Hocke Cabs (3012HO / 3015 enclosures)

ale29 · #1 01-26-2012, 12:18 PM

Hi, I've found this Czech cab maker that builds cabs based on eminence 3012HO and 3015 drivers:
HOCKE - Boxy neodym
That's not something new at all, it's just that they are VERY affordable and 99% of other cutting-edge cab builders are located overseas.
Does anyone know how is the quality of these cabs? Are they built properly for the drivers or they are just some random boxes with expensive drivers thrown in?
I'm quite suspicious because of the price, because I can't understand a word of czech and because that piezo tweeter in the 3012ho cab seems cheap to me.

Another question: do somebody know any other cab builder located in Europe that builds this kind of stuff? Except Barefaced, which i know about of course.

majortoby · #2 01-26-2012, 12:28 PM

What's the conversion between Czech and the Euro? I can't make heads or tails of those prices.....

ale29 · #3 01-26-2012, 12:33 PM

1 czech krone = 0,0397 €
That's like 350€ for a 1x12 3012HO cab. Sure it's heavier than some competitors at 15kg, but still light overall and could be a great bang for buck.

will33 · #4 01-26-2012, 01:26 PM

If I'm guesstimating right, I'd ballpark the internal volume around 55 litrrs (about 2 cu.ft.). That means it's probably big enough to have some decent bottom end. At least they're not wasting a good driver by stuffing it in a box to market ultra small and light. I can't tell anything else....no speaka czech. I assume 15mm is the panel thickness. Can't tell if it's plywood or mdf. 15kg (33 pounds) isn't too heavy.

ale29 · #5 01-26-2012, 02:16 PM

I'm sure there are owners of Hocke cabs on talkbass, if so maybe they could give some info about bracing/overall quality of the cab itself.
I may send an email to Mr.Hocke himself and see what's his answer.

ale29 · #6 01-26-2012, 02:20 PM

Using an online translator, I've found out that they are made of 11 layers of plywood (Finnish Birch), for a total of 15mm thickness.

will33 · #7 01-26-2012, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ale29

Using an online translator, I've found out that they are made of 11 layers of plywood (Finnish Birch), for a total of 15mm thickness.

That's quality 5/8" plywood, nothing cheap or substandard about that. Would need some bracing but in the small cab, not an excessive amount. Perhaps this guy is something of a Europa's version of Avatar speakers. Affordable, but with build quality equal to it's more expensive mainstream competitors. Not the level of a Barefaced by any stretch, but something "good" more people can afford.

ale29 · #8 01-26-2012, 02:49 PM

Not the level of a Barefaced regarding build quality or sound as well? I mean, those details in cabs construction do make an audible difference or is it just for a more solid and/or lighter result?

will33 · #9 01-26-2012, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ale29

Not the level of a Barefaced regarding build quality or sound as well? I mean, those details in cabs construction do make an audible difference or is it just for a more solid and/or lighter result?

Much lighter, custom design speakers, purpose-specific designed and built crossovers, wide dispersion 2 and 3 way designs beyond the typical one-way speaker cab, full detailed technical specs, etc. Similair kinds of things that set the fEARful apart from typical 410's, etc.

will33 · #10 01-26-2012, 03:00 PM

Don't get me wrong, I can't tell much more about the Czech guy, but he is using high quality wood and premium drivers, that's already better than some stuff out there, it's worth looking into further.

ale29 · #11 01-26-2012, 03:01 PM

I see. I actually would be interested in a N112H pre-wired for GK bi-amp system, so that the crossover point becomes moot. I need to gather more info about these cabs tho. For example, it's not mentioned the model of tweeter used...

will33 · #12 01-26-2012, 03:04 PM

Ya, from the little bit I can tell, it's worth the time to find out more. Post what you find out for our European members here.

ale29 · #13 01-26-2012, 03:14 PM

I've sent an email to Hocke. Will keep you informed once i get an answer.

ale29 · #14 01-26-2012, 04:40 PM

And here's his answer:

"Greetings from Czech.

Tweeter is piezo Le Son TLC5 (as MARKBASS, Ampeg etc...).

The piezotweeter does not make sense for Bi - amping and better tweeter fit in there and would increase the weight. The box is reinforced and damp.

Hocke"

A better tweeter would increase the weight? It would hardly be 1kg heavier, big deal...or am I missing something? But at least the cab should be braced ("reinforced") and dampened.

will33 · #15 01-26-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ale29

And here's his answer:

"Greetings from Czech.

Tweeter is piezo Le Son TLC5 (as MARKBASS, Ampeg etc...).

The piezotweeter does not make sense for Bi - amping and better tweeter fit in there and would increase the weight. The box is reinforced and damp.

Hocke"

A better tweeter would increase the weight? It would hardly be 1kg heavier, big deal...or am I missing something? But at least the cab should be braced ("reinforced") and dampened.

Piezo's are very inexpensive, very light (all plastic) and don't require a crossover. It's part of the reason he's able to keep his prices down. If you want a better tweeter and use your Gk biamp function, you'd have to add that later yourself.

But, quality wood, braced, damped, premium driver, sufficient port area = good cab.

dhsierra1 · #16 01-26-2012, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

Piezo's are very inexpensive, very light (all plastic) and don't require a crossover. It's part of the reason he's able to keep his prices down. If you want a better tweeter and use your Gk biamp function, you'd have to add that later yourself.

But, quality wood, braced, damped, premium driver, sufficient port area = good cab.

I'd say then these cabs are worth czeching out, but I keep wondering what kind of finnish he's using on the birch cabinetry....

ale29 · #17 01-26-2012, 06:51 PM

I may even buy one of his cabs. Once my Orange OBC 115 is sold, that is.
But, something like Barefaced, Baer, etc. was my original idea and depending on the budget i could stick to the original plan

will33 · #18 01-26-2012, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhsierra1

I'd say then these cabs are worth czeching out, but I keep wondering what kind of finnish he's using on the birch cabinetry....

Finnish birch = Russian birch. The stuff's not light but super strong, really resistant to flex, vibration, etc. I built a 210 out of it once. Thing was a good deal heavier than I was anticipating, but I wouldn't have even hesitated to block up a loaded dumptruck with it and sleep under it, and that was 1/2". Some of the strongest plywood I've ever seen. It wouldn't take a whole bunch of bracing to have an incredibly strong cab.

ale29 · #19 02-02-2012, 03:06 PM

I'm bumping the thread because Hocke sent me a picture of how does the cab look inside (I didn't even ask for it, very thoughtful). I'm very interested in hearing your opinion and, once my OBC 115 is gone (Any european tber here interested?

) I will probably buy a tweeterless 12" cab.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

will33 · #20 02-02-2012, 10:34 PM

That bracing is sufficient considering how strong the wood he's using. Taking the time to put all the holes in the braces shows some good care/thought. It makes it lighter while still being just as strong. Assuming he lines the walls (damping) before installing the parts, that's a good cab. That port area should be enough for the HO driver.