Integrating Ribbon Tweeter and 6 1/2" woofer

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ttan98

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Integrating Ribbon Tweeter and 6 1/2" woofer
« on: 25 Nov 2014, 01:34 am »
Rick,

I understand you have extensive experience with integrating Raal and Scanspeaks drivers. I welcome your input on the following:

I have a Hi-Vi 6"(2 1/2" * 6" and 95dB) Planar/Ribbon Tweeter and SB 6 1/2" woofer(89 dB), I wonder what would be the starting xover frequency I should start testing between these 2 drivers? I understand it is a fairly general question, I just want to know your expert opinion. What other factors I should take into considerations when interfacing these 2 drivers?

Thanks.

Rick Craig

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Re: Integrating Ribbon Tweeter and 6 1/2" woofer
« Reply #1 on: 26 Nov 2014, 04:14 am »
Rick,

I understand you have extensive experience with integrating Raal and Scanspeaks drivers. I welcome your input on the following:

I have a Hi-Vi 6"(2 1/2" * 6" and 95dB) Planar/Ribbon Tweeter and SB 6 1/2" woofer(89 dB), I wonder what would be the starting xover frequency I should start testing between these 2 drivers? I understand it is a fairly general question, I just want to know your expert opinion. What other factors I should take into considerations when interfacing these 2 drivers?

Thanks.

It's been awhile since I used the HiVi (or one similar to what you have). The longer ribbons are more difficult to integrate and they tend to define the crossover point more than the woofer. What test equipment do you have?

ttan98

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Re: Integrating Ribbon Tweeter and 6 1/2" woofer
« Reply #2 on: 26 Nov 2014, 10:23 pm »
Hi,

I have measuring Mic and Soundeasy software for measuring the output from these drivers. The Hi-Vi driver is quite cheap but very flat from 2-3Khz upwards. I did a x-over at 2Khz it seemed to work what other factors should I consider besides the x-over freq.

Rick Craig

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Re: Integrating Ribbon Tweeter and 6 1/2" woofer
« Reply #3 on: 27 Nov 2014, 02:50 am »
Hi,

I have measuring Mic and Soundeasy software for measuring the output from these drivers. The Hi-Vi driver is quite cheap but very flat from 2-3Khz upwards. I did a x-over at 2Khz it seemed to work what other factors should I consider besides the x-over freq.

Obviously the slope is important to minimize distortion on the tweeter. Also the transition off-axis as the woofer starts to beam and the tweeter enters with very wide dispersion.

ttan98

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Re: Integrating Ribbon Tweeter and 6 1/2" woofer
« Reply #4 on: 27 Nov 2014, 02:59 am »
Obviously the slope is important to minimize distortion on the tweeter.

What slope do you suggest for tweeter and woofer?


Also the transition off-axis as the woofer starts to beam and the tweeter enters with very wide dispersion.

Above what freq. does a 6 1/2" woofer starts to beam?


Rick Craig

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Re: Integrating Ribbon Tweeter and 6 1/2" woofer
« Reply #5 on: 28 Nov 2014, 08:32 pm »


Without measuring the system I would only be speculating.

ttan98

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Re: Integrating Ribbon Tweeter and 6 1/2" woofer
« Reply #6 on: 28 Nov 2014, 11:02 pm »
Hi,

Actually I am coming here I thought you may put in the right direction in providing me a general Guideline into interfacing a Ribbon tweeter to a woofer. Guidelines includes what are the pit falls and and what to look for in general terms. I don't want a detail design procedure otherwise I will provide you with a more detailed info on the these drivers e.g freq resp, etc., also I don't want to tie up too much of your precious time commenting.

I have no interest in commercialising this info provided just for my own interest into getting the ribbon and woofer working correctly. With this guideline it would cut down the testing time I have to do. Anyway if you think  writing this guideline is too lengthy hence time consuming or not too useful enough or intruding into your trade secrets then just ignore this post.  So far I have not gain any insight into this interface that I don't already know.

richidoo

Re: Integrating Ribbon Tweeter and 6 1/2" woofer
« Reply #7 on: 29 Nov 2014, 02:32 am »
What slope do you suggest for tweeter and woofer?

Above what freq. does a 6 1/2" woofer starts to beam?

Usually 24dB/oct slope on ribbons. The mfg should provide guidance on how to cross it, maybe on the driver specsheet?

Your SB 6.5" woofer has an effective diameter of 5", measured at center of surround. The rule of thumb is the cone diameter should be equal or smaller than the wavelength at crossover. So by that measure you should keep your crossover below 2700Hz with any tweeter. But ribbons have very wide horizontal dispersion, so you want to keep that cross as low as possible so the woofer stays wide as possible to match the ribbon off axis.

There are speaker design experts in The Lab Circle who could help with your general design questions like this.

FYI, Rick offers professional crossover design service for a fee. You have to ship the built speakers to him, but I can attest on the great job he does, and how inexpensive it is considering the result and quality of parts.

I would also recommend that you check out the "bible" of amateur speaker design, "The Loudspeaker Design Cookbook" by Vance Dickason. Make sure you get the latest 7th edition.

Rick Craig

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Re: Integrating Ribbon Tweeter and 6 1/2" woofer
« Reply #8 on: 2 Dec 2014, 09:55 pm »
Hi,

Actually I am coming here I thought you may put in the right direction in providing me a general Guideline into interfacing a Ribbon tweeter to a woofer. Guidelines includes what are the pit falls and and what to look for in general terms. I don't want a detail design procedure otherwise I will provide you with a more detailed info on the these drivers e.g freq resp, etc., also I don't want to tie up too much of your precious time commenting.

I have no interest in commercialising this info provided just for my own interest into getting the ribbon and woofer working correctly. With this guideline it would cut down the testing time I have to do. Anyway if you think  writing this guideline is too lengthy hence time consuming or not too useful enough or intruding into your trade secrets then just ignore this post.  So far I have not gain any insight into this interface that I don't already know.

Sorry for my late reply. I'm not concerned that you want information in order to make a commercial design. From your other posts I can see you've built many DIY projects and have accomplished some nice work. I realize you want to save yourself some time but anyone who provides you with good advice will have invested many hours of his own time. If this wasn't my full-time way of making a living I would be happy to help you to a greater extent than just a few short comments. It's fairly complex though and many factors are involved to get the best sound out of your driver combination.