Solid State Amplifiers > Amplifier Discussion
Watts vs Volume (db)
joecool85:
I fixed some math and stuff in the first post. You can't just add speakers to get more volume. If you take two 96db/watt speakers and run them together each with their own 1watt source, you would come out with 99db. If you ran them together splitting a 1 watt source, you would still only get 96db. This is assuming a large distance between the speakers (say one on each side of the stage or farther apart). If they speakers are in a single cab, they will work together acoustically, producing more volume per watt and also producing more vibrant lower tones due to the increase in cone area.
So the big advantage of more speakers is two fold: tone (yes, it will sound different) and maximum wattage handling.
I apologize for any confusion.
The key thing to remember is use efficient drivers. It doesn't matter if you have a single 8" or two full 4 x 12" cabs, the more efficient the drivers, the more volume you get. Look for at least 97db, ideally 100db or better.
its_cabs:
Sound Pro,
go ahead - 'spress yerself! Couldn't agree more. It's the sound, not the volume, that leaves an impression. I mean, even Cream, loud as they were, was very considerate of the sound, all well balanced and clear for each player. Conversely, after weeks of practice, and only one warm up gig, when my nephew and I finally got a good tone dialed in at this club for our Costa Rica debut, after 2 or 3 songs I noticed the sound was all messed up. I told the promoter to track down the culprit. Seems the club owner, accustomed to louder, more aggressive hard rawk than our own down home, mostly accoustic southern blues thing, kept sneakin over and cranking up the board - after we had it set just right for the room. Oh, well, he did recently ask me when I'm coming back...cabs
Axeslinger61:
Fascinating. Quite informative, as well. Who do y'all recommend for a manufacturer of efficient, reasonably priced speakers? Back when I was gigging regularly as a bassist, the Peavey Black Widow was one of the most efficient speakers out there-but I wasn't that crazy about the tone. Nowadays, I'm playing guitar primarily, and am thinking about downsizing my rig, so speaker efficiency is a definite concern.
Puguglybonehead:
For speaker efficiency, have a look at some decent quality ceramic speakers. The "vintage-tone"snobs seem to love alnico, but those speakers are seldom as efficient. If you can find the full specs (including the all-important SPL rating and frequency range) then you can get some idea.
Eminence make really efficient speakers, full specs available. So do Weber. (but they don't publish their full specs) Also, decide on which speaker size works best for you, tone-wise. The larger the speaker, the better chance of it being more efficient. Lots of loud 15-inch, 12-inch and even 10-inch speakers out there. 8-inch or smaller and you're starting to lose out.
Read lots of the reviews online. They may seem subjective, but they've usually steered me right. Anyways, Eminence and Weber both make great sounding, loud speakers.
KMG:
Don`t forget another important thing - specific "voices" of different speakers.
One speaker maybe good for vintage sound but poor for modern.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWK0sa7tlfI
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