First speaker build

[she_devi86]

Hey,
What would be the best type of speaker to build for a first time project?
I'm currently studying sound design technology at uni, I'm just about to enter my final year. I decided I want to build a speaker for my final major project.
But I dont really know where to start, or what would be the best type.
Thanks in advance
Roxy

[basite]

Hey,
What would be the best type of speaker to build for a first time project?
I'm currently studying sound design technology at uni, I'm just about to enter my final year. I decided I want to build a speaker for my final major project.
But I dont really know where to start, or what would be the best type.
Thanks in advance
Roxy


sealed box will be easiest, then vented with ports, after you master that, you could start with horns, and folded & backfolded horns, or transmission lines...

welcome to AR, btw :)

[Geoffcin]

We have several resident DIY guys here that have made fabulous speakers. What was your price range?

[poppachubby]

Hello she_devi86, and welcome to AR! Just a reminder that double posts are not allowed. I have merged your posts here in the DIY forum, where I felt it best fit.

There are a few builders here, I'm sure they'll chime in. Enjoy the forum!

[kexodusc]

Hey,
What would be the best type of speaker to build for a first time project?
I'm currently studying sound design technology at uni, I'm just about to enter my final year. I decided I want to build a speaker for my final major project.
But I dont really know where to start, or what would be the best type.
Thanks in advance
Roxy
For your first project, best to build a proven design - plenty of DIY websites with lots of great info and excellent designs that are fully documented, including:
Partsexpress.com
zaphaudio.com
http://www.htguide.com/forum/forumdisplay.php4?f=6

If you had a budget, and speaker size in mind (as well as size of room they will play in) I could make a suggestion or two.

[Dual-500]

What is your cabinet building experience level?

If beginner, you may want to consider a full kitted project for a starter. Something you do finish work only on the cabinets, plus wiring and driver installation, etc.

Or pick out pre-made and finished enclosures and select all the components, drivers and crossover(s), etc.

Parts Express has been mentioned - a good place for a builder to start.

http://www.parts-express.com/wizards/searchResults.cfm?srchExt=CAT&srchCat=603&CFID=27936713&CFTOKEN=70747491

[3LB]

If you could please indulge me, describe your major and the extent of your studies thus far. I would be inclined to think you knew a bit about the subject given your education.

The suggestions laid out thus far are valid. You also should consider what would be your expectation of a speaker; what function would you like it to perform? where will you listen to it? bookshelf? home stereo? home theater? near-field (studio monitor or computer)?

If you're doing this for a college credit, you might be asked to describe the proposed function and concept of your design, why you chose it, etc.

We expect a full report! ;)

[GMichael]

If you could please indulge me, describe your major and the extent of your studies thus far. I would be inclined to think you knew a bit about the subject given your education.

The suggestions laid out thus far are valid. You also should consider what would be your expectation of a speaker; what function would you like it to perform? where will you listen to it? bookshelf? home stereo? home theater? near-field (studio monitor or computer)?

If you're doing this for a college credit, you might be asked to describe the proposed function and concept of your design, why you chose it, etc.

We expect a full report! ;)

You flirt..

[she_devi86]

Thanks for the welcome.

price range I really have no idea, lower the better ( i am a student after all lol) i dont really know :s speaker size not huge but not tiny one to fit in to a regular sized room. Not really had any experience building a cabinet, i have to build that myself.

We've not covered anything about building speakers only how they work and stuff, i wanted to do something different seen as 90% of students do albums. only 5 speakers have been built at my uni and done by girls, so i want to push my self and achieve something i've never done before. Depending on what type of speaker i build it will either go in my bedroom, the front room, or in a friends home studio.

Roxy

[Dual-500]

Hello Roxy. I would suggest you build something in the 2-way bookshelf range. Something you can haul around with you in your travels the next few years as you do additional schooling or start a career and move around.

If it's a requirement that you build the cabinets or simply want to go that route, get someone who's done some cabinet work to assist or mentor you through the build. Otherwise, I suggest buying pre- made or kit (parts cut and you assemble) cabinets as making a square box requires a degree of skill and tools.

Do you have access to a wood shop at school? Maybe someone there can help you with the basics of building the cabinets.

Whatever you do - keep your first build. Wish I still had mine just for a keepsake. :)

[she_devi86]

I dont have access at school but i do at home, my dad and my uncle have work shops/ garages with tools so can use them.

[devuonoste]

Check out GR Research

http://www.gr-research.com/

I would talk to Danny Ritchie and ask his opinion on what speaker kit to use.

[3LB]

I would suggest a single driver concept, if that were allowable.

What will be the most important aspect of your project with regard to a grade; should your emphasis be the electric components (cross-over network) or the cabinet design? a bit of both?

There are some painfully easy projects out there, but it depends on your instructor and in higher Ed, you always have to play up to the instructor. I have assisted a couple of students with similar projects, one being a single driver concept (no cross-over network) but if the project is simple, you'll need to be able to concisely explain the concept to justify it.

Do you know just what will constitute a successful design where your grade is concerned?

I'm on my cellphone or I'd post links to make my post a little clearer. I am a long-time builder and have one first prize w/ a single driver concept ('06) and second prize w/ a 3-way design ('08) in the Puget Sound Audio Society semi-annual ameture speaker building contest. Both designs, while researched and studied, were easy and on the cheap (anybody can spend money).

damn, I done went SirT on this thread :eek:

[she_devi86]

its a bit of both i think. Its a bit awkward at the moment as i don't know the ins and outs of it yet as my year hasn't started yet and wont till the end of september, I just wanted to get a head start/ basic idea/ plan I was goin to do.

[Poultrygeist]

If you are looking for easy and cheap this is your best bet. I've built both the Betsys and a pair of Tang Bands (see my gallery photos) in Open Baffle configuration. Great sounding speakers.


http://www.wildburroaudio.com/projects.php

[Poultrygeist]

If you are looking for easy and cheap this is your best bet. I've built both the Betsys and a pair of Tang Bands (see my gallery photos) in Open Baffle configuration. Great sounding speakers.


http://www.wildburroaudio.com/projects.php

[she_devi86]

I have decided to build a sub bass for my project, I have been informed this will be fine to do as my FMP ( Final Major Project) Reading through the Yamaha Sound reinforcement hand book atm, any other book, papers etc worth reading?

[Dual-500]

HI FI Loudspeaker and Enclosures - By Abraham B Cohen

Regarded by many as "The Bible" on loudspeaker design. I used to check this one out from the nearby library years ago.

It's worth finding a copy and reading it. It will give you the theory of what you are building.

Make the project much more interesting. It's written at a level a layman can understand - a college graduate student as yourself will have no problem digesting the theory.

Good choice BTW.