Hi all,
Before I go cut some baffles just to measure and find out, was curious if someone already did this and knows how bad it would be to basically mask the surround on a full range driver, not the cone, just the surround. Or if the surround has to be exposed and has a contribution to the output and shape of response. Vs, if the surround were masked. I imagine since it moves it makes sound too, so masking it would be weird and likely bad. I'm willing to cut wood and find out. But I'm curious if someone already has done this and was it really bad or not. Let's assume the driver doesn't need to go lower than 200hz so it would just be for upper bass, mids and treble as a wide band.
Point in case, this Fast-8. The image when I ordered showed a bone white color for the entire cone and surround. The surround is yellow though on this production unit.
So on my test baffle, I installed it just to see how it looks and listen to it a while. Sounds great. I like the look. But, my wife doesn't like the yellow surround. So now I'm wondering if I can just mask that yellow surround (smaller diameter hole, rear mounted, masked). Or if it would be a horrible response result by doing it. I've never masked a surround. I'm willing to cut a new baffle just to test it. But, maybe someone can save me the heart ache of how bad it is if they already tried it. Or maybe its fine?
Very best,
Before I go cut some baffles just to measure and find out, was curious if someone already did this and knows how bad it would be to basically mask the surround on a full range driver, not the cone, just the surround. Or if the surround has to be exposed and has a contribution to the output and shape of response. Vs, if the surround were masked. I imagine since it moves it makes sound too, so masking it would be weird and likely bad. I'm willing to cut wood and find out. But I'm curious if someone already has done this and was it really bad or not. Let's assume the driver doesn't need to go lower than 200hz so it would just be for upper bass, mids and treble as a wide band.
Point in case, this Fast-8. The image when I ordered showed a bone white color for the entire cone and surround. The surround is yellow though on this production unit.
So on my test baffle, I installed it just to see how it looks and listen to it a while. Sounds great. I like the look. But, my wife doesn't like the yellow surround. So now I'm wondering if I can just mask that yellow surround (smaller diameter hole, rear mounted, masked). Or if it would be a horrible response result by doing it. I've never masked a surround. I'm willing to cut a new baffle just to test it. But, maybe someone can save me the heart ache of how bad it is if they already tried it. Or maybe its fine?
Very best,
Hrm,
I don't want to harm the treble of mids of course. I don't mind losing a little bass response from them. This would be masking only that yellow surround area and not the cone area.
Very best,
I'd normally measure, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't let it stop me from prototyping something bigger.
If it makes you feel better, the surround is usually only counted for half it's area since it's fixed on one edge, and when it comes to high frequencies the reduction in cone size isn't necessarily a bad thing.
If it makes you feel better, the surround is usually only counted for half it's area since it's fixed on one edge, and when it comes to high frequencies the reduction in cone size isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Ok, sounds like I will have to cut a new hole size and just test it on both and see if it is worse or if its acceptable. Thanks!
Very best,
For testing, can you just do a ring that goes in the current cutout?
Exactly what I was thinking (dye or light paint). I am with the wife on this one and don't care for the yellow surround. I also don't care for those manufacturers who advertise one thing and sell another. They have given you an additional problem that wasn't there before.
I DO like the idea that you have about the smaller mounting hole and am very curious as to what might be the result. At first, I shied away from it, but I think that it is worth investigating. this is how discoveries are made.
I DO like the idea that you have about the smaller mounting hole and am very curious as to what might be the result. At first, I shied away from it, but I think that it is worth investigating. this is how discoveries are made.
I have painted cones, but I have not done a surround. It seems to be a see through woven material, very thin. I think painting it would change its behavior with how delicate it is. Light goes right through it. I can see the weave pattern and see between threads even.
Very best,
I think I could, like a big washer on the back. It would just add depth to the cavity so then there's that extra change too. But it would likely be easier than cutting a whole new baffle. I also have previous test baffles I can potentially just add a hole to. Gonna tinker around.
Very best,
I tried searching first, but didn't find anything immediately so figured I'd ask. I don't mind testing it, would have just been interesting to see others results if they've tried it. I know lots of cone masking happens in open baffles, especially woofers and sub-woofers in various forms, but I haven't seen widebands done this way. Not that I'm heavily masking it, just that outer ring potentially. Will still probably see that small yellow area that is glued to the top of the paper cone. But it will be significantly less.
Very best,
Wow. That is a touchy thing then. You could even backlight the driver!
I suppose that's certainly possible. Though women, once they know that the yellow is there, and can see it, even if I change the color, she'll know its there. Tricky business.
Very best,
Light would not impact it of course. But paint I think would. Not sure what kind of paint would cover it and not alter its behavior. Then again, masking the surround may alter its response too. So either way I'm getting something else. But, painting the surround cannot be undone, while masking can be undone. So going to try things less invasive one at a time that are not permanent.
Very best,
I am betting that the surround is a treated fabric and may not accept dye to begin with. I would also be cautious of painting since it is likely to have some sort of effect on the surround and can't be undone.
That does it. You have to face the speakers towards the wall.
That does it. You have to face the speakers towards the wall.