What exactly does Barefoot mean by "Rear waveguide chamber"?

[dfuller]

Barefoot describes something called a "rear waveguide chamber" in their specs for many of their models - what is it, and how exactly does it work compared to a more obvious external waveguide?

https://barefootsound.com/micromain45/

 

[mSpot]

People in their target audience (pro audio) have wondered the same thing. Based on the pic of the tweeter, it probably refers to the enclosure they attach to the back of the tweeter driver.
https://barefootsound.com/technology/

 

[Scholl]

If you are interested, the tweeter they use on most of their expensive models is the Scan-Speak R3004-602010 without the protective grille.

https://www.scan-speak.dk/datasheet/pdf/r3004-602010.pdf

I don't believe there is anything particular about this rear chamber. Scan-speak do not mention a "rear waveguide", they say it is a "large, non resonant, alu chamber". Most of these tweeter chambers have an internal shape that reduces reflections coming back to the diaphragm. In that sense it is some kind of waveguide indeed. But this is nothing exceptional for a tweeter.

BTW, this tweeter has good extension in the highs, very good linearity, pretty low high-order harmonic distortion, but its 2nd HD is quite high. It is also pricy, and I think there are better performing tweeter for lower prices in that regard. Still, 2nd HD is often considered as the least objectionable HD, so this driver should still sound pretty good. Few people seem to complain about the highs on barefoot monitors.

R3004.602010 measurements

 

[dfuller]

IFew people seem to complain about the highs on barefoot monitors.

Appreciate that info. And yeah, I really have liked every Barefoot I've used. They're super flat and low distortion, and they will tell you real quick if you're overdoing something.

 

[Vini darko]

As I hear from manufacturers the larger rear chamber is supposed to allow a tweeter to play a bit lower in frequency compared to not having one. Wether this is true I don't know. This is from the blurb of the tweeters I recently brought.