Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

[Sydney]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

The "focus" you describe is probably a reference to the narrow beam width that arrays exhibit in the FAR-field (distances large compared to the array length). This thinking applies to concert line arrays which are designed for far-field use. The MCLA does not behave this way because you listen to it in the NEAR-field where the sound field does not change with listening height. There is much confusion in casual speaker discussions about this very important distinction between how line arrays perform in the near-field versus far-field. The two situations are quite different and it is important to understand the distinction. Much of the analysis that applies to concert line arrays does not apply to line arrays in small rooms. Concert lines are almost always heard in the far-field.

An important distinction is that concert line arrays are both physically articulated and the segments have signals that individually electrically conditioned to create a desired acoustic pattern.

This is when the acoustic magic happens.

A Physicist using the word "magic" :eek: ;)

[r-carpenter]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

I think Sydney has a "line array" bug and about to build one if he didn't already. :D

[Sydney]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

Not yet...
The material on Keele's "Goodies CD" had me pondering variations on a hybrid CBT for small venues. This is not an original idea so I'm still doing recon to see where younger sharper minds ( and bodies ) are on this concept.

[Slamecka]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

Hi John -

Any update on your discussions regarding fabricated enclosures? Just a ping since it's been 6 months since your last post on this topic.

Like an earlier poster, I too would like to see an off-corner enclosure where a sub could be used to fill in low frequency data. Specifically I'm interested in testing the speakers for use in a live band performance environment to see if I can obtain the stated benefits... wider sonic dispersion, improved imaging, etc.

Thanks, Al

[John L. Murphy]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

Hi John -

Any update on your discussions regarding fabricated enclosures? Just a ping since it's been 6 months since your last post on this topic.

Like an earlier poster, I too would like to see an off-corner enclosure where a sub could be used to fill in low frequency data. Specifically I'm interested in testing the speakers for use in a live band performance environment to see if I can obtain the stated benefits... wider sonic dispersion, improved imaging, etc.

Thanks, Al

Hi Al,

No, there is no new information on a kit offering. I did get samples of the ND91-8 and hope to do some testing of those units before too long. I am hoping to see reduced distortion in the low frequency range compared to the ND90-8. If it is a significant improvement I may switch to the ND91-8 for my next set of prototypes. I am still looking for a source for enclosures but am spending most of my productive time on software design.

I think a similar full range array would definitely be useful for live music applications but when used out of the corner it would be best to limit it to use above 65 Hz or so.

Regards,

John

[John L. Murphy]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

Subscribing... I find this project very interesting, though I must admit I'm a bit skeptical since the project has been out there for over two years (I think) and not one person beyond the original creator has duplicated this system and reported on it with real detail.

It really does sound like an awesome system, John. To your knowledge has it been duplicated AND documented anywhere else?

I understand your skepticism. I have not heard any reports of the corner line array having been reproduced as I describe it here. I have deliberately not set out to "market" the design in the traditional way (with lots of subjective hype) so the corner-line-array is sort of on a slow burn. I expect that it will eventually be reproduced by a few brave souls and then as more people hear it the design will likely gain broader recognition. The "stopper" for most of us is all those holes that have to be precisely cut.

Regards,

John

[eurasian60]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

Hello, All

I have an opportunity to build a listening room in my basement that will allow placing a floor to ceiling array of Gold Ribbon (very much like BG) drivers in the corners reinforced by Acoustat panels with rear wave absorption. My questions are: Have any of you tried a narrow true line source (250 to 20kHz) flanked by 8" mid/bass units operating from roughly 50 to 250 Hz? Will corner placement cause "horn honk" issues? Just what do the corner lines sound like?

[NEAudio]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

I understand your skepticism. I have not heard any reports of the corner line array having been reproduced as I describe it here. I have deliberately not set out to "market" the design in the traditional way (with lots of subjective hype) so the corner-line-array is sort of on a slow burn. I expect that it will eventually be reproduced by a few brave souls and then as more people hear it the design will likely gain broader recognition. The "stopper" for most of us is all those holes that have to be precisely cut.

Regards,

John

Well, I built a set of MCLA's and did not find it hard to make the holes. Did it on a milling machine with a 3" hole saw and finished the edges with a router bit. Finished the 1/2" birch plywood with a few base coats of shellac, filled the cabinets with the AuraSound low-cost driver, and would like to sell the results. I've gotten involved in too many projects! Anybody interested in a low cost, virtually no-work way to get involved in this concept?

NEAudio

[marvin]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

Well, I built a set of MCLA's and did not find it hard to make the holes. Did it on a milling machine with a 3" hole saw and finished the edges with a router bit. Finished the 1/2" birch plywood with a few base coats of shellac, filled the cabinets with the AuraSound low-cost driver, and would like to sell the results. I've gotten involved in too many projects! Anybody interested in a low cost, virtually no-work way to get involved in this concept?

NEAudio

Your pic includes what looks like one of Pete Schumaker's Byzantium designs. I've also heard of the mini-Byzantiums, but just what is that large enclosure lying face down on the left........a MONSTER BYZNATIUM?!? :D

[jcpahman77]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

Well, I built a set of MCLA's and did not find it hard to make the holes. Did it on a milling machine with a 3" hole saw and finished the edges with a router bit. Finished the 1/2" birch plywood with a few base coats of shellac, filled the cabinets with the AuraSound low-cost driver, and would like to sell the results. I've gotten involved in too many projects! Anybody interested in a low cost, virtually no-work way to get involved in this concept?

NEAudio

Your pic includes what looks like one of Pete Schumaker's Byzantium designs. I've also heard of the mini-Byzantiums, but just what is that large enclosure lying face down on the left........a MONSTER BYZNATIUM?!? :D

I think the more nagging question is, what were your listening impressions of the MCLA. Certainly you didn't put the work into making a pair and NOT listen to them.

So, how 'bout it?

[NEAudio]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

Your pic includes what looks like one of Pete Schumaker's Byzantium designs. I've also heard of the mini-Byzantiums, but just what is that large enclosure lying face down on the left........a MONSTER BYZNATIUM?!? :D

No, not monster Byznatium or a Byzantium but a 12' sailboat which I am re-configuring this winter.

Yes to the Schumacher Byzantium question---done in Walnut and now in my living room, thank you!!

[NEAudio]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

I think the more nagging question is, what were your listening impressions of the MCLA. Certainly you didn't put the work into making a pair and NOT listen to them.

So, how 'bout it?

JCP: I wasn't totally pleased, to be honest, But I did not use J Murphy's recommended drivers and I did not get into EQ'ing. I built the MCLA's as an experiment in cabinet production and wiring and to get perspective on the performance of my Super Tower II's which are about as far in the other direction as you could go. The MCLA's are almost invisible by comparison, for one thing, and I can lift them, for another. I am getting crowded with speakers--

[Carrick1973]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

Very interesting thread. I like the concept and it seems like a very well thought out execution. I do wonder why no one else has made any of these (to specification and with the right EQ and settings) and reported back with their thoughts.


My room is not perfect for it either as the wall it would need to go on either side of is 27+ feet long. Could the sides of the speaker box be extended out a foot or two, in effect creating a wall for the sound to bounce off of?

[cfelliot]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

John,

I look forward to your views on the ND91-8.

I would also be interested in an enclosure kit or just the front baffle.

Chuck Elliot

[r-carpenter]

Re: Murphy Corner Line Array (MCLA)

last week I build a set for a friend of mine. It'll probably take him a while to wire them up. I ended up building 3/4" thickness all around, miter folding.
Holes were drilled for surface mounting. Curious how they going to sound. 2496 will be used for correction.