Eminence Beta in fEarful?

ChuckO · #1 08-10-2010, 06:27 PM

I have a beta 12 laying around and was considering putting it in a fEarful enclosure. Would this change cause some serious negative effects, or would the increase in weight be the only real problem?

http://eminence.com/proaudio_speaker...2&SUB_CAT_ID=2

Like I said, I have one laying aroud and would like to put it to good use. Thanks for the help!

rpsands · #2 08-10-2010, 06:30 PM

With a Beta 12 in a fEarful style box, you won't see half of the performance of a 3012LF, and will see a much boomier bottom end (+2b @ 100hz).

The 3012Lf will be displacement limited to 450 watts and the Beta to around 75 watts (realistically, 150 watts program).

in short: sell it on craigslist for 30 bucks and use the money to fund a 3012LF. Or if you absolutely must driver swap, the cheaper delta 12 LFA is an adequate cheapo lower power replacement (100 watts displacement limited, realistically 200 watts program) with a much smoother bottom end than a Beta. You can figure its peak output to be 6db less than a 3012LF.

ChuckO · #3 08-10-2010, 06:44 PM

is it worth adjusting the dimensions of the box to make it suit the beta 12? or is the beta doomed to be huge paperweight?

Mr. Foxen · #4 08-10-2010, 06:47 PM

The Beta will need a just plain different box. Probably suggestions on the Eminence site, it won't be anything special. A practice cab, both in terms of woodwork, and volume.

rpsands · #5 08-10-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckO

is it worth adjusting the dimensions of the box to make it suit the beta 12? or is the beta doomed to be huge paperweight?

All you could do is smooth out the upper bass, not increase the pitiful power handling. It's a total waste of time to screw with in my opinion.

From what I can tell, I think the Beta 12 would do OK in a Jack 112. It seems to meet all the specs. It might make a good Otop12 as well. You could ask over on BFM's forum.

billfitzmaurice · #6 08-10-2010, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

All you could do is smooth out the upper bass, not increase the pitiful power handling. It's a total waste of time to screw with in my opinion.

From what I can tell, I think the Beta 12 would do OK in a Jack 112. It seems to meet all the specs. It might make a good Otop12 as well. You could ask over on BFM's forum.

Beta 12 is happy as a clam in the Jack 12.

NoGraveConcern · #7 08-11-2010, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

Beta 12 is happy as a clam in the Jack 12.

This, I think, is the best option for maximizing the driver's potential as long as you don't mind spending a little extra time on construction. The Beta 12 A II is really similar in specs to the deltalite II. Not a bad driver at all.

Or build a simple reflex cab for it. I've got one in 2.3 cu ft @ 48 Hz & it sounds fantastic. The LF response isn't ruler flat like a fearful, but that makes it sound like pretty much every commercial cab on the market.

On second thought, send that piece of crap

to me to be disposed of and get yourself a 3012LF!

synaesthesia · #8 08-11-2010, 09:25 AM

If you are building a cab one assumes you have a purpose specific to your musical performance needs. The Beta would do well in a box designed for it if you do not need high power levels, and frankly I suggest you assess what your needs are. There is no point to a Ferrari if you are just making grocery runs.

ChuckO · #9 08-11-2010, 02:33 PM

Someone previously told me that I would need a more extensive EQ if I were to use a jack. I currently have a Hartke LH500.

I own a 31 band Graphic Eq and am considering hartkes bass pedal.
Are either of these decent solutions to the EQ problem? or is there not really an eq problem to begin with?

rpsands · #10 08-11-2010, 02:38 PM

I think you could make it work with the LH500 and a Jack. With the Jack 12, two things I would want:

1- the ability to boost the upper bass frequencies (~150hz or so)
2- the ability to cut midrange with some precision

The Fender tonestack can't do either one of these really, but you can probably cut enough mids to make it work fairly well...better than a direct radiator box.

I tend to suggest people have a minimum 7 band graphic or a 2 band parametric to run with them.

That said, if you're into rock or punk, the Jack can be run flat and sound great in my opinion. I ran it that way with my Markbass F1 (fairly flat preamp) and had no issues getting a good rock sound.

ChuckO · #11 08-11-2010, 02:42 PM

Sounds like a jack 12 it is then. I will try it out and If i need some more EQ that will just give a reason spend some more hard earned money.

billfitzmaurice · #12 08-11-2010, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckO

Someone previously told me that I would need a more extensive EQ if I were to use a jack.

I run mine with a 7 band, and I could get along with 5.

ChuckO · #13 08-11-2010, 06:49 PM

How would the beta loaded jack 12 compare to an avatar 210 delta in terms of volume, tone, and lowness?

rpsands · #14 08-11-2010, 07:08 PM

It should be fairly comparable in sensitivity and excursion limited SPL. The Jack will be much louder through the mids and a little louder down low (e.g. more sensitive) but won't take quite as much power.

At least, that's my very rough numbers talking, Bill might be able to speak better to specifics.

Deltas are really unsuitable for bass guitar usage regardless though, due to their very high Fs, and should be quite anemic down low.

billfitzmaurice · #15 08-11-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckO

How would the beta loaded jack 12 compare to an avatar 210 delta in terms of volume, tone, and lowness?

The Delta 10 driver is unsuitable for electric bass. Displacement limited power is only 30 watts, frequency response dies below 100 Hz.