Multiple tweeters

[kgveteran]

Any way of using multiple tweeters like in line array for a non-line array speaker ?

Lets say using four in series parallel to increase headroom.

[DS-21]

There's the Bessel array, which McIntosh speakers often use. I've never heard one.

Or you could just use a compression driver on a waveguide.

[---k---]

KG,
The problem with multiple tweeters is comb filtering. The general rule of thumb with driver spacing to avoid comb filtering is that the center to center spacing of adjacent drivers should be no more than 1 wavelength of the crossover. So the spacing from the outermost driver (the mid) to the center of the center most tweeter should be no more than one wavelength. The wave length played by tweeters gets pretty small. So it is difficult to do right.

Obviously, some companies (axiom) do funky things and break this rule and still get good reviews. (I don't know how that is possible) But it is a compromise and will not be optimized.

Line arrays work a bit differently because they have so many drivers that you're always listening nearfield.

[kevinp.]

I was just wondering how Axiom did that with the M80v2. 2 tweeters crossed to two mids at 2300, with no issues that i can detect in the measurements (independent, on soundstageav.com)

[---k---]

There was a thread on PE about the axiom a while back too. I don't remember it. I was thinking more about their funky center channel with the tweeters on outside. The center defies physics.

[kevinp.]

yeah, I agree the center is an abonimation... but I still have to wonder about the m80 main. I can see multiple ribbons, like Zalytron's kits that use 2 Ravens, but why does 2 domes seem to work?

[Carl V]

The Horizonatal Bessel array employed by Mac was pretty good actually.

M&K had three tweeters vertically arrayed...foam inbetween.
they were/are well regarded in the Pro Monitoring field.

An Aquaintance had an oddball set of speakers called WEGG or WEEG.
His had 5 tweeters arrayed in a semi Circle "C" Pattern. Sterophile
featured them on thier cover if I recall. They sounded damn fine.

Somtimes innovation can trump conventioal wisdom...

[Mazeroth]

The Horizonatal Bessel array employed by Mac was pretty good actually.

M&K had three tweeters vertically arrayed...foam inbetween.
they were/are well regarded in the Pro Monitoring field.

An Aquaintance had an oddball set of speakers called WEGG or WEEG.
His had 5 tweeters arrayed in a semi Circle "C" Pattern. Sterophile
featured them on thier cover if I recall. They sounded damn fine.

Somtimes innovation can trump conventioal wisdom...

I can see it now:

Bose - Innovation Trumping Conventional Wisdom.

:B

[cotdt]

Linkwitz uses a 2nd tweeter at the back. I like all this innovation with multiple tweeters. If I were to do it though, I would use lots of tweeters in a line array.