15" raw speaker shoot out. I need input!

LowSide · #1 12-13-2010, 05:28 PM

Hi, I need help picking a speaker for a cab. I just picked up an 80's ported Hiwatt 1x15 cab. and the 300 watt 4ohm Neo speaker that it came with, isn't cutting it. I'm using either a Hartke 3500, Bassman 70, or Marshall Superlead 100 and I need something that will hold the signal without flapping or farting.

These are three I'm looking at in the under $150 range.

1. Celestion Truvox 1530 15 Inch 400 Watt
2. Celestion BL15-400X - green lable *400 Watts 8 ohms *
3. Eminence Kappa 15A 15 Inch Stamped Frame Woofer 450 Watts 8 ohms *

Does anyone have any input/experience?
Will a 400 watt 8ohm break up if the head is lower watts?

I'm looking for a big fat warm sub sound. I have a mesa 2x15 8ohm for highs.

Thanks, JD

royjulius · #2 12-13-2010, 05:31 PM

That's what I need too. I'll be watching this thread.....

RickenBoogie · #3 12-13-2010, 05:41 PM

Download WinISD, measure the cab internally, and spec from that.

Mr. Foxen · #4 12-13-2010, 05:46 PM

I'm pretty sure you don't know enough about this stuff to be picking out those speakers, you probably want to open it up some. What is wrong with the current sound? Does it have a tube port? If it has, try rolling up some card and making the port longer, see if you dig the sound chnage, also try blocking it, or removing the tube it has, all those will change the box tuning and therefore the sound, added bonus is they are free.

Bass_Pounder · #5 12-13-2010, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Foxen

I'm pretty sure you don't know enough about this stuff to be picking out those speakers

Based upon the quote below, I would say you are right......

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowSide

I have a mesa 2x15 8ohm for highs.

fu22ba55 · #6 12-13-2010, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

Easy there, Bass_Pounder... don't be so quick to judge.

Many Mesa 15" cabs were loaded with EV15Ls.

I'm currently using two EV15Ls, and they're bright enough to give you a sunburn. They'll cut you in half if you let them. Especially with a Marshall Superlead 100.

I've used 15"s for highs many times with good results.

---

Lowside, you'll probably get better suggestions here if you post the internal dimensions of the Hiwatt box. Then the WinISD ninjas might be able to recommend something for you. (I am not a WinISD ninja)

Something like an Eminence 3015LF (not the 3015) might be a good choice, but it's hard to tell without the box dimensions.

Mr. Foxen · #7 12-13-2010, 06:13 PM

Can pretty much guarantee the port isn't big enough to use the potential of the 3015LF. If you want a sub sound, you need to run a seperate amp, and might as well use a sub, that box is never going to go significantly lower than the Mesa.

RickenBoogie · #8 12-13-2010, 06:20 PM

That's what I was thinking, just get a dedicated sub- but you would need a seperate, and very powerful amp, to push it.

Bass_Pounder · #9 12-13-2010, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fu22ba55

Easy there, Bass_Pounder... don't be so quick to judge.

Many Mesa 15" cabs were loaded with EV15Ls.

I'm currently using two EV15Ls, and they're bright enough to give you a sunburn. They'll cut you in half if you let them. Especially with a Marshall Superlead 100.

I've used 15"s for highs many times with good results.

I'm well aware of the high end capabilities of the EV15L's in a Mesa cab, as I own a couple myself.

However, using a Mesa 2X15 cab as the high side of a two way system is just the wrong tool for the job.

Additionally, if using a Mesa 2X15 for highs, I don't care what speaker you load into that Hiwatt cab - it is not going to keep up a balanced low end against the Mesa.

Probably be better off throwing a couple of 3015LF's into the Mesa for the low end, and use the Hiwatt cab for highs.

fu22ba55 · #10 12-13-2010, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

Probably be better off throwing a couple of 3015LF's into the Mesa for the low end, and use the Hiwatt cab for highs.

That would probably make more sense. (Or even just 3015s if the Mesa box can't handle the LFs).

Gizmot · #11 12-13-2010, 06:59 PM

I've got an EV 15L in one of my combos and I think it delivers a good balance of low end with good high end detail. I wouldn't say that its over-bright. It's a solid, well-made speaker that will last a long time.

LowSide · #12 12-13-2010, 07:01 PM

You guys are great. This is the first time I've been on this forum. I better think out my posts a little better!

Here's a little more info before I measure.

One mistake I made was that I have a 2x10 for highs, not a 2x15. It's a Mesa Diesel 2x10 with EVs and a horn. Typo sorry.

The Hiwatt has a port that runs the full width of the cab. In big situations I would use both cabs. I would like them to both be 8ohm (this is one reason to get rid of the 4 ohm neo).

I also would like to use just the 15" for smaller shows or when I just don't want to carry so much. So, the main goal is to find a 8 ohm, 15" for the hiwatt cab that would stay tight and clean when pushed. and that would pair well with the 2x10 mesa.

Thanks for your help, I'll take a picture of the rig and do some measurements tonight.

JD

P.S. The Neo that is in there is farting and can't hold a loud signal. The Hartke runs at 350 watts at 4 ohms and I guess that's pushing the 300watt speaker too hard. Even at low volumes.

Bass_Pounder · #13 12-13-2010, 07:14 PM

Sounds more like it...........

The Eminence 3015 has great low end extension, and is pretty forgiving in a bunch of different size cabs. Also has enough mid/high end that it will perform well as a stand alone.

LowSide · #14 12-13-2010, 09:04 PM

Hi Everyone, I'm looking for any suggestions to replace a 15" bass speaker in an 80's Hiwatt 1x15 ported cab. The current speaker is an Eminence Basslite C2515 300 watt, 4 ohm, Neodymium and it can't hold a hot signal (even from my 100 watt marshall).

The cab has a big wide angled port across the top above the speaker and it's inside dimensions are approximately 27.5 x 23.5 x 12

My main head is a Hartke 3500 (250 watts at 8 ohms, 350 watts at 4 ohms) I use a SansAmp Bass DI into the Active input. ('78 P-Bass or a '82 Ric 4003)

I will be using the hartke with both the Hiwatt and a Mesa 2x10 (400 watt 8ohm), but I would like to just use the 15" alone. Looking for a big fat warm sub bass tone, but with enough mid and highs to get that Ric growl. Most of my EQ comes off the sans amp. Mainly, I want it to hold the signal. Growly breakup is good, farty is bad.

Thanks, JD

REV · #15 12-13-2010, 09:13 PM

Since the speakers are from two different manufacturers I would check to see that the speakers are in phase with each other.

edwinhurwitz · #16 12-13-2010, 10:29 PM

Is that 15 just held in with those two clamps? that could be the problem right there.

ezstep · #17 12-13-2010, 10:41 PM

Have you opened the cab or removed the speaker to check the insides? It looks a little haggard, and I have seen rat-nests and what-not inside old cabs when I open them up.

LowSide · #18 12-13-2010, 10:47 PM

I have 4 of those tabs that I crank down pretty tight. I will go to bolts next. Tabs are easy to use, but your right, not solid. Inside is clean, cab is solid. It should sound nice with the right driver.

edwinhurwitz · #19 12-13-2010, 10:51 PM

Another issue can be if you have bolt holes that have no bolts in them. If air is going in and out of those holes, it can make for a weird sound.

These are the only style clamps I would consider:
http://www.soundscaperproductions.com/page4/page4.html

Fat240 · #20 12-13-2010, 10:52 PM

I replaced the speakers in my MESA 2 15 cab, they broke up and were pretty crappy. Only after 2 years of use and I never went over 6 on the master and the low gain channel on my 400+. When I removed them they had no markings or numbers, so I dont know what they were. I replaced them with 2 Faital Pro 15HP 1020's. These speakers were well worth the money, they sound better every time I use them. I can bring the low freq's up on the eq and don't have to worry about adjusting them for when I turn up the volume, not to mention if you like mid's these have it. Not to mention there Neo and lightened my cab a lot. I've bought cheap cabs before and replaced the speakers with many types and these are my favorite.

THE NEW FAITAL PRO 15HP1020 15" SPEAKER CAN HANDLE 700 WATTS AES & 1,400 WATTS PROGRAM POWER
FEATURES A HIGH EFFICIENCY OF 99DB SPL & WEIGHS ONLY 13 LBS. THANKS TO ITS' LIGHTWEIGHT NEODYMIUM MAGNET
HIGH 9.5MM XMAX FOR A STRONG BASS & WIDE FREQUENCY RANGE FROM 40HZ TO 3.15KHZ
MAGNET CAN NOT SHIFT BECAUSE CAST FRAME IS BUILT AROUND THE NEODYMIUM MAGNET
WORKS IN EXTREME OUTDOOR CONDITIONS THANKS TO ITS' WATERPROOF CONE & WIDE OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE FROM -40C TO +120C
DESIGNED FOR BASS REFLEX(PORTED) SPEAKER CABINETS INCLUDING BASS GUITAR & PA SYSTEMS, ETC.