News & Media

Nick Sterling Demos the Eminence Black Mountain.

September 15,2010

The amazingly talented Nick Sterling checks out the Eminence Black Mountain 12″ Alnico speaker in this video. The Black Mountain is a vintage American-voiced speaker with tight lows and warm, smooth upper mid emphasis and highs. It’s great for single note lead tone.

Nick Sterling began his career at the age of seven, when he picked up his first guitar. In the years that have followed, he released his first EP at the age of ten, appropriately titled “Ten”, he has performed hundreds of shows, developed an amazing stage presence, and raised his guitar playing to the level that many have called virtuoso. After opening shows, and sharing the stage with such artists as Kid Rock, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, Tesla, Gavin Degraw, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani, Etc, at the age of 13, Nick was presented with The Young Artists Award for Outstanding Young Rock Musician. In August of 2010 Nick released his long anticipated 3rd album “Invisible”. Next on Nick’s schedule is the recording of a new Sebastian Bach album for which Nick has written several songs, and will be playing on.

Learn more about the Black Mountain here.

Check out Nick at his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/nicksterlingrocks

Understanding SPL

Tech Talk With Big Tony

September 14,2010

SPL stands for sound pressure level and is also commonly referred to as efficiency and sensitivity. This parameter represents how loud a speaker is. A higher SPL equates to a louder speaker.

A speaker is placed on a baffle with the cone facing into an anechoic chamber (room designed to stop sound reflections). A microphone is placed one meter away and centered on the speaker. Tones at various frequencies from 20Hz-20kHz are played through the speaker during this test. Eminence uses software called Loudspeaker Measurement System (LMS) to plot the result. The plot, commonly know as a frequency response graph, shows frequency on an x-axis (in Hz) versus SPL on a y-axis (in dB).

SPL ratings are very useful and well represent speaker output when comparing one manufacturer’s speaker to another model of the same manufacturer. It can be misleading, however, when comparing two different manufacturer’s ratings. The problem is that an industry standard method of representing SPL does not exist and we all come up with the published rating a bit differently. Eminence uses the frequency response curve and considers the usable frequency range of a given speaker for published SPL. We feel this is most representative of “real world” output. It is also acceptable to publish an average of the mid-band piston response, an average over the entire 20Hz-20kHz spectrum, or a calculation from T/S parameters. I often find that other manufacturer’s SPL ratings are lower than Eminence’s, even on ones I know are similar from comparing them sonically. The intent here is not to validate Eminence’s method or accuse others of doing it incorrectly. It is merely pointing out that there are differences and comparing different manufacturer’s SPL ratings may not be an accurate comparison.

Eminence Speaker LLC Names Exclusive Distributor in Southern Florida

Speaker Noise

September 11,2010

Eminence, KY – Eminence Speaker LLC is pleased to announce Miami-based Intermark Industries, Inc. as the exclusive distributor for areas in Southern Florida, up to and including the cities of Sarasota and Port St. Lucie. Already distributing Eminence products to South America, Central America and the Caribbean, Intermark’s capabilities are suited for these new territories.

As the preferred wholesale distributor of over 40 prestigious product lines in the Pro and Car Audio, DJ and General Electronics fields, Intermark has earned a reputation for providing the highest quality products and excellent customer service.

“We’re very excited about expanding this relationship and the opportunities it brings.” said Eminence President Chris Rose. “Intermark has the infrastructure, service and support needed to cover this important region. We feel it is important for wholesalers in these areas to have an authorized, continuous, and single source of supply, as well as the very best customer service possible.”

“This is a great opportunity for Intermark” said Dan Kremen, Intermark Executive VP. “Eminence products continue to be a big part of our success internationally, and we look forward to building on that success in Florida.” Ronen Kremen, Intermark VP of Sales, will be the direct contact for Eminence products in these Florida territories.

Intermark Industries, Inc. serves the world markets and is one of the leaders in the industry.

Eminence Puts a New Twist on Guitar Tone

Speaker Noise

September 7,2010

The ReignMaker with FDM Technology Eminence, KY – Eminence Speaker LLC, the industry leader in guitar speaker design, proudly introduces Flux Density Modulation (FDM) Technology, a revolutionary tonal breakthrough for guitar players everywhere. Born from a heritage of quality, tone and innovation, the patent pending FDM Technology from Eminence offers control of output level, associated distortion, and tonal balance via a simple control knob on the back of the speaker.

Since electric guitars first hit the stages of entertainment venues cranking out Blues and Rock-n-Roll, guitarists have struggled to maintain a balance of the saturated, overdriven tone of a great tube amplifier and a reasonable stage volume. “The dilemma has spawned the development of isolation chambers, isolation boxes, electronic attenuators and a host of other compromises that just don’t lend the same tone and feel as a good high-power tube amp cranked up to 10.” said Eminence Speaker LLC President, Chris Rose. “Eminence is proud to present what could be the most notable development in guitar loudspeaker technology in decades.”

Eminence engineers have collaborated to introduce a simple, affordable, yet revolutionary technology to mechanically manipulate the flux path and relative densities within a loudspeaker motor structure. The result is a patent-pending innovation lending guitarists the ability to achieve high power amplifier tone at lower volumes simply with the turn of a dial on the back of the speaker.

“Using a speaker without attenuation circuits or other gadgets to facilitate amplifier distortion is the most logical engineering solution to an age old problem.” said Tom James, Design Engineer at Eminence. “Our method maintains fidelity in the signal path that can otherwise be compromised. The ability to adjust a speaker’s output in this manner simplifies life for today’s musician playing varied styles in a spectrum of venues.”

This revolutionary, all-analog technology puts a new twist on guitar tone. Just turn the modulator knob to adjust speaker output and amplifier interaction, helping you find that sweet spot of saturated tube tone but at a significantly lower volume. Tweak the knob for a wide range of tones: More attenuation affords a warmer tone while less attenuation restores volume and brightness. It’s like switching amps in the middle of the set. You get real attenuation without losing the “feel” of playing through a speaker. No pedals or expensive electronics – just a speaker, from Eminence.

Available in both the Patriot® and Red Coat® lines of Eminence guitar speakers, the Maverick™ and ReignMaker™ models each put tonal control at your fingertips.

Eminence Speaker LLC Lightens the Load with New Closed-Back Neodymium Loudspeaker

Speaker Noise

September 6,2010

Eminence, KY – Eminence Speaker LLC, the industry leader in lightweight neodymium loudspeaker design, proudly introduces another addition to the popular Neodymium Series: the Alphalite™ 6 CBMR.

The Alphalite™ 6 CBMR is a 6.5” closed-back midrange driver with a new sealed 3.6” OD neodymium motor. Comprised of a new top plate, new back plate, new 3.6” OD neodymium magnet, and new core, this lightweight motor uses a very high temp grade of neodymium to prevent any heat related or power handling problems.

“The closed back means that there is no need to build an isolation chamber in your cabinet that will take up volume and add weight.” said Jerry McNutt, Design Engineer at Eminence. “It’s perfect for adding some midrange presence to your bass guitar rig or PA cabinet without adding a lot of weight.”

See the Alphalite™ 6 CBMR at the winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA on January 14, 2010.

Eminence Speaker LLC Adds Even More Versatility to Lightweight Neodymium Series Loudspeakers

Speaker Noise

August 12,2010

The Alphalite™ 6A is a 6.5” mid/woofer with a new 3.6” OD vented neodymium motor. Its medium Qt allows it to work well in all sorts of enclosures, from tiny sealed midrange applications to infinite baffle mid/bass applications. The neo motor uses a very high temp grade of neodymium to prevent any heat related or power handling problems. Comprised of a new top plate, new bumped vented back plate, new 3.6” OD neodymium magnet, and new vented core, this lightweight motor can be used on other drivers in the Eminence Alpha Series or for new OEM designs.

Alphalite 6A “The Alphalite™ 6A has everything you love about the Alpha 6A and less! Less weight. Less mounting depth.” said Jerry McNutt, Design Engineer at Eminence. “The new neo version saves 1.9 lbs. and is 0.4” shallower. The motor is also smaller in diameter so it will fit into some really tight places.”

Aimed at the pro-sound market as a mid/bass driver, the Alphalite™ 6A can be equally at home in automotive situations where the lighter weight and thinner mounting will be welcomed.

See the Alphalite™ 6A at the winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA on January 14, 2010.

Eminence Speaker LLC Announces “Another Legend is Born”

Speaker Noise

August 12,2010

Eminence, KY – Eminence Speaker LLC proudly announces the addition of a 32 ohm bass guitar speaker to the popular Legend series: the Legend B810.

The Legend B810 is a 32 ohm, 10” stamped frame bass guitar driver. A true classic design with some modern features such as an M-roll surround for higher excursion and less cone breakage, a double dipped cone apex for a really strong cone neck, and a bumped back plate for greater incursion before damage.

“This speaker offers classic sound with some modern features thrown in to make a driver that will sound great and last a long time.” said Jerry McNutt, Design Engineer at Eminence. “It works well in small sealed designs and in some vented applications as well.”

Use the Legend B810 four at a time, connected in parallel, to get an 8 ohm load. Use them 8 at a time, connected all in parallel, to get a 4 ohm load.

See the Legend B810 at the winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA on January 14, 2010.

Billy Penn Reviews the Red Fang 10

What the Pros are Saying

August 12,2010

Following is an excerpt from Billy’s review of the Red Fang 10. Read the full review at 300Guitars.com

Final Analysis: The Eminence Red Fang 10 is another excellent choice if you have a small 1×10” amp that you want to get the absolute most out of or multi 10” configuration that you want to sound huge. This speaker will outperform some 12″ speakers with ease. It reminds me of a total high performance type of component designed to deliver maximum potential.

The Red Fang 10 is loud (102db sensitivity) with girthy mids that have a nice texture & character, clear chimey highs and a nice big fat bottom end. It will transform a 1×10 amp into a 1×12 amp imo.

I was really impressed with this single speaker in the small 1×10 Super Champ cabinet. I completely underestimated it. I can’t really say that it is better than the Ragin Cajun that I had in the amp….it’s just a different flavor. I can tell you that it is really big sounding, clear, warm, big low end, chimey highs sturdy mids and it is loud…! This is a great speaker for many different styles of playing and would probably record very well in a studio. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again. The Eminence Red Fang 10 is another winner and may have to reside on my Fender Super Champ for a while!!!

Read the full review at 300Guitars.com

Wiring Your Speaker Cabinet

Tech Talk With Big Tony

August 12,2010

It is crucial to match your speaker impedance (ohms) with your amplifier’s output impedance. Speaker impedance varies with frequency, so it is possible to approach dangerous conditions for your amplifier with an incorrect impedance load. A lot of amplifiers have multiple taps to accept various cabinet/speaker impedances. On a solid-state amplifier, you gain power by lower speaker impedance. On a tube amplifier, you can safely connect a variety of different cabinets or speaker configurations. Plus, the various taps on a tube amplifier may give you a subtle difference in sonic quality. We recommend that you never connect a different speaker or cabinet impedance than what is listed on your amplifier without checking with the manufacturer to determine if it is safe.

When you see a certain “ohm” specified on a speaker, it is actually a nominal reading. An ohm/multi- meter measures the resistance to direct current (DC), but music is alternating current (AC). A speaker’s impedance to AC depends on frequency and the nominal rated impedance is sort of an average impedance over the useable frequency range of the speaker. You will find that an 8 ohm speaker will measure between 5.1 and 8 ohms, a 16 ohm speaker will measure between 11 and 16 ohms, and a 4 ohm speaker will measure between 2.1 and 4 ohms. You can assume it is safe, if you match the nominal impedance to your amplifier.

Parallel and series wiring are the two methods used to connect multiple speakers or cabinets together. Parallel wiring halves the impedance and series doubles. You can also use a combinations of parallel and series wiring, such as series/parallel, when using 4 or more speakers together.

In multi-speaker or multi-cab configurations, you most likely want the power distributed equally. The speakers should all have the same nominal impedance to achieve this. There are situations, however, where you might not want the power distributed equally. One common example is using a 1×15 and 2×10 together for a bass guitar application. Most people will want half the amp power driving the 1×15 and the other half for the 2×10. In this case, the 15” should be half the nominal impedance of each 10”. The two 10” should have the same nominal impedance. When the two 10” are wired in parallel in the 2×10, they will equal the load of the 1×15. Then you can wire the two cabinets together, either in series or parallel, to achieve the desired impedance load for the amplifier’s outputs.