First Lightweight Prototype Cabinet

blackstring · #1 11-15-2012, 08:43 PM

We finished our first prototype bass cabinet this week. I've been thinking about building one of these for years as an alternative to Indycar parts and NHRA wings and bodywork that we normally build. This was done as a proof of concept project and we are more than happy with the results so far. The cab is loaded with a ten and twelve inch driver(s) plus a horn and an Eminence crossover and is rear ported. The weight is thirty pounds and it sounds huge. We will be doing some experimentation with porting over the next few days to see how it affects the tone and depth. We are already throwing around ideas to bring down the weight and make production a realistic prospect on the near horizon. A 1x12 is also in the works at this point with a target weight of eighteen pounds. Thoughts and ideas are greatly appreciated at this point.

synaesthesia · #2 11-15-2012, 08:49 PM

There is a science to modelling the response based on parameters of loudspeaker drivers that were established by Messrs Thiele and Small and developed by many others on the global platform since those studies were published in the JAE in 1972. It is well worth your while to bone up on the available science rather than take potshots in the dark about port experiments on tone.

Mike Arnopol · #3 11-15-2012, 08:56 PM

Oh man---I make composite cabs commercially and I'd love to see what you're doing. I have no problems with new technologies that might even waste mine! Pics, details---are you molding or doing lay ups?

I'd love to share ideas!

blackstring · #4 11-15-2012, 08:56 PM

We are well aware of Messrs Thiele and Small, thanks. Not really taking potshots in the dark here but thank you kindly for the advice.

shaginwagin · #5 11-15-2012, 09:53 PM

Carbon fiber, right?

Can we see it?

Sounds cool...

Basically Bob · #6 11-16-2012, 08:12 AM

... very interesting

more info & pics please.

subbed

(talk to Mike)

derrico1 · #7 11-16-2012, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackstring

Thoughts and ideas are greatly appreciated at this point.

I think you need a beta tester based in Virginia. I'm happy to volunteer!

derrico1 · #8 11-16-2012, 09:03 AM

Very interesting. So this is a 110+112 cab @ 30#? And a separate design that's 110212?

I'm curious what sort of tone profile you're aiming for with the design(s): reference-speaker even? superlight box with old school 80-120 Hz thump? mid-peak for articulation on noisy stages?

Passinwind · #9 11-16-2012, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackstring

Thoughts and ideas are greatly appreciated at this point.

Definitely looking forward to more details. Don't forget to read and abide by the Commercial User Policy for Talkbass...

**Chef** · #10 11-16-2012, 03:21 PM

You're in Nashville?
You maybe ought to meet Mark Robertson, dukeorock here.
He's done a bit of cab fab, and would dig what you're doing and maybe have some insights for you.

blackstring · #11 11-16-2012, 07:13 PM

Not sure I qualify as a commercial user yet but thanks for the advice. Did some testing today with a Tonehammer and a Fender TB1200. Pretty flat from low b all the way up. A slight bump in the high mids and nice crisp highs. Very reponsive for a vented cabinet. Responds well to changes in EQ. With the TB1200 you get stupid amounts of volume. Gigging with it tomorrow night in a notoriously bad room. Will update.