Karaoke Forums

Hi angel, My speakers are used almost exclusively outdoors where UV ray play havoc with the suspension. Mine were 15 years old and my audio guy was surprised that I used them that long. He thinks ten years is a lot for normal use. Moisture in the form of rain or humidity is not good for those speakers, either. I guess you would have to say that mine were subject to extreme service. Paper suspension deteriorates quicker that the newer type. If you are using paper in your suspension, that's pretty old. Some guitar players like the paper suspension for a certain sound they can get with it, but we should use the newer type material. You don't have to get all new speaker boxes, replacing a woofer is one heck of a lot cheaper. For example, a pair of Sonic 12" monitors cost about $600. A pair of woofers from Eminence costs $ 160 or there abouts. Horns should last longer, they are pretty durable...unless of course you are feeding extreme high frequency sound through them. You should also replace speakers in pairs. BTW, my new woofers will be able to handle twice the power the old ones did. 2nd BTW, these are what I was listening to in the audio shop: They are modified in shop with better cross over circuitry.
http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/s ... duct=LM153
I'm in love

If a speaker is used regularly, no a 20 year speaker that has never had drivers replaced will not sound as good as new set.
I don't replace horns, I replace the drivers/diaphrams on the horns.

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And some speakers like Peavey, McCauley, JBL you don't even have to replace the whole LF driver, just the basket which is even cheaper.

In some cases I have updated the crossover as well.

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It would seem that a relatively simple computer program attached to a high quality microphone should be able to do a decent job of measuring relative response at different frequencies.

Sure such a system may not be as good as a high quality testing setup used by the pros but it is something that seems like it would be relatively easy for most karaoke (or DJs) to measure a system's sound response.

I figure that all that would be needed woud be for the computer to send out one frequency at a time at a set volume and then measure the microphone at the same frequency after it goes through the board, amp and speakers.

A graph of the response would then provide you with quick info if your response at different frequencies was higher or lower than the computer output telling you how to adjust your equilizer.

Any ideas on this? If I was any better progamer It would seem I could do it myself.


Of course the accuracy of such a system would depend on the frequency response graph of the mic, but with a good mic they should be pretty good (or at least predictable based on brand and model).

Such an easy program must exist?

Dr. Fred, it seems like all one needs is the CD that has different frequencies on it. If you get the nice hummmmmm, it's good; if it sounds like a low growl or rapid pops, not good. Of course if you want a full range spectrum analysis, that might be beyond what a computer can do. You still need someone with a trained ear.

Cool edit pro

The speakers sound just as they did when they were bought. If you're getting distortions check to ensure all the screws are tight.

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You can be strange but not a stranger

no you misunderstand me.

Simply tell the computer to send out 100 hertz at x volume, then 500 hertz at x volume 1000 hertz at the same volume and so on up the frequency spectrum.

Then measure the voume coming back to the computer through the mic for each frequency.

See if they all come back at the same volume.

Even with moderately decent computer sound cards it should be far better than what we can hear by ear alone.


Sure a serious problem would show up as pops and crackles etc. Such problems are serious problems in that a certain frequency is just not working. But for minor problems it is better solved with technology. My question is are all of the frequencies starting out at least in balance.

WIth a "trained ear" even the best are going to be a little off from day to day. We are talking relative volume here. The question is is the 9000 hertz (or whatever) 20% more or less than the 5000 hertz for example.

A trained ear might be able to do that on a good day. BUT technology should be able to do it anytime.

I am sure a fancy spectrum annalizer should be able to do this but they probably cost a lot of money and it could be mostly done with software in a computer.

Well, tonight was my last cruise night of the year and with the new woofers in place. Such a difference. No complaints about it being too loud, either. The redone Sonics sounded great and are now closely matched to the amp/mixer power. I also reset my EQ settings. I started with an even across the middle setting and cut and boost where needed. Basically just cut a bit from center with a bit more of a cut on the real high frequency slider to eliminate hiss. I then put the Panaramic (?) EQ just a bit right of center, perhaps a setting of 1 at the high, 1 at mid and -1 for low. I found a couple of things with this...I had a finer control sweep with the volume knobs and it was easier to adjust for the slight variations from disc to disc. I could cut mids and highs a bit to get more lows without muddying the sound now. I've been able to see better response from the effect knobs as well. I have much to learn about tailoring sound and effects, but I'm getting there. We shall see at my next event, an all day show on October 3.