Technical Advantages of Multiple Small Speakers
Increased Surface Area and Air Movement
One of the primary advantages of using multiple small speakers is the increased total surface area compared to a single large speaker. The total surface area of the speakers is a critical factor in determining the amount of air movement and, consequently, the sound pressure level (SPL) that the system can produce.
Improved Transient Response
Smaller speakers have a faster transient response compared to larger speakers. Transient response refers to how quickly a speaker can respond to changes in the audio signal. A faster transient response means that the speaker can more accurately reproduce the attack and decay of musical notes, which is crucial for the clarity and definition of bass guitar tones.
Large speakers have more mass, which means they take longer to start and stop moving. This inertia can result in a slower transient response, leading to a less defined sound. In contrast, smaller speakers have less mass and can respond more quickly to the input signal, providing a tighter and more articulate sound.
Phase Coherence in High-Frequency Response
Another significant advantage of multiple small speakers is the improved phase coherence in high-frequency response. In a speaker, the phase coherence refers to the uniformity with which different parts of the speaker cone move together. Better phase coherence ensures that the sound waves produced by the speaker are in sync, reducing phase cancellation and resulting in a clearer and more accurate sound.
In larger speakers, the distance from the center of the cone to the edge is greater, which can lead to phase issues at higher frequencies. This happens because different parts of the cone may not move perfectly in sync, causing phase cancellations that can blur the sound. In contrast, smaller speakers have a shorter distance from the center to the edge, which helps maintain phase coherence and produces a more accurate high-frequency response.
Reduced Mechanical Force and Hysteresis
Using multiple small speakers reduces the mechanical force and acceleration required for each individual cone, as the power is distributed across multiple drivers. This reduction in mechanical force decreases the cone’s hysteresis, which is the lag between the applied force and the cone’s motion. Lower hysteresis results in more precise cone movements, leading to greater dynamics and improved transient response.
Better Heat Dissipation
The use of multiple voice coils in a multi-speaker configuration provides a greater surface area for heat dissipation. This enhanced heat dissipation allows for lower operating temperatures of the voice coils, which is crucial for maintaining performance and reliability.
Lower voice coil temperatures reduce the risk of power compression, a phenomenon where the efficiency of the speaker decreases as it heats up. By minimizing power compression, the system can maintain consistent performance and dynamics, even during prolonged periods of high power use.
Reduced Distortion through Rigid Piston Operation
Small-diameter speakers tend to operate as rigid pistons, which means their cones move uniformly without significant flexing or bending. This piston-like movement reduces cone breakup modes, which are distortions that occur when different parts of the cone move out of sync with each other.
Cone breakup can cause unwanted resonances and distortions, particularly at higher frequencies. By minimizing cone breakup, smaller speakers can produce a smoother and flatter frequency response, resulting in a cleaner and more accurate sound. This reduced distortion is particularly beneficial for bass guitar amplification, where clarity and precision are essential.
For more information, see check out this video:
