In speaker data what does "resonance" or "resonant frequency" mean?

reverberocket2 · May 14th, 2008, 10:30 AM

I'm trying to understand speaker data sheets -- what does resonance or resonant frequency refer to?

What would the sonic differences be between speakers with a resonant frequencies of: 75, 85 and 90?

Thanks

bradpdx · May 14th, 2008, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reverberocket2

I'm trying to understand speaker data sheets -- what does resonance or resonant frequency refer to?

What would the sonic differences be between speakers with a resonant frequencies of: 75, 85 and 90?

Thanks

That is the pitch at which the cone will vibrate when tapped like a drum when the speaker is totally unloaded (free standing, not connected to anything).

This information is generally only useful when designing speaker enclosures. For open back amps, it doesn't mean much.

In general, big speakers have lower resonant frequencies than smaller ones. Also in general, a higher resonant frequency indicates a lighter cone and/or stiffer suspension.

reverberocket2 · May 14th, 2008, 02:56 PM

Thanks bradpdx

I've been pouring over the spec sheet in the eminence line looking for a speaker for an open back 100 watt 1x12 combo.

It's currently loaded with an Eminence Man O War - not bad sounding, but just a bit too nasal in this open back application

hockey_head · May 14th, 2008, 06:00 PM

i used to outfit bassman tweeds and super reverbs with the cheepest eminence speakers i could buy, don't know the model number, i got them from MCM electronics in the 90's for about $30 each. the sound duplicated old jensens oem fender speaks, but the bottom end did't get "baggy" and the natural speaker distortion was like singing.....................man. they had stamped frames and square magnets.

Tremo · May 14th, 2008, 11:40 PM

A speaker cone suspended in the frame is like a spring-mass system. With a lot of damping. Basic physics.

Billm · May 15th, 2008, 07:40 AM

The Swamp Thang and Cannabis Rex are not nasal. I use a Swamp Thang on my test bench because the sound is uncolored and it stays clean. Both of those speakers are kind of the opposite of the Man O' War, strong in the bass, moderate in the highs. The American-tone equivalent to the MoW might be the Red White and Blues. The Texas Heat is also a great all-around speaker, but has a bit of that nasal quality.

reverberocket2 · May 15th, 2008, 07:56 AM

Thanks everyone

Bill, thanks for the tips on the Swamp Thing and Texas Heat.

The Swamp Thing especially sounds like it might be great in this boogie style 100 watt combo - clean and uncolored. The only thing putting me off on the Swamp was that I thought the top end might be a too dark.

For Eminence I will also look into the regular old 121-8 which looks like it was the genesis for the Swamp Thing, Tonker, Texas Heat etc.

Think I will also have to consider a Celestion G12H-100 and a Jensen MOD 12-110 too.

I have a CRex in my Ampeg Reverberocket and its definitely a good fit for that amp - not dark at all.

Billm · May 15th, 2008, 08:46 AM

Another excellent speaker in the clean/uncolored family is the Weber California. I like that speaker a lot.

May 14th, 2008, 10:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
reverberocket2 Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 319	In speaker data what does "resonance" or "resonant frequency" mean? I'm trying to understand speaker data sheets -- what does resonance or resonant frequency refer to? What would the sonic differences be between speakers with a resonant frequencies of: 75, 85 and 90? Thanks

May 14th, 2008, 11:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tremo Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Silicon Valley, CA, USA Posts: 3,586	A speaker cone suspended in the frame is like a spring-mass system. With a lot of damping. Basic physics. __________________ Exposing the CONs. www.myspace.com/59tremolux

May 14th, 2008, 02:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
reverberocket2 Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 319	Thanks bradpdx I've been pouring over the spec sheet in the eminence line looking for a speaker for an open back 100 watt 1x12 combo. It's currently loaded with an Eminence Man O War - not bad sounding, but just a bit too nasal in this open back application

May 14th, 2008, 06:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
hockey_head Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: shortsville, ny Age: 50 Posts: 200	i used to outfit bassman tweeds and super reverbs with the cheepest eminence speakers i could buy, don't know the model number, i got them from MCM electronics in the 90's for about $30 each. the sound duplicated old jensens oem fender speaks, but the bottom end did't get "baggy" and the natural speaker distortion was like singing.....................man. they had stamped frames and square magnets.

May 15th, 2008, 07:40 AM	#6 (permalink)
Billm Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey Age: 61 Posts: 230	The Swamp Thang and Cannabis Rex are not nasal. I use a Swamp Thang on my test bench because the sound is uncolored and it stays clean. Both of those speakers are kind of the opposite of the Man O' War, strong in the bass, moderate in the highs. The American-tone equivalent to the MoW might be the Red White and Blues. The Texas Heat is also a great all-around speaker, but has a bit of that nasal quality.

May 15th, 2008, 07:56 AM	#7 (permalink)
reverberocket2 Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 319	Thanks everyone Bill, thanks for the tips on the Swamp Thing and Texas Heat. The Swamp Thing especially sounds like it might be great in this boogie style 100 watt combo - clean and uncolored. The only thing putting me off on the Swamp was that I thought the top end might be a too dark. For Eminence I will also look into the regular old 121-8 which looks like it was the genesis for the Swamp Thing, Tonker, Texas Heat etc. Think I will also have to consider a Celestion G12H-100 and a Jensen MOD 12-110 too. I have a CRex in my Ampeg Reverberocket and its definitely a good fit for that amp - not dark at all.

May 15th, 2008, 08:46 AM	#8 (permalink)
Billm Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey Age: 61 Posts: 230	Another excellent speaker in the clean/uncolored family is the Weber California. I like that speaker a lot.