Loudspeaker baffles and cabinets

The paper deals briefly with the factors controlling the power radiated as sound from a loudspeaker or a set of loudspeakers, and the necessity for separating the radiation from the two faces of the diaphragm. The flat baffle is the simplest type and the relation between the size of the baffle and its performance and the effect of its shape are discussed. The characteristics of the normal radio cabinet, which is open at the back, and the development of this type of baffle into the acoustic labyrinth, are dealt with. The totally enclosed baffle is mentioned, and its effect on the bass resonant frequency of the loudspeaker worked out. The bass reflex cabinet is treated in somewhat greater detail, and the method of fixing the dimensions for satisfactory performance explained. Information is given on the advantage to be expected from cabinets of this type in frequency response, power-handling capacity and economy of material.