How A Horn Speaker Works - Exciting Horn Experiments!

Basically, a horn increases the sound output from a speaker. It does that by reducing the mass of air directly in front of the driver allowing it to move that mass of air more efficiently. This happens more effectively in the lower frequency range because it also stops the wave from propagating outwards to the sides. The highest frequencies are mostly unaffected because they beam directly forward.
That extra output gives you more flexibility when you are designing the crossover. That lower end boost may allow you use a lower crossover point than you could if flush mounting the tweeter.
However, the horn can also dramatically change the way the speaker sounds, so that's something to keep in mind.
Horns also work for midrange drivers and woofers, but have to be much bigger.

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[MikeGervasi]

I'm glad people like you are taking the time to do these experiments. It gives us answers without the work :)

[maisons]

I don't care much about speakers BUT this has to be a top video on the subject on YT. I hope it goes viral; a great video!

[Capnmax]

I would imagine the sound more evenly distributes out of the circular shape than the straight sided one. Great video!

[Nono-hkis]

John, I'm enjoying the heck out of the new direction for this channel. Also, Merry Christmas!

[Clobercow]

The more I learn about horn loading, the more I like it. There is just so many advantages. Better time alignment, lower distortion, better dispersion control to match woofers, fewer parts needed in the crossover. It's all pretty awesome.

[TorbenMarthinsen]

Grate explain and illustrations, bringing everything down to a practice understandable level + interesting conclusion's indeed !

[kylebroaddrick]

John! Thank you so much for your channel! I can’t wait to watch all your videos. I have already learned so much from you in just a few videos. THANKS!

[youtubecommentor]

Real good presentation and lesson on horns. Thank you John!

[marklinden]

Especially given the inexpensive low power tube amp options out there now, I love to see people working in this area. I have done horn for many years now. I have a fairly big 3D printer that I have used for a couple year now. Fun stuff!

[nickparkin]

I have a mentor who is in the high-end horn industry and the geometry of the horn can make quite a big difference. Some drivers are well-suited for other geometry‘s than other ones.

I would also recommend rounding the edges at at the mouth. Reduces diffraction.

[ianwright]

Cool video. I learned something today about why the horn makes it louder. Thanks John!

[potatogenic]

Just came from your other build it channel. Can't wait to watch more from this channel and maybe learn a thing or two.

[loidis]

Great video, and your workshop is gorgeous also!

[joephillips]

Wow thankyou for the quality and info!!!! Wish all YT videos were up to par with this!! Please keep them coming dude!!!!

[MandoFettOG]

This is interesting thanks. I'm far from an audiophile but I do plan to rebuild the housing for my speakers in the next year or two. I appreciate seeing the techniques you're using

[maximme]

i LOVE your tools.

the material of the horns might play a part it resonance within the horn.
if you change the material, you might see a different curve pattern

[chrisdover]

These videos have been really interesting to me. I'm planning on a couple of speaker projects in the future. I'm planning on a set of monitors for my desktop computer and also following your design of the tv soundbar. Keep it up!

[Puppy__Nietzsche]

This is a great channel. Living the dream man! I hope to have my own personal custom listening room when I am older.

[scottmusic]

Hey John! Loving the "new" channel!!! Keep it up... Learning a lot. Love your experiments!

[LLCoolJoe]

Great video! Thank you for doing science in an understandable way.