Ideas for 2x12" cab DIY build

jimcroisdale · #1 06-30-2011, 06:56 AM

Hi all,

I'm looking to build a cab in the near future. The reason for the DIY approach is that my car is quite small and regular shaped cabs don't fit in the 'boot'. I have a Ford Puma! I think a vertical 2x12" cab will be ideal, although I am yet to confirm the maximum measurements.

I would like to use Neo speakers if possible as weight is an issue (it will have to be lifted out of the boot over a significant lip)

A tweeter of some type would be ok, but not essential.

It will be powered by my (very heavy!) Trace Alliot RAH600SMX head, so I want each 4ohm speaker to have its own jack socket, so I can use both amp channels and thus more power.

I would like to make it from half inch ply, with plenty of internal bracing, to keep weight down.

I have looked at the Eminence Neo speakers and have played a little with WinISD. There are a lot of drivers to choose from though, and i am not averse to spending a good amount on drivers If I am going to see some benefit.

I like a fat, warm 'traditional' bass sound - high fidelity is not massively important to me. Our drummer is loud however, so I'm going to need good output.

Any thoughts?

Cheers,

Jim

rumblinbass · #2 06-30-2011, 07:04 AM

have you checked out barefaced cabs? they are on you side of the pond I think.

I hear a lot about the 3012HO.
Also might consider a single Kappalite 3015 cab.

HMZ · #3 06-30-2011, 07:18 AM

check out the Genz Benz neox 212T bass cab. Its a vertical two 12 cab only 53 LBS and compact and sounds amazing.

delta7fred · #4 06-30-2011, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumblinbass

have you checked out barefaced cabs? they are on you side of the pond I think.

I hear a lot about the 3012HO.
Also might consider a single Kappalite 3015 cab.

+1

I was looking at Barefaced but decided to build a fearful 15/6 in the end, then add a 15sub if I need more volume (doubtful for me).

Never_grew_up · #5 06-30-2011, 08:43 AM

a pair of 1-12's would be easier to lift in/out and give you some modularity in your setup.
I play the Hartke 2200 2-12 and like it pretty well, but even though it's built like a slant front guitar cab with the top 12 & tweeter tilted up a little, if I had 2 1-12's instead I could put a block or wedge between them to tilt the top 12 up a little more on small stages, and just use 1 cab for rehearsals or a small coffeehouse gig, or just to have 2 lighter cabs rather than 1 heavier one.

kaiser_sosea · #6 06-30-2011, 08:46 AM

I think any 2x12 cab with the 3012HO speakers (provided it's built to spec) would be killer for your application. I just picked up a used Low Down Sound custom 2x12" w/ 3012HO's (from TB classifieds) and it's incredible, plenty of low end and nice tone all the way up. It's 50lbs and very small for a 2x12 as it benefits from vertical alignment.

jimcroisdale · #7 06-30-2011, 10:06 AM

I'm going to need 4 ohm drivers connected in the way I mentioned, I think. It seems that 4ohm are pretty rare.

My Trace won't put out enough power from one side into 8ohm, and there's no bridge option.

I just snagged a Schroeder 15+L on eBay for £200 in mint condition with a padded cover. It will fit in the car, but I dunno if it will be enough for what I need.

I'm gonna have a try with it - I think I can always sell it on if it deosn't do the job (might even make a few £!!)

Jim

jimcroisdale · #8 06-30-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiser_sosea

I think any 2x12 cab with the 3012HO speakers (provided it's built to spec) would be killer for your application. I just picked up a used Low Down Sound custom 2x12" w/ 3012HO's (from TB classifieds) and it's incredible, plenty of low end and nice tone all the way up. It's 50lbs and very small for a 2x12 as it benefits from vertical alignment.

How awesome looking is that!! So rare in the UK though. Not so often any modern Neo cabs turn up on eBay. That's why I got the Schroeder.

Jim

jimcroisdale · #9 07-05-2011, 08:37 AM

Got the Schroeder over the weekend. It's the 15L Punch Line series model - 21in x 14in x 16in - smaller than the regular 15+L!!

Not had chance to try it, but if something that small can even give me close to what my old Peavey TNT combo could I'll be so happy.

Having said all that, I'm wondering about maybe selling it on and going with the 2x12" that started this thread.

Out of interest, what speaker is in the Schroeder, and what's the general consensus when it comes to choosing between a 3012LF or 3012HO for a 2x12" cab?

Cheers,

Jim