2. speakers
  3. 1408634716

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.
dweller

Showing 2 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,854 posts
 
8" drivers typically cover bass and midrange to some extent in most 2-way designs I have seen.

3 ways use a dedicated midrange and do not handle lower bass frequencies so size is typically smaller accordingly.

I am not sure that there is really any sound reason why midrange drivers should generally be any larger than they are. You have to trust the designer to make the right decisions in each case.

So not sure 8" midrange size alone really matters that much for mid-range. At least for home applications. Maybe for pro applications in large venues where overall size tends to matter more.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,854 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.
More to discover