Since the 1.6 kHz crossover is going to route your upper midrange frequencies over to the midrange driver at a lower frequency point, it would mean the midrange driver will be working harder than with the 2.5 kHz crossover, likely resulting in a bit harsher, more robust or more aggressive sound. It might also take a bit of stress off the woofer, but just a little bit. The downside is that the midrange driver might be more prone to overdriving and/or distortion, depending on how you set your EQ, and how loudly you play. The 2.5 kHz crossover allows the woofer to handle more of those upper mids, leaving the midrange driver to sound a little sweeter and more polite.
As for the woofer selection, you have to make a judgement call based on the character & voicing of the woofer, relative to its power handling capacity and extension (Xmax), relative to your preferences for the type of sound and performance you need. You'll want to consider the frequency slopes of your woofer options and your midrange driver options (Dave offers only one midrange driver, so that's easy), to determine which combination will probably work best together, at which crossover points - although typically the cab manufacturer will have that kind of thing already sorted out, and will make recommendations accordingly. The speaker data can be found on the websites of the major online retailers i.e. US Speaker, etc. or the manufacturer's own site, i.e. Eminence.
One example: If you look at the frequency slope for the Kappalite 3012 LF woofer, you'll note that the high midrange performance begins to take a steep nosedive at around 2 kHz...meaning a crossover set @ 2.5 kHz is going to result in a gap in the 2 kHz to 2.5 kHz range. So the 1.6 kHz crossover would likely work much better for that woofer.
For a heavy rocker, the conventional wisdom is that the Delta 12 LF would be the best option, since its voicing is considered a little deeper, fatter, richer, and the higher power rating would mean it's less likely to go into power compression when driven hard. Dave's OEM Deltalite II 2512, however, is reputed to be more versatile, a little cleaner, more modern...and more full-range, with a little less low end extension relative to the Delta, but providing better high midrange response, up to more than 3 kHz. So that one could easily be used with the 2.5 kHz crossover, and the Delta as well.
I've deliberately tried to avoid telling you what to do, since that would be presumptuous of me. Given what you've stated, if I were in your shoes, I'd go with the Delta LF and the 2.5 kHz crossover. But that's just a seat of the pants judgement.
Getting the gist? More information than you requested?
MM
Last edited:
