Driver Sensitivity

[Alex1984]

Sensitivity is a pretty important measurement when choosing cabs, and most drivers seem to have about 100 dB SPL@ 1W 1m. However, there are still some that seem to have significantly lower sensitivity. Aside from the fact that volumes will probably be more manageable, and being able to have the amp driving out more power at the same volume level, are there any other factors that might make these cabs preferrable to higher sensitivity cabs? Are there any correlation (positive or negative) between sensitivity and sound quality?

[rbbrchkn]

I'd say no correlation between sensitivity and sound quality. That said, there are companies like Acme that do sacrifice sensitivity in their drivers to allow for greater low end response if you feed 'em gobs of power.

Unless you're looking to drive a tube amp to a certain range of distortion at lower volume, it's usually best to go with more efficient cabs so you have a greater range of volume on tap for a given amp. Or just don't worry about it and buy cabs that you like the sound of and add more cabs if you need more sound.

[seamonkey]

Originally Posted by Alex1984

Sensitivity is a pretty important measurement when choosing cabs, and most drivers seem to have about 100 dB SPL@ 1W 1m.

At what frequency? or what kind of weighted average over what frequencies?

You need a frequency chart to make a good assessment, and as another thread points out you are Not going to get this for bass cabinets.

Walk over to the PA/FOH section of the store if you want to talk specs with actual meaning.

[Alex1984]

Originally Posted by seamonkey

At what frequency? or what kind of weighted average over what frequencies?

You need a frequency chart to make a good assessment, and as another thread points out you are Not going to get this for bass cabinets.

Walk over to the PA/FOH section of the store if you want to talk specs with actual meaning.

Well, that's another good point, how they calculated the weighted average of these logarithmic thing always seem quite fuzzy to me, but most cabs seem to be similar enough in sensitivity to justify me fussing over such things. In my main post, though, I was mainly curious about cabs like the ACME ones and why quite a lot of people have preferred them over higher sensitivity cabs.

[Bmorefoozler]

Acme sacrifices Sensitivity for "flatness" of curve. The drivers they choose allow them to use a big box that extends VERY low, much below most "conventional" Bass cabs. I would imagine someone that prefers them to have goals of big low end, and enough power to get to their volume goals, even with low sensitivity. A vertical pair of B2's with a pre-power setup has the goods to get to "most" bassists tonal and volume goals.

If yoiu put the same speakers in a smaller box tuned for for midrange "hump" you will get a lot more volume from the same power source... Far less low end, but more apparent volume for sure.

[BassmanPaul]

I admit that I have never compared my Acme B2 cabinets with another make. I turn my amp up to get the level I need. A Pair have covered every gig I've done with ease. Up until recently each cabinet was powered with up to 350W. My new amp, Carvin BX1500, gives them 450W each.

There is small, low and efficient. You can have two but not all three. The B2 is a small fairly light cabinet (54lbs IIRC). I can manage them without a problem.

Yes I like the lows that I get from these cabinets, I'd not use anything else. I don't consider that they need gobs of power. They sound great at any level.

Paul

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Alex1984

I was mainly curious about cabs like the ACME ones and why quite a lot of people have preferred them over higher sensitivity cabs.

Because higher sensitivity is attained at the expense of low end response. But most sensitivity claims are BS anyway.