Sound System
My Sound System is a custom three-way audio system designed and assembled to experiment with acoustics, signal processing, amplification, and loudspeaker enclosure design.
The system is divided into three frequency sections — tops, kicks, and subwoofers — allowing each part of the frequency spectrum to be handled independently.
Architecture
The Sound System follows a three-way architecture designed to provide independent control over high, mid-bass, and low-frequency reproduction.
System Configuration
The system consists of three main sections:
- Tops: 2 cabinets for high-frequency and full-range reproduction
- Kicks: 2 dedicated enclosures for punch and mid-bass reproduction
- Subwoofers: 2 dedicated enclosures for low-frequency extension
This modular architecture makes it possible to independently tune the frequency ranges, amplification levels, and crossover points of each section.
2 × 480 W @ 4 Ω"] Tops["2 × Ibiza Disco 15B
Tops"] TopAmp -->|"Speakon"| Tops end subgraph KICK["MID-BASS / KICK"] direction TB KickAmp["the t.amp E-1200
2 × 680 W @ 8 Ω"] Kicks["2 × KTHSR-15
Eminence KAPPA PRO-15A"] KickAmp -->|"Speakon"| Kicks end subgraph LOW["LOW FREQUENCIES"] direction TB SubAmp["the t.amp E-1200
2 × 990 W @ 4 Ω"] Subs["2 × Schlag-115
Eminence Delta-15LFC"] SubAmp -->|"Speakon"| Subs end classDef source fill:#ffffff,stroke:#9ca3af,color:#374151,stroke-width:1px; classDef processing fill:#f7f3ee,stroke:#8b735b,color:#332b25,stroke-width:1.5px; classDef amplifier fill:#ffffff,stroke:#b4b8b5,color:#37413b,stroke-width:1px; classDef speaker fill:#fafafa,stroke:#9ca3af,color:#374151,stroke-width:1px; class Input source; class DSP processing; class TopAmp,KickAmp,SubAmp amplifier; class Tops,Kicks,Subs speaker; style HIGH fill:#fafafa,stroke:#d1d5db,stroke-width:1px,color:#6b7280; style KICK fill:#fafafa,stroke:#d1d5db,stroke-width:1px,color:#6b7280; style LOW fill:#fafafa,stroke:#d1d5db,stroke-width:1px,color:#6b7280;
Signal Processing
Frequency distribution between the different sections is handled by a Behringer DSP DCX2496.
The crossover separates the incoming audio signal into dedicated frequency ranges for the subwoofers, kicks, and tops. This allows each loudspeaker section and amplifier to operate within its intended frequency range.
Hardware
| Section | Cabinet | Driver | Amplifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top ×2 | Ibiza Disco 15B | Integrated | Ibiza AMP600 |
| Kick ×2 | HSR Sonorisation KTHSR-15 | Eminence KAPPA PRO-15A — 15”, 8 Ω | the t.amp E-1200 |
| Subwoofer ×2 | HSR Sonorisation Schlag-115 | Eminence Delta-15LFC, 15”, 4 Ω | the t.amp E-1200 |
Design
The system was built around a modular approach where each loudspeaker section has a dedicated acoustic role.
- Top section: Handles the upper part of the frequency spectrum and provides the main full-range reproduction.
- Kick section: Reinforces the mid-bass region to provide impact and punch.
- Subwoofer section: Handles the lowest frequencies and provides the low-end foundation of the system.
Separating these roles makes the system easier to tune and allows the amplification and filtering of each frequency range to be adjusted independently.
Acknowledgements
This project was designed and built with Tonin Dechavanne and Cyprien Larue.