer and have been building speakers as a hobby for 50 years. I would not attempt a sound bar without a huge investment in reading all the AES and IEEE papers on the subject. If what you need is a sound bar, buy one. If interested in the hobby for real, then pick a far simpler first project.
By turning what should be a 2 way into a 3 way you have complicated thing in a way that's not likely to be an improvement. I don't agree that you need a 3 way for vocals, in fact I think that left, right and centre should be similar. On the other hand if you make a good speaker then it shouldn't matter.
Maybe @Slopefunk meant a center channel that is wide and thin?
Would several small widebanders, like Faital 3FE22, in a wide vented box be a good and easy first project for a center channel? No crossovers needed. And a sub for the bottom two octaves (another simple project).
Would several small widebanders, like Faital 3FE22, in a wide vented box be a good and easy first project for a center channel? No crossovers needed. And a sub for the bottom two octaves (another simple project).