Tweeter VS Horn

dBPete · #1 03-03-2011, 07:56 AM

I'm considering adding either a tweeter or horn to my 1x12 8 ohm cab, but I can't decide which to go with. I'm leaning more toward a tweeter (or two) just for aesthetic reasons, but I curious to hear if anyone has a legitimate reason why they prefer one over the other. Anyone?

craig.p · #2 03-03-2011, 08:11 AM

In terms of sound, what exactly are you trying to accomplish?

T-Bird · #3 03-03-2011, 08:33 AM

Hi.

Care to elaborate a bit?

Regards
Sam

billfitzmaurice · #4 03-03-2011, 08:52 AM

Generally speaking a horn is a tweeter, though not necessarily the other way around.

dBPete · #5 03-03-2011, 09:39 AM

What I'm trying to accomplish: having a fullrange cab. Obviously, the 12" doesn't reproduce upper harmonics. I like the sound of the cab already, I just want to bring out the highs.

dBPete · #6 03-03-2011, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

Generally speaking a horn is a tweeter, though not necessarily the other way around.

Can you be more specific? Why do you feel a horn is a tweeter, but a tweeter isn't a horn?

billfitzmaurice · #7 03-03-2011, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dBPete

Can you be more specific? Why do you feel a horn is a tweeter, but a tweeter isn't a horn?

A tweeter reproduces high frequencies, generally above 3kHz. A tweeter may be horn loaded, and most tweeters used in bass cabs are. But midranges, woofers and subwoofers may be horn loaded as well.

DukeLeJeune · #8 03-03-2011, 04:38 PM

By "tweeter", I presume you mean a "bullet tweeter" (which is actually a small horn tweeter). In my opinion you want the high frequency section to safely reach down low enough to meet up with the top end of your woofer. Once you know what your high frequency section should do, you can make a better choice. If a bullet tweeter won't reach low enough, use a horn.

Growly Lytes · #9 03-03-2011, 05:29 PM

What about me ? Ive got two 410 cabs with BP Legends & im thinking of adding a piezo or something along them lines to meet up at 2khz where the BP should be dropping off.
Im a little lost with which tweeter or horn to match with the BP102 & i dont want a mid driver.
Theres a few 200w piezo tweeters on ebay which start at 2khz & thats where the BP stops. Would that be o.k seeing the BP102 goes to 2khz & the tweeter starts at 2khz ?
Is there a chance that they will meet ?

TN WOODMAN · #10 03-03-2011, 06:07 PM

Maybe I'm just hopelessly old (a young 50) but personally I do not like tweeters on bass cabs. I love my Markbass Jeff Berlin combo with no tweeter. Plan to add a NY151 cab and just turn the tweeter down. What do I know, I still prefer 15s with bass as well and leave the 10s and 12s for my guitars.

**JxBass** · #11 03-03-2011, 06:19 PM

I much prefer horn over piezo tweets.

dBPete · #12 03-04-2011, 10:40 AM

:bump:

T-Bird · #13 03-04-2011, 12:16 PM

Hi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dBPete

What I'm trying to accomplish: having a fullrange cab. Obviously, the 12" doesn't reproduce upper harmonics. I like the sound of the cab already, I just want to bring out the highs.

In short, there's no practical way that adding just a high frequency transducer into an existing design would make the cab "full range".

In short, again, You want the woofer and the hi-freq unit frequency response to overlap at least an octave in order to make a passable transition with a passive cross-over.

That usually means that You can rule the piezos and the other budget alternatives out and focus on the rather expensive 1" or larger drivers and relatively large horns.

BTW, what makes You want to DIY a full range cab anyway?

Regards
Sam

dBPete · #14 03-04-2011, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Hi.

In short, there's no practical way that adding just a high frequency transducer into an existing design would make the cab "full range".

In short, again, You want the woofer and the hi-freq unit frequency response to overlap at least an octave in order to make a passable transition with a passive cross-over.

That usually means that You can rule the piezos and the other budget alternatives out and focus on the rather expensive 1" or larger drivers and relatively large horns.

BTW, what makes You want to DIY a full range cab anyway?

Regards
Sam

Thanks for the advice on the Xover. I was wondering about that as well.

Just considering the DIY full range cab because I'm a nerd like that. I'm into electronics and I like the idea of building up a cab with a unique sound. Something that sounds great, has it's own identity, and can't just be bought at guitar center.

Growly Lytes · #15 03-04-2011, 06:21 PM

So nothing will overlap the Legend BP102 tweeter wise ?
On paper the BP102 goes to 2khz.Where does that leave me ?

billfitzmaurice · #16 03-04-2011, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Growly Lytes

So nothing will overlap the Legend BP102 tweeter wise ?
On paper the BP102 goes to 2khz.Where does that leave me ?

Using either a cone midrange or compression horn capable of reaching to 2kHz.
BTW, I doubt that even 5% of commercial cabs have tweeters that reach to where the woofer leaves off, which is at best 2.5kHz with any ten, and a lot lower than that with larger woofers.

dBPete · #17 03-04-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

Using either a cone midrange or compression horn capable of reaching to 2kHz.
BTW, I doubt that even 5% of commercial cabs have tweeters that reach to where the woofer leaves off, which is at best 2.5kHz with any ten, and a lot lower than that with larger woofers.

Another good point. I'm tempted to hook up a bass to a spectrum analyzer to see exactly which frequencies are most critical beyond the woofer range.

T-Bird · #18 03-04-2011, 10:58 PM

Hi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dBPete

Just considering the DIY full range cab because I'm a nerd like that. I'm into electronics and I like the idea of building up a cab with a unique sound. Something that sounds great, has it's own identity, and can't just be bought at guitar center.

Then either the fEarful or any BFM design is way better choice. IMHO anyway.

Designing a cab from ground up takes a lot of experience and/or a lot of measurement instruments.

On a PA field it's a bit easier as loudspeaker management systems usually take the cross-overs that passive systems require out of the equation.

Regards
Sam

Growly Lytes · #19 03-06-2011, 04:13 PM

O.k im on the hunt for good mid or horn.
What power should be used ? Ive made a 410, each speaker is rated at 200watts (BP Legends).What would be the ideal power for a midrange or a tweeter ?
Btw thanks !

dBPete · #20 03-08-2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Growly Lytes

O.k im on the hunt for good mid or horn.
What power should be used ? Ive made a 410, each speaker is rated at 200watts (BP Legends).What would be the ideal power for a midrange or a tweeter ?
Btw thanks !

If you have frequency specs on your 8" drivers, that could help you decide on which would b best for your cab.