1x18 cabs

[BassLift]

I've been trying to figure out what i'm looking for in a larger cone cab, and i'm tempted to go the route of the 18". I know there aren't too many that make them so i'm tempted to make a build project out of it. I just wanted to see who here has had much experience using or building cabs with an 18" driver.

[Ric5]

I built a 1x18 cab. It is 25" x 19" x 14". It has 2 ports. It is 8 ohms and it works well when paired with a 2x10 cab that is also 8 ohms.

During the 80s I played through an acoustic 301 1x18 folded horn cab.

[Ric5]

This was my main Rig for 10 years from about 2000 to 2010 ... Now I play through a 1x15 ... sometimes I use 2 2x10s

[MysticMichael]

Aren't 1x18 bass cabs sort of an anachronism? A throwback to an earlier time, when the only way to get deep low end was with a monster speaker?

MM

[joe vegas]

I had a rig for a while consisting of an 18" and a 2x10" in the '90s, made locally.
Sometimes i hit gigs with just the 18". Initially, I ran it with a Tubeworks 500w power amp and an Ampeg SVT 4pro pre.
As i remember, it sounded quite good with 6string, though it was a bit more woofy and less focused than a single 15". Good power but a slight loss of articulation.

[Ric5]

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Aren't 1x18 bass cabs sort of an anachronism? A throwback to an earlier time, when the only way to get deep low end was with a monster speaker?

If you get PA support then you don't need the 18", but if you don't get PA support then an 18" and some 10"s will get the job done at most gigs.

The 18" by itself usually won'y give you the high mids and treble response. A lot will depend on which speaker is chosen. Some 18s will cut off any thing above 500hz and some will go to 5000hz

[iualum]

Go 15". Eminence Kappa Lite 3015LF.

[CL400Peavey]

Originally Posted by BassLift

I've been trying to figure out what i'm looking for in a larger cone cab, and i'm tempted to go the route of the 18". I know there aren't too many that make them so i'm tempted to make a build project out of it. I just wanted to see who here has had much experience using or building cabs with an 18" driver.

What are you trying to accomplish with the larger driver? If DIY is something you are comfortable with I would check out a fEARful 15/6. It will kick most full range 118 + 210 combos to the curb as far as low end and volume, and be way lighter and smaller. On top of all that there are reasons why mixing cabs is not as optimal as using matching cabs.

[Mr. Foxen]

Let us know what other stuff you are planning on using it with. If you are using entirely old stuff, and an old speaker, then the old ways will still apply. If stuff is modern, then work with it, not against it.

[Wesley R]

"Way back when" I built an EV cab for an 18". The port was rectangular and blockable to change ther Freq. Response. It had more note definition than I would have originally thought.

I am sure by current, modern day standards it is antiqauted, oversized and over weight.

Build what you want and be happy.

[iualum]

Hadn't paid much attention to 18s, still think 15s are they way to go, but there are some interesting 18s out. Best ones of the lot seem to be Faital Pros to me anyway.

From specs, the 18FH500 could probably be used w/o mid or tweeter if someone really wanted (30Hz-3.15kHz). 1078 Vd is more than two 3015s. And it's just 10 1/2 lbs. Lower power handling @ just 600 watts RMS, though. http://www.usspeaker.com/faital%20pro%2018FH500-1.htm

Heavier @ 22 1/3 lbs. is the 18HP1010. Handles 1000 watts w/response 35Hz -2kHz & 1136 Vd, but most would probably need a mid/tweet. Still, throw in an 18Sound 6 1/2" & you've spent not much more than an 15/6 for much more Vd. Don't know what size cab it would require though. Probably not huge, but more square, maybe a bit unwieldy?
http://www.usspeaker.com/faital%20pro%2018HP1010-1.htm

For more $, there's the 18HP1030. Almost have to do a mid/tweet here, but Vd is 1451 . & heavier still @ 26 1/2 lbs.
http://www.usspeaker.com/faital%20pro%2018HP1030-1.htm

Getting pretty pricy now @ $450, but the 18HP1060 cuts weight to 16 lbs w/the same 1451 Vd.
http://www.usspeaker.com/faital%20pro%2018HP1060-1.htm

[Mastermold]

I had an Ampeg SVT 18 that was cool, a real cannon, but I sold it recently since it wasn't getting use.

[JxBass]

Or through an authorized fEARful builder. For example:

http://www.barryaudiodesign.com/18-subs.html

[Joe Louvar]

Maybe build a full range TL606 or fEARful Bassic type cab for an 18” driver - checkout the Peavey 1801BW and some of the Faital Pro 18” woofers and etc.

Download WinISD Pro Alpha - it’s free.
http://www.linearteam.dk/default.aspx?pageid=winisdpro

And this will help you understand the data.
http://www.eminence.com/support/unde...dspeaker-data/

[xUptheIronsx]

Originally Posted by iualum

Go 15". Eminence Kappa Lite 3015LF.

YES!!!! I have a 2x15 with these, and it is awesome. I never liked speakers over 12" for bass, but I was talked into trying these, and it brought my sound to a whole new level!!!

[CL400Peavey]

Originally Posted by JxBass

Or through an authorized fEARful builder. For example:

http://www.barryaudiodesign.com/18-subs.html

That is a great cab, but is designed for PA use, not as a bass cab.

[Joe Louvar]

However, Barry can also make you a nice cabinet for any driver - and looking at the Faital spec’s an 18 doesn’t have to be just a sub.

But 15s Rule!!!