Altec Lansing FX4021: Isobaric Subwoofer on MultiMedia Speaker
Well, this is one of the latest product from Altec Lansing, the FX4021. At first, I don’t see anything special from this speaker, until I see the subwoofer’s design.
Altec uses isobaric design for its subwoofer. Quite nice idea since not many vendor chooses such design.From the photo, the subwoofer consists of one enclosure (the solid wood). On the top, you can see an open enclosure (not really open, just another enclosure made from plastic (or steel?) with small holes).The woofer is mounted on isobaric position. The two woofer is facing each others, as the picture below shows you.
The first woofer (on the bottom) acts like a normal woofer with enclosure (the Altec uses ported enclosure, not sealed). Then, the second woofer added on the top of the first woofer. The second woofer has no enclosure (just a fancy fence with holes). Both woofer work in phase (the first woofer push, the second will pull, and vice versa), while the distortion will cancel each others (out phase).
First Impression:
I’ve got chance to evaluate this speaker. I will not discuss the quality in detail, just a brief. The subwoofer is capable to produce deep and well rounded bass. The low extension is good enough consider this is a 5.25″ driver. I pump the volume near maximum while playing a very aggresive full-of-bass track (20-60 Hz). On the low to medium volume, the subwoofer is excellent and very musical. It will shake you at no problem. But on the near maximum volume, you will hear the limitation of a 5.25″ driver. The driver has reached its maximum physical limit. No more bass though the driver throws its cone into maximum distance available.
The satellites are not impress me (it’s not bad, just consider this one is not for me). I prefer the Altec classic 621/641 or even the MX5021/CS21.
All I can say is the isobaric design of this system is excellent. It produces a very musical low extension. But sadly, the satellites performance can’t match the subwoofer in terms of musicality. Just hope Altec will release a better satellites to match this kind of subwoofer. I don’t mind if Altec design 6.5″ or 8″ in isobaric and a pair of excellent satellites.
I’m waiting for the successor of Altec 621/641. Altec MX5021/CS21 almost got me, but that just almost 
March 8th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
Isobaric woofers offer little advantage over a traditional single-sub setup. Isobaric setups are basically toys for those with too much power and money.
July 6th, 2007 at 6:27 am
alrite so I fell for the cool Isobaric sounding
I jsut bought these
which Altec Lansings do you think are the best as far as consistent bass even at maximum volumes and good speakers?
im not as picky as jimmy but i still want a great product
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November 12th, 2007 at 11:43 am
you and those fucking subs suck dick just like your girlfriend.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:44 am
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December 3rd, 2007 at 11:47 pm
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December 27th, 2007 at 5:00 am
I appreciate all your comments guys.. but i just grabbed my own Altec Lansing FX4021 today, so based on what i learned from you all i’m positive that i got an deal! For a price of $69.00!!! Thanks for the well versed info Jimmy!
December 27th, 2007 at 5:02 am
I appreciate all your comments guys.. but i just grabbed my own Altec Lansing FX4021 today, so based on what i learned from you all i’m positive that i got an exellent deal! For a price of $69.00!!! Thanks for the well versed info Jimmy!
January 6th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
The 641’s do kick ass. They should have just kept making them….
January 10th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
subj
?
April 25th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Dear Sir,
I would like to ask you guys something about ISOBARIC enclosers for using in a hatchback small Indian car called Alto.
Could you please suggest a rough thumb rule and size of enclosures for a pair of a 12″ and another pair of 8″ woofers? It is made in India by MILTON, but there is no technical parameters from the manufacturer.
I am from a remote mountain called Nagaland, where it is very difficult to get or order all these International quality branded speakers.
Thanks
Chubs
April 27th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
There’s no basic rule my friend. You have to know the T/S parameter.
For most cases, you can try with 1,5 cu feet sealed box.
Fill it with more damping material if you hear too much “tail” on the low end…
Thank you.