Crossover Help For Altec 414-8C, 811B & 802-8G System

[brian2a3]

Have a question about what would be ideal crossovers for a system consisting of Altec 12" 414-8C woofers, 811B horns and 802-8G compression drivers. Enclosures presently being used are vented but on the small side, and will ultimately be replaced with 3 CF vented enclosures (ala 614-Ds or something similar). Been trying different Altec crossovers with varying results. As of now, have tried N1285-8A which has adjustable x-over points of 500, 800, & 1200 Hz. 800 Hz was not very good, with excessive HF. 1200 Hz seemed a step in the right direction with better balance, but still not "there". Next was the 604-8K crossover, which I believe is 1500 Hz. This one has been the best, but still feel there is more audio nervana to be discovered. My completely unqualified feeling is that since the 414-8C is good up to 4 kHz, an even higher crossover point might be the ticket. I know the 12" Duplex 601 used a 3000 Hz crossover, but also used a different horn and driver which might make it different. Has anyone here put this system together or have experience with these components that maybe able to give some advise?
Thanks!
Brian

[LICORNE]

Hi,
The dividing network is the N801-8D .

...........................................

[Old Guy]

Don't even think of 4 kHz.

It's hard to tell what you want.

Raising the crossover point will not attenuate the HF. It WILL affect the mids.

It takes a while to get used to horn top end. It is more aggressive than most Hi-Fi stuff.

It may be that you are not used to that.

If I were I working with those components I would consider 800-1200 Hz. No higher than 1600. Since you have tried those and are not satisfied I do NOT think crossover point is the problem,

A crossover that allows you to adjust the mids and highs separately may be what you want. See the thread on Model 19 crossovers. You don't need to spend that much however. Keep talking, we'll figure something out. Lots of opinions here. Would be a boring thread without at least 5 more.

[LICORNE]

Hi,

As for enclosure the 9844 A is best .

http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/...akers/9844.htm

.......................................

[brian2a3]

Thanks for the advise, Oldguy. I believe I've got things straightened out with some N1209-8A crossovers which are 1200 Hz @ 12 dB per octave. They also have both HF and Mid attenuators that you had mentioned. Sound is very good now, and I think once proper size enclosures are found, things will be great.

[gamalot]

Not sure if you are useing two 12" woofs or just one. The 9844 is designed for two woofs.
You just missed what I think might have been a good match for your components if only one 414-8C is being used. Model 15 cabinets are quite nice and well made but used a smaller horn with the same 802 driver and a 12" woof.
I have these and they do a very nice job and I often think about going from the stock 12" woof to the 414 to see if they are better in this box.
Don't allow the smaller bent horn to sway you away from this idea. They are quite nice and can be found in either plastic or metal.
I think the 15 XO is crossed at 1200Hz and it too has the dual adjustments for HF and MF.
Just a thought if you are limited in space and have only one woof for your boxes.
I know for sure the 414 has a bit more kick then the original woof found in the model 14 and 15 speakers because I have 9849-8Ds stacked on top of my model 15s. I also think the plastic bent horn is a bit mellower then the metal bent horn.
the 15s have nicer HF sound while the 9849s have better low end.

Gary