Experienced musicians without any difficulty choose the right guitar speaker. His choice is more difficult for beginners who are just looking for their sound. In this matter, it is important to know certain algorithms of the speakers and their main characteristics. Based on these factors, the optimal sound for your creative tasks is selected.
Diameter Questions
Common parameters for guitar speakers are measured in inches. The following values appear: 8, 10, 12 and 15.
Size determines such a tendency that with identical power, but with a large diffuser, the speaker sounds more powerful.
So, the 8-inch option forms a modest air resistance. The leader by this criterion is the 15-inch modification. In this case, only models that do not differ in total power and electrical characteristics are taken into account.
The trade standard today is a 12-inch guitar speaker. He defined the fundamental qualities of the frequency spectrum and breakcap that have become traditional. With the installation of this norm, all devices associated with electric guitars were optimized for it.
10 inch guitar speakers are characterized by their compactness and reproduction of frequencies in a higher register. This is extremely useful for stage and studio work. The reason is to reduce the risk of buzzing bottoms.
15-inch models lose in the lower range. The sound is rich and deep with a minimal presence of high frequencies.
About types of magnets
In guitar speakers, as a rule, they introduce such varieties of magnets:
- Ceramic.
- Combination of cobalt, aluminum and nickel ("KoAlNik").
- Neodymium.
Most widespread were only the first two species from the list.
All types of magnets have individual timbral characteristics. This factor is determined by eddy currents, since they constantly change their inductance and behavior.
For versions with the combination "KoAlNik" the following characteristics are characteristic:
- Slow response to a plectrum stroke.
- Overall smoothness.
- Soft bottoms.
- Pure upper harmonies.
Ceramic products have the following properties:
- A rough sound closer to the upper frequency registers.
- The sharpness and detail of the sound.
- Quick response to attack and jamming of notes.
Neodymium modifications combine the characteristics of these two versions. The following characteristics are obtained:
- High attack and return speed.
- Distinctive legible sound.
Voice coil
Its diameter is selected based on the need for control of thermal energy.
Models with diameters of 1.5–2 inches are distinguished by their solid inductance and weight.
Versions with parameters of 1-1.25 inches weigh less and can hold back high frequencies.
According to the degree of development of the diameter, a magnet of a larger power is also required. Only under this condition will the necessary speaker sensitivity remain. Therefore, the larger its dimensions, the larger the dimensions of the coil.
About power
The nominal indicator corresponds to the limit parameter of the amplifier, which the guitar speaker is able to confidently master.
The rated power and the resulting final sound have a relationship.
Today, experts are taking various measures to develop capacity. So far, this only complicates the timbre.
A sturdy device is able to cope with solid performance, but it requires heavier and more rigid components. With their appearance, the internal damping changes, the useful qualities of the breakcap that are formed in the diffuser are not much manifested.
Ideal is the use of a 100 W speaker in combination with a 50 W amplifier. It turns out bright and clear sound. If it is necessary to complicate it and enrich it with harmonics, you can use a hundred-watt amplifier and 2-3 speakers at 50 watts.
About sensitivity
Its measurement units are decibels (dB). Their determination is at a distance of 1 m with a power indicator of 1 W. This parameter indicates the total efficiency of the speaker.
The factors determining the sensitivity for its designated parameter are weight and motor power.
Sensitivity decreases when mass develops:
- diffuser;
- suspension technology;
- coils.
When the motor force (the tandem of the magnet and the coil) increases, so does the sensitivity.
The strength of the first component is usually characterized by the BL factor. Here B is the density of its flow resulting in the space between it and the coil. L is the length of the reel wire.
High sensitivity have 12-inch guitar speakers. It reaches about 98-100 dB. At the same time, dimensional magnets are involved in the devices. The sound comes out loud, fast and bright.
The reason lies in the developed BL factor. The voice coil has severe electromagnetic damping. In this situation, the bottoms are condensed, and the risk of a hum is significantly reduced.
Modifications with parameters of 95-97 dB are characterized by a warmer sound and less dense bottoms.
Frequency spectrum
For the guitar and its amplifying device, it is 70 - 6000 Hz. If the speaker’s radiation is intense and exceeds 6 kHz, its sound is too rough and annoying. At indicators significantly less than the specified parameter, the sound comes out dim.
The lower limit of this range is characterized by the resonant wave of the movable mechanism.
The spectrum of this wave is 50 - 150 Hz. When it is low, the sound of the guitar speaker expands, while the bass feels soft.
When the resonant wave reaches the upper limit, the bass stalls. Therefore, the spectrum from 50 to 100 Hz is most often used. It is optimal for many tasks.
Impedance question
No matter how many speakers are used, they load the amplifier. The result is an impedance. It must be compared in the applicable amplifier.
Today, engineers use some tricks to make the 8-inch guitar speaker sound like a 16-inch version, since the sound is nevertheless characterized by insignificant deviations, since many indicators (inductance, coil weight, etc.) differ.
And 16-inch versions have a brighter sound compared to 8-inch ones.
Diffuser
This is the final and key emitter of sound, which is part of the mechanism, which also has a coil, anther, rear suspension. All of them affect the breakup condition in it.
For example, even at the lower end of the frequency spectrum, there are many distortions required for its balanced sound.
If the movement of the diffuser is limited, distortions occur that give the sound certain specifics in the lower registers.
Some guitarists experiment and vary the course of the diffuser to produce hard-sounding basses.
British sound
The legendary Celestion guitar speakers are associated with it. Exactly with them are cabinets and combos of cult brands, such as “Marshall”, “Vox” and “Orange”.
There are various modifications to these speakers. But the most popular are:
- G12M.
- G12H.
- G12-T.
- Vintage30.
G12M Version
She appeared in the 60s of the last century. She had a modest power reserve of 20 watts. Gradually it was developed up to 25 watts. Today it is the norm for a 4 x 12 Marshall cabinet.
The sound of the G12M is the basis of many rock and blues hits recorded on film.
The characteristics of these models are as follows:
- Stable midrange. Their range is focused in the center of the musical spectrum. This is the best position for a guitar.
- Amplification of the high-frequency basis in an overloaded sound. In this case, sharp and annoying frequencies are cut out.
- By the degree of development of the overall volume, the sound gains compression.
- The low-frequency foundation gently harmonizes with the guitar and responds to the dynamic specifics of the musician’s game.
- At extreme volume, an excess of compression is formed, the sound becomes blurry, fuzzy. It is important to determine the degree of volume at which it will gain harmonious compression.
- Sensitivity is 3-4 dB lower than other speakers.
Modification G12H
Its magnet is heavier and its power reaches 30 watts. The characteristics are as follows:
- Easy highlighting of the highs and lows.
- No compression with increasing volume.
- Does not add bass to the sound.
- High sensitivity.
This model was held in high esteem by Jimmy Hendrix, since the G12M could not cope with the load set by him.
Variation G12-T
Its power is 75 watts. It effectively cuts midrange frequencies. Its low-frequency basis is resistant to volume changes, and the high-frequency spectrum is elastic and tight.
If you use this speaker for the Marshall guitar cabinet and add any modern high-frequency amplifier, you can get stable rock and roll sound with a vintage touch.
This model better shows its advantages in all areas of metal and hard rock. When working with an amplifier, it is important not to overdo it with high frequencies. Them abounds with them.
And its minus is associated with poor sensitivity and volume. G12-T has strong bottoms by default. To avoid over-compression at high volumes, you do not need to adjust the bass too much.
Model Vintage30
It was released in the 80s and endowed with 60 watts of power. With this model, Marshall cabinets were modernized.
Its features are as follows:
- Bulging midrange.
- Their spectrum is in the more nasal parts of the musical range.
Typically, Vintage30 is used to give the amplifier additional mid frequencies. This is especially significant when performing solo.
Home game
If you live in a standard apartment in a typical house and are a guitarist, then the guitar speakers are optimal for playing in your case. The G8 has too weak indicators.
When using options for 12 or 15 inches in a small room, the desired bottoms will not be felt. For you, the "ten" is the best option.