Just wondering if there is any real noticable difference between 15 and 12 inch drivers when it come to overall sound reproduction. I assume a 15" driver will deliver a deeper bottom end but in the case of a cab from the same manufacturer with the same ratings would there be any real noticable difference.
cheers

Dave

I'd have thought a 12inch driver might not be as efficient as a 15inch driver (less surface area => less SPL?).

Aren't 12" drivers usually rated (slightly) lower than 15" ones too?

Thanks for the reply t'other David

Some typical examples from the RCF range

RCF 412-A £1200
Frequency Response -3 dB: 50 Hz ÷ 20 kHz
Max SPL: 127 dB
Horizontal coverage angle: 90°
Vertical coverage angle: 60°
Compression Driver: 1"neo 1.4" voice coil
Woofer: 12" neo 2.5" voice coil

RCF 415-A £1260
Frequency Response -3 dB: 50 Hz ÷ 20 kHz
Max SPL: 128 dB
Horizontal coverage angle: 90°
Vertical coverage angle: 60°
Compression Driver: 1"neo 1.4" voice coil
Woofer: 15" neo 2.5" voice coil

RCF 422-A £1360
Frequency Response -3 dB: 45 Hz ÷ 20 kHz
Max SPL: 128 dB
Horizontal coverage angle: 90°
Vertical coverage angle: 60°
Compression Driver: 2"neo 2.5" voice coil
Woofer: 12" neo 3" voice coil

Realistically what do you get for a bit extra cash 1dB would that make that much difference. Would a biggher voice coil make any difference across 12" drivers.

In essence on paper would the 422 be better than the 415.

cheers

1dB will be a noticable difference in amount of sound you'll get out of the speaker.

Not sure how much of the voice coil size will affect sound (bigger size => bigger/better movement maybe?)

I guess what you'd have to do is listen to all three of them at the same/similar time, and see if there's much noticable inbetween them.. ?

t'other Dave

EDIT: This page goes on and on an on about dB.... but there's a lot of maths, etc. Bed time reading? :) http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/dB.html

Some may see that there's no cost effective advantage in forking out a small fortune for a speaker if it can only be partially used of its full potential. Then again, if the speaker delivers an amazing sound reproduction at a very low volume...

I've heard some speaker systems demoed over the years and RCF are (IMO) very, very good for mobile disco use, not so good for karaoke. The best judges on sound at the end of the day are going to be your ears, so go with what sounds right for you!

Best mobile disco speaker system my two ears have heard (to date) had dedicated speakers for bass, mid and top. Mmmmmmmmmm! Nice!

Before the Bose, I used the EV 300s for a number of years and had no major complaints for gigs up to around 80 guests. When I needed the 'extra' kick for larger gatherings, I added or changed the speakers. Personally, I try not to drive speakers to their limits so if there was a gig for over 150 guests, I'd additionally use 15" RCFs or work just with the RCFs.

Comes down to a few factors: own satisfaction, storage, transport and practical use of course (and budget!!!) but personal taste in sound aside, we'll all probably / increasingly have to consider the types of venues we're operating in before splashing out on new systems which may become redundant sooner than expected (if "red tape" is anything to go by.)

If numbers are also anything to go by, there are far, far fewer venues open year-on-year. Because noise pollution and sound (as a health risk) can not be ignored, current restrictions on the sound output in venues regularly worked should indicate ideal speaker investment.

Isn't that more to do with the "input"*, rather than the output/speakers though?




* = singers :p

Yep.
Coils and clipping....