Miles Davis with Altec Vott 825 in studio

**wweigle** · May 9th, 2016, 12:19 AM

Posting this picture and website link as its always interesting to see where the Altec Vott speakers have been used in the studio over the years.

Miles Davis’s Miles Ahead: A Timeless 1957 Classic | Rhythm Planet

**Elitopus1** · May 11th, 2016, 08:30 AM

I am interested in applications where wings were used versus no wings. I have seen studio pics before with 825/828 with no wings. I always thought they were added for more throw. Any truth to this?

I have a pair of 828 cabs in a nearfield setup and have always wondered what wings would do. Maybe I should build some and try it

Cool picture btw

**oface1** · May 11th, 2016, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Elitopus1

I am interested in applications where wings were used versus no wings. I have seen studio pics before with 825/828 with no wings. I always thought they were added for more throw. Any truth to this?

I have a pair of 828 cabs in a nearfield setup and have always wondered what wings would do. Maybe I should build some and try it

Cool picture btw

I have gleaned from reading here and there from GM and others that the wings help with the low end. Also, it seems the Altec woofers enjoy wide front baffles.... I am sure some of the other more knowledgable members here will chime in and help clarify even more.

**Elitopus1** · May 11th, 2016, 11:20 PM

Ok gotcha. Thats part of the baffle gain idea right?

I wonder what wings would do for my cabs with their already reduced port size. I am running 421 woofers with aftermarket 416 cones in them. The bass is not bad as-is. Some EQ definitely helps though

Btw I showed that picture to my wife to prove that Altec's are an important part of music history. She rolled her eyes at me

GM · May 12th, 2016, 12:39 AM

FWIW, this is almost certainly an original A800, so has an 810 cab, which is a bit different and doesn't perform quite as well as the 825/828.

http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/altec/specs/pro-speakers/800.htm

GM

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'Wings' lowers the baffle 'step' from half to full space, so reduces the need for attenuating the mids/HF [as much] to tonally balance the system over a wide BW, ergo has no impact on baffle tuning due to the very large WLs involved. For instance, in 'round' numbers, the baffle needs to be nearly 88" wide to get down to 35 Hz.

GM