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Size of Midrange Drivers

Why, in this day of super materials, do designers still use
mini midrange drivers?
Can we expect realistic dynamics from a five inch speaker?
My former Audio Artistry Dvorak's used dual eight-inch
midranges (D'Appolito config, paper cone) and sounded fine.
I'm thinking great dynamics = lots of air moved quickly.
I'd like to hear dual eight inch diamond coated berilium with 1000 watts behind them!
I think when we're at the point where the wave launch gives you a skin peel,
we'll be close to proper dynamics.
128x128dweller
bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,957 posts
 
08-21-14: Timlub
Hi Dweller, A few answers....
The obvious, we use a mid range to play mids... smaller than a 4 to 5 inch will normally not play low enough to cover the entire vocal range... many drivers above 5 inch have cone break up or frequency response that will alter the upper vocal range... In an ideal world, a midrange will cover the entire vocal range... No crossover in the vocal region, smooth to no phase shifts and smooth accurate frequency response are most easily found in that 5 inch range.
good to read that what I wrote in my post above agrees with this part of your post....
mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
Walsh drivers are a uniquely effective design for mid-range in particular. Modern OHM CLS design Walsh driver covers everything up to 7khz which covers most of what one hears. More exotic versions, old and new can go even higher. Walsh driver size of these varies from CD size to 10" or perhaps more. ALl cover midrange similarly. Larer drivers are needed for low frequencies in larger rooms.
ptss
1,649 posts
 
Revel Salon use about 4.5 inch drivers for good reason. Look into driver size, dynamics and dispersion.
macrojack
1,292 posts
 
If you are after realistic dynamics, try using front-loaded horns driven by compression drivers. Perhaps Danley has something you might enjoy. They are commercial speakers and look it but they get the job done like few others. For better looks in horns, expect to pay dearly unless you are able to score a deal on the used market.
dweller's avatar
dweller OP
2,152 posts
 
Ptss: So you're saying that most of everything emanating from a symphony orchestra can be reproduced by a five inch driver?
I think we're just brain-locked into the current paradigm and are waiting for our "Einstein" to show us the way to the next level.
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