Does Size Matter? - especially to the Pros?

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barefoot

barefoot

barefootsound.com
I want to develop a set of very high end, very unusual, near field monitors and I'm trying to get a feel for what the size limitations are for a professional studio.

First of all, lets assume that I know what I'm doing with respect to the monitor's near field performance. I don't want to debate whether it's actually possible to make a larger monitor work well in the near field. I just want the pro's opinions on what size and shape a studio would likely tolerate in a nearfield monitor.

I'm not going to mess with the normal width of about 10.5" (27cm). I think this is important to keep the same because it effects how the low frequencies spread. Changing this dimension would require engineers to learn something very different from the normal nearfield configuration.

Ok, so if I need room to expand which direction can I go and how much?

Please choose your absolute maximum dimension for height and depth of a powered nearfield monitor and also whether you would prefer a tall average depth or a average height deep cabinet.

Average active monitor dimensions are:
10.5" (27cm) x 15" (38cm) x 12" (21cm ) WxHxD

Powered monitor 10.5" (27cm) wide.

Maximum Tolerable Height: 15" (38cm) , 20"(51cm) , 25"(64cm)
Maximum Tolerable Depth: 12" (21cm) , 18" (46cm) , 24" (61cm)
Preferred Shape: Tall/Average Depth , Average Height/Deep

Thanks!
barefoot
 
I think it's how u use them that matters :D
Sorry couldn't resist.....

Keijo
 
I think smaller ones are preffered so to keep things tight for those long nights. (I couldnt resist either, after all you did say pro)).
 
I think the question of size is simply a matter of logistics, in a "home" environment it depends on how much space you've got.

But in a "pro" environment - and with that statement I simply mean a "normal" set-up where you have both main and nearfields, size might come into play for a couple of reasons:
- you wouldn't want nearfields to be in the path of main monitors
- size of the meter bridge, the 'usual' place for nearfields, might restrict the use of large(ish) nearfields.
- for the same reason, weight might also be a factor.

Personally, I think a larger nearfield has many potential advantages over a smaller one.
 
Thanks sjoko,

That's encouraging.

I've narrowed down the design. The dimensions will likely be close to these:

10.5" (27cm) x 17.5" (45cm) x 13" (33cm) WxHxD

It's actually not too bad. This is on the big side, but not dramatically different from an average powered nearfield.

I've researched some incredible new drivers which will allow me to do amazing things in a small box. The basic configuration is a Midbass-Tweeter-Midbass vertical array using two 6.5" drivers. The smaller diameter, advanced materials, and design of the midbasses gives vastly better linearity (especially in the midrange) over any others used in nearfields today. Using two of these drivers gives surface area and power handling almost equivalent to a 10" sound reinforcement speaker, allowing me to play with sophisticated amplification techniques to enhance bass response. These monitors will be able to extend flat down to at least 40Hz, with better transient response and better overall distortion specs than anything else out there. The smaller diameter drivers and symmetric vertical array also have the added benefit of providing a larger "sweet spot".

The tweeter design and materials also make it one of the most linear dome type tweeters in the world - comparable to the best ribbon tweeters.

Having the size and basic acoustic characteristics of a nearfield with the uncompromising accuracy of the most hi-end main monitors, these monitors will be something to behold. :)

Of course, all this performance comes at a price. I estimate $4000 just to build the prototype. With refined components and cosmetics my guess is the final "MSRP" will be in the $8000 to $10,000 range (I'm not clear on pro dealer markup).

Anyhow, I've done the easiest part - the design. The most difficult task is next - finding someone willing and able to invest in the initial development. :( I'm passionate about my work and I can usually get people excited. The drawback is most people's enthusiasm and commitment don't hold through when it's actually time to write the check. Design, development, working out bugs, and refining a product are all easy compared to the money issues.

Wish me luck!

barefoot
 
Sounds a bit like the quested VS3208 - which I think is the best mid / nearfield available.
Are you planning to put the drivers each in their own compartement?
 
sjoko2 said:
Sounds a bit like the quested VS3208 - which I think is the best mid / nearfield available.
Click to expand...
They will be more specifically geared toward the near field and quite a different design approach than the VS3208's.

In order to get the deep, well damped bass response from a small 2-way system the laws of physics dictate that something needs to give. That something is maximum SPL. My design won't go as loud as the VS3208 and therefore limits the distance at which it can be used effectively. However, it's nearfield performance will easily measure up to or even exceed the Quested's near or midfield performance on every count.


Are you planning to put the drivers each in their own compartement?
Click to expand...
As with the electronics, the cabinets will have many sophisticated design elements. I wont get into the details because some of them will be proprietary and perhaps even patentable. But yes, the drivers will have separate compartments.

Do you have any advice on how to go about getting investors? I saw you have some experience in this regard helping your friend with his Ex'pression school. Of course, he was "known" and I'm not - yet:).

barefoot
 
first thing you'll have to do is get your drawings done, then apply for copyright, then patents (if there are any). Don't let anyone tell you that you have to go through a lawyer and pay a lot of money for patent applications, you don't.
Next you will need a good bisinessplan. Detailed, but concise. Most important is a max 2 page executive summary at the front.
It has to include chapters on sales, marketing, market analyses, competitive evaluation, manufacturing facilities / methods / costs etc. and a complete profit and loss analysis over the first 6 months, year, 2 and 3 years.
And finally, to make things worse, you will need a much better economic climate than the present. The audio industry is in a big mess, companies are firing people left right and center. Just to illustrate how bad it really is .... Mackie last week fired ALL its software engineers, and as you might know, all its new products, from the D8B to recorders to new speaker systems, rely on software.
 
Yeah, this is the kind of stuff I already basically know, but hate to hear.:) To me the 'business' side of business is about as exciting as having teeth extracted.

I have several inventions in my drawer right now which I know are patentable, ranging from audio to film production. Still, at $370 a pop for the application plus the research and time involved in figuring out how to write them properly, patents aren't exactly easy to get. None the less, I just need to do it. I should start off small. Pick one, and do it. Hopefully I'll discover that it's really not so daunting after all.
 
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