Monday, June 30, 2008

Rawley Benefit - Rev 01

A friend and coworker is supporting his wife as she battles cancer a second time. Some friends of theirs threw a huge benefit party for them a few weeks ago. A couple coworkers joined in on donating a speaker package for the live auction that I designed - and now, built :-) No worries - I quoted the job to be complete mid-late June. [whew]

I decided to buy the cabinets for this project - one of my suppliers donated to the Rawley's as well and gave me some nice discounts on the cabinets. I had seen the new cabinets that they carry in person last fall at the most recent speaker nerd gathering in Iowa.

I chose the shaped/curved cherry finish. It's real wood veneer, so it looks really nice - not like those crummy vinyl "wood grained" overlays. Originally, the plan was to use different drivers. I talked to some other speaker nerd friends, and one of them was going to donate some nice ribbon tweeters. One thing lead to another, and I discovered that they wouldn't fit with the midbass driver I was planning to use - both physically and acoustically. I guess acoustically is physically too. Hmmm. Anyway. They were too big and they also turned out to required too high of a crossover frequency (the midbass just couldn't fill in the gap). So, I dug around my stash and found a pair of Seas aluminum dome tweeters.

Here, you can see the baffles all taped up (thank you, 3M for the most wonderful tape in the world). The tape prevents chipping from when I router out the holes for the drivers. The panels have a really nice finish to them that I didn't want to risk chipping. The other baffle is flipped over; I was laying out the driver positioning, exploring my options. "But Scott, those look like they're on top of each other..." - Patience, my young Padawan. "But... but..." Silence!


Here you can see the holes that I've routered out; one with tape, one with the tape peeled off. You'll notice the tweeter has a beveled step in it for flush mounting. When the face of the tweeter flange is flush with the baffle face, this helps to keep the frequency response nice and flat. Normally, this would be done for the midbass driver as well. But, well, you'll see...


There - now do you get it? The midbass actually overlaps the tweeter - they use the same hole for the screw. This allowed me to leave a little bit of flat edge left for the tweeter on top, and more importantly, allowed me to reduce the center-to-center spacing. Ideally, the center of the tweeter and midbass should be right on the same axis. Obviously, that creates great difficulty when it comes to multiple things occupying the same space. That said, typically, "rule of thumb" is to keep the spacing less than 1/2 the wavelength of the crossover frequency. There I go, giving away those marvelous nerdy secrets.


This one's a bit more on top for better understanding. The drivers were just dropped in for a fit check, so the midbass isn't quite centered.


And this is the "Table-o-fun." (Thanks for the naming idea, Christina). Parts parts parts parts parts... and that glorious bottle of blue Mountain Dew. I'm a fan of this new flavor; hopefully, it stays around for a while. It's a little sweet for normal drinking, but I was working and sweating my tail off today. The extra sugar was earned. So, here, I was just laying out some parts, trying to see what I had in my bin for testing. These are just test sample boards for listening - us audio geeks are never done tweaking...


So, here's Rev 01 of the crossover. Prior to desiging this, I made a rather drastic design change last minute. I decided that the aluminum dome tweeter I had planned on using might not be the best for this project. In analyzing the numbers and sound timbre in my memory, I didn't think it'd match well with the sonic signature of the midbass and sub. So, I decided to change to a soft dome tweeter from Seas. I'm so glad I did - great move, Scott.


Here's the cabinets with the baffles removed. You can't see it, but there's acoustic "stuffing" in the back half of the boxes. This helps to eliminate standing waves and reduce distortion. It also affects the acoustic properties of the box "alignment" in how the midbass plays low frequencies.


Here's the back side, prior to the binding posts being installed. If you look closely, you can see the holes about a third of the way up on the back face for them.


And here's the beginning of assembly, the preliminary crossover mounted (temporarily) to the middle brace. There's a ring of closed cell foam used as gasket material to help seal the cabinet - NO AIR LEAKS.


And the final assembly...


Here's a picture of them playing one of my favorites, Alison Krauss. I know, I know - it's a totally sweet TV. Yes, my center channel is bigger than the sub I just built for these speakers (see left side)... FYI, my center channel weighs in at ~80 lbs.


Right, back to the Rawley Benefit speakers.


Yes, that's my socks - the left stand has a bolt that sticks up a bit past the surface of the stand shelf. I didn't want to risk scratching these new pretty cabinets.


I wasn't able to play much other some "light" female vocals tonight - downstairs neighbors are sleeping. I'll be sure to give them a good run in the morning while I get ready for work. In a word, they are remarkable. I'm really pleased with them - this one might not go much beyond Rev 03 for the crossover. I almost nailed it the first time. I'll have to have those that helped make these possible over for a night to listen to them a bit before we have to give them away. These speaker projects are really hard to let go of, even when I get paid for a set. Lots of blood and sweat go into these little buggars, even when I don't make the cabinets.

Stay tuned for more. Time for me to collapse into bed.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Men of honor - prayer for this nation

I toured the Billy Graham Museum at Wheaton College today with Christina after spending a little family time with her brother's family before they head down to Cayman for month. You guys totally ... stink. Hopefully, that's not "penguins" territory. Here's a shot of Tori on our stroll to the French Market after breakfast.


In any case, I saw one of my favorite quotes strewn across a wall, and had to take a photo. Now, I want you to seriously take in all that this is - the important part is WHO this is. Not the man, but his title. The President. The most powerful man in the world. At one time, this kind of thing was EXPECTED of a President - today, it is shunned - about the only remaining recognition is our "National Day of Prayer," something the Anti-Christ Liberties Union [cough cough], I mean ACLU, and the New York Times are perpetually trying to destroy. As a result of seeing this today, and meditating on it as I type, I have been moved this evening to lift up our downward spiraling country in prayer. Hopefully, you'll do the same.

Read and envision it 3 times, and tell me you're not in tears.

This has to be worthy of a Dilbert comic...

Officially, I have no idea where this came from. What I can tell you is that the person whom sits here can thumb down any one of those piles and within 7 seconds and get you the exact email (hard copy printed out) or spec sheet you're referring to. It's really quite amazing. And shockingly organized.

Yes, all those file cabinets are full. Yes, there are the same kinds of piles under the desk. Just one hole for his feet.





What a pair...

Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. And a deaf sound tech. Seriously, are they everywhere?!?!?

Christina treated me to pavilion seats at Ravinia for the dynamic duo. It was an awesome concert. Alison was definitely out of her element... but the arrangements were quite well done. They did some of the old Zeppelin tunes and some of Alison's - but, each were arranged to the other spectrum. Classic rock and bluegrass turn out to be a really great mix. Christina and I were shocked how good Robert Plant sounded - his chops were still in great shape.

There I go again, sneaking a kiss. I'm so sneaky.


Seriously - look at that smile. I take it back - I don't want to have to hurt you.


This is the best shot I could get with my phone... not bad, considering it was pitch black and they were moving on stage... and that my big, fat, wavering man-hands did the picture taking.


The organizer of the whole concept, producer, singer, musician, T. Bone Burnett.


If you can catch these guys on tour, go now. Really great. I hope, for your sake, the guy we had running the sound board is on vacation that day.

The one where the water came

The morning began with breakfast with the gang for the reunion (see previous post). Continually, things went out of my favor in trying to get to the west side of Madison by 1pm. I-94 road closures due to flooding forced a bypass that was slow as molasses. I had to get to the bank, but the bank is on the south side of town (where the freeway is)... but I couldn't get on the freeway at that point. So I had to waste 25 minutes driving to the south side of town and back, because I wasn't sure if I could make it to the branch in the next town by the time they closed. And then of course I had to fill up the car with gas. And had to spend 20 minutes looking up maps on how to get to the wedding, because the rest of the family left without me in anticipation of longer travel time due to the road closures. Somehow, I got there just 15 minutes late. It was a different red Magnum that you saw going 95mph... trust me.

On the bright side, I finally got meet Dill's girl, Amanda. It was a pleasure :-) I look forward to spending lots more time with her in the future.


Come on, Susie!


There we go :-)


Diane and Matt


This is me trying to take a picture of Mom and me...


That's much better.


And the happy couple (Kristina and Andrew). The reception was held at the Dorf Haus. It was family style grub, and very yummy. Andrew is also a beer snob - they had a keg of Miller Lite for the rejects and a keg of Ultimator (sp??) Dunkel. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. First time for me, and won't be the last.



Whose facial hair is this?


And this?


Congrats, Kristina!


These two were just flippin' hilariously adorable all night long. Trust me, the picture doesn't do them justice.


And here's Andrew and the best man (his brother) racing on the mini-bikes.


Andrew smoked him. I'm holding out a verdict on the game being rigged.


And the highlight of the evening... mother of bride, O.C., and another good friend of the mother of the bride... Y.M.C.A. - on the chairs.


Congratulations Kristina and Andrew - I pray that the Lord will bless you guys with open hearts, patience, and continued honest and open communication.

The reunion tour

Back on the weekend of the 14th of June, I got to spend some time with "the girls" during their reunion. Christina's two very good friends from Wheaton College days made the journey back to Chicagoland. Currently, Tara is in Phoenix area, while Dayspring is out in SeaTac area.

I hung out with Dayspring and Nate on Friday night at Ravinia. Afterward, we went to the Ravinia Bar for a night cap, and then back to Christina's place for another night cap. Yum.

Saturday morning, Tara and Adam drove up to meet us at Walker's pancake house for an early breakfast. I had to be out of town by 9am to get back up to Madison by 1pm for a wedding (more on that in the next post...)


The gang (left to right): baby Shea, Christina, Scott, Adam, Tara, Nate, Dayspring.


Is that mistletoe up there? (Like we need an excuse to kiss...) Oh yeah, watch out - I've got connections (see shirt). Can you tell I went to bed at 1:30am and got up at 6:45am?


Monday night, I got to spend some more time with Tara and Adam (and Shea). Christina made "the easy chicken" recipe. It was yummy. We all ate in great jubilee.

To the gang: thanks so much for making the trek out east again. It meant the world to Christina for the six of us to be together, and I can't wait until we see each other on that one day we're doing that thing in January. Peace.

Happy 6 month Anniversary

I know, I know... all you old, married people just want to gag when we youngin's get all googly ooogly moogly poochy wuchy over our 6 month anniversary. Well, here's the tongue depressor [hands you tongue depreesor].

The date was May 17th... I know, deal with it - I've been busy. Anyway, Christina set us up with reservations at Carlos' Restaurant. I don't often rave about restaurants - this, my friends, is one of the best I have EVER been to. "Horray!" for Christina's connections - she knows Carlos himself from her dealings with him at Ravinia. I think my favorite course (I think... I think we had 6 courses) was my appetizer plate of asparagus - 3 different preprations of it, and the favorite of the three was the asparagus soup. Ouy Vay! YUM. We had a bottle of Santa Margharita Pinot Grigio to entertain our taste buds, and finished off the evening with molten chocolate lava cake (and of course a glass of whole milk for me). I most HIGHLY recommend this restaurant if you're ever in the northern 'burbs of Chicago. FYI, prepare for singing if you mention a birthday or anniversary celebration (let's just call that experience talking).

Before we zipped out of the house after quick showers and spiffing up, I gave Christina her present, a matching pendant and earrings set. Just look at that smile! LOVE IT.


Anybody got a pair of sunglasses?


Crappy camera phone, later that night. This turned out pretty well to get a shot of the earrings.


This is a shot we took about 37 seconds after we walked in the door after dinner. We had to get a pic documenting that we spiff it up pretty darn well. I wasn't quite ready for the timer to go off, but our smiles say it all - we're in love.


I thank the Lord every day for making this person so precisely to complement my weaknesses, lift me up, and make me laugh. Thank you, Baby, for loving me! Happy 7 months, 1 week, and 5 days.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The Knack

Yes, ladies and germs - I do have... "The Knack."


Friday, June 13, 2008

My first Ravinia experience...

OK, so it's been a while since I posted last. Get over it. They're worth the wait, and you know it.

So, June 6th, was a big day. My first time at the park, being part of what Ravinia is all about. James Taylor was performing that night. Christina's parents treated me to a wonderful dinner in one of the restaurants at the park. I think we might have connections (cough, cough), cuz our table was right at the window, overlooking the entire park. It was beautiful, and the weather turned out to be fantastic after the sun set.

So, while Christina was working her magic, shaking hands and smiling with the donors, we gorged ourselves on some great food and fantastic wine (mmmmmmm.... that Pinot Grigio is really growing on me...).

Periodically Christina came to find a hug as she was finishing up for the evening. Her parents had pavilion seats for the concert, and her dad was quite excited to be there. I was quite satisfied, chilling on the lawn in my Coleman chair. This is me working hard at hardly working.


A couple other shots of the park... and the people...



"...chillin' max, relaxin' all cool..."


The luckiest guy on Earth... oh, yeah, and Christina too.


Saturday, I got to meet cousin Lani, currently living in Twin Cities, but happened to be down in Chicagoland for a friend's wedding. After lunch with the whole family, Christina headed off to work. I spent some more time with the fam at Andrea and Mike's, putting off the work I'm supposed to be doing on speakers for a customer. Oh well. Sunday, we came down to Wheaton again to spend time with the family. I'm not sure what I was trying to take a picture of here - all I know is that the intent of the main subject was Miles being adorable. Hm. Shocker. Check out Miles' vocal debut here.