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1
.and the waves were parted.
The Enclosure
A well designed loudspeaker enclosure
prevents front-to-rear wave cancella
tions, thus, greatly increasing the loud
s p e a k e r ' s ability to reproduce bass
frequencies. The job of the enclosure is
the control of rear wave actionrelative
to the front wave. To either completely
prevent the rear wave from joining the
front wave, or to control the manner in
which the two wave forms are joined.
A properly designed enclosure cannot
make a poorly designed loudspeaker
operate satisfactorily. Conversely, a well
designed loudspeaker will not perform
efficiently when housed in an enclosure
of inferior design.
Enclosure Size
A generalization can be made about loud
speaker enclosure size. We consider an
enclosure of less than 2.0 cubic feet a
bookshelf type, and those of 2.5 cubic part of those performance goals is the if you have access to a radial arm or
feet or more as being a floor model. It is enclosure design. Within the general table saw; if you have the inclination; if
the intent of our publication to cover, and guide-lines for each transducer, you will you can build a rigid, air-tight boxyou
encourage, home construction of floor find how the enclosure can be varied to c a n b u i l d your own l o u d s p e a k e r
model systemswith the explicit intent match your specific needs in regard to enclosure.
of not covering bookshelf type systems. size or decor. It is not Altec's intention
that you be tied to the specific duplication GENERAL DESIGN THEORY
The design variables in bookshelf sys
tems are such that even the smallest var of a factory designed enclosure, but are Loudspeaker manufacturer is a term that
iation in cubic volume, damping material, allowed full rein of your imagination for is often misused and misunderstood. The
adaptation, according to your require reason is that there are really very few
or panel stiffeningto a specific trans
ments. loudspeaker manufacturers in the audio
ducerwill provide wide variance in
predicted acoustic results. However, the General cabinet construction technique is industry. There are many loudspeaker
floor model is generally forgiving, in its assumed by Altec to be known by the assemblers: companies that purchase
acoustic results, when subjected to rea home builder. We will, however, cover transducers from one manufacturer and
sonable enclosure variables. those elements of construction require then build their own enclosures, or per
It is Altec's recommendation that book ments, assembly and materials, that are haps buy these also, and market same
shelf sized units be purchased as factory particularly applicable to loudspeaker under their name. Each year many of us
completed systems; that the floor model enclosures. These guidelines are simple anticipate what the new "break-through"
enclosure be encouraged for the home and you can give consideration to your in loudspeaker design will bewhat will
construction enthusiast. This publication home construction of a loudspeaker be discovered? And how will the adver
intends to help show how to obtain best enclosureeven if this is the first project tising agency exploit the discovery in the
performance for a given size enclosure, of your home workshop. market place? It is interesting to see how
with proper transducer matching; and well yesterday's standards survive the
how to allow for proper enclosure size Qualification test of time and how today's fads fall by
for a specific loudspeaker or loudspeaker Our standard of qualifications is simple the wayside.
system.
2
... decades of leadership...
There is no "perfect" loudspeaker sys various brands of components, the pre accuracy and freedom from distortion at
tem. Contrary to a company that exclu dictability of results is limited, by Altec, all volume levels. While average listening
sively markets one type of enclosure to our knowledge of our own transducers. room volumes may never exceed sound
design, which then has to be best, Altec pressure levels of 75 to 90 dB, your Altec
recognizes the need for different require Design parameters will cause the per floor model system will deliver sound
ments. Horn, reflex, infinite baffle, elec formance of component loudspeakers to pressure levels well in excess of 100
trostatic, push, pinch squeeze, resistive,
:
vary widely. Make sure that your selection d B , if so d e s i r e d , with the h i g h e s t
capacitiveall are known parameters. is designed for high fidelity reproduction, performance levels.
The use of an individual concept can as well as the ability to match the asso
have its engineering performance gain, Studio monitor design, and studio mon
ciated components used in the system. itor usage, dictates the other parameter
but always at some cost. Cost can be not In addition to published information, Altec
only in direct dollars, but in performance of recommended transducer placement.
will be happy to answer consumer ques Today, the recording studio has as major
negatives such as distortion or power tions regarding the match of various
handling. For a given size and price a part of the creative recording effort as
Altec loudspeaker models. the artists themselves. Modern recording
range, definitions can start to be dis
cussed for the best in that category. The and microphone techniques utilize tre
broad parameters Altec uses in its fac There is one prime design philosophy of mendous effort on the part of the pro
tory floor model systems is available to Altec to which all our loudspeaker trans ducer and recording engineer to create
you. To choose as best fits your budget, ducers are built. This is the goal of high on the recording the proper balance of
space, and listening habits. est performance accuracy under the most hall acoustics and ambience. This can
stringent extremes of volume range and only be properly re-created in the listen
power levels. Altec's position of leader ing room when you hear the recording
For high fidelity component systems, the playback as the studio engineer heard it
design goal should be to reproduce as ship as the supplier of studio monitors to
recording industry is unchallenged. In at mix-downin the predominate direct
much of the full audio spectrum as pos field of an accurate loudspeaker. This
sible without significant distortion. Selec both United States and world-wide usage,
Altec is the most accepted line of monitor direct-firing, forward-facing placement
tion of components should be planned for of the loudspeaker components in the
compatability: efficiency, impedance, and speakers. United States usage shows
Altec's leadership with more studios enclosure will give the closest reproduc
frequency response. Compatability of tion to the studio standard, and also
Altec components to themselves is using our loudspeaker systems than the
next five competitors combined. The minimizes problems in detrimental room
included in the system charts later in the acoustic problems.
publication. While it is possible to mix point of this design goal is to achieve
3
...theory, theory, and theory...
% W A V E L E N G T H OF
LOW F R E Q U E N C Y DESIRED
Figure 2 Figure 3
4
.speed limits impede, announcers resonate.
5
..simple and complex.
Absorbent Curtain
Optional. Reference
Section On Damping.
B
Figure 5 Figure 6
The Infinite Baffle rooms are such that one can use a wall as mounted on a sturdy speaker baffle of at
The properties of the infinite baffle are a flat baffle. Such an arrangement pre least %-inch thickness, and the baffle
complexyet simple. Complex because cludes the need for the large dimensional appropriately mounted in the wall. There
there are four types of infinite baffles, size, if the wall structurally keeps the rear should be no air leaks around the edge
and simple because of their ease of use. wave from joining the front wave. If we of the mounting baffle, and effort should
Each type needs to be investigated were to mount the speaker in an outside be made to insure there are no res
separately. wall, and use the world for the absorption onances set up in adjacent panels of
of the rear wave, we would have the wall board or wood paneling.
largest possible infinite baffle. This would
Flat Baffle When using a spacing between three wall
be rather impractical due to both weather
The simplest infinite baffle would be the and appearance, but the rear wave studs, headers should be used to rebrace
large flat baffle discussed earlier. If it absorption into another room or closet the wall properly, as in Figure 5A. Once
were large enough to allow reasonable is a strong possibility. the wall space is cleared to handle a
reproduction down to the deep bass fre speaker mounting baffle, the baffle can
quencies, we could call this baffle of the Selection of proper components for this be easily held in place with cleats used
infinite type. To reproduce a 40 Hz fre application requires some thought to the to line the opening, as in Figure 5B.
quency note would call for a baffle of free-air resonance of the loudspeaker. As The later section of the publication deal
over 14 feet in width. When the loud will be discussed in the section on air or ing with speaker damping material is
speaker is mounted in a true infinite flat acoustic suspension, some transducers applicable to the wall baffle application.
baffle, the low frequency output should are specifically designed with very It may or may not be requiredbut a
be fairly smooth, from the midband high compliance suspensions and/or layer or two of fiberglass can be stapled
frequencies downward, till system res extremely low free-air resonances for use across the back of the low frequency
onance is reached. At this point we in the air suspension type enclosure. The transducer if needed. It is a good general
would expect a slight rise in response, wall type baffle should not be used for practice to separate the fiberglass from
and then a roll-off occurring at a rate of this type of transducer. The application the loudspeaker with a layer of coarse
about 12 dB per octave. The response chart included in this publication will muslin as in Figure 5B.
will then vary with the system resonance enable you to choose the proper loud
created by the particular transducer. speakers for this application. Enclosed Infinite Baffle
The use of the wall baffle requires follow The enclosed infinite baffle, or sealed
Wall Baffle ing some simple general rules. The rear enclosure, completely isolates the rear
While the large flat baffle is generally wave must be easily dissipated into the sound wave, preventing interference with
impractical, a modification of this space behind the transducergenerally the front wave. Sound absorbent material
approach is very practical in certain a minimum cubic volume of 12 to 15 is required within the enclosure as a
applications. Many homes and listening cubic feet. The transducer should be means of absorbing the acoustic energy
6
...small vs. BIG...
from the rear of the loudspeaker cone. The key to good reflex performance is
If the sealed enclosure volume is signif how the rear wave is controlled in joining
icantly large to absorb the full output of the front wave. This wave joining is han
the back wave, air loading on the dia dled through a hole cut in the loud
phragm is not disrupted and the sealed speaker mounting baffle as in Figure 8.
enclosure functions with nearly the same This hole is called the port. The port
properties as the true infinite baffle. allows the energy from the rear wave to
Enclosures of this nature,as in Figure 6. reinforce the front wave, extending the
are generally towards the large size, but low frequency response.
are relatively easy to build and can easily
When a hole is cut into the mounting
be adapted lo many transducers.
baffle, there is a volume of air which Figure 7
"sits" in the port opening. This volume
Air or Acoustic Suspension of air being equal to the square inch area
Infinite Baffle of the opening multiplied by the depth of
The term "air suspension" or "acoustic the port. The rear wave inside the enclos
s u s p e n s i o n " has been popularized ure pushes against this air, which then
through the acceptance of this type infi acts like a membrane of air to set in
nite baffle in many of the bookshelf sys motion the air in front of the port, The
tems that have been marketed. This type fronl air, acted upon by the port air,
infinite baffle enclosure has the advan causes a phase reversalthus a com
tage of being relatively small, while main mon name to this type enclosure being
taining good bass response. Figure 7 phase inverter. This provides nearly the
illustrates how, instead of completely same phase condition at the front of the
absorbing the rear wave, the entrapped cone and the front air, which results in
air within the enclosure has an acoustic greater output at the frequency to which
elasticity which acts like a spring against the port is tuned.
the loudspeaker diaphragm. By using a
loudspeaker with a high compliance-low The control of the rear wave is handled
resonant cone assembly, the overall through the size of the port and its depth.
frequency of system resonance is held This variable port size is adjusted for its
performance depending upon the sys Figure 8
extremely low for the size enclosure used.
tem resonance, which is greatly depend
The advantages to acoustic suspension ent upon the internal volume of the
are enclosure size, smoothness of low enclosure and the characteristics of the
frequency response, and a rather gradual particular transducer.
roll-off after system resonance. The com Basically, the larger the e n c l o s u r e
promise of this type system is lower over the larger the port, and, conversely, the
all efficiency, and greater cone excursion smaller the enclosurethe smaller
requirements to produce the same sound the port. As the enclosure size reduces,
pressure levelwhen compared to some and with it the port size, one can reach a
other types of enclosures. Today, the point when the port becomes too small
availability of quality amplifier power at to be properly effective. This introduces
the use of the ducted port.
a reasonable cost in dollars per watt,
more than ever, permits use of this prin
ciple for outstanding latitude in high The air entrapped in the port was
performance designs. .described as the controlling membrane
for the proper joining of the two wave
Bass Reflex Enclosures forms. If we were to build a tunnel around
the port, as in Figure 9,10-extending from
The basic change from infinite baffle type
the loudspeaker mounting baffle back Figure 9
enclosures to bass reflex is the handling
into the enclosure, we would have more
of the rear wave from the loudspeaker.
Instead of absorbing or dissipating the air entrapped in the port. Thus, for a given
rear wave, the bass reflex lets the rear size port opening in the baffle, we can
wave join the front wave. The advantage change the port size by controlling the
to this concept is that the rear wave can tunnel or duct length.
reinforce the front wave, achieving The use of a tunnel or duct enables the
greater overall sound amplitude with low application of a smaller enclosure, for a
cone excursion. The bass reflex design, given transducer, than ordinarily pos
coupled with Altec's high efficiency type sible for good low frequency response.
transducers, gives the user a very high
The application chart later in the publica
efficiency system. The return is high
tion covers the areas where regular and
dynamic range, and sound level capabil
ducted ports are recommended with Altec
ity, with minimum power requirements.
transducers. Figure 10
7
...pot pourri...
Low Frequency Horns excellent and predictable results. The reflex portion of the cabinet is designed
The low frequency horn is the most effici variables are really too great to cover all, to augment those bass frequencies below
ent method to couple the loudspeaker to and so we pass by these concepts. the frequencies of the horn cut-off.
the air. The horn enclosure, however, Combination Enclosures For the enthusiast who has application
requires more physical space than any
The combination of two concepts in one for sound reinforcement, in addition to
other type, and is extremely complex for
enclosure is not usual, but Altec has long home reproduction requirements, the
home construction techniques. Low fre
proven the value of one approach in its time-proven A-7 cabinet and system is
quency capability in the horn enclosure
world famous "Voice of the Theatre" A-7 ideal. For music reproduction use only,
is directly related to enclosure size. Some
system. This approach uses a front- we would recommend one of our home
available systems utilize the wails of
loaded low frequency horn in combina "Voice of the Theatre" designs for more
listening room as an aid to low frequency
tion with bass reflex augmentation of the effective low frequency response.
extension, but, even so enclosure size
very low frequencies. This system uses a
remains large. While some of the Altec The most frequent question asked Altec,
precise compression-1ype driver for
low frequency loudspeakers are adapt concerning this system, is the difference
reproduction of mid and high frequen
able to horn use, we do not recommend, between mounting the high frequency
cies, which is mounted to cast aluminum
nor are we able to provide, predictable horn/driver on top of the enclosure, or
sectoral horn. The A-7 system exhibits
data on home horn construction. inside the inverted cabinet. The basic
excellent phase relationship at the cross
Karlson, Acoustic Labryinth, Resonant over frequency, and has exceptional on-axis response will not be effected
Folded Tube, Horn Loaded Port, Split efficiency and projection. either way. Internal mounting does
Bent Horn, Drone Cone/Passive Radia reduce somewhat the overall horizontal
tor, Omnidirectional Diffuser...Many The front-loaded horn portion of the A-7 dispersion. The correct answer then
approaches to sound reproduction are cabinet increases the efficiency of the low depends primarily on the importance of
available. It is our desire to provide those frequency loudspeaker in the range of the wide off-axis r e s p o n s e in your
recommendations which will insure 120 Hz upward to crossover. The bass application.
.the main course.
ALTEC RECOMMENDS
The recommendation of a single system single loudspeaker is used for more stu
to serve all needs is not practical. Altec's dio playback systems and monitors than
full and complete line of quality trans any other single system. We have
ducers will enable you to make a selec included, in the section of enclosure
tion b a s e d on your s p a c e and cost plans, a design for the 604 Duplex of
considerations. The purpose of this sec older but time-proven vintage as
tion is to help in those decisions, based well as newer enclosure designs. The
on our application experience. single point-source sound, the ease of
construction and mounting, and the high
If one is to select and use a two-way
efficiency of the Duplex line give strong
system at the start of the project, Altec
r e a s o n s for c o n s i d e r a t i o n to this
offers a 12-inch and a 15-inch -high
approach.
efficiency low frequency woofer. The
enclosure size recommendations would The enclosure recommendations for the
be a bass reflex of 2.5 to 10 cubic feet Duplex line would be the same as for the
for the 12-inch, and 4.5 to 12 cubic feet high efficiency, low frequency woofers.
for the 15-inch loudspeaker. For the ulti From 2.5 to 10 cubic feet for the 12-inch
mate in sound accuracy and output, the units, and from 4.5 to 12 cubic feet for
Altec " V o i c e of the Theatre" high the 15-inch units. These would all be bass
frequency systems would be the proper reflex type.
match.
The most recent Altec floor model
The Altec "Voice of the Theatre" high designs have been in the area of the
frequency systems are very similar to moderate size enclosure of from 5.0 to
each other in performance, but with some 8.0 cubic feet. The concept was to obtain
subtle differences. The 800 Hz system excellent bass response from an enclos
offers greater latitude to enclosure design ure of about one-half to two-thirds the
concepts, with its more shallow depth size of comparable bass reflex units.
and overall reduced size. The 500 Hz sys
tem offers ideal midrange reproduction
in the important presence range; also
approximately 2 dB greater overall out
put. Either unit will deliver comparable
high frequency reproduction.
9
ALTEC RECOMMENDS
405A 10.3 sq. in. 95 4V*"x 2Vs" w$_ > .25 > .3 < 1.0 .3B
601-8D 82 sq. in. 39 12%" x 5%" 11/ " n y " 1 1 V
8 8
>2.5 <3.5 >3.5 <10.0 3.5C
414-8B 82 sq. in. 30 12%" x 5%" 11 Ks" 1 1 V >2.5 <3.5 >3.5 <10.0 3.5C
604E/8G 133 sq. in. 25 15%" x 11 14V >4.5 <6.0 >6.0 <12.0 9.0C
416-8B 133 sq. in. 25 15%" X 7'/a" 13K" 14V >4.5 <6.0 >6.0 <12.0 7.5C
411-8A 133 sq. in. 18 15Vx 5V 14]/ " 13%"
8 \AVs >4.0 < 8.0 5.0D
COMPONENT MATCHING
HIGH FREQUENCY SYSTEM CONSISTING OF: TO GO WITH LOW FREQUENCY WOOFER'/OR EXTENDED RANGE
DIVIDING
HORN AND DRIVER STANDARD WITH 30904 ATTENUATOR/EQUALIZER NETWORK
NETWORK
'Where two low frequency woofers are used in one system, 16 ohm loudspeakers should be special ordered through your Altec Dealer.
10
.side dish and recipe.
This is achieved with the new Altec 411 overall response. These attenuator/ ular design engineer. Altec's concept
Series, 15-inch acoustic suspension equalizer networks are available for the with this publication is to present a viable
woofer. This low frequency loudspeaker home builder, and are listed on Altec method to tune any transducer to any
was specifically engineered lor acoustic price lists. enclosure. Variables to this methodto
suspension, infinite baffle application. achieve specific resultswill also be
The latitude available to the user is excel Altec Recommends... discussed. The tuning portion of cabinet
lent, with enclosure recommendations construction is presented at this part of
to be greater than 4.0 cubic feet and less Altec's position throughout this publica the publication; however, the tuning
than 8.0 cubic feet. A cabinet of less tion has been to recommend home floor would take placein practiceafter the
than the 4.0 cubic feet can be used, but model construction of enclosures, and to cabinet is constructed and the trans
the upward shift of system resonance stay with factory enclosures and systems ducers are mounted.
would normally be higher than desired for bookshelf and small systems. While
basically not giving the 411 the oppor this is basically the case, the exceptions Presuming distortion to be an undesirable
tunity to operate at its best performance. must be stated. factor, the following method will tune the
A cabinet of more than 8.0 cubic feet wiil The Altec 5-inch frame Model 405 mini- system with a minimum subjective dis
begin to lower system resonance to the loudspeaker is an exceptional extended tortion. This allows the rear-cone energy
point of unloading the diaphragm prop range performer. Widely used in quality to couple with, and smoothly augment,
erly. The free-air resonance of the 411 public address and background music the front-cone energy. To begin, you
loudspeaker is an extremely low 18 Hz systems, it makes a fine music performer should be sure that the enclosure is air
and power handling capacity is very in small cabinets or automobile doors. tight and without any leaks. From this
high. The recommended enclosure is a The speaker can be adapted to either standpoint, both an infinite baffle and the
nominal 5.0 cubic feet. infinite baffle or bass reflex approach. In bass reflex start in a similar manner
extremely small infinite baffles, it would that of being a rigid, air tight box.
To obtain the extremely fine performance
parameters of the 411 series, Altec gave be expected the low bass response would The following equipment would be used
up approximately 6 dB in outputcom be somewhat diminished. For bass reflex in the port tuning: Sine-wave audio gen
pared to the high efficiency units. With cabinets, an enclosure of from 0.3 to 0.5 erator; a voltmeter; a resistor rated from
today's values in amplifier power, com cubic feet works well. 500 to 1000 ohms at 2 to 5 watts and
pared to a few years ago, this compro This high efficiency transducer is an some graph paper. The speaker is con
mise is well within the reach of every exceptional performer, and is relatively nected to the amplifier or receiver in the
audio user. Further overall system per non-critical as to its enclosure. While normal manner, but with one exception
formance is improved through the use of Altec has not engineered a specific the resistor is put in series with the
system e q u a l i z a t i o n . When the 411 enclosure for factory-built marketing, the loudspeaker wiring. The audio generator
series low frequency woofer is matched parameters outlined will insure proper output would be plugged into the auxili
to a "Voice of the Theatre" high fre performance in your application. ary input of the control section, and the
quency system, there is a mismatch in voltmeter is c o n n e c t e d a c r o s s the
system efficiency. In Altec factory-built speaker to measure the voltage variation
TUNING THE BASS REFLEX PORT
systems, we use an attenuator/equalizer between the amplifier and loudspeaker
network which shelves the efficiency of The " c o r r e c t " port size for a given as in Figure 11. If you do not have this
the "Voice of the Theatre" high fre enclosure of bass reflex design is equipment readily available, talk to your
quency system to match the efficiency of dependent on a number of inter-related local dealer about renting same for a
the 411 woofer. Further it provides factors, not the least of which could well weekendor perhaps have his service
shaped shelving for the flattest possible be an engineering concept of a partic facility perform the tuning to one cabinet,
VOLTMETER
AUDIO
GENERATOR
50071000 n
RECEIVER OR
AMPLIFIER 2 / 5 WATTS
LOUDSPEAKER/
LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM
Figure 11
11
.mountain climbing to roller coasters.
12
. . . the what wire to which?.
13
-the proper ingredients..
14
...to have and hold...
Any additional requirements to elimi from holes, edges, and the enclosure in place by wood screws, should use an
nate panel resonances, or such, can be prior to finishing. adequate number. We would recommend
handled with internal braces or stiffeners. a minimum of one screw per 6 linear
In standard cabinet practice, several inches of span.
All effort for clean, straight cuts is worth methods are available to make the join
while, but standard cabinet tolerances ing cornersbutt joint; standard mitre; Acoustic Damping Material
should be understood. Altec factory-built lock-mitre; butt mitre; and on . . . There The interior of the enclosure should have
cabinets are built to a dimensional toler is no particular "right" type of joint, but a partial or complete lining of acoustic
ance of plus or minus 1/32-inch. selection should be made to insure good damping material. Probably the most
structural strength and freedom from air readily available satisfactory material is
Most Altec loudspeakers include a leaks. It is suggested that the addition of fiberglass. The Owens-Corning Fiber-
mounting hardware kit of T-nuts and corner glue blocks will help in achieving glas Corporation manufactures a type
mounting bolts. While regular wood the goals desired. called Aerocore, which is available in
screws could physically hold some of many lumber and building supply stores.
the lighter weight transducers, the T-nut Glues, Clamps, and Screws
Available in roll form, you need only buy
and bolt method is preferred. Tighten the The glue surfaces adjacent to finish sur
faces should be bonded with a product the amount required by your cabinet.
bolts snugly and evenly, but do not cinch
down. Extreme pressure might warp the like white glue, which can be easily In a bass reflex enclosure the purpose
loudspeaker frame beyond tolerance. cleaned from a finish surface prior to of the damping material is to help break
actual finish material. Normal care should up standing waves, as well as provide
Locate and scribe circles as required be exercised when using either pony proper damping of the low frequency
for the loudspeaker mounting hole and clamps or elastic clamps to protect finish loudspeaker. Altec recommends that the
mounting bolts. It would be suggested to edges from abrasion or compression. back of the enclosure and any two adja
make the mounting hole cut very slightly This can be done with blocks or pads cent sides be lined with the material.
undersize, and use a wood rasp or file between the surfaces. All removable back
or speaker mounting panels, that are held ^Registered Trade Name
to finish to exact size. Remove all debris Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
15
..how to handle the cover-up.
That would be either the top or bottom ments. Thus, ihe recommendation 1o start net as the last step to cover the wood
of the cabinet, one side, and the back. tests with too liltle, build up, and then go screws used.
Normally, material IVfe-inch to 2-inches back down as required.
thick will suffice. Grille Considerations
Some infinite baffle systems, particularly
The infinite baffle is supposed to absorb where high efficiency transducers are Older designs by Altec, and other manu
used in a cabinet too small for reflex port facturers, generally call for the grille
the entire rear wave of the loudspeaker,
ing, require more fiberglass than nor assembly to be an integral part of the
and so we line all interior walls except
m a l . The r e a s o n is to " f o o l " the enclosure itself. Our later cabinets and
the speaker mounting baffle. The amount
loudspeaker into thinking it is in a larger our recommendation for your enclosure,
used, in thickness, is normally the same are designed to make the grille panel a
as in the bass reflex. An optional curtain enclosure. The fiberglass is used, in this
instance, to purposely overdamp the separate assembly. This will enable you
of fiberglass can be hung from the to change the cloth over a period of time
cabinet interior if additional damping is loudspeaker. We then use amplifier power
to compensate for the slight loss in effi to suit decor, or solve problems of wear
needed. or dirt.
ciency, compared to the same transducer
The normal method to check speaker in a larger reflex enclosure.
damping is simple, but is easiest if you Grille cloths can be either fabric, such
start out with too little fiberglass. We as with drapery, dress 'or upholstery
Stiffeners
recommend the battery test method to material, or materials fabricated specifi
One of the most important factors to good cally for grille assemblies. The prime dif
check for damping. Attach a short length
home performance is the use of adequate ference is that grille fabrics will either be
of speaker wire to the loudspeaker ter
stiffeners and braces. Because many made entirely or interwoven with saran
minals in the normal manner, and bring
types of braces do not lend themselves to or plastics. This feature will allow for dry
the loose end around to the frontwhere
production line techniques, some home heat, such as from a hair dryer, to return
you can easily listen to the loudspeaker
systems, which have extra bracing, can the cloth to a natural shape after it has
sound while testing. Hold one of the two
actually outshine their factory counter been stretched from a bump or abuse.
speaker leads to either end of a standard
parts. There is really no detrimental effects of
1.5 volt flashlight battery. Then touch the
second lead to the other end of the bat Single enclosure panels ol greater than straight cloth, compared to plastic fibers,
tery and release. A properly damped 2 square feel can set up resonances, and as long as the overall requirement is met.
loudspeaker will reproduce a clean should have internal stiffeners to reduce
"click" as contact is made and released. this potential problem. A 2 x 3 stiffener,
set on edge, should be used to divide the
The underdamped speaker will repro panel into two smaller surfaces. The stiff
duce the battery contact as a "whomp" ener would be glued and screwed on the
sound. Fiberglass may be added in a diagonal for maximum effectiveness as in
loose manner to the enclosure until the Figure 15.
proper " c l i c k " is obtained, and then
stapled into place according to the above Maximum reduction of enclosure panel
practices relating to the specific type of resonance can be created by internal
enclosure. bracing as in Figure 16, between the
opposite panels in the enclosure. This
The overdamped speaker is more difficult can be done without exposure of wood
to observe. It is a matter of degrees that screws by use of cleats; or, as an alterna
becomes familiar with one or two experi tive, complete the veneering of the cabi
16
.with proper connections.
17
.ENJOY.
Logo
Altec has created a special die-cast metal
logo for those consumers wishing to add
a factory name-plate to their completed
system. We know the construction effort
of the enclosure was executed with pride,
and we have tried to create for you a logo
of equal pride. These may be ordered
directly from the factory at a prepaid cost
of $3.00 a pair. We do ask, for our files,
a snapshot of your completed system.
D 6'%
9'A
found in many endeavors. There is the
opportunity to create, rather than accept E - - 4'A
what is available.
F - 3A - 5
3A
Most important: When it is finished and G 8'A M3 A 5
-
completed, it is ready to deliver the
H \TA - 22%
-
dynamics available from today's spec
tacular recordings with accuracy and 1 WA 23A
18
OUTER DIMENSIONAL DRAWINGS
FOR SUGGESTED ENCLOSURES
AND RECOMMENDED LOUDSPEAKERS
PORT DIMENSIONS:
2 " x 4"
12-Inch Duplex.
19
OUTER DIMENSIONAL DRAWINGS
FOR SUGGESTED ENCLOSURES
AND RECOMMENDED LOUDSPEAKERS
20
800 Hz High efficiency home "VOICE OF THE
THEATRE" SYSTEM
HF horn/port cutout
dimensions: 10?4"x 3
23 /4 BYt"-
Alternate
Removable boards for
matching port to proper
" V O I C E O F THE T H E A T R E " S Y S T E M
A-7 "VOICE OF THE THEATRE" For either 800 or 500 Hz systems. Shown
with alternate port board for internal mounting of A7-500-8A system.
21
OUTER DIMENSIONAL DRAWINGS
FOR SUGGESTED ENCLOSURES
AND RECOMMENDED LOUDSPEAKERS
Port dimensions:
1
2 / "x 11"
2
FIBERGLASS
Port dimensions:
3"x12"
22
Sound level in dB Environmental conditions
140 -
Threshold of pain
130 -
Pneumatic chipper
120 - -Loud automobile horn
-Rock concert
110 - - Police siren
Concert levelsymphony orchestra
100 -
" Live jazz p e r f o r m a n c e 5 to 8 pieces
Inside subway train
90 -
Live string quartet
Inside motor bus
80 -
Live solo guitar
. Average traffic on street corner
70 -
Conversational speech
60 -
Typical business office
50 -
Living room, suburban area
40 -
Library
30 -
Bedroom at night
20 -
Empty broadcasting studio
Some common sound pressure levels. 10 -
References average levels, rather than peak. Threshold of hearing
Woodwind
instruments
Brass
instruments Upper harmonics ol
musical instruments
Percussion
instruments
Stringed
instruments
Human
voice
PIANO I
23
A GLOSSARY OF AUDIO TERMS
A-B TestEvaluating the relative performance of two (or Bass BoomAn effect created by unwanted bass res
more) components or systems by switching quickly from onances in the sound reproduction. These resonances can
one to the other. In comparing, the sudden contrasl can be created by many various sources: improperly designed
reveal audible differences between the units. The fair enclosure, cabinet panels not sufficiently braced, or incor
method of comparison is with no change in the midband rect enclosure size matching to a particular transducer.
volume level. Due to efficiency differences between This publication should solve these problems. An addi
speaker systems, a method for compensating sensitivity tional source can be standing waves created in Ihe room
differences should be used. acoustics. See Standing Waves.
Acoustic Feedback An annoying interference created
when sound vibrations from the speaker system cause a ComplianceIn loudspeaker language, the term refers
vibralion in the record player. The phono stylus can pick up to loudspeaker's mechanical suspension and the sus
these vibrations, which will be reproduced in the speaker pension's ability to yield to the electrical force applied
system as a rumble or howl. The cure is to properly isolate through the loudspeaker circuit. It is the ratio of cone/
the record player from Ihe low frequencies of the speaker diaphragm displacement to a force appliedthe inverse
system. of stilfness. A high compliance cone assembly moves
easily, and is relatively freely suspended in the loudspeaker
AmbienceA term referencing a condition of room frame.
acoustic characteristics. The total of all sound conditions,
but generally excluding the direct sound Irom the per Compression/Rarefaction A dictionary would define
former or reproducer. Primarily the reflected sound con compression as "squeezing together" or "making smaller
dition, including decay time and frequency emphasis. A by pressure". In loudspeaker terms we can use the term
condition that might be natural in a hall, or simulated in two ways. As a loudspeaker cone moves forward, the cono
the record manufacturing process to create a specific hall applies pressure to Ihe air adjacent to the cone. As this
image. air is compressed by the pressure, it reacts by moving, in a
AmplifierAn electronic device for magnifying, and wave form, in a direction away from the pressure. The
usually controlling, the electrical signals sent to the elfect of minus pressure at Ihe rear of the cone, which
speaker system. High fidelity amplifying equipmenl con causes adjacent air lo "rush in" and fill the gap ol the
sists of a preamplifier/equalizer section plus a power/ vacuum created, is called rarefaction. The further use of
basic amplifier section. In integrated amplifiers, both sec the term compression relates to certain high frequency
tions are built on one chassis and made available as a transducers. Here the sound waves of the diaphragm are
single unit. A receiver adds the tuner section to the squeezed in a narrow horn throat. The increased pressure
integrated amplifier. and better air coupling offered by a horn, increases effi
ciency and sound levels still maintaining low diaphragm
BaffleA term applied to many areas of a loudspeaker travel motion.
enclosure. Most generally applied to the enclosure itself,
but also widely recognized as the loudspeaker mounting
Cone/Diaphragm -At Altec, we generally use Ihe terms
board. In horn, and other complex enclosures, Ihe term
loudspeaker cone or loudspeaker diaphragm interchange
is applied to individual boards within the enclosure that
ably. It has been used by some companies with cone
shape or change the air flow from the transducer. As baffle
referencing low frequency transducers, and diaphragm for
can be used in all applications, one has to interpret the
high frequency units. It is the part which acts as the
writer's intention as to true meaning.
moving piston in the loudspeaker. The cone or diaphragm
Balance A ratio term refering to the relative loudness or is suspended or held in the loudspeaker frame, and moves
amplitude between sound sources. The control sections of in relation to the varying source of electrical signal applied
stereo and quadraphonic amplifiers have balance controls to the loudspeaker circuit. A cone or diaphragm assembly,
to allow adjustments between speaker systems that have as referenced to a dynamic speaker, would include the
different pressure sensitivity The term also applies to fre surround, which supports and holds Ihe cone to the outer
quency response balance. For instance most speaker sys frame, the voice coil, which is wire wound onto a support
tems have a balance control in the crossover network to and completes the loudspeaker circuit with the magnetic
allow adjustment of the volume balance between the trans gap, and Ihe spider, which helps center the voice coil in
ducers in the system. the gap and attaches the cone to the inner frame support.
24
A GLOSSARY OF AUDIO TERMS
Crossover Network The crossover network is used in Enclosure In loudspeaker lerms we refer to the enclosure
a speaker system lo divide the signal waveform into as the acoustically designed housing for the loudspeaker.
frequency bands to feed the appropriale loudspeaker
transducerhigh frequencies to the tweeter and low fre Equalization- -A deliberate, inlroduccd change in fre
quencies to the woofer. In three-way and four-way systems, quency response would be called equalization. There are
more complex networks are required to separate the signal, many forms of equalization; as used in disc recording and
by frequency, for each particular transducer to reproduce. playback, tape recording and playback, graphic tone bal
DampingAs damping is applied to a loudspeaker, it ance, room equalization, and speaker equalization. As the
expresses the ability of Ihe cone/diaphragm to stop its term implies, everything comes out "equal" in the end
motion as the electrical inpul signal ceases. Poor damping with flat overall response between microphone input and
allows motion to continue briefly as an automobile with loudspeaker output.
poor shock absorbers. This hangover creates a "blooming"
ExcursionThe actual movement of the cone/diaphragm
sound to the bass frequencies, and masks clarily. Ampli
assembly is referred to as excursion. The allowable cone
fiers also have a damping factor which helps control
travel, or excursion, is a factor that is important to high
speaker motion. This effect is sometimes highly debated,
power applications. Linear cone travel is necessary for low
but the benefits of an amplifier damping factor greater than
distortion.
30 may be more theory than reality.
DecibelThe decibel is a standard unit of measuring FidelityThe degree of faithfulness to the originalaccu
amplitude. Usually abbreviated as " d B " , the standard is a racy and honesty in sound reproduction. See Distortion.
relative term rather than an absolute. It is used to com
pare two different levels, such as voltage, current, or sound FrequencyThe rate of repetition in Hertz of musical
pressure level. pitch, as well as that of electrical signals. Hertz, as prev
iously termed cycles-per-second, tells us how many rep
Diaphragm S e e Cone/Diaphragm. etitions exist per second of time in a given signal. Low
Distortion In referencing playback, any change that the frequenices refer to bass tones, and high frequencies to
playback system imparts to the source or input sound treble tones.
would be classified as distortion. Distortion can exist at
any link in the reproducing chain, and all subsequent links Frequency ResponseThe ability of a component to
will reproduce the distortion created by an earlier link. reproduce a range of frequencies is called frequency
Distorlion exists in two principal forms harmonic dis response. How evenly the component responds to various
tortion and intermodulation distortion. Harmonic distorlion frequencies within the range describes how "flat" that
references the distortion created on the multiple frequen response would be. In loudspeaker and speaker systems,
cies of a given fundamental frequency. Intermodulation the quotation of a response range or flatness can be very
distorlion references the interaction of various frequencies, misleading. The environment in which the measurement
and any distortion created from the interaction. To the ear, takes place can have so many variables, and does not nec
IM or inlermodulalion distortion is generally the most essarily relate to performance in the listening room, that
offensive. meaningful specifications relating lo frequency response
are nol currently available for loudspeakers or systems.
Efficiency Efficiency is a term used in discussing loud
speaker output relative lo amplifier power input. Efficiency Hertz See Frequency.
would generally denote a percentage, i.e., 20 percent, 10
ImpedanceAn engineering term which describes the
percent, or .5 percent efficient. As a 10 percent efficient
loudspeaker is high in efficiency, the percentage rating degree to which a circuit impedes the flow of an alternat
can be misleading. Today's specifications have a trend ing current. See text for fuller explanation as applies to
towards SPL or sound pressure level. This would reference loudspeakers.
a given dB of loudness, lor a given wattage input, at a Loudness CompensationThe human ear experiences a
given distance from the speaker system. In comparing loss in sensitivity, particularly in the bass frequencies, and
syslems or loudspeakers on this basis, 3 dB difference somewhat in the high frequencies, at low volume levels.
requires half or twice the powerand 10 dB change Loudness compensation corrects this by increasing the
requires one tenth or ten times the power for a given stand
bass frequencies and highs in the correct proportions as
ard of input sensitivity measurements.
the volume is decreased from a concert level.
25
A GLOSSARY OF AUDIO TERMS
Loudspeaker/TransducerThe terms Altec uses to Standing WavesAs the sound or music is reproduced
describe the unmounted loudspeaker. Also referred to as from the speaker systems, the wave fronts move forward
a "raw frame" loudspeaker, and designates without an through the listening room, hit the opposite wall, and are
enclosure. then reflected back into the listening area. Depending on
the ceiling height, room width and length, these waves can
Phase-Refers to any part of a sound wave or an elec create an in-phase or out-of-phase condition which is
trical signal with respect to its passage in time. Two detrimental to reproduction. Most frequent problems in the
devices are in-phase when they furnish the signal or sound average room occur with an in-phase condition at 80 and
simultaneously. They are out-of-phase to the extent that, 200 Hz. The goal is to eliminate these standing waves by
at a point in time, one lags or leads the other. In two-way experimenting with various speaker placements.
and three-way speaker systems, it might be necessary, as
a part of design, to create an out-of-phase electrical con SurroundThe surround is the mechanical collar which
dition in order to create an in-phase acoustical condition. fastens the outer edge of the cone/diaphragm to rim of the
loudspeaker basket. Various materials are used to achieve
Power Power is the electrical energy developed to do the degree of compliance desired.
work, such as the power from an amplifier used to drive a
speaker system. Also, acoustical energy or sound pressure Watts The watt is a unit of electrical or acoustical power.
developed in a room by a speaker system, The term designates the power consumed in an electrical
device. In audio we specify not the power to keep the
Pressure SensitivityThe specification of pressure sen amplifier running, but rather the amount of audio power
sitivity relates to the sound pressure level from loudspeaker the amplifier is capable of delivering to the speaker sys
output, relative to a given electrical power input. See also tem. Because the loudspeaker is not a particularly efficient
Efficiency. device, the acoustic output power from the loudspeaker, in
watts, is far less than the amplifier audio power input.
Resonance Resonance refers to the tendency of any
physical body to vibrate most freely at one particular fre
quency. In audio, the electrical and mechanical resonances
of the various components must be controlled so that
they do not affect the tonal quality of the music being
reproduced. Also see text concerning impedance and
resonance.
26
PORT TUNING PAPER
PORT TUNING PAPER
ALTEC
SOUND PRODUCTS DIVISION