288-8H (16H)

High Frequency
Compression Driver
have theorized that although the flux density of a ferrite magnet
motor is the same as the flux density of an equally charged
AlNiCo magnet motor when both motors are at rest, once their
voice-coils are charged with voltages from amplifiers, the flux
density of the AlNiCo motor is more dynamic than that of the
ferrite motor. Compared to the relatively firm flux density of a
ferrite magnet or neodymium magnet, the flux density of an
equally charged AlNiCo magnet may be decreased just enough
by the peak voltages in a voice-coil to cause subtle decreases in
the excitation of this voice-coil, which is physically attached to
the membrane that produces the audible sound. (Maybe this is
one reason why ‘that sound’ is exclusive to AlNiCo magnet
drivers.)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

DISCUSSION Our 288-8H (16H) is a large format [1.4 in. (36 mm) diameter
throat exit] high frequency compression driver, featuring a 3.4
“Not everything that counts can be counted and not everything lbs. (1.54 kg) Alnico V magnet, which produces an [at-rest] gap
that can be counted counts.” ― Albert Einstein flux density of 2.05 T. It also features a 2.8 in. (71 mm)
diameter, edge-wound, copper/clad aluminum-ribbon voice-coil.
Great Plains Audio has received many requests from The voice-coil is attached to a high grade aluminum alloy
professionals all around the world to once again manufacture diaphragm. Sound waves from the high frequency voice-coil-
transducers with AlNiCo magnets. diaphragm assembly are channeled through our Radial
Waveguide phasing system. This system provides the proper
Why do our most legendary customers insist on motor structures phase relationship between the sound waves emanating from the
with AlNiCo magnets? Because these customers know ‘that center of the diaphragm assembly and the sound waves
sound’. The artists have performed for many years and know emanating from the edges of the diaphragm assembly. An
what gear is essential to achieve ‘that sound’. Those who are in exponential throat is utilized to pass these phase coherent sound
production or post production, responsible for adjusting a waves through the body of the driver to its exit port.
perfect mixture (mix) of all the performance parts, also know
the equipment they need for ‘that sound’. We designed our 288-8H (16H) driver for coupling to any of the
industry standard multi-cellular, sectorial, or constant-directivity
Why is ‘that sound’ exclusive to drivers built with AlNiCo horns that have a 1.4 in. (36 mm) diameter throat entrance.
magnets? As our Great Plains Audio owner, Bill Hanuschak has These horns can be secured to our 288-8H (16H) driver by
stated, “We can’t measure the flux density in a driver motor either the three-bolt mounting standard [bolt centers on a 3.25
when it is operating.” In physics, this would be an example of in. (83 mm) diameter] or the four-bolt mounting standard [bolt
the observer effect, which notes that some measurements of centers on a 4.75 in. (121 mm) diameter].
certain systems cannot be made without affecting the systems
being measured. This observer effect concept is truly easier to Great Plains Audio manufactures the voice-coil-diaphragm
grasp than the concept of Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle assembly used in the 288-8H (16H) and this assembly can still
(which offers an observer effect at the quantum level). But the be replaced ‘in the field’ by untrained personnel, without the use
explanation for the preferred sound of an AlNiCo magnet driver of special tools. Adjustable dowel pins allow each diaphragm
over the sound of the same driver with a ferrite magnet might assembly to be precisely centered in the voice-coil gap.
only have a complex explanation, and may be best represented
through quantum mechanics, for the uncertainty principle is Each member of our team at Great Plains Audio has over 20
inherent in the properties of all wave-like systems. years of experience in building high quality audio products. We
employ our combined skills and expertise to manufacture the
However, the explanation for the preferred sound of an AlNiCo 288-8H (16H). Our design of this driver was based on the 288-
magnet driver over the sound of the same driver with a ferrite 8G, once acknowledged as the finest compression driver for
magnet may be simple. Even though it hasn’t been proven, some high frequency sound reproduction.
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response: 500 Hz - 15 kHz (see figure 1.) Voice Coil: 2.8 in. (71 mm) diameter

Power Rating: 40 watts continuous band limited (500 Hz – 20 kHz) pink noise with a Input Connections: Spring-loaded push terminals
6 dB crest factor according to AES Standard 2.
Horn Mounting: Three bolt standard [bolt centers on a 3.25 in. (83 mm) diameter]
Sensitivity: 109 dB SPL from 1 watt input of band-limited pink noise 500 Hz to Four bolt standard [bolt centers on a 4.75 in. (83 mm) diameter]
3000 Hz, measured at 1 meter from mouth of Altec 311-90 horn.
Crossover (Optional): N1200-8A, 1,200 Hz, 12 dB/ Octave, Passive LF and HF
Maximum Output: 120.5 dB SPL (at 1M, calculated from Sensitivity and Power Rating)
Finish: Textured Black Powdercoat
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (288-8H) or 16 ohms (288-16H)
Dimensions: 7.1 in. (180 mm) diameter; 5.1 in. (130 mm) height
Magnet Type: Alnico V
Weight
Magnet Weight: 3.4 lbs. (1.54 kg) Net: 21.4 lbs. (9.71 kg)
Flux Density: 20,500 Gauss Shipping: 23 lbs. (10.43kg)

Throat Exit: 1.4-in. (36 mm) diameter

Figure 1.
(from 1 watt input, measured at 1 meter from exit of 311-90 horn)

Figure 2.

7127 N.W. 3rd Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73127
405.789.0221
www.greatplainsaudio.com
“The Legacy Lives On” ™
© Great Plains Audio LLC
Specifications subject to change without notice. Overall performance will maintained or improved
GPA-288-8H-REV. 1, 02/08/13