Guitar speaker: types, characteristics, tuning features

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Experienced musicians find the right guitar speaker without much difficulty. His choice is more difficult for beginners who are just looking for their sound. In this case, it is important to know certain algorithms for the operation of speakers and their main characteristics. Based on these factors, the optimal sound for their creative tasks is selected.

Questions on diameters

Generally accepted parameters of guitar speakers are measured in inches. The following values appear: 8, 10, 12 and 15.

Size defines such a trend that with identical power, but with a larger cone, the speaker sounds more powerful.

So, the 8-inch option forms a modest air resistance. The leader in this criterion is a modification of 15 inches. This takes into account only models that do not differ in total power and electrical characteristics.

The trade standard today is a 12 guitar speaker. He defined the fundamental qualities of the frequency spectrum and breakup that have become traditional. With the establishment of this norm, allelectric guitar related instruments have been optimized for it.

10 guitar speakers are characterized by their compactness and higher frequency reproduction. This is extremely useful for stage and studio work. The reason lies in reducing the risk of buzzing bottoms.

15 models lose in the lower range. The sound is rich and deep with minimal presence of high frequencies.

About types of magnets

Guitar speakers usually incorporate the following types of magnets:

1. Ceramic.
2. Combination of cob alt, aluminum and nickel ("KoAlNick").
3. Neodymium.

Only the first two species from the list are the most widespread.

All types of magnets have individual timbre characteristics. This factor is caused by eddy currents, as they constantly change their inductance and behavior.

For versions with the combination "KoAlNick" characteristic characteristics:

• Slow reaction to pick strike.
• General smoothness.
• Soft bottoms.
• Pure upper harmonies.

Ceramic products have the following properties:

• Rough sound closer to upper frequencies.
• Sharpness and detail.
• Quick response to attack and note muting.

In neodymium modifications, the characteristics of the two indicated versions are combined. The following characteristics are obtained:

• High attack and return speed.
• Distinct, intelligible sound.

Voice coil

Its diameter is selected based on the need to control thermal energy.

1.5" - 2" diameter models feature solid inductance and weight.

1-1, 25 versions weigh less and can handle high frequencies.

According to the degree of development of the diameter, it is required to use a magnet of greater power. Only under this condition will the necessary sensitivity of the speaker be maintained. Therefore, the larger its dimensions, the larger the dimensions of the coil.

About power

The nominal value corresponds to the maximum parameter of the amplifier, which the guitar speaker can confidently overpower.

The nominal power and the resulting final sound have a relationship.

Today, experts are taking various measures to develop capacity. So far, this only complicates the timbre sound.

A strong device can handle solid performance, but it requires heavier and stiffer components. With their appearance, the internal damping changes, the useful qualities of the breakup formed in the diffuser are little manifested.

The ideal is to use a 100W speaker in combination with a 50W amplifier. It produces a bright and clear sound. If you need to complicate it and enrich it with harmonics, you can use a hundred-watt amplifier and 2-3 speakers for 50 watts.

About sensitivity

Her measuringthe units are decibels (dB). Their definition is at a distance of 1 m with a power indicator of 1 watt. This parameter indicates the overall efficiency of the speaker.

The factors that determine the sensitivity for its indicated parameter are weight and motor power.

Sensitivity decreases as mass develops:

- diffuser;

- outboard technology;

- reels.

When the driving force (tandem of magnet and coil) increases, so does the sensitivity.

The strength of the first component is usually characterized by the BL factor. Here B is its flux density resulting in the space between it and the coil. L is the length of the coil wire.

12 guitar speakers have high sensitivity. It reaches about 98 - 100 dB. At the same time, overall magnets are involved in the devices. The sound comes out loud, fast and bright.

The reason lies in the developed BL-factor. The voice coil has serious electromagnetic damping. In this scenario, the bottoms are compacted, and the risk of rumble is significantly reduced.

Modifications with parameters of 95-97 dB are characterized by a warmer sound and less dense bottoms.

Frequency Spectrum

For a guitar and its amplifying device, it is 70 - 6000 Hz. If the speaker output is strong and exceeds 6 kHz, the sound will be unnecessarily rough and annoying. At values significantly less than the specified parameter, the sound comes out dull.

The lower limit of this range is characterized by a resonant waverolling mechanism.

The spectrum of this wave is 50 - 150 Hz. When it is low, the sound of the guitar speaker expands and the bass feels soft.

When the resonant wave reaches the maximum upper limit, the bass will be muted. Therefore, the most commonly used spectrum is from 50 to 100 Hz. It is optimal for solving many problems.

Impedance question

No matter how many speakers are used, they load the amplifier. The result is an impedance. It must be matched in the applied amplifier.

Today, engineers use some tricks to make an 8" guitar speaker sound like the 16" version, because the sound still has minor deviations, since many indicators (inductance, coil weight, etc.) are different.

And the 16" versions have a brighter sound compared to the 8" ones.

Diffuser

This is the final and key sound emitter, which is part of the mechanism, which also has a coil, boot, rear suspension. All of them affect the breakup condition in him.

For example, even at the lower end of the frequency spectrum there is a lot of distortion required for it to sound balanced.

If the movement of the diffuser is limited, then distortion occurs, giving the sound certain specifics in the lower registers.

Some guitarists experiment and vary the cone travel to get hard-sounding lows.

British sound

LegendaryCelestion guitar speakers. They are the ones that complete cabinets and amps of cult brands such as Marshall, Vox and Orange.

There are different modifications of these speakers. But the most popular are:

• G12M.
• G12H.
• G12-T.
• Vintage30.

G12M version

It appeared in the 60s of the last century. She had a modest power reserve - 20 watts. Gradually it was developed up to 25 watts. Today it is the norm for a 4 x 12 Marshall cabinet.

The G12M's sound forms the basis of many of the rock and blues hits that have been recorded on tape.

The characteristics of these models are as follows:

• Stable mids. Their range is focused at the center of the musical spectrum. This is the best position for the guitar.
• Strengthening the high-frequency basis in an overloaded sound. This cuts out harsh and annoying frequencies.
• As the overall volume develops, the sound becomes compressed.
• The low-frequency foundation harmonizes softly with the guitar and responds to the dynamic specifics of the musician's playing.
• At the maximum volume, an excess of compression is formed, the sound becomes blurry, fuzzy. It is important to determine the level of volume at which it will gain harmonic compression.
• Sensitivity is 3-4 dB lower than other speakers.

Modification G12H

Its magnet is heavier and its power reaches 30W. Features are as follows:

• Easy highlighting of the highs of the middles and the bottoms of the uppersfrequencies.
• No compression on volume up.
• Does not add its bass to the sound.
• High sensitivity.

This model was held in high esteem by Jimi Hendrix because the G12M couldn't handle the load it put on.

G12-T Variation

Its power is 75 watts. It effectively cuts the mids. Its low-frequency basis is resistant to changes in volume, and the high-frequency spectrum is elastic and tight.

Using this Marshall guitar cabinet speaker and adding any modern tweeter amp, you can get a stable rock and roll sound with a vintage flavor.

This model shows its best in any direction of metal and hard rock. When working with an amplifier, it is important not to overdo it with high frequencies. This speaker abounds with them.

And its minus is associated with low sensitivity and volume. The G12-T has strong lows by default. Don't over-tune the bass to avoid over-compression at high volumes.

Vintage30 Model

It was released in the 80s and endowed with a power of 60 watts. Marshall cabinets were upgraded with this model.

Its features are as follows:

• Mid bulge.
• Their spectrum lies in the more nasal parts of the musical range.

Usually Vintage30 is used to give the amp some extra mids. This is especially true in solo performances.

Home game

If you live in a standard apartment in a typical house and are a guitarist, then guitar speakers 10 are optimal for playing in your case. The "eight" has too weak performance.

When using the 12" or 15" options, you won't feel the bass you want in a small room. For you, "ten" is the best option.