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Gradient vs Delta Subwoofer Array

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How does a 6-element inverted gradient stack compare with an equally sized delta subwoofer array? I interviewed the creator of the Delta Array recently and he mentioned how similar it is to the gradient. I decided to see for myself. Coverage Shape Forward Aspect Ratio For a short demo of FAR please see One Simple Tool to Find the Right Size Speaker for Any Space. FAR = depth / widthdeltaFAR = 26 / (13*2) = 1gradientFAR = 26.15 / 23 = 1.14 30 / deltaFAR = 3030 / gradientFAR … [Read more...]

The BEST subwoofer array for large concerts?

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During my interview with Adam Hill we discussed an AES paper he coauthored called Subwoofer positioning, orientation and calibration for large-scale sound reinforcement. During the interview, we focused mainly on the interference of stages and other boundaries on directional subwoofer arrays, but there is another large part of the paper where the authors describe a ground-based optimized subwoofer array that I thought would be fun to try to recreate. Wondering how a gradient subwoofer array … [Read more...]

Does flipping a sub around also flip its polarity?

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This question made my brain hurt so I had to make a video to explain it to myself. The answer is NO for the common subwoofers we encounter in the field that are closed in the back and have ports in the front. The answer would be YES if the sub were open in the back, but then the coverage pattern would be a figure-8, not omni. Why do you polarity invert the rear sub in a cardioid array?Phase WheelFIGURE 4.12 Summation zones from Sound Systems: Design and Optimization by Bob … [Read more...]