Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

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pond
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Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#1 Post by pond »

Is there a formula for figuring out how much voltage a driver can tolerate?

I am putting together a sub box for my idiot little brother, and he is insisting it be done by friday, so I don't have time to build him some tubas. I would like to set up the amp's gain so that when the reciever's volume is maxed out, the amp's output voltage is at the max of what the driver can take, so when his dumb buddies and he crank up the dubstep, the woofers don't go riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip.

The driver in question is an Infinity 1260w

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Bill Fitzmaurice
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#2 Post by Bill Fitzmaurice »

pond wrote:Is there a formula for figuring out how much voltage a driver can tolerate?
No. You may only do so with software modeling of the cab/driver combination.
I would like to set up the amp's gain so that when the reciever's volume is maxed out, the amp's output voltage is at the max of what the driver can take, so when his dumb buddies and he crank up the dubstep, the woofers don't go riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip.
It won't work in any event. Only a true limiter will.

bassmonster
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#3 Post by bassmonster »

I've been pondering this idea as well. Would a miniDSP or something else work for limiting? A miniDSP can also be used for a crossover and EQ as well.

pond
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#4 Post by pond »

Ahh I see..

Hopefully I can pound the concept of 'when it starts to sound like mud, TURN IT DOWN' into his head haha..

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LelandCrooks
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#5 Post by LelandCrooks »

bassmonster wrote:I've been pondering this idea as well. Would a miniDSP or something else work for limiting? A miniDSP can also be used for a crossover and EQ as well.
It's coming. Middle of the year.

http://www.eminence.com/d-fend/
If it's too loud, you're even older than me! Like me.
http://www.speakerhardware.com

pond
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#6 Post by pond »

LelandCrooks wrote:
bassmonster wrote:I've been pondering this idea as well. Would a miniDSP or something else work for limiting? A miniDSP can also be used for a crossover and EQ as well.
It's coming. Middle of the year.

http://www.eminence.com/d-fend/

Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

That is bananas!

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Jon Barnhardt
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#7 Post by Jon Barnhardt »

LelandCrooks wrote:
bassmonster wrote:I've been pondering this idea as well. Would a miniDSP or something else work for limiting? A miniDSP can also be used for a crossover and EQ as well.
It's coming. Middle of the year.

http://www.eminence.com/d-fend/
Any estimate on pricing?

pond
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#8 Post by pond »

I'd imagine this sort of thing would have to be factory-installed, because how are you going to figure out how to program the limits correctly for a custom application?

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Bill Fitzmaurice
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#9 Post by Bill Fitzmaurice »

pond wrote:I'd imagine this sort of thing would have to be factory-installed, because how are you going to figure out how to program the limits correctly for a custom application?
When I get a sample I'll figure out how it would be set for the various projects.

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LelandCrooks
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#10 Post by LelandCrooks »

In it's current configuration it sets by voltage. One the changes requested by many was to also set by wattage. :roll:

The software is very much like setting a compressor. Very simple.
If it's too loud, you're even older than me! Like me.
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Bill Fitzmaurice
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#11 Post by Bill Fitzmaurice »

LelandCrooks wrote: One the changes requested by many was to also set by wattage. :roll:
To be expected, given the industry fixation on watts and its consistent refusal to educate consumers on why watts don't matter while volts and displacement do. Luckily, we're not part of the industry. :mrgreen:

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cheapbasslovin
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#12 Post by cheapbasslovin »

LelandCrooks wrote:In it's current configuration it sets by voltage. One the changes requested by many was to also set by wattage. :roll:
Awesome.

What I love is that Eminence will add what is the equivalent of a randomized progress bar to placate people who don't realize they are setting their limiter to control voltage input. Keeping the ignorance train rolling.
Mrrmensneturguneffferremantun

BoostFab
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#13 Post by BoostFab »

I can't wait for this device to come out.

hotbutta
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#14 Post by hotbutta »

Bill, did you get one of these yet?

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Bill Fitzmaurice
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Re: Calculating maximum voltage for a driver

#15 Post by Bill Fitzmaurice »

I got a prototype two years ago. The retail version goes for $199. That's not cost effective when you can get limiting built into a $399 amp or a $299 crossover or a $199 stereo compressor/limiter.

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