Ampeg PF-210HE double baffle mod

[LHbassist]

I'm a luthier, and guitar and bass repairman.. I'm a woodworker- but not a cabinet maker. Cutting a factory clean port in my PF210HE is no big task for me, Before I do so, I am hoping some TB'er's with a knowledge of cabinet porting, and of the characteristics of the longer Xmax Eminence Deltalite 2510's that Avatar used before they made them optional, advise me, in order that I do not make any errors.

 

[stiles72]

Here is a link to the thread where I showed the process of porting my PF115-HE:

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/ampeg-portaflex-pf115he-mods.866811/

I used stock ampeg port rings and tubes from their parts department. Ampeg used the same rings/tubes on the B-100R, BA-115, SVT-215 etc... Basically anything ported with 15's, and I'm sure they are the same as the ports on the 410-HLF. I didn't take the process of porting as scientifically as others - I just thought the cab lacked low end compared to my B-100R, so I figured I'd port it in the exact same way. I'm very satisfied with the outcome - and you can really tell the difference between the ported cab and the sealed cab in a side by side comparison. Originally the cabs had the stock purple speakers, but I have since swapped them out for a set of JBL's and they sound even better.

 

[LHbassist]

stiles72- THAT IS BEAUTIFUL WORK!
Please, can you tell me where you got the ports? I'm wondering if these might work with my PF210 HE- one- or two? and on the front baffle, or in the rear- OR BOTTOM...of the cabinet would be best...

 

[pie_man_25]

The dangerous thing about adding a port to a cabinet is that the cabinet was designed a certain way for a certain reason - and messing around with that design could lead to bad tone or broken speakers if you aren't careful. I'm not saying that it's not going to work, but that without knowing the drivers that are in the cabinet, or their parameters, makes predicting the end result a gamble.

You could certainly try to add a couple of ports to the back of the cabinet, see what happens, and fine tune from there. There's nothing wrong with a bit of experimentation, but at least knowing what you're getting into is something I'd recommend.

 

[stiles72]

LHBassist - The port rings and tubes are available from the Ampeg Parts department (866-858-5832) I don't know the specific part #'s, but if you ask for the tubes and rings off the BA115 that will get them going in the right direction. As I mentiond, the rings and tubes were the same as used on the B100R and the SVT 215 cabs as well. I went with two ports on the back because that is what the B100R has, and when Ampeg first released the modern PF series - the prototype cabs were rear ported as well. As they went into production however, they used a sealed design. I suspect they went with a sealed cab because the tighter sound would probably appeal to a broader group of players, and it would allow them to introuduce a "new" ported model down the road - which they did. Since the dual rear ports were in my mind a "proven design" with the BA115 and the B100R, I figured this was a very safe and predictible mod to make since I was just copying what Ampeg did on those other models. Ampeg had a rear ported SVT-210 cab, so I see no reason why a dual ported PF210 wouldn't work as well.

 

[stiles72]

Here is a pic of the SVT-210. It had (2) 10's, and a HF horn, just like the PF cabs. As you can see, it used the same port rings and tubes as what I used. The SVT-115 it is sitting on has the same exact dual ports but they are located at the bottom of the front baffle. Since the low frequencies are omnidirectional - port location (IMO) doesn't really matter for sound. I would say locate the ports wherever they make the most sense for you. If you put them on the front however - you would likely have to lose the HF horn since it is right in the way of where a port would naturally be located.

 

[Precibass]

As you can se, there isn't room for the same amount of ports as the B15 as I want them to be located in the same place they are in that cab.
View attachment 2273903

And to compliment the ports, I'll replate the current grille with a grille like the one in the picture below this one to get the wanted effect (of course with two speaker-holes that matches the cab instead of just one 15" one..).
View attachment 2273904
View attachment 2273905

Hi, please how exactly have you pulled out the front grille off the 210 cab? Mine cannot go easy and I am affraid to destroy it. After I saw your photo I thought any tiny pipe with a blunt end that can go in the screw hole would work to help it move or not? Thanks

EDIT: I replaced two Fane Sovereign 10-300 full range without a horn (but not planning to use its hole for the port) and definitely need ported design so I decided to do it in front, where when desired it still can be reworked to closed but grille will hide it.

 

[Precibass]

Are the 10" drivers okay to use in a ported cab? Adding ports to a sealed cab could jeopardize the drivers if they are not designed to be used in a sealed cab. I'm sure the speaker experts will chime in here....

More likely it works better that way than otherwise. I tried many in this PF210 and it really needs to be ported. Not because there are not good replacements, but simply because there are more 10 speaker options with ported design, even it is rather big cab for ported (when you see recommendations for ported designs)!

 

[Precibass]

Something is telling me, this is not going to be enough porting for these Fanes...port is 6cm wide and 9,5cm deep. If it is not enough I prepared for second. Size of the port is modeled after Ashdown ABM cabs.

 

[Precibass]

Hi, I am here again. As I expected, the second port was needed, but still, there is a touch of compression in a sound, so I would recommend wider ports, not sure for Ampeg drivers, but for Fane Sovereign 10-300 YES. The conclusion from me is, that this Portaflex 210 HE needs to be ported for the best results. Porting also helps to eliminate any rattles that could be a problem with bigger pressure levels due to a physic of a sealed cab. I remember the original Ampeg speakers and the amount of compression and farting was touch more evident than with these FANEs (comparing in a sealed mode). I hope, I helped. Cheers.