http://www.tgpwebzine.com/?page_id=424I've been curious about Weber's Beam-Blockers before and know that a few of you have tried them (or created your own), but what I thought they would do is exactly what the author in the above link says. What's nice is that instead of just saying what doesn't work, he provides an easy and cheap solution.
So what do you guys think about his approach?
I have seen that item before on the Gear Page. It looks like a great idea. I do have a Beam Blocker in my Hot Rod Deluxe and I have been thinking of removing it to see what it sounds like without it. I have never heard that speaker (Eminence Tonespotter) without the beam blocker.
I've not only seen it, but was involved in that thread at one time. (Hold your applause til all the contestants have been announced please).
It is a very interesting topic. I haven't tried it, and have honestly wondered why there wasn't more feedback from guys who did try it. The thread went on for quite a while but the last time I saw it, only several people had both tried and complied with his thoughts. Several tried it and didn't but in must cases he seemed to have a rebuttal re: material they used or something. Some tried it and said it definitely made a difference but they didn't like the difference, etc... I was just thinking if it was as good as he said, the bandwagon (something TGP is famous for) would have been bigger.
My main question with the method was this: High frequencies radiate mainly from the center (dustcap) of a speaker. Even on the cone itself, the farther out you get, the less highs. Beam Blockers (which don't actually "Block" they just redirect) address this by being placed right in front of the dust cap. While I wouldn't say Jay's method doesn work, I've always been a bit confused about it literally being a ring around the perimeter of the speaker, and nothing in front of the dust cap.
But as always, what the heck do I know?
I tried the blocker and loved it. But my use was to be able to sit close to the amp at HOME at lower volumes and not bust my ear drums. It spreads the sound out instead of shooting it straight out of the amp. I doubt anyone would want it for playing live though. I thought it really affected the sound of the amp, in a negative way, unless you just wanted to redirect the sound a little. Which it did that nicely. I certainly wouldn't go buy a real nice amp and put that crap in it. ;D
I am thinking about taking the one out of my HRD, next time I put tubes in it I think I will. It is a pain in the butt however, because you have to remove the amp to get the speaker out. It is an ugly process because the cabinet is so tight against the amp.
I think, if you take it out, you'll notice a pretty big difference.