1x15 louder than a 2x12?

[TravTrav]

Of course there's a billion variables to this, BUT I recently ordered an Avatar B212 (saw the free shipping so I thought I'd jump on it) and it seems really quiet. The tweeter also distorts really easily (that is it doesn't take much volume, and I'm using the Avatar with the knob 1/8th from being off). Before I was using an Ampeg PF115LF, and it was way huger sounding and louder. I'm using the same amp as ever, an old GK400RB.

Does anyone have any tips of dialing it in?

[Lowactnsatsfctn]

You can check the phase of the speakers and check to see if there is any type of crossover to stop the lower frequencies from going through the tweeter. If they're in phase and there is a cross over, then Id send it back if it sucks.

[shoot-r]

Originally Posted by Lowactnsatsfctn

Id send it back if it sucks.

+1 with this, and I'm Avatar's BIGGEST fanboy!
There's something not right with this cabinet.
Call Dave, he'll make it right!

[TravTrav]

I would, but they don't do returns.

[Lowactnsatsfctn]

Call them and see what they say. If they work with you great, if not, dispute the charges with your bank. Funds on hold will usually sway a policy

[mystic38]

Avatar does not publish specs for their cabs (which they should) but a quick google says the delta 12lfa in the avatar is 94dB/1W/1m and the ampeg 115LF is 100dB/1W/1m so yup, the 115 is a lot more efficient and will be louder for any given amp settings.

So, assuming that you are not cranking the amp into limiting hence distortion, then you may well have something wrong with the cab.. best to contact avatar

[craig.p]

If you got the ceramic magnet Deltas, that would explain the low efficiency. They're good drivers but you do have to hit 'em with more power than you'd need for, say, a pair of Deltalites, for equivalent volume. If Deltas are what you got, turn the tweeter L-pad down a bunch to compensate for the low(ish) efficiency.

[shoot-r]

Originally Posted by TravTrav

I would, but they don't do returns.

No sir, they don't do returns, but Dave has always went above and beyond to work with his customers when a problem comes up.

Drop him a e-mail explaining the problem and see what he thinks.....

[Downunderwonder]

Originally Posted by mystic38

Avatar does not publish specs for their cabs (which they should) but a quick google says the delta 12lfa in the avatar is 94dB/1W/1m and the ampeg 115LF is 100dB/1W/1m so yup, the 115 is a lot more efficient and will be louder for any given amp settings.

So, assuming that you are not cranking the amp into limiting hence distortion, then you may well have something wrong with the cab.. best to contact avatar

While we're roughing out calculations in spilled beer, 2 speakers is +6dB, so no difference. Except I would expect any decent 2x12 to smack a garden variety 15, everything equal when it isn't ymmv etc.

[TravTrav]

Originally Posted by craig.p

If you got the ceramic magnet Deltas, that would explain the low efficiency. They're good drivers but you do have to hit 'em with more power than you'd need for, say, a pair of Deltalites, for equivalent volume. If Deltas are what you got, turn the tweeter L-pad down a bunch to compensate for the low(ish) efficiency.

It's neo.

Originally Posted by shoot-r

No sir, they don't do returns, but Dave has always went above and beyond to work with his customers when a problem comes up.

Drop him a e-mail explaining the problem and see what he thinks.....

Yeah, I forgot to follow up on this. Called Dave, then I talked to Trevor (I think....) and he thinks one of the capacitors went bad in the crossover. So they're sending me a whole new crossover dealy. Good people at Avatar. Really nice and helpful.

[BogeyBass]

Originally Posted by Downunderwonder

While we're roughing out calculations in spilled beer, 2 speakers is +6dB, so no difference. Except I would expect any decent 2x12 to smack a garden variety 15, everything equal when it isn't ymmv etc.

pretty much, as said above the single deltalfa is 94 dB
but its a 212. So the extra speaker would add 3dB

so 98dB for the 212

and the off the shelf eminence driver in the peg would more realistically be around that amount too, aprox 98dB

the 212 should handle more power so it should be able to get slightly louder than a 1x15 before speaker distortion.

edit: just seen the neo comment and crossover info, with neo it should be more efficient and handle good amount of power
212 should give more love than a 1x15...but a 215...different story

[bassman10096]

Yeah, I forgot to follow up on this. Called Dave, then I talked to Trevor (I think....) and he thinks one of the capacitors went bad in the crossover. So they're sending me a whole new crossover dealy. Good people at Avatar. Really nice and helpful.

That's good to hear. I never had a problem with Dave's gear, but I've always heard good reports on how he handles issues like yours.

[craig.p]

Yeah, glad to hear you got the neos. I've got a pair of B212s and even one can make a hell of a racket with not too much power. Not quite as efficient as my Kappalite 115 cab, but definitely in the same ballpark.

[TravTrav]

So, just got the crossover as well as a free t shirt Even though they're a state away from me, they got the package to me in less than 24 hours.

And the cab now sounds wonderful!

Big ups to Avatar.

[Exploiter8]

Dave's the Man!

[TravTrav]

Originally Posted by Exploiter8

Dave's the Man!

Yeah, their service is no joke.