JBL CBT line array

[RichP714 3,164]

One of the first implementations of the CBT array tech (aside from the Parts Express kit):

 

JBL                                                   Parts Express 

 

                        

 

 

http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/general/Product.aspx?PId=447&MId=2

 

[galaxyoilcan 88]

Those are some very interesting looking speakers. Does the rear lean and curve of the cabinet have any technical reason for sonic improvement or is it just a style thing?

[RichP714 3,164]

there are two versions of CBT array; one utilizes delay (vertical column) and one doesn't (curved array)

 

CBT Loudspeaker Arrays:
(CBT = Constant Beamwidth Transducer)

 

CBT36 Line Array Speaker System 

[cwad8505 148]

These are incredible.. My explanation would give them no justice (although I have read alot on them).  Here is a video of Don Keele (the brains behind the design) explaining...This is only part 1 of a multi-part video.

[PDR 1,194]

Heres another one by Rick Craig of Selah audio.

 

He is a buddy of Keeles  and built this in the same shop at the same time....theres some pics of them together in the shop HERE when they were both under development.  Rick is the guy that designed my arrays...

 

 

[RichP714 3,164]

It's a very interesting design, and (at least according to one listener) seems to have beat the Carver Line Array to the punch by some years and thousands of dollars.....

 

..... what struck me most about the CBT was its consistency throughout the listening area and through multiple horizontal planes (that is, the sound didn't change when I stood up or sat down).

 

However, I think that for most home listening rooms, a nearfield line array should be able to produce that same consistency in multiple horizontal planes, because the array could be built to extend from floor to ceiling.

 

The CBT has its best application where a certain vertical coverage angle is required, and building an array from floor to ceiling is impractical (either due to a high ceiling or no ceiling).

 

However, if you can build a nearfield line array that goes completely from floor to ceiling, you'd produce a line source that sonically seems to extend infinitely in either direction (due to the floor and ceiling reflections effectively extending the array), and you'd achieve consistent flat response in all horizontal planes from floor to ceiling...

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[Nahash5150 10,880]

So are you gunna build some Rich?

[staticvar 56]

Wow!...I'd love to hear these in a two channel set-up. They are mirrored sets. Tweeters inside or outside. You can play around with them but, not just any pair...You need a left and right pair.

[Bean 384]

Yeah, the line array's on Parts Express's site have always interested me.  They had a much cheaper version built out of PVC tubing as the housing....