Manual CAAD-4.1 for WINDOWS95/98/NT

 

I. General Information about the Programme

 

I.1 System requirements:

-  IBM compatible AT 80486 or higher

-  A graphics card supported by WINDOWS 95/98/NT

-  16 MB RAM

-  Software MS WINDOWS95, WINDOWS98, or WINDOWS NT4

-  CD ROM drive, at least double reading speed

-  Hard disk of at least 10 MB free memory

 

NOTE:

By purchasing this programme you are only entitled to use it. It is not permitted to copy or publish the programme or parts of it in any way.

 

II. INSTALLATION OF CAAD

CAAD cannot directly be started from the CD. It must be installed on an existing hard disk. Start Windows and insert your original CD into your CD ROM drive. Activate the Windows Explorer, then change to the

CD ROM drive, and start the programme SETUP.EXE .

You are at first requested to indicate the drive and the directory in which the programme CAAD-4.1 is to be installed. The default directory "C:\CAAD4-1” is suggested as destination directory. If required, the destination directory may be changed. After confirming the entry, the SETUP programme automatically copies all necessary files into the directory indicated. Furthermore, system files are copied into the directory SYSTEM of WINDOWS. SETUP automatically creates a new icon of CAAD-4.1 in your task bar.

 

After the installation has been executed, the programme is usually immediately ready for operation. In some cases Windows has to be started again. This is always the case if old DLL libraries had to be exchanged.

Note: For perfect operation of the graphics routines, a printer driver must be installed in Windows (even if no printer is present!).

 

III. PROGRAMME START

To start the programme, click with the left mouse key on the CAAD-4.1 icon in the Windows task bar. The opening screen is displayed with a photo of our semi-anechoic chamber for sound measuring and the logos of MONACOR INTERNATIONAL.

 

By pressing a key or by means of a mouse click you arrive in the main menu of CAAD-4.1.

Select at first the desired working language of the programme. Choose below the menu item 'Edit' the sub-item 'Nation'. Then you can select your language out of seven possible nations. For loading this language with every further start of the programme, the present paramenters are saved below ‘Edit’-’Save settings’.

 

IV. The submenus in the calculation or cabinet editor:

 

IV.1 File

 

IV.1.1 File-Load database file

Here you can choose the driver database of which you can take your Thiele-Small parameters for the speaker calculations. Default database file is IMG2002.TTN.

 

IV.1.2 File-Create database file

If you wish to create further databasis except for database IMG2002.TTN, you can create any number of database files with this menu item. Enter the database name in the upper text field of the database window (max. 255 signs). Click on the command button "Create". CAAD-4.1 now automatically creates a new file with the ending ‘.TTN’ .

 

IV.1.3 File-Load project

In CAAD-4.1 you can save calculated data as a project. The file ending is ”.PKT” in this case. With the menu item "Load project" you can call these data again.

 

IV.1.4 File-Save project

As described above, you can save calculated data in a file here. Enter in the above text field the desired file name (max. 255 signs) and confirm with the command button "Save".

 

IV.1.5 File-Information files

Now you find a technical library for crossover calculation, a README file with measures in case of CAAD problems and an information file about the CAAD programme.

 

IV.1.6 File-Quit Alt + F4

To secure the compatibility with other WINDOWS programmes, this menu item has beeen implemented. By this you quit the CAAD-4.1 programme. (You can also quit CAAD-4.1 with the menu item ”Quit”. The data edited at last are automatically saved in a file which is immediately available in case of a new start of CAAD-4.1).

 

 

IV.2 Edit

 

IV.2.1 Edit-Colours

You can set an individual colour reproduction for the programme. Click at the desired colour selection point. Now a window opens in which you can select the desired colour with the mouse pointer and by clicking the left mouse key. Confirm the selection with "OK". Now the colour is set.

 

If you cannot see anything any more on your screen due to your colour selection (white eagle on white background), you can set the standard colours again with the sub-item "Use default colours" (key combination: Alt + ”B” + ”F” + ”N” + ”ENTER”).

 

IV.2.2 Edit-Save settings

The above-described settings can be saved with this item in the file ”CAAD.SYS”. Then they are automatically called again with every programme start.

 

IV.2.3 Edit-Nation

 

With CAAD-4.1 you can choose among seven languages: Belgium, Danish, German, English, Spanish, French, and Swedish. Just click on the desired lanuage - there is an immediate change of the language. Note: Please always save your language choice with the menu item "Save settings" for the next programme start.

 

IV.3 Driver

 

IV.3.1 Driver-Driver editor

With this menu item you get into the driver editor again in which you can enter, load, and save driver data. The driver editor is described further below.

 

IV.3.2 Driver-Select driver

To select a driver of the database, activate the menu item "Select driver". The driver editor is automatically inserted. A selection list with the drivers saved in the file is displayed. By double-clicking with the left mouse button or via the cursor keys and the RETURN key, the desired driver is loaded.

You can now edit the files (via 'File' - 'Edit driver data') or return to the main menu. The driver data remain in the memory.

 

IV.3 Drivers Edit new driver

To edit a new driver, you get into the driver editor with this menu item. The input fields are empty now. Insert the driver name and all Thiele-Small parameters of your new driver. A reference window in the lower area of the driver editor informs you if a parameter for the calculation of driver systems is necessary or not. Some data are calculated automatically. Save your new driver with the menu item "Save data".

 

 

IV. 4 Cabinets

 

With this menu item you find the real cabinet calculation. You can choose between 8 box types: Closed, bass reflex, band pass, compound closed, compound bass reflex, compound band pass, transmission line, and bass horns.

Click with the left mouse key on the desired box. You can also use so-called 'Short Cuts': These are key combinations with the Shift key, the Alt key or the Strg key, and a function key or non-numerical key. For the box calculation please use the Short Cuts ‘Strg+F1’ bis ‘Strg+F9’ (English keyboard:  'Ctrl+F1' up to 'Ctrl+F9').

 

Description of the fields:

 

Driver name

The driver name is automatically transferred from the database. If necessary, it can also be overwritten. The driver name is now displayed in all headlines for the cabinet calculation. Also the graphic prints of the cabinet calculation show this name for identification. The max. length of the driver name depends on the graphics resolution and the letter size.

 

Box type

In the field 'Box type' the type of box selected by you is displayed. By clicking in this field with the left mouse key the pop-up menu for the cabinet selection is opened. Thus, you can change very quickly between the box types or the parts list.

 

Number of same drivers

You can have a box constructed with several drivers of the same type to increase the sound pressure. CAAD-4.1 calculates the parameters with up to four drivers. When calculating compound systems and horns, only one driver can be calculated.

 

Resonance frequency (fs) in Hz

In this field the free air resonance frequency of the driver is inserted. This parameter is automatically transferred from the database file and can only be changed there.

 

.

* Automatically transferred

 

Equivalent volume (Vas) in l

Here you enter the value for the equivalent volume. The value corresponds to air quantity of the same compliance as the cone suspension, with mounting in a closed air-tight box. This parameter is automatically transferred from the database file and can only be changed there.

 

* Automatically transferred.

 

Total Q (Qts)

An important value for the box calculation. Qts gives information about the mechanical and electrical Q of the driver. The total Q has a decisive influence on the finished driver box. The programme calculates the total Q from the following factors:

 

DC resistance (Re), mechanical Q (Qms), electrical Q (Qes) and Rs. The last facor is the total resistance of the speaker wires and coils in the crossover network. All of these values influence the electrical Q and thus the total Q. This parameter is automatically transferred from the database file and can only be changed there. (Only Rs has a decisive influence on Qts in this case.)

 

* Automatically transferred

 

Mechanical Q (Qm)

The mechanical Q results e.g. from the quality of the cone suspension. This parameter is automatically transferred from the database file and can only be changed there.

 

* Automatically transferred

 

Electrical Q (Qe)

The electrical Q is determined by losses in the speaker or the quality of the coil and magnet. This parameter is automatically transferred from the database file and can only be changed there.

 

* Automatically transferred

 

DC resistance (Re) in Ohm

DC resistance of the coil. Not to be mixed up with the AC current or inductance resistance of the coil. The last value is usually approx. 20% higher. This parameter is automatically transferred from the database file and can only be changed there.

 

* Automatically transferred

 

Series resistance (Rs) in Ohm

The series resistance is a very interesting factor. The value represents the electrical loss of the speaker wires and the frequency crossover in ohm. As indicated above, it influences the electrical Q and thus the total Q. If in case of emergency  you do not know the values of Qms and Qes, do not despair. The solution is unconventional but it works: Qts new = Qts old x (Re+Rs/Re) (x means multiply). An inserted series resistor can slightly increase a low Qt value of a speaker. 0.6 ohm is taken as a standard value.

 

* Not transferred from the database file

 

The parameters following now depend on the box type to be calculated.

 

IV.4.1 Cabinets Closed box:

 

Closed box Q

Here you can enter the desired value for the closed box Q. The closed box Q is calculated of driver Q and box Q. Due to the law of nature the value of the closed box Q must be higher than the total Q of the driver!

 

Qcb = 0.5 is called 'critically attenuated' and gives a very defined but "thin" bass sound.

 

The relative sound pressure is -6dB at resonance frequency.

 

Qcb = 0.7   is a compromise between low-reaching bass and good reproduction of transient response.

The relative sound pressure is -3dB at resonance frequency.

 

Qcb = 1     known as "popular" bass, gives a rich, but a moderate transient response

The relative sound pressure is 0dB at resonance frequency.

 

Qcb = 1.4   gives a very "rich" bass, but a poor transient response.

The relative sound pressure is +3dB at the resonance frequency.

 

Qcb = 2     very, very "rich", "fat" bass, but a very poor transient response.

The relative sound pressure is +6dB at the resonance frequency.

 

...and so on. But please remember to control the other parameters and especially the frequency curve.

(Qcb=Q closed box).

The rule-of-thumb is: Low Qcb value = larger box

 

Box resonance frequency (fcb) in Hz

The resonance frequency is determined by the driver resonance frequency and the cabinet resonance frequency. Due to the law of nature the system resonance frequency must be higher than that for the driver. You will soon find out that small changes in (fcb) result in great changes in Qcb and Vb (box volume).

 

The rule-of-thumb is: Low fcb value = larger box

 

Alfa (fcb/fs)2-l (a) (small Greek alfa)

Correlation between the equivalent volume of the driver and the compliance of the box (Vas/Vab). It is always greater than 0 (zero) and usually smaller than 10.

 

The rule-of-thumb is: Low a-value = larger box

 

Net close volume (Vd) in l

If you wish to test if the speakers are suitable for an existing box: Here you can enter the box volume in litres. The frequency curve and the values of Qcb and fcb show how well speakers and box match.

 

Leakage volume (Vb-) in l

The leakage volume is composed of the addition of the air quantities occupied by driver, crossover network, and the bracings (to reinforce the box). When the final box suggestion is displayed by the programme, this volume is considered and included.

 

The parameter input for closed box types is finished here. Please pay attention to possible error messages.

 

The results of the box calculation are displayed on the right side of the screen. Most parameters should be known. However, a few must be explained:

 

The Acoustic volume is the inside box volume calculated by the programme. By dampening material like Acustilux, glass wool, rock wool, sheep wool, or similar, the effective volume of the box is enlarged. The reason for this is the lower sound speed in the dampening material. The sound speed can decrease by the factor 1.4 in box types which are dampened very much.

 

CAAD takes this effect into account and assumes a density factor of 1.2 as a standard value.

The net close volume (Vb) is the box volume corrected by the density factor.

 

The Relative sound pressure level SPL at fcb in dB, as already indicated by the name, is the relative sound pressure at the resonance frequency of the box/driver system.

 

The quotient fs/Qt (EBP = Efficency Bandwidth Product) shows (according to Richard

H.Small) if a driver is suitable for a special box type:

 

- EBP below 50                for transmission line

- EPB 50-99           for closed types

- EPB 100-149                  for bass reflex

- EPB 150-250                  for horn systems

 

All above-mentioned values are just guidelines and should not be taken too strictly.

 

The Reference SPL (SPL = Sound Pressure Level) in dB is calculated of the driver data fs, Vas, and Qe and can sometimes be slightly lower than stated by the manufacturer!

 

With the last parameter CAAD gives you dimensions for a speaker cabinet, suitable for the entered driver. The leakage volume has already been considered. The data shown are inside dimensions of the cabinet.

 

With closed boxes you can enter individual box dimensions and have the resulting parameters calculated.

 

The Box volume (VbG) in l shows the gross volume of the inside cabinet, i.e. the cabinet volume which is calculated of width x height x depth without considering drivers and reflex tubes.

 

With the button Get values from the database you are able to have the Thiele-Small parameters reset to the database values after manual change of the data in the cabinet editor.

 

With the button Calculate optimum box CAAD is caused to calculate a cabinet which is optimized for the driver, i.e. which is matched both electrically as well as mechanically. CAAD tries to set the cabinet Q to 0.707 if Qts is smaller than Qtc and the driver matches into the cabinet with these parameters.

 

If the parameters entered are not calculated or overwritten immediately, the programme can force with Calculate data to take over the input fields (e.g. for width/height/depth).

 

NOTE: The box data are almost exclusively fixed by the bass driver. However, a complete driver system system also includes mid and high range speakers. You can select suitable speakers from the catalogue summary of the MONACOR catalogue 45 which is saved as PDF file on your CAAD-4.1 CD-ROM.

 

It should be observed that the speaker capabilities correspond with each other and that the frequency ranges are overlapping each other. By suitable selection of the crossover frequencies for bass/midrange and mid/high range a crossover network can be calculated. The additional driver volumes must be added to the box volume.

 

IV.4.2 Cabinets-Bass reflex

 

Effective cone area (Sd) cm²

The size of the cone area finally determines the minimum area of the bass reflex opening. This parameter is decisive for further calculations.

 

Port area (Ap) cm²

The programme calculates a minimum area of the bass reflex opening to avoid distortions and air flow noise in the reflex opening. In case the calculated minimum area is larger than the area of your existing, individual bass reflex tube, the following information may be useful:

 

Tube model                                MBR-35        MBR-50        MBR-70        MBR-110

Tube diameter in mm                              35                51                70                110

Area of one tube in cm²                           9.6               20.4            34.2              95

Area of two tubes in cm²             19.2              40.8             68.4             190

Area of four tubes in cm²             38.4             81.6           136.8            380

 

With the button MONACOR MBR you determine if your bass reflex cabinet is to be equipped with bass reflex tubes of the MONACOR assortment or if the bass reflex channel is to be calculated as a slot. When activating the button, in the text field next to it, number and item name of the MBR bass reflex tube  is indicated.

 

If the port length should exceed the depth of the box, the port area (Ap) has to be reduced. If it should be lower than 3 cm, the port area must be increased. The error message in case of a lower value than the minimum port area can be disregarded. In this case, however, there may be inconvenient air flow noise.

 

The rule-of-thumb is: Larger opening area = longer reflex tube

 

Leakage factor (Ql)

It is impossible to make an ideal combination of driver and box which does not show any losses (friction losses, unwanted openings, reflections). QI can only exactly be measured after the box has been finished. The below-mentioned list is the result of researches which have been made among others by Richard H. Small. It can serve as a guideline for the calculation of bass reflex boxes until you have made your own experience.

 

Box volume in litres  :         below 35      35-70           above 70

Ql standard value    :           10                7                  5

 

Leakage volume (Vb-) in l

The leakage volume is composed of the addition of the air quantities occupied by driver, crossover network, and the bracings (to reinforce the box). If the final box suggestion is displayed by the programme, this volume is considered and included.

 

The parameter input for bass reflex boxes is finished here. Please pay attention to possible error messages.

 

The results of the box calculation are displayed on the right side of the screen. Most parameters should be known. However, a few must be explained:

 

BRK = bass reflex channel

 

The Reference SPL (SPL = sound pressure level) in dB is calculated of driver data fs, Vas, and Qe and can sometimes be slightly lower than stated by the manufacturer!

 

The quotient fs/Qt (EBP = Efficency Bandwidth Product) shows (according to Richard

H.Small) if a driver is suitable for a special box type:

 

- EBP below 50                for transmission line

- EPB 50-99           for closed types

- EPB 100-149                  for bass reflex

- EPB 150-250                  for horn systems

 

All above-mentioned values are just guidelines and are not to be taken too strictly.

 

 (small Greek alfa) is the relation of the compliance of the driver and the box volume (Vas(Vb).

 

h is the relation of the resonance frequency (fs) of the driver and the resonance frequency of the reflex opening (Fp(fs).

 

With the last parameter CAAD gives you dimensions for a speaker cabinet, matching the driver entered. The additional volume has already been considered in this case. The displayed data are inside dimensions of the cabinet.

 

With bass reflex boxes you can fix individual box dimensions and have the resulting parameters calculated.

 

The box volume (VbG) in l shows the gross volume of the inside cabinet, i.e. the cabinet volume which is calculated of width x height x depth without considering speakers and reflex tubes.

 

With the button Get values from database you are able to have the Thiele-Small parameters reset to the database values after manual changes of the data in the cabinet editor.

 

With the button Calculate optimum cabinet, CAAD is caused to calculate a cabinet which is optimized for the driver, i.e. which is matched both electrically as well as mechanically. If the reflex channel is to be optimized as well, at first enter '0' for the reflex channel area and then activate Calculate optimum cabinet.

 

If the parameters entered are not calculated or overwritten immediately, the programme can force with Calculate data to take over the input fields (e.g. for width/height/depth).

 

 

IV.4.3 Cabinets-Band pass

 

System damping (S)

In this field you enter the damping factor of the system (approx. 0.4 to 0.7). It influences the transient response and the box dimensions. With S = 0.4 there is a very "rich", "fat" bass while with S = 0.7 a "HiFi" bass can be obtained.

 

System Q (Q't)

The system Q (Q't) is composed of the Qs of the speaker and the rear closed volume of the band pass box. Q't = 0.7 is a good value for a start but it must never be lower than the Qt value of the driver. Otherwise this would result in a box of unlimited size.

You can try different combinations of S and Q't to change the bandwidth and the frequency response.

 

Port area (Ap) cm²

The programme calculates a minimum area of the bass reflex opening to avoid distortions and air flow noise in the reflex opening. If the calculated area is larger than the area of your existing, individual bass reflex tube, the following information may be useful:

 

Tube model                                MBR-35        MBR-50        MBR-70        MBR-110

Tube diameter in mm                              35                51                70                110

Area of a tube in cm²                               9.6             20.4             34.2              95

Area of two tubes in cm²                        19.2             40.8             68.4             190

Area of four tubes in cm²                         38.4             81.6           136.8            380

 

 

If the port length sould exceed the box depth, the port area (Ap) must be reduced. If it should be lower than the wall thickness, the port area must be increased. The error message with a value lower than the minimum port area can be disregarded. However, in this case there may be inconvenient air flow noise.

 

The rule-of thumb is: Larger opening area - longer reflex tube

 

Leakage volume (Vb-) in l

The leakage volume is composed of the addition of the air quantities occupied by driver, crossover network, and the bracings (to reinforce the box). If the final box suggestion is displayed by the programme, this volume is considered and included.

 

Leakage volume (Vf-) in l

Vf- is in this case the displaced air quantity of the front volume in litres occupied by the driver, the crossover network, and the bracings (to reinforce the box). The leakage volume (Vf-) is considered when suggesting the box.

 

The parameter input for band pass boxes is finished here. Please pay attention to possible error messages shown now.

 

The results of the box calculation are displayed on the right side of the screen. Most parameters should be known. However, a few must be explained:

 

BRK = bass reflex channel

 

The Maximum ripple indicates by how much dB the sound pressure ahead and after the midfrequency exceeds the sound pressure of the midfrequency. The greater the ripple, the poorer the reproduction of the transient response of the box. The system attenuation (S) has a decisive influence on the ripple.

 

RULE-OF-THUMB: LOW RIPPLE - BETTER REPRODUCTION OF THE TRANSIENT RESPONSE

 

The quotient fs/Qt (EBP = efficency bandwidth product) shows (according to Richard

H.Small) if a driver is suitable for a special box type:

 

- EBP below 50                for transmission line

- EPB 50-99           for closed types

- EPB 100-149                  for bass reflex

- EPB 150-250                  for horn systems

 

 

IV.4.4 Cabinets-Compound:.

 

Due to drivers of the same type, mounted rear to rear, or as in this case, mounted one after the other in a small internal chamber, the box volume can considerably be reduced (approx. half a volume). The graphics for compound system clearly shows this principle.

 

After selecting this menu item, at first the type of compound box has to be determined. You can select between closed, bass reflex, and band pass boxes. Then you are asked if you wish a round connecting box. If this question is confirmed, you only have to enter the diameter and the length of the connecting box. The diameter is in general determined by the speaker diameter. The length of the connecting box depends on the mounting depth of the driver. It should be at least twice the mounting depth of the driver. If you select a square box, you have to enter the width, the height, and the length of the connecting box. If the driver data have been transferred from the database, these dimensions are already fixed for you.

 

The further calculations correspond to those of closed, bass reflex, or band pass boxes. With compound boxes you are able to determine individual box dimensions and have the resulting parameters calculated.

 

 

IV.4.5 Cabinets-Transmission line:

 

Effective cone area (Sd) cm²

The size of the cone area finally fixes the minimum area of the open line end. This parameter is decisive for further calculations.

 

Design frequency (ftl) in Hz

With the design frequency the fundamental frequency for the TL box is determined. However, the design frequency should not be selected lower than the resonance frequency of the driver.

 

Stuffing density kg/m³

To enlarge the effective box volume (while maintaining the outside box dimensions), the box is stuffed with dampening wool inside. The more dampening wool is used, the greater the effective volume. A useful stuffing density is between 6 and 8 kg per m3.

 

Area factor [1.25-2.5]

The area factor is the relation of cone area and initial area within the TL box. The area factor influences the Q value and the resonance frequency of the box.

 

The parameter input for the transmission line box is finished here. Please pay attention to possible error messages.

 

The results of the box calculations are displayed on the right side of the screen. Most parameters should be known. However, a few must be explained:

 

The quotient fs/Qt (EBP = Efficency Bandwidth Product) shows (according to Richard

H.Small) if a driver is suitable for a special box type:

 

- EBP below 50                for transmission line

- EPB 50-99           for closed types

 

- EPB 100-149                  for bass reflex

- EPB 150-250                  for horn system

 

All above-mentioned values are just guidelines and should not be taken too strictly.

 

The indications regarding the box dimensions are to be interpreted as follows:

 

- Internal width                  : Inside box width

- Internal height                 : Inside box height

- Internal depth (1)  : Inside box depth at the beginning of the channel (at the driver)

- Internal depth (2)  : Inside box depth at the bending of the channel (centre of the channel)

 

- Internal depth (3)  : Inside box depth at the end of the channel (exit of sound)

 

IV.4.6 Horn:

 

Effective cone area (SD) cm²

For the horn calculation the size of the cone area is decisive for the size of the throat area (initial area) of the horn.

 

Lower cut-off frequency (fgu)

In this field enter the desired lower cut-off frequency of the horn. It has a decisive influence on the horn length. The lower cut-off frequency should always be chosen higher than the resonance frequency of the driver.

 

.

 

Upper cut off frequency(fhm)

In this field enter the desired upper cut-off frequency of the horn. If you wish to have calculated by CAAD the mass-depending (cone mass) upper limit frequency, please enter 0 (zero).

 

Pressure chamber volume (Vc) in l

The pressure chamber volume is a cabinet chamber between speaker and horn throat. Thus, the upper limit frequency is limited to avoid distortions by partial vibrations.

 

The next value to enter is the desired Horn position in room. This parameter is only of importance for bass horns. For bass horns, the mouth area and thus the horn length as well decisively depend on the room position. Examples:

 

   Horn position                                     Mouth area                       Horn length

   1: Floor                                   18940 cm²                        207.9 cm

   2: Floor/wall                                      9470 cm²                         169.9 cm

   3: Floor/(wall) corner                         4735 cm²                         132.0 cm

 

Click at the input field beside Horn position in room. A window opens in which you can choose the desired position.

 

The throat area (Ah) is the initial area of the horn ahead of the speaker.

 

The mouth area (Am) is the end area of the horn at the funnel end.

 

The Horn constant (k) determines the bending of the horn (horn shape), and thus also the horn length. The greater the horn constant, the greater the opening angle and the shorter the horn.

 

The Closed cabinet volume (Vb) is a closed box onto which the driver acts backwards. It is exactly calculated like a basic closed box.

 

The indicated SPL gain in dB is a pure calculating factor. This theoretical value is slightly reduced due to friction losses and reflections at the horn mouth.

 

To calculate the horn shape, the following indications are necessary:

 

Number of graduations

The total horn length is subdivided into equal graduations. At these points CAAD states the horn dimensions in cm. The distance of the graduations is automatically calculated.

 

Distance of the graduations

If you wish to place the graduations at a special distance from each other, enter this distance in cm. The number of the distances of graduations is then calculated automatically.

 

Horn area

 

Round

CAAD calculates a circular horn. At distances (xm) in cm from the horn throat which have been defined before, the corresponding areas (xf) in cm2 and the respective radius (xr) in cm are calculated.

 

Square

CAAD calculates a horn with a square horn area. At distances (xm) in cm from the horn throat which have been defined before, the corresponding areas (xf) in cm2 and the respective sides (ax) and (bx) in cm are calculated.

 

Ratio a:b

You can determine a special side ratio for rectangular mouth areas of the horn. Side ratios

0.0001 : 99999 up to 99999 : 0.0001 can be calculated (if it makes any sense or not)

At distances (xm) in cm from the horn throat which have been defined before, the corresponding areas (xf)

in cm² and the respective sides (ax) and (bx) in cm are calculated.

 

Width of horn constant

If the horn, e.g. in case of bass horns, is not to exceed a certain width, one side can be determined in another window as a constant value. Now only one side (bx) is calculated. The corresponding areas (xf) in cm2 and the respective sides (ax) and (bx) are calculated by means of distances (xm) in cm from the horn throat which have been defined before.

 

A list with the above-described parameters can be displayed by activating the command field "List horn dimensions". This list can also be printed via the menu item "Print list" on a printer.

 

 

IV.4.7 Cabinets-Edit existing cabinet

 

With this extra useful tool you are able to choose a matching replacement speaker of the MONACOR range for a defective speaker of an existing speaker system. Click on this menu item to open a new window in which you are requested to enter the outside dimensions

 of the existing box. The mounting cutout refers to the cutout in the sound wall for the speaker. If the wall thickness of the box cannot exactly be determined, the suggested value of 1.9 cm should be taken over. In the last column on the right you are able to change in each case the unit of measurement for the dimensions. For calculating and searching a suitable driver these units of measurement are taken into consideration.

 

For the correct selection of a suitable replacement chassis, the rated impedance is still required. It is indicated in most cases on the rear side of the speaker box.

Now enter the type of box: you can choose between a closed box and a bass reflex system. Now the matching driver can be selected. For this purpose, activate the button Search suitable driver. A list of suitable drivers is displayed in the driver editor. Double-click with the left mouse key to select one of the drivers. At first have the box displayed as drawing (click on the symbol with the speaker box or the menu item Graphic-Cabinet drawing). Then please check the sound pressure curve (right mouse key and then Sound pressure level or via View-Sound pressure level). If an excessive bass value should be displayed in the sound pressure level, another speaker should be selected from the list. Click on the right mouse key and then go to item Driver list. The above-mentioned selection list opens again. Select the next speaker (if existing) and repeat the above-mentioned steps.

 

Hint: If you have the curves displayed from the window of the box drawing, the previous sound pressure curve is not deleted. The newly calculated curve is now additionally drawn for comparison. Repeat the above-mentioned steps until you have checked the optimum speaker of the list.

 

IV.4.8 Cabinets-Parts-list

For all boxes calculated by CAAD-4.1 a parts list can be displayed. Except for the box walls also the driver/s, bass reflex tube/s, and the necessary dampening wool are listed.

 

The parts list is printed via the printer symbol in the parts list window above on the right. The button with the cross next to it closes the parts list.

 

IV.4.9 Cabinets-Multiway system

The side ratio of the box walls to each other is optimized with this option for multiway boxes. The side ratio is 1:0.8:1.25 (depth:width:height) in this case.

 

 

IV.4.10 Cabinets-Subwoofer

The side ratio of the box walls to each other is optimized with this option for subwoofer boxes. The side ratio is 1:1:1 (depth:width:height) in this case.

 

IV.4.11 Cabinets-Use MONACOR MBR

With this option the button MONACOR MBR in the bass reflex - box editor is activated.

Description see above below Box - Bass reflex.

 

 

 

IV.5 Filter

 

Activate this menu item (or click on the filter symbol in the symbol bar) to get to the filter editor. You can can have calculated crossover networks of 1st to 4th order in two-way up to four-way version. Besides, you can have calculated an impedance equalization for the impedance rise at the resonance frequency or at rising frequency. In this editor also the sound pressure of different drivers can be matched. The filter editor is exactly described further below.

 

IV.6 Graphics

 

IV.6.1 Graphics-Sound pressure level

After calculation of one speaker box the sound pressure curve and the impedance curve of the system can be displayed. For transmission line boxes and horn systems these curves are not calculated.

 

To compare curves of two different box calculations, the curve that has just been calculated can be saved by pressing the key "s" (like save) and, if necessary, it can be loaded again by "l" (like load)  to be displayed on the graphics screen. The loaded comparison curves are displayed in red colour.

 

IV.6.1.1 File-Diagram save

Additionally via the menu item Diagram save, the just calculated curve can permanently be saved for later comparisons. In the test field of the File dialogue window a name of the curve to be saved is suggested. Take it over or overwrite the suggestion and click on Save.

 

IV.6.1.2 File-Diagram load

To have the curve displayed again, activate the item Diagram load. Choose the desired curve from the file list (by double-clicking with the left mouse key or with the button Load). Now another window opens, the

 

legend.

 

IV.6.1.3 File-Legend

At the first place of the legend always the name of the driver just calculated is stated. Five further places are reserved for driver curves which can be loaded. At the second place there is the name of the curve just loaded. To see the curves, the small control box on the left beside the driver name must be marked with a cross. Now click on the button Update. After a short calculation time the curves marked with a cross are displayed in the colour indicated in the legend. Colour changes can be made by clicking on the driver name in the legend. Choose your desired colour of the colour selection and click on OK. After clicking again on Update, the corresponding curve is displayed in the new colour.

 

If all places of the legend are occupied and you wish to load another curve, a memory place must be overwritten. After you have chosen the desired curve in the file dialogue, you are asked in the input window to indicate the name of the place to be overwritten. It is even easier to indicate the current number of the memory places (1 to 6). Please consider that place 1 is always overwritten with the newly calculated curve in each case.

 

IV.6.1.4 File-Cabinet editor

 

Here you get back to the box calculation.

 

IV.6.1.5 File-Driver list

If in the driver editor the driver list has at least once been called, this list can be called again without deviation via this menu item to select a driver for calculation.

 

IV.6.1.6 Printer-Print driver SPL

The system of coordinates of the graphics is matched to the complete page of the printer and printed in colour (only with colour printers, otherwise in grey tints) in high quality and in landscape.

 

IV.6.1.7 Printer - Print screen

The screen contents currently displayed is printed in the resolution of the screen in colour (only with colour prints, otherwise in grey tints). This procedure can also be started with the push-button of the keyboard.

 

IV.6.1.8 Cabinet editor

Here you get back to the box calculation.

 

IV.6.1.9 Help

Windows Help is called together with the operating instructions.

 

IV.6.1.10 The system of coordinates graphics with sound pressure curve and impedance curve

 

After calculation of a speaker box the sound pressure curve is calculated and drawn (except for horns and transmission line boxes). With closed boxes, the impedance curve is additionally displayed. In the upper part of the graphics window you can seen the permanently up-dated coordinate display of the frequency and the corresponding sound pressure of the current mouse position. Move the mouse cursor (cross) to a position of the graphics screen from which you wish to obtain information about frequency and sound pressure. The position of the coordinate display can be moved by dragging with the mouse (keep left key pressed).

 

The impedance curve can show quite different peak values with closed boxes. In order not to cut it off above, it is to possible to change the ohm range of the system of coordinates. Drive with the mouse cursor to the lettering Ohms at the right top of the grahics window and click on it. In another window you can select between 50 ohms, 100 ohms, and 200 ohms as maximum of your system of coordinates. Confirm your selection with OK. The system of coordinates is immediately matched.

 

IV.6.2 Cabinet drawing

If this function is activated, you can see your finished speaker cabinet as a 3-dimensional display in the first picture.

 

IV.6.2.1 View

 

IV.6.2.1.1 View-Outside view

The cabinet will be drawn as a 3-dimensional display in an outside view. In the left top of the graphic you will find information about driver diameter and the cabinet dimensions. On the right side there are input fields for the distance between the driver and the bottom of the cabinet, the distance between several equal drivers and the wall thickness of the cabinet. After changing the data in these fields the picture will be redrawn at once (after pressing Enter)

 

IV.6.2.1.2 View-Internal view

In the second picture you see the section through the speaker cabinet including dimensions.

 

IV.6.2.1.3 View-Cabinet editor

The cabinet editor will get the focus.

 

IV.6.2.1.4 View-Sound pressure level

The graphic screen with the coordinate system and the sound pressure curve opens and is calculated again.

 

 

IV.6.2.2 Insert text

 

IV.6.2.2.1 Insert text-Insert new text

With this menu item you can insert comments or other text strings in the drawing. Please type the text into the input box (wich has just opened) and press Enter. The position of the text on the graphic screen can be changed by the mouse. Set the mouse cursor on the text, press and hold the left mouse button and move the text to the new position. You may insert up to five comments.

 

IV.6.2.2.2 Insert text-Delete text

The text which you have inserted at last will be deleted. If you want to delete a certain text, you have to double click on this text.

 

 

IV.6.2.3 Printer

 

IV.6.2.3.1 Printer-Print cabinet data

The cabinet drawing can accurately be printed on paper in colour (only with colour printers, else in grey) and full scale.The printer orientation is landscape.

 

IV.6.2.3.2 Printer Print screen

The actual screen will be printed on paper with the resolution of the screen.You can also start this action with the Prnt Scrn button on the keyboard.

 

IV.6.2.4 Cabinet editor

Here you will get back to the cabinet editor (main menu).

 

IV.6.2.5 Help

Windows Help will load and display the manual of CAAD-4.1.

 

IV.6.2.6 Distance measurements in the cabinet drawing

In both cabinet drawings you can measure every distance with the mouse. Move the mouse cursor to the first position, then press and hold the Ctrl-Key and move the mouse cursor to the end position of the measurement.

The measured distance is displayed in cm right beside the mouse cursor. To delete the measurement please double-click on the screen.

 

IV.7 Printer

 

IV.7.1 Printer-Printer Setup

Activate this item if you wish to select another printer than the just active one. The window already known to you for the WINDOWS printing facility is opened. As usual, choose here the desired printer, the paper size, vertical resp. horizontal size, and all other parameters for the printer.

 

 

IV.7.2 Printer-Print screen

The actual screen will be printed on paper with the resolution of the screen. You can also start this action with the Prnt Scrn button on the keyboard.

 

IV.7.3 Printer-Print cabinet data

The cabinet drawing can accurately be printed on paper in colour (only with colour printers, else in grey) and full scale.The printer orientation is landscape.

 

IV.7.4 Printer-Print driver SPL

The driver/impedance curve displayed can accurately be printed on paper with this menu item.

 

IV.7.5 Printer-Print list

The lists displayed in the programme can be printed with this order.

 

IV.8 Window

All names of open windows are displayed in this pull down menu. Select the desired menu item with the mouse or press the corresponding number.

 

IV.8.1 Window-Cascade

All windows displayed on the screen will be arranged cascaded. The dimension of the fields and the font size will be adapted.

 

IV.8.2 Window-Tile horizontally

All windows displayed on the screen will be arranged horizontally. The dimension of the fields and the font size will be adapted.

 

IV.8.3 Window-Tile vertically

All windows displayed on the screen will be arranged vertically. The dimension of the fields and the font size will be adapted.

 

IV.9 Help

 

IV.9.1 Help-Help

Here most input fields of the calculation editor are explained.

(Help can also be activated with key F1).

 

IV.9.2 Help-Manual

This name includes that here the manual can be displayed On Line. The WINDOWS Help programme is loading and displaying the manual of CAAD-4 according to the lanuage. Please close this help with ALT F4.

 

 

IV.10 Quit

With this menu item you end the programme CAAD-4.1. The last driver data will be stored in a certain file, wich can be used directly with the next start of CAAD-4.1.

 

V. The Driver editor

 

V.1 File

 

V.1.1 File-Choose database : see above item IV.1.1

 

V.1.2 File-Create database file: see above item IV.1.2

 

V.1.3 File-New driver

If you wish to create a new driver, activate this item. The input fields of the driver editor are deleted before.

Please insert all Thiele-Small parameters available to you in the corresponding fields. If you should not know some data, please insert 0 (zero). CAAD will calculate this field in most cases. If you have entered all data, please press the Ok-button and save this data set below the menu item ”Save data/new data set”. The driver is then inserted into the corresponding file.

 

V.1.4 File-Edit driver data

If you want to change some driver data or edit a new driver with almost the same data, you can choose this item and save a lot of work. Just change the different data. Then press the Ok-button and save this data set below the menu item ”Save data-Overwrite actual data

”. If you want to calculate cabinets with drivers with different values to see the changings in the cabinet dimensions or in the sound pressure curve, you have also to change the data in the driver editor.

 

V.1.5 File-Delete driver

If a driver should be deleted from the database, at first choose the corresponding database and then load the driver to be deleted into the driver editor. Then activate the item ”Delete driver”. If you confirm the question ”do you really wish to delete the driver ?”, the driver is deleted from the database.

 

V.1.6 File-Cabinet editor

Here you will get back to the cabinet editor (main menu).

 

 

 

V.2 Search driver

 

If a driver with special data or a special name is searched, in this PULL DOWN menu you are able to search the driver name, resonance frequency, total Q, equivalent volume, efficiency bandwidth product and power handling. Besides the data searched for, you have also to insert the data tolerance. After inserting, a list of drivers is displayed which correspond to these data. By double click with the left mouse key resp. by cursor key selection and the ENTER key the desired driver is loaded in the driver editor.

 

V.2.1 Search driver-View list

The list created by the search function can be displayed quickly with this item.

 

V.3 Select driver

If you have chosen a database, you can load a driver of this database in the driver editor with this item. In a selection list all drivers of the corresponding file are displayed for selection.

 

V.4 Save data

 

V.4.1 Save data-Save data as new

If you have created a new data set, you have to save it below the menu item ”Save data as new” (see above).

 

V.4.2 Save data-Overwrite actual data

If you have changed data in the driver editor, they can be included in the database with activating this item.

 

 

V.5 Printer

 

V.5.1Printer-Print screen

The actual screen will be printed on paper with the resolution of the screen.You can also start this action with the Prnt Scrn button on the keyboard.

 

V.6 Main menu

By clicking at this item you return to the main menu or cabinet editor.

 

Explanations of the input fields:

 

- Nominal impedance (Zn) Ohm

Total of the vectorial addition of DC resistance (Re) and the inductive resistance of the speaker coil.

Only for purposes of documentation. Not calculated.

 

- Resonance frequency (fs) in Hz

Lower frequency at which the impedance of the speaker has a resistance maximum.

A Thiele/Small parameter, important for other calculations, therefore state as exactly as possible.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Equivalent volume (Vas) in l

Air volume with the same compliance as the cone suspension.

A Thiele/Small parameter, important for other calculations, therefore state as exactly as possible.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Mechanical Q (Qms)

Stated by most manufacturers.

A Thiele/Small parameter, important for other calculations, therefore state as exactly as possible.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Electrical Q (Qes)

Stated by most manufacturers.

 

A Thiele/Small parameter, important for other calculations, therefore state as exactly as possible.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Total Q (Qts)

Total Q of the speaker, calculated of the electrical Q (Qe) and the mechanical Q (Qm).

A Thiele/Small parameter, important for other calculations, therefore state as exactly as possible.

* This field is calculated.

 

- DC resistance (Re) Ohm

DC resistance of the speaker, can easily be measured with an ohmmeter.

 

A Thiele/Small parameter, important for other calculations, therefore state as exactly as possible.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Effective cone area (Sd) cm²

Stated by some manufacturers. It should be measured and calculated, if not given. It is calculated of the effective cone diameter (center of cone surround up to opposite center of cone surround). It is necessary for the calculation of other parameters.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Voice coil inductance (Le) in mH

 

Inductance of the voice coil of the driver. Should be stated, if possible. This value is necessary for the calculation of other parameters.

Not calculated.

 

- Compliance (Cms) mm/N

Compliance of the cone suspension of the driver.

Stated by a few manufacturers.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Mechanical resistance (Rms)

Total of all friction losses by cone suspension, connecting wires, and air resistance.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Moving mass (Mms) in g

 

Total of the masses of cone and centering spider. Mms should be stated, if possible. Necessary for the calculation of other parameters.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Force factor (BL) N/A

This value indicates how strong the speaker ”motor” is and should be stated, if possible (measured in Newton per Ampere).

* This field is calculated.

 

- Winding height (Hc) in mm

Winding height of the driver coil. Only for information purposes.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Air gap height (Hg) in mm

Height of the air gap in which the driver coil is moving. Only for information purposes.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Displacement Volume (Vd) cm³

This is a calculated value from the data of the Winding height, the Air gap height and the Effective cone area.

* This field is calculated.

 

- Power handling (Pn) Wrms

Sine continuous power handling of the driver. Only for information purposes.

Not calculated.

 

 

- Dimensions (WxL or D) in mm

Absolute dimensions of the driver, width x length or diameter in mm. Necessary for compound calculations.

Not calculated.

 

- Mounting depth in mm

Mounting depth of the driver. Necessary for compound calculations.

Not calculated.

 

 

 

VI Filter

 

VI.1 Crossover

 

With CAAD-4.1 you can calculate crossovers of the 1st up to 4th order in 2-way or 4-way versions. The schematic diagram of this crossover with all components can be displayed and printed. Besides - and this is new - also the sound pressure curve, the impedance curve, and the curve of the phase displacement to be expected can be drawn in a coordinate system. Of course also this graphics can be printed.

 

VI.1.1 Crossover-Data Input

To select the characteristics of the crossover (1st up to 4th order, Butterworth or Linkwitz-Riley), please click at the left PULL DOWN window and choose the corresponding crossover characteristics. Proceed accordingly to select the number of the crossover ways (right PULL DOWN window).

According to the number of the crossover ways you are requested in the window ”Data input” to insert the data for the crossover frequencies and the driver impedances. Then you indicate if you wish to have the schematic or the diagram displayed.

 

VI.1.2 Crossover-Schematic

CAAD draws a complete schematic diagram of the desired crossover. The values of the parts can be calculated with the component range of the E-series (VI.4 Component range)

 

VI.1.3 Crossover-Diagram

CAAD draws a coordinate system with sound pressure curves, impedance curves and phase curves of the desired crossover.

 

VI.2 Attenuation

 

It is often necessary to match drivers with a higher sound pressure to that with a lower sound pressure and to attenuate them without changing the impedance. CAAD calculates attenuators with resistors which are inserted between crossover system and driver. Alternatively to this a serial resistance is calculated which, however, influences the total Q (Qts) of the driver. The necessary input data are limited to the necessary attenuation in dB and the nominal impedance of the driver. Also here you can have the schematic diagram displayed resp. printed.

 

VI.3 Equalization

 

While calculating crossovers, a known and constant impedance in the relevant frequency range is assumed. In reality this does not correspond to the actual values of drivers. With CAAD you can calculate an equalization, both for the increasing impedance at rising frequency (fz2 due to the voice coil inductivity) and for the impedance at the driver resonance (fz). Please insert in the window ”Data input” the driver name (not relevant for the calculation), the resonance frequency of the driver, the DC resistance, the inductivity of the voice coil, the mechanical Q, and the electrical Q of the driver. Then choose the display of the desired schematic diagram.

 

Note : When calculating equalization with fz and fz2 the value of the serial resistance Rk has to be reduced by the DC coil reistance.

 

 

VI.4 Component range

The values of the calculated components of the crossover, the attenuation circuit or the equalization circuit can be determined by the E12 range, the E24 range or the exact value.

Example:

Calculated value : R=7.28 Ohms ; E12 range : R=6.8 Ohms ; E24 range : R=7.5 Ohms

 

 

VI.5 Printer

 

VI.5.1 Printer-Print screen

The actual screen will be printed on paper with the resolution of the screen. You can also start this action with the Prnt Scrn button on the keyboard.

Note: Hard copies of the screen always have a lower resolution than prints ordered via the print manager.

 

VI.5.2 Printer- Schematic

The name already implies that here all schematics of this editor can accurately be printed.

 

VI.5.3 Printer-Diagram

 

The sound impedance and phase curves are accurately printed with this item.

 

VI.6 Main menu

You leave the filter editor by choosing this menu item.

 

 

 

VI Copyright/Liability

The present text - including illustrations and diagrams - is protected by copyright. The editor keeps all rights with regards to translations, publications, copies (including extracts) as well as micro-filming, data saving, and processing in electronical systems.

Violations will be prosecuted.

 

Exceptions have previously to be approved in writing by an authorized person of

MONACOR INTERNATIONAL GMB & CO.KG.

 

In case of faulty data, despite greatest diligence, and following consequences the editor neither takes over any legal responsibility nor any liability.

 

 

The author and MONACOR INTERNATIONAL GMBHG & Co.KG wish successful calculations, much success while building thespeaker boxes

 

as well as

 

much pleasure while listening to the home-built speaker boxes!

 

Copyright INTER-MERCADOR GMBH a. Co.KG