Big E Speakers

[kittyboy]

Huh, I don't know what happened to the previous thread, so let's start a new one.

Here's a video of Mike Arnopol playing these interesting speakers, the technology of which is currently being developed for commercial production by Leland, Duke @ Audiokinesis, and Mike himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY7ZyyWyih4

Very exciting...

[JxBass]

You're right, I was subscribed to the thread and it's gone from my list ... hmmm.

[Mike Arnopol]

Apparently I need to curb my enthusiasm. Two fellow TB'ers were over yesterday. I'll let them post their impressions. 'Twas a good day.

[cybersnyder]

The cabs defy logic, but I guess I'm an old fart that thinks that bass cabs should have 15" speakers or it's a practice amp. Heh. Seriously though, I'm very interested in these and there is some serious mindshare going into the product. Vortex Manipulated Waveguide sounds gimmicky, but it's not a gimmick when there is something to back it up.

I'm predicting big things for this concept.

[Mike Arnopol]

I'm more surprised than anyone!

[Joebone]

I don't want to pass judgment based on headphones (albeit decent ones) out of my laptop...but this is a most interesting product. Eights can certainly kick some butt if well-implemented....and here, they most certainly seem to be!

[Mike Arnopol]

They have better low end extension than the 15's because there is never any unloading of the speakers. I've never been able to pop out 16ths on the B string and have them articulate.

[Jefe]

Sub'd. Interesting stuff here. Can't wait to hear more!

[cybersnyder]

Originally Posted by Mike Arnopol

They have better low end extension than the 15's because there is never any unloading of the speakers. I've never been able to pop out 16ths on the B string and have them articulate.

This just blows my mind. 15's are real cabs, 8's are in the guy across the hall's (in college) peavey crap combo. Right? Must unlearn old preconceptions -- I'm glad some ignore preconceptions or we would be stagnant.

So it sounds like the cabs would be good for an octave pedal junkie like me.

[Mike Arnopol]

Actually the low end is more focused than the 15's. What I've recently learned is that what I thought was a huge low end was a wooly uncontrolled low end.

[Joebone]

The articulation thing is precisely what fascinates me. My bass goal is a tone that is both fat and fast, and as I figure out what bass is really about (former trombonist, influenced by the bel canto tradition), quick releases are also the jam! That cabinet sounded great. For my life, I generally don't need something that big, but if there is a 2x8" variant coming down the pike, I'll be very interested (as I keep my Thunderchild 15 for the larger stuff).

[barryaudio]

Originally Posted by Mike Arnopol

They have better low end extension than the 15's because there is never any unloading of the speakers. I've never been able to pop out 16ths on the B string and have them articulate.

Originally Posted by Mike Arnopol

Actually the low end is more focused than the 15's.

Based on the description, are you saying its more like a sealed cab?

[kittyboy]

Have any Big E prototypes been built in composite yet?

[Mr. Foxen]

Originally Posted by barryaudio

Based on the description, are you saying its more like a sealed cab?

From this:

Originally Posted by Mike Arnopol

They have better low end extension than the 15's because there is never any unloading of the speakers.

I'd say it was tuned way low which means they don't unload (which is when you go far enough below tuning frequency that the speakers act like they are in the open), and the other consequence of that is low roll off like a sealed cab.

[bevan lurrito]

I guess I dont see anything new here. Looks like a well built waveguide with nice drivers. Yes, waveguides sound great, and can, when properly implemented, get usable SPL's with less power.

Neo drivers in composite boxes would help address the weight/size issue, but make the finished product cost as much as a Ferrari.

Funny side note... I talked to some tech folks at Parts Express about using the Tang Band drivers as subs in a bass cab, and they told me that they would be worthless. These sound great. I guess I should listen to my gut and not the PE techs next time?

[lelandcrooks]

It's still under wraps and under development. Lots of refinements. There's no software that will model these cabs, it's all done the old fashioned way. Way more to it than just waveguide cab. I have 3 of the PA models under my belt now, refining production processes. A dual 8 with a center fired comp driver is the most accurate thing I've ever heard. You can literally hear the engineer triggering the compressors, expanders, effects, everything that was done, that's supposed to be seamless and invisible.

[5StringPocket]

Wow, perhaps a touch of wool is not a bad thing for those of us with less than perfect technique.

[kittyboy]

Originally Posted by lelandcrooks

It's still under wraps and under development. Lots of refinements. There's no software that will model these cabs, it's all done the old fashioned way. Way more to it than just waveguide cab. I have 3 of the PA models under my belt now, refining production processes. A dual 8 with a center fired comp driver is the most accurate thing I've ever heard. You can literally hear the engineer triggering the compressors, expanders, effects, everything that was done, that's supposed to be seamless and invisible.

Leland, what weight are they coming in at, the 2x8s?

[christw]

Cool. Looks like this might have some potential for DB too. I'd be interested in finding out more but I've still got the hots for an Audiokinesis cab when money permits.

Originally Posted by 5StringPocket

Wow, perhaps a touch of wool is not a bad thing for those of us with less than perfect technique.

I'm guilty of using a little bit of overdrive for just that reason.

[Chef]

sub'd