Biradial Horn Design Calculator
Precision Acoustic Horn Geometry Calculation
Horn Design Results
Understanding Biradial Horn Design
As an acoustic engineer who's spent years designing sophisticated sound systems, I've learned that biradial horns are more than just acoustic components—they're precise sound sculpting instruments.
What is a Biradial Horn?
A biradial horn is a sophisticated acoustic transducer with different curvature radii in horizontal and vertical planes. This unique geometry allows for superior sound dispersion and controlled directivity.
Key Design Considerations
- Throat Diameter: Determines the initial compression point of sound waves.
- Mouth Dimensions: Influence sound dispersion and frequency response.
- Flare Rate: Controls how quickly the horn expands, affecting acoustic efficiency.
Design Calculation Process
- Input precise throat and mouth dimensions
- Specify horn length and flare characteristics
- Calculate expansion ratio and cutoff frequency
- Estimate acoustic performance parameters
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes biradial horns unique?
Unlike traditional horns, biradial designs offer independent control of horizontal and vertical sound dispersion, providing unprecedented acoustic precision.
How accurate are these calculations?
These calculations provide theoretical estimates. Real-world performance requires physical prototyping and acoustic measurement.
Can I use this for all speaker designs?
This calculator is best suited for professional audio, PA systems, and high-fidelity sound reproduction applications.
What factors affect horn performance?
Key factors include geometric dimensions, material properties, flare rate, and intended acoustic environment.
How do I interpret the results?
Focus on expansion ratio, cutoff frequency, and estimated efficiency to understand the horn's potential acoustic behavior.
Biradial Horn Calculator Reference Values
Common Application Scenarios
| Application | Throat Diameter (mm) | Mouth Width (mm) | Mouth Height (mm) | Geometric Length (mm) | Flare Rate | Expected Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small PA System | 25.4 | 305 | 152 | 380 | 0.8 | Expansion Ratio: ~12:1 Cutoff Freq: ~250Hz Efficiency: ~85% |
| Mid-Size PA | 35.6 | 406 | 203 | 508 | 1.0 | Expansion Ratio: ~11:1 Cutoff Freq: ~200Hz Efficiency: ~90% |
| Large Concert System | 50.8 | 610 | 305 | 762 | 1.2 | Expansion Ratio: ~12:1 Cutoff Freq: ~150Hz Efficiency: ~92% |
| Studio Monitor | 20.3 | 254 | 127 | 305 | 0.7 | Expansion Ratio: ~12.5:1 Cutoff Freq: ~300Hz Efficiency: ~82% |
| High Frequency Driver | 12.7 | 152 | 76 | 203 | 0.6 | Expansion Ratio: ~12:1 Cutoff Freq: ~500Hz Efficiency: ~80% |
Optimization Guidelines
High Frequency Applications (>2kHz)
- Throat Diameter: 12.7-25.4mm
- Mouth Width: 152-254mm
- Mouth Height: 76-127mm
- Geometric Length: 203-305mm
- Flare Rate: 0.6-0.8
Mid Frequency Applications (500Hz-2kHz)
- Throat Diameter: 25.4-35.6mm
- Mouth Width: 305-406mm
- Mouth Height: 152-203mm
- Geometric Length: 380-508mm
- Flare Rate: 0.8-1.0
Low-Mid Frequency Applications (200Hz-500Hz)
- Throat Diameter: 35.6-50.8mm
- Mouth Width: 406-610mm
- Mouth Height: 203-305mm
- Geometric Length: 508-762mm
- Flare Rate: 1.0-1.2
Design Considerations
- Throat Diameter
- Smaller: Better high frequency response
- Larger: Better power handling
- Mouth Dimensions
- Wider/Higher: Lower cutoff frequency
- Narrower/Lower: Better directivity control
- Geometric Length
- Longer: Lower cutoff frequency, better pattern control
- Shorter: More compact, potential phase issues
- Flare Rate
- Higher: More aggressive expansion, potentially more distortion
- Lower: Smoother response, longer horn length required
Example Combinations for Specific Uses
Professional Sound Reinforcement
Throat Diameter: 38.1mm
Mouth Width: 457mm
Mouth Height: 229mm
Geometric Length: 584mm
Flare Rate: 1.1
Home Audio
Throat Diameter: 25.4mm
Mouth Width: 279mm
Mouth Height: 140mm
Geometric Length: 356mm
Flare Rate: 0.75
Monitor Wedge
Throat Diameter: 31.8mm
Mouth Width: 381mm
Mouth Height: 191mm
Geometric Length: 457mm
Flare Rate: 0.9
Note: These values are starting points and may need adjustment based on specific requirements, driver characteristics, and space constraints.