The Truth About Beam Blockers...

[guitarmadman85]

I'm searched the forum, but didn't find anything about beam blockers, so here is the thread. I have a 2x12 cab that I built, with Eminence speakers, and I think that the cab sounds the best when I stand beside it, and that it is far too bright out in front. I know that there are companies that make beam blockers of different types, such as weber.

The only bad thing I can hear about weber is that it leaves a potential "hole" in your sound where a mic could potentially be placed, and that this could be a potential problem live ect.

I have been reading on the Egnater website, and he recommends using some 1 inch acoustic foam because this would attenuate the beaming highs, without leaving a completely dead space. I couldn't find anyone who makes a beam blocker out of acoustic foam, but I can buy some 1 inch acoustic from parts express and cut my own out. Here's the link for the info on Egnater.

http://www.egnateramps.com/TechTalk/Volume2.html

Anyone with any experience that could help would be great. I know that this is a common problem, and even Stevie Ray Vaughan used to put ducked tape on the front of the grills of his amps/cabs to combat the beaming highs.

 

[jim p]

Tried a DIY beam blocker here. http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=9379&page=8 There is also using foam for a directivity modifier here http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=9379&page=16

 

[guitarmadman85]

Tried a DIY beam blocker here. http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=9379&page=8 There is also using foam for a directivity modifier here http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=9379&page=16

Thanks! Great response! I'm sold on the "directivity modifier," and I thought it was interesting that I got the recommendation for a foam insert from the Egnater website, and that he showed pictures of his modifier in an Egnater cab.

I guess my question is who has tried it? And how much did you like it. This might be my time to join the gear page and read the people that made them there. I believe I can order the foam for around $8 on Amazon. I really think this (the modifier) is a great idea.

 

[deeaa]

Yep I have used them (DIY) in my Marshall 4x12" cab which was a great cab but too directional.

What I did I used those glass jar metal lids that are like maybe 3" diameter, used jesus tape to 'hang' them accross the center of the speaker hole in a cross (removed the speaker for that) and put back the speaker.

I had experimented with bigger deflectors and foam, but in the end those jar lids were just perfect for the cab, and cost nothing. Also left quite enough room on the side for miking.