Why do reggae sounds use scoops?

Hi,

I am wondering why so many people are using scoops for their low end. I have seen countless frequency response graphs for scoops, and they all have a very uneven response across the spectrum. It's like a comb filter sort of thing..

Practically every Reggae/Dub sound system use scoops and I can't work out why considering the FR of that particular design. Surely you would want a speaker with a flatter response? Or is it that they are good at covering a narrow band at a higher SPL and are used with other subs to compensate for the other frequencies?

Pretty new to all this, but have been doing a lot of research so please forgive if my terminology is slightly off track..

Thanks!

Scoops is a combination of frontloaded and horn speaker, wich causes phase issues as the vibrations from the front and from the horn (comming from the back of the driver) don't travel the same distance to your ears. This gives a chorus like effect wich creates a warmer bass sound.

Strictly front loaded or horn loaded or bandpass speakers don't have this issue/feature...


Edited by Selector Waxx - 23 April 2014 at 1:56pm

Uneven driver loading + phase strangeness  = distortion harmonics. 

burningbush wrote: Scoops are highly efficient bass horns that give some degree of gain when used in their frequency range, any dips or peaks in response tend to be outside the intended range. I would say one scoop in hand is worth two reflex in the bush.

yes 1 15" scoop is worth 2 18"reflex in the bush

I'll get you coat Tony, taxis here.