Under 16 pounds for a high output 112??

DukeLeJeune · #1 01-20-2012, 05:25 PM

In a thread over on the Double Bass side, Mike Arnopol has posted a couple of pics of a 15.75 pound cab he built that uses the Kappalite 3012HO:

Acoustic Cab Shootout

Also, in the post just above that one, see his 9.3 pound 1x8 cab.

I don't know what the "record" for an ultralight, high-output 112 cab is, but Mike's under-16-pounds is the lightest I'm aware of.

rpsands · #2 01-20-2012, 05:54 PM

You built one with 1/4" plywood yet? My 3/8" cab was 20lbs with a 3012HO in it.

will33 · #3 01-20-2012, 06:11 PM

That must be some sort of record. Hey, I don't have much experience with upright, but would it be common to graft a tweeter on there for string attack, fingerboard slap, etc., or would that be too much of that? Those guys looking to attenuate some of that anyway? I'd be concerned about hearing definition with a little cab on the floor like that, but like I say, don't know much about upright.

Anyway, pretty impressive build. These things are going to start blowing away in a mild spring breeze if they get much lighter.

DukeLeJeune · #4 01-20-2012, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

You built one with 1/4" plywood yet? My 3/8" cab was 20lbs with a 3012HO in it.

I bought some quarter-inch Baltic Birch but have yet to use it, so no... not yet! Too many other projects that are higher up on the list (like, filling orders that I'm behind on!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

...would it be common to graft a tweeter on there for string attack, fingerboard slap, etc., or would that be too much of that?

I'm sure it could be done. I used the 3012HO in a custom high-end home audio build once upon a time, so let's just say that I really like its midrange claritiy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

These things are going to start blowing away in a mild spring breeze if they get much lighter.

If you remember to put your microamp on top, it should be just fine in a 10 mph crosswind...

Passinwind · #5 01-20-2012, 07:08 PM

Killin'...

dhsierra1 · #6 01-20-2012, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

.... but would it be common to graft a tweeter on there for string attack, fingerboard slap, etc., or would that be too much of that? Those guys looking to attenuate some of that anyway? I'd be concerned about hearing definition with a little cab on the floor like that

I don't like tweeters for DB cabs for that reason, esp w/arco. Don't want too much bass either. The requirements for a DB amp are a bit different than for BG. Clarity and definition are key, you don't want to color the sound much, esp if you have a nice instrument w/a good pup. Which I don't have so a lot of times I'll reach for my Showman amp w/1 or 2 10s, adds some forgiveness for certain applications. If it's a jazz casual I'll just schlep the GK400RB as I'm loathe to move my Fender out of my music room much.

will33 · #7 01-20-2012, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhsierra1

I don't like tweeters for DB cabs for that reason, esp w/arco. Don't want too much bass either. The requirements for a DB amp are a bit different than for BG. Clarity and definition are key, you don't want to color the sound much, esp if you have a nice instrument w/a good pup. Which I don't have so a lot of times I'll reach for my Showman amp w/1 or 2 10s, adds some forgiveness for certain applications. If it's a jazz casual I'll just schlep the GK400RB as I'm loathe to move my Fender out of my music room much.

That kind of stuff helps me just knowing what's good and what's not on the other half of the bass world. I know the lowend attenuation thing, that much I can hear and it's evident in the waterfall threads. I don't know what people are looking for (or not) on the top half of things.

I've played a few guys uprights at some jam parties, etc. but it's the best I can do to stay within a half-step of where I'm supposed to be, of course, nobody cares by that time, the real bassist is happy to have a break.

. I don't "know the instrument" or what the sweet spots are or the problem areas to avoid.

Mike Arnopol · #8 01-20-2012, 11:07 PM

Thanks for the kind words, Duke. For anyone that thinks that extended mids and highs mess with the upright sound--you have to try the Thunderchild. I thought the same thing until I tried one. Now I realize that highs sound good on upright if they're the right kind of highs. With the TC I find that I'm rolling off way fewer mids and highs because they're the RIGHT mids and highs. My live sound is really starting to approach my studio sound.

That being said, the 3012ho based cab is a totally different animal from the TC. I do have to roll off some mids. But once that's done I'm really happy with it. I built the 8 incher and the 12 to replace my Wizzy 10. The Wizzy is a great speaker---really opened my eyes as far as how compact, good sounding and loud a little cab could be.

The 12 cab is very punchy without being wanky. It goes as loud as I'll ever need for upright and is very surprising on electric. It's very HiFi but has a bit more forward midrange. Super punchy with very tight lows. (that's how I tuned it--I have to turn up the bass just a bit, but it's very focused).

DukeLeJeune · #9 01-20-2012, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Arnopol

...Super punchy with very tight lows. (that's how I tuned it--I have to turn up the bass just a bit, but it's very focused).

For what it's worth, Mike told me enough about his choice of tuning frequency for his sixteen pounder that I can say it's exactly what I would have done. He juggled the tradeoffs the same way I would have.

Mike Arnopol · #10 01-23-2012, 09:50 AM

Some pics. The little anchors you see are for the corners (they sent me some of the wrong ones) The screws and nuts that show through the ports will be replaced by black ones. I'm coming up with a design that will add a nice tweeter and maybe tame the 2k mid peak a bit. It's funny that this mid peak doesn't bug me as much as the peaks on the Wizzy's and CXL. I guess it's because they are more in the lower mid "wank" zone. The mid peak on the 3012ho I would describe more as a "presence" boost. (whatever the hell that means!) The tweet will likely add about 2 lbs. ( a very well known crossover designer has offered to help) Sorry about the lame photos---taken with my phone.

Mike Arnopol · #11 01-23-2012, 09:54 AM

also, the insides of the ports will get Duratex-ed. I just had to get the right brush!

Bass Unique · #12 01-23-2012, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeLeJeune

In a thread over on the Double Bass side, Mike Arnopol has posted a couple of pics of a 15.75 pound cab he built that uses the Kappalite 3012HO:

Acoustic Cab Shootout

Also, in the post just above that one, see his 9.3 pound 1x8 cab.

I don't know what the "record" for an ultralight, high-output 112 cab is, but Mike's under-16-pounds is the lightest I'm aware of.

Gonna try to beat that with my 3012 HO - it will be a hybrid TL/reflex again so naturally has more wood inside but I think under 16 lbs is possible! And, it would include a tweeter! :-)

My tuning freq will be 39 to 43 Hz in this box for the reflex and around 80 Hz for the TL.

**JxBass** · #13 01-23-2012, 10:01 AM

I especially like that it comes with a light fixture on top so that you can see all the knobs on your amp

billfitzmaurice · #14 01-23-2012, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeLeJeune

I don't know what the "record" for an ultralight, high-output 112 cab is, but Mike's under-16-pounds is the lightest I'm aware of.

For SPL and LF extension AFAIK that would be held by my Jack 12Lite, though it comes in at 20 pounds, and is quite a bit larger than Mike's. Only Chuck Norris can break Hoffman's Iron Law.

Mike Arnopol · #15 01-23-2012, 10:12 AM

It's just a matter of picking your compromises. The Kappalies have really been a game changer, but physics is physics. I just wanted to build a cab that was (for me) the best compromise between size, weight and performance. This thing goes LOUD. (for a 12) I have to boost the bass a bit---I don't mind--it allowed the smaller cab size. (lower cab tuning to keep a tight bass response and lessen unloading of the speaker). I'll have to look into the light fixture as an option! Also, I'll be getting one of fellow TB-er Fdeck's new high pass filters. This will allow higher volume and a better, tighter low end.

KJung · #16 01-23-2012, 10:20 AM

Nice job!

Mike Arnopol · #17 01-23-2012, 10:25 AM

Thanks, Ken
Still trying to find time to drive up to Door County and make a stop in Sheboygan!

kraigo · #18 01-28-2012, 06:36 AM

For those of you using 3/8": How are you bracing?

KO

**nutdog** · #19 03-02-2012, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Arnopol

It's just a matter of picking your compromises. The Kappalies have really been a game changer, but physics is physics. I just wanted to build a cab that was (for me) the best compromise between size, weight and performance. This thing goes LOUD. (for a 12) I have to boost the bass a bit---I don't mind--it allowed the smaller cab size. (lower cab tuning to keep a tight bass response and lessen unloading of the speaker). I'll have to look into the light fixture as an option! Also, I'll be getting one of fellow TB-er Fdeck's new high pass filters. This will allow higher volume and a better, tighter low end.

How would you compare the tone of the 12 cab with the 8?