Mixing horn types

Is it possible to mix different horn types in the same system? I was thinking of using a spherical tractrix horn for 1kHz - 20 kHz and a rectangular horn for 250Hz - 1 kHz.

The simple answer is yes. You can do anything you want, but it may not sound too hot. Compatibility is the key. Even coverage , same SPL and the same character of sound, and of course time alignment are what will enable a coherent result.

Does anyone make spherical tractrix horns for 4" exit compression drivers?

for make do you mean build?
Edited by: bitzo

I was looking to use Jabo KH-55 horns for the hf and upper mid, then use something else for the lower frequencies. The Jabo KH75 would go down to 250 Hz, but it is for 2" exit compression drivers, I don't think you'd have much spl capability if you used a 2" driver that low.

I think you would have bits of diaphragm flying out of the end.

Are there older compression drivers that would go down that low? (Westrex or Altec)?

Even if there were, it would be sheer stupidity to use them down to 250Hz, I do not believe that anyone still uses compression drivers much below 800Hz, the simple reason is the sound they produce is not very pleasant and the power handling will be GREATLY reduced.

A good 12" mid horn would be a much better choice, linking up to I would think a 1.4/2" exit compression driver around 1200Hz.

Stu

I believe That Community in the States had or have a unit that goes down to 400 or 500 hz. But they have always been a little off the wall with their concepts.

Tannoy VQ 100 use a coaxial comp to get to 450hz. I borrowed one for a while very recently (after some recommendation) and the sound was excellent.

Big comps I can think of:
Community' stuff (well, it's featured on the top of the page, M4 and friends)
JBL 2490 (midrange only, 3" exit, stick another comp on top like the M4)
JBL 2485 (like a less beefy one, 2" exit, still needs reinforcement on top)
The JBL ones take a fair bit of power, compared to the other ones I'll mention;
Altec 80x/90x (used to have some comps like these, but I remember the 808-8B clearly, with tangerines)
AFAIK Westrex = Western Electric which gave birth to All Technical Products (Altec).
All of these drivers took 15-30W, really, depending on model; the 808-8B took 30 continuous; ran on a 511B, I think.
Then there's Vitavox ones; like the S2/3/6. Brochures claimed either 10/100W continuous; depending on date; and horns were manufactured to have cutoffs of 220/330hz or higher, using multicells. Literature is hilarious ('this unpretentious unit, not unlike a flying saucer in appearance...etc' you don't see that in an fk1 catalogue, do you?).
I'm rambling now. Will stop.

Edited by: Deadbeat