Front baffle design for center channel - (similar to OB) - Suggestions please ....

[Naveenbnc]

Dear all ..... I am going to try a 12" driver for my center channel. Ijust want to make this like an OB with a front baffle 2ft x 3ft size.
I will mount this 7" away from the front wall, behind the PJ screen.

Now the question is, should i make a simple front baffle? ( like the left model in the pic?)
Or....
Should I add the sides, top & bottom walls also? (shown in right pic)

I am asking this with an understanding that the purpose of a baffle is to separate the air in the front & rear of the driver.
Only a front baffle of that size is enough for this job? Or adding side walls make it better?

ADDITIONAL INFO:
I am not going to do an enclosure design.
I am not going to worry about any calculations or simulation.
Its just a blind try with a practically possible baffle size.

 

[Naveenbnc]

Wow... !! You are absolutely true !!
OB makes life a lot more simple

Thanks for the suggestion
The front baffle is already cut yesterday.
Il add a side one as u suggested.

 

[Naveenbnc]

By the way... The horizontal width is more (3ft). Vertical height is less (2ft)

Will it have the same effect (acoustic off-center) if I add the 2-3" wall at the bottom? Instead of adding on the side ??
I mean this helps practically in easy mounting, even if I place it on a stand.

 

[Naveenbnc]

i guess this is what u are suggesting ....
looks like i have to learn some very basics or simulation on OBs. ..

 

[Naveenbnc]

Thank you yogibear....
Just a generic guess work based on past experience is more than enough for me.
I will move the driver vertically up as you suggested.

Moving horizontally to left and right, which direction would be better ??
Should I move it closer to 2" side wall ? Or should I move away from it ???

(This thread is a good learning for me. U saw my initial design right? I wanted to make is symmetric, and thought of covering the baffle with vinyl wrap to look very nice, even if I hang it i the middle of the wall.
But now I learned symmetric design is not the best one)

 

[Naveenbnc]

Ooh...
I should have asked this question before cutting the material. But is a simple OB so il get a new baffle made. Thank you Yogibear..... !!! For your time and explanation. When you visit hyderabad, drinks are on me

 

[Naveenbnc]

I made the baffle bigger than needed. Il see if I can cut off the excess material and get the off-center sizes u suggested.

 

[drkrack]

Sure but am a teetotaler for now since last many years. I do get drunk with good music instead !

When I used to, Glenmorangie 100 Proof was my favorite !

Haha good to know , we’ve found the golden liquid with ice , enhances the sq of any system in any given time.
Why do we need acoustic off centre, what are the benefits/theory behind , is it meant only for FR drivers or generally for others as well ?

 

[Naveenbnc]

Haha good to know , we’ve found the golden liquid with ice , enhances the sq of any system in any given time.
Why do we need acoustic off centre, what are the benefits/theory behind , is it meant only for FR drivers or generally for others as well ?

This is one of the reasons he mentioned in the above post....

"This is kind of taming the drivers mid range peaks acoustically through the baffle dimensions. Its a general rule and helps with every full range / midrange / extended range driver, in open baffle setup for mid and HF reproduction. This has been experience of almost all DIYers including myself"

 

[Hari Iyer]

Imo, OB speakers require some space atleast 3 feet behind the driver to work optimally, for better diffused sound, better mid bass in the 100 to 300 Hz region. Keeping them just 7" away from the front wall robs them of their potential.

 

[Naveenbnc]

Imo, OB speakers require some space atleast 3 feet behind the driver to work optimally, for better diffused sound, better mid bass in the 100 to 300 Hz region. Keeping them just 7" away from the front wall robs them of their potential.

You are absolutely true Hari....
I will use this till I design and build a center channel with shallow depth. Something like in wall speaker. I have to study how to design them, and which drivers are suitable for that.

Im happy with the dynamic vocals from this driver. And that too....it is dead cheap, and I couldn't get such vocals from my earlier center channels.

So.....the distance from the wall is a compromise for now.

Or..... Is there a way to design a shallow box with this driver itself ??? I have to simulate and check that too....

 

[Hari Iyer]

You are absolutely true Hari....
I will use this till I design and build a center channel with shallow depth. Something like in wall speaker. I have to study how to design them, and which drivers are suitable for that.

Im happy with the dynamic vocals from this driver. And that too....it is dead cheap, and I couldn't get such vocals from my earlier center channels.

So.....the distance from the wall is a compromise for now.

Or..... Is there a way to design a shallow box with this driver itself ??? I have to simulate and check that too....

If you are not expecting much details below 200Hz from your center channel, then a simple 4" FR driver should also fit the bill. They can benefit with easy design and placement.

 

[Naveenbnc]

I have to definitely try diy with small drivers.
Currently i have a few 5.25" drivers. And a few 8" drivers. They are not FR. I'm waiting for crossovers. Il see how they sound for center.

But even earlier i have seen branded center channels with 4 to 5" drivers. None of them gave dynamic vocals. But this Ahuja 12" did. Not only vocals, other sounds in actions sequences also are great for its price.

(i didn't experience expensive center channels though)

 

[Naveenbnc]

But i have to admit, branded center channels sounded a bit soft, but they sound more refined. This 12" driver sounded a bit raw and punchy. Since i watch action movies, mostly this driver gave a good feel.

 

[Naveenbnc]

After a lot of waiting....my 15" driver is probably coming tomorrow. One more big box in my room....I may be kicked out of my house

 

[Naveenbnc]

 

[Naveenbnc]

It just looks massive !!!!
All the sides of the baffle are at different distances from driver center. But in the picture we can't see that.

 

[Naveenbnc]

And my family is getting more and more irritated by my room

 

[Naveenbnc]

Looks like a junk yard

 

[Naveenbnc]

Time to get kicked out..... And not empty handed ......

It just feels funny.... all these years i was running behind upgrade bug....hoping i can buy expensive speakers and checking their prices every now and then.
Currently I'm running just 3.1 without surrounds and atmos speakers. And these PA drivers are blowing away my room
That too....with an entry level AVR !!!