Alpair 12P

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pre65
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#1 Alpair 12P

Post by pre65 »

I've got a used pair coming soon (thanks Clive) and I might try them in the baffles as a first step.

But mainly I'd like to build a pair of Metronomes, and Scott has offered to do a few calculations for me on the dimensions.

So, as and when anything happens I'll open a new thread.

A question for our Ali, some time ago you mentioned trying Alpair 12P in your baffles, did you and if so what was the effect. :?:
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#2 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by pre65 »

Plan A is to make new top panels for the baffles, and mount the Alpair 12P offset. That was something I was going to do with the old drivers but never got round to. I have enough BBP here to do this.


Scott has come up with some modified dimensions for the 5ft Metronomes (thanks Scott), but I'd need two sheets of BBP for that and as it's an outdoor job I'll wait till it warms up a bit.
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#3 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by pre65 »

The Alpair 12P drivers have arrived safely a few minutes ago.

Thanks Clive, they were well packed. :D

They look really nice, and am looking forward to hearing them. Can't do much today 'cos

A) It's raining, and the BBP needs to be cut outside,

B) I'm playing bowls (indoor) this afternoon.

C) there is no C (copyright A Ivimey) :)
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#4 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by Ali Tait »

Never got round to trying them Phil, they still in the box.. :D
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#5 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by SimonC »

I've been using mine in an a MLTL for the past few months, they work nicely in a Pencil 12p if you need a fall back plan.
The other things with these drivers is they need a lot of running in to get the top end working. Give them a few weeks of playing to bed in :)
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#6 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by Ali Tait »

There apparently is a very specific break in cycle to take these through Phil, have a Google.
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#7 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by pre65 »

SimonC wrote:I've been using mine in an a MLTL for the past few months, they work nicely in a Pencil 12p if you need a fall back plan.
The other things with these drivers is they need a lot of running in to get the top end working. Give them a few weeks of playing to bed in :)
Thanks Simon. I have a Metronome design to suit the 12P (thanks to Scott) so that is plan B.

The drivers are used, so running them in should not be a problem. If it keeps fine tomorrow afternoon I'll try and get two panels cut for the baffles.
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#8 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by pre65 »

Ali Tait wrote:There apparently is a very specific break in cycle to take these through Phil, have a Google.
Thanks Ali, they are already broken in.

Scott says he has heard Alpair 12P on baffles and they sounded good, :D
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#9 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by Scottmoose »

They do. That said, I'm somewhat biased toward the 12P, since while I have no commercial 'interest' in it per se, there is a [very] little bit of me in its background. I know Dave P10 and Bob Brines prefer the smaller Alpairs, but there's something in the 12 that suits me. A couple of years back Colin & I back-to-back compared the 12s with the smaller 10Ps in similar BR enclosures. I think Mark Fenlon was with us that day too. The 12s had something extra -they take off like a rat up a drainpipe; I don't know any wideband unit with a similar subjective rise-time other than Lowthers, and they don't take your head off like the latter can.
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#10 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by pre65 »

I've got the hand saw out and cut two 20" x 15" bits of BBP, which will replace the top part (bolted on) of the baffles.

Now to measure up for the holes.

For the first iteration I'm going to mount the drivers without recessing them, not the correct way I know, but for speed, and initial appraisal it will do.

Now where did I put my compasses ? :lol:
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#11 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by pre65 »

In the end I used metalwork dividers to score a line, then inked it in.

Big holes cut,reverse face radiused and mounting holes drilled. Just given the panels a wax finish to blend in with the bases. That's all for today.

Tomorrow I hope to drill the mounting holes for the bracket that holds top and bottom together, then mount drivers and connect wires.

I actually feel that my "mojo" has returned now, I hope it stays for a while. :wink:
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#12 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by pre65 »

They work ! :D

I've got them in situ now, temporarily using clip leads.

Initial impression on first play (Dean Martin - no relation to Dave :wink: ) is very good, nay, excellent. :D

Might try some series resistance later to see if the bass helper can come up in volume just a tad.
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#13 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by pre65 »

I tried 2R to start with, and it gave the Alpair a tad more "body", I like that.

Now trying the "young persons guide to the orchestra", a good test piece.

It's starting out nicely. :D
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#14 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by IslandPink »

Good work !
Is it on the same crossover with the 18" Fane driver on the OB then ?
Looks like a useful driver for that location for say 200Hz-up.
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#15 Re: Alpair 12P

Post by pre65 »

Yes Mark, same crossover.

I'm liking the new driver very much.

Now playing Vaughan Williams "Fantasia on Greensleeves". Might try Solid Air next. :)
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

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