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In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: A big subwoofer vs. an arrays of small.
Post Subject: A buddy did incl research whyPosted by martinshorn on: 6/22/2017
hi Romy
A friend of mine tested it and found that he likes the faster dryer response. His colleague used many big PAs, while he had about 20 times 8 inchers. He first assumed must be the mass, but in lows its not sooo relevant.
The computer simulations even promised similar results in terms of efficiency, distortion, energy consumption etc etc comparing 10x8" to one 21" with slightly more xmax.
In his last try he found some hints.
He took several different sizes in the smalles possible enclosure they could fit, ran 50hz sinus with 5mm xmax and installed an xcursion laser sensor on it. Interesting that the big drivers (eg 15") had significant variations of measured xcursion in different positions of the membrane. Biggest difference between coil/dustcap pos and near surround. Conclusion was that despite the low frequency (multiple octaves below the braking point) starts bending. And so not following the coil/input precisely.
In free air due to less compression the effect is harder to measure, but that's the standard unfortunately. He found the smaller the better. He prefers 8" with paper, but found 10" with very rigid membranes being the max size possible that was not bending yet.
Cheers Josh Rerurn to Romy the Cat's Site