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In the Forum: Horn-Loaded Speakers
In the Thread: Macondo’s Midbass Project – the grown up time.

Post Subject: Similies and Analogies, Old and NewPosted by Paul S on: 10/11/2010

Jessie, we keep meeting at the same intersection. Like I said before, I agree that direct radiators suck, for all the reasons you cited. But if what you say about horns is strictly and completely true, then does it not follow in spades at ever lower frequencies? How 'bout them ULF horns? The thing is, coupling a "horn" to a small, light diaphragm is hardy a Get Out of Jail Free card. Not only does this not "solve" all direct radiator problems, but it creates plenty of its own problems. For just one tiny thing, the Big Air in that horn does not present a linear load (let alone a static load...) to that quick, light, little driver. For another thing, how long of a horn are we talking about here? I mean, where is the quick little diaphragm and where is the "Big Air" we are listening to? Could it be that at some point it's like having 10" of shock absorber travel when you hit the Speed Bump? Great for the Baja 1000, perhaps; maybe not so good for Le Mans. I don't know how these analogies relate to LF, but why have I never heard a good LF horn, in over 45 years? I listen with renewed hope when the opportunity presents itself, and I go out of my way for opportunities. So far, they all suck worse than the best (suck-y) direct-radiator LF.

Last but certainly not least, the matter of the sound of the horn itself has been re-visited recently, with affectionate references to a quality that simply puts me off my feed. Not saying it is, but it sure looks like it is, and if this certain sound is indeed the typical result of horn coupling, then good luck to all you committed hornies, but I'll continue to struggle with direct radiator problems I can live with, pending "solutions".

Best regards,
Paul S

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