Members Ratamahoo Posted May 5, 2008 Members Share Posted May 5, 2008 In looking at a speaker's ability to deliver low frequencies, is it safe to compare the frequency responses for various speakers, assuming the db level that is referenced is the same? Or are there other factors that come into play? For example, can I be pretty certain that speaker A below will be better able to deliver some kick drum sound than speaker B? Speaker A: Freq Resp 55Hz - 20kHz (+/-3db) Speaker B: Freq Resp 76Hz - 20kHz (+/-3db) Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted May 5, 2008 Members Share Posted May 5, 2008 Probably comparable provided both are from a reputable manufacturer and are tested in the same manner... ie similar boundery conditions. If not from reputable manufacturers, it's a real crapshoot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dboomer Posted May 5, 2008 Members Share Posted May 5, 2008 I agree with Andy here. The numbers you posted don't tell enough of the story to tell you anything. What speakers are you talking about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Ratamahoo Posted May 5, 2008 Author Members Share Posted May 5, 2008 I agree with Andy here.The numbers you posted don't tell enough of the story to tell you anything.What speakers are you talking about? Well, in this case Speaker A is the Peavey PR 12P and Speaker B is the JBL PRX512M. I just picked these as an example because they're so different in terms of price and low end frequency response. I want a physically small (size and weight) monitor that I can also put just a tad bit of kick drum and bass in (I find that when we play outdoors (jazz) I'd like to be able to hear just a slight bit of kick and bass in my monitor). I realize a 15" speaker will do a better job, but I understand that as long as I keep the levels way down, I'm OK to run some kick/bass through a 12". I'm actually looking at the JBL PRX512M (76Hz - 20kHz @+/-3bd), the Mackie SRM450 (55Hz - 18kHz @+/-3db) and maybe the Yorkville NX55P (45Hz - 18kHz @+/-3db). I know everyone will obviously have their favorite, but I'm just wondering if I can look at these specs and be able to compare low end response. Or would there really be any audible difference in the ability of these three to provide a little low end for kick or bass (realizing that none will be able to do it very well)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted May 5, 2008 Members Share Posted May 5, 2008 Here's where knowing the application is critical. IMO, with a sub the PRX is excellent, and very articulate throughout the midrange. This is something that the pure numbers do not clearly indicate. This comes in part as a tradeoff to low frequency extension. The 12" driver in the PRX is a lighterweight, thinner cone and lower compliance. This helps with the broadband response at the expense of low frequency extension. Without a sub, it wouldn't be my first choice IF low frequency response is important. The PRX versus the PR12P is no real comparison. The JBL is a much better and more expensive speaker. They are not in the same "family" IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members WRGKMC Posted May 5, 2008 Members Share Posted May 5, 2008 Another item thats important is the SPL rating. If they dont match youre going to have one louder than the other. Best to buy speaks in pairs unless youre in a pinch then you have to go with what you got. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted May 5, 2008 Members Share Posted May 5, 2008 Yes, SPL sensitivity is (or can be) another part of the infamous tradeoff equation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Ratamahoo Posted May 5, 2008 Author Members Share Posted May 5, 2008 Thanks for the responses. So, in general, it's fair to say that, all other things being equal, I can expect that the difference in the lower frequency response between these speakers (i.e. 45Hz vs. 55Hz vs. 76Hz) really can make an audible difference when running bass and/or kick drum through them, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted May 5, 2008 Members Share Posted May 5, 2008 Yes. But the assumption "all other things being equal" is far from a valid easy assumption unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Ratamahoo Posted May 5, 2008 Author Members Share Posted May 5, 2008 Yes. But the assumption "all other things being equal" is far from a valid easy assumption unfortunately. Yep, unfortunately. Thanks, agedhorse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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