Horn tweeters are a staple in the industry of loudspeakers. They are primarily found in high-end sound systems, and their unique acoustic properties make them a popular choice for sound engineers. However, not all horns are created equal, and many require proper care to stay functional.
This article will explore 6 lesser-known reasons that explain why horn tweeters may fatigue.
Horns are ruthlessly revealing. If there is anything wrong with your room, source, amplification etc. the Horns will point that out.
Improper Installation
One of the leading causes of horn tweeters’ fatigue is improper installation. When installing a horn, it’s essential to consider the size of the horn and how high it will be mounted. If you install a larger or taller horn too low, there can be distortion in your sound system.
It is also essential to ensure that your tweeters are sufficiently far apart from one another and sufficiently low in relation to the listener’s ear level. This will ensure no interference when both horns are used at once and that they will work together with minimal distortion.
Internal Wiring
One of the reasons why horn tweeters may fatigue is due to improper internal wiring. Wires can rub against the inside of the horn, causing friction and noise.
To avoid this, you should use high-quality wiring that won’t produce any interference with your horn’s acoustic properties.
Dusty Environment
Loudspeakers are exposed to a lot of dust particles in the air. Dusty environments cause a speaker to fatigue quickly. These contaminants can affect the sound quality and make it difficult to hear your music.
The best way to avoid this is to use a speaker cover or install a filter to prevent dust from getting into the system.
Loud Sound Pressure Levels
The first thing to know about horn tweeters is that they are sensitive to pressure. They require an appropriate amount of air input to stay functional and fatigue once loud sound pressure levels surpass a certain threshold.
The louder the sound, the higher the risk of damage. Too much input energy can cause a horn tweeter to become clogged or coated with dust, leading to lower power handling and overall poor performance.
There is also a chance that too much input energy could break the coil wire and send shards flying inside your speaker cabinet. Aside from damaging your speaker, this could also be quite dangerous for anyone in close proximity to the loudspeaker unit.
Therefore, it’s always wise to keep this in mind when setting up your sound system or adjusting your volume levels. Changing sound systems too high, even for short bursts of time, can cause irreversible damage to a horn tweeter and should be avoided at all costs.
Damaged Horns
Damaged horns are the most common cause of horn tweeters’ fatigue. Damages can occur due to improper handling, accidents, or exposure to high levels of sound. This type of damage is generally not repairable and must be replaced.
If you experience a horn that has been damaged, you may hear a crowing noise when it’s turned on or have an increase in distortion.
And while the horn may not exhibit any signs of external damage, internal problems might be present, which could lead to many things, including financial burdens, downtime for your business, and, even worse: potential safety risks.
Volume Too High
In many cases, horn tweeters will sound harsh if you are pushing their power limits. This can happen if the volume is too high and the tweeters are struggling to keep up.
The louder you push the tweeters, the more you will need to mellow the high end to balance the frequency range.
Conclusion
If you are a sound engineer or someone who depends on loudspeakers for work, we hope that this article has helped you better understand the intricate mechanisms of your horn tweeters. With this knowledge, you can better care for your speakers to achieve optimal performance.