Audio advice and discussions with audiophiles and professionals. Free discussion forums, open to all and frequented by industry experts. Ask questions and get advice on stereos, speakers, hi-end amplifiers, pre-amps, home theater, tube hi-fi, turntables, vinyl, tweaks, music, films, video, DVDs and more.
Interested in knowing the difference between using a compression horn vs. cone driver horn for the midrange. I know the bandwidth of the two are different. A 2" compression will give you 500Hz (if you're lucky) to 10 or 15KHz, while a midrange cone can run from 100Hz to 5KHz. But within that area of overlap, what are the major differences in tonal characteristics? Gar.
I'd say as much depends on the build of the driver as its type where overall sound quality is concerned. But I agree with your assessment that modern 2" compression drivers aren't made to crossover below 500Hz, and even that is usually pushing it. That means you have to crossover an octave or two up into the vocal range. Generally, I prefer to keep the 300-1600Hz range covered by a single driver. There are some compression drivers that are made for midrange and even bass and midbass frequencies. They are generally expensive, even exotic, but there are such devices available. One midrange compression driver that isn't exotic but actually very popular is the Community M4. It has a 6.5" diaphragm, so it is large enough to perform well in the vocal fundamental range. As for the modern small format compression drivers like the Eminence and JBL 1" and 2" exit devices, I'd honestly rather not crossover until much higher than the mids. I like to use them for the vocal overtone region and up. Sure, you can limit power and crossover lower, but that limits dynamic range. So that's just not the way I'd do it.
Wayne, have you ever heard Communities M4. If so is it smooth. Bill W.
Yes, it is an excellent midrange. In my opinion, there's no comparison with any of the small format 1" or 2" jobs. I like medium-sized cone driven midrange horns too.