Bfm jacks? Need to replace my Svt-212av

[poorbassist15]

Hi all,

I’m looking at replacing my Svt-212av setup with a new cab and I can’t quite justify spending serious money on a cab with a dca black mark on the way. I have 2 212av’s that have worked well over the years, but it’s getting to a point that they’re starting to rattle and it’s driving me insane. They haven’t held up as well as I’d hoped, but they still do an adequate job. I run one with usually no pa support with an Svt which nets me a fairly good volume, about 11 o clock on the volume knob.

I’ve come across the bfm site and I’m interested to hear y’all’s thoughts on the character of the Jack 212. I generally prefer the low mid character of the 212av, I don’t use lots of sub low. The best way I can describe it is John Paul Jones with a bit more high end.

I generally turn tweeters off or severely attenuate them so I would likely be building the tweeterless version. I’m also not opposed to unloading one of my ampeg cab’s since they have fairly nice Eminence drivers in them, but I will buy speakers if necessary.

another potential plus is an increase in sensitivity, although this is not necessarily essential, it just has to match or better the 212av for the same loudness. I’m not a weight stickler, as I obviously like punishment with the Svt, but lighter than the head would be nice too.

is this a reasonable ask of this cab? Am I barking up the wrong tree? Should I just suck it up and deal with the tell-tale heart-like rattling of the ampeg?

 

[agedhorse]

Why not get your current cabinets properly repaired?

 

[6thplanet]

If anyone is in the Louisville Kentucky area and needs a cab repair consolation, feel free to PM me.

 

[Lo-E]

Why not get your current cabinets properly repaired?

Well, that’s about the least fun answer you could possibly provide.

I mean, sure, it’s also the most reasonable answer you could possibly provide but where’s the fun in that?

 

[Zooberwerx]

Well, that’s about the least fun answer you could possibly provide.

I mean, sure, it’s also the most reasonable answer you could possibly provide but where’s the fun in that?

Have to agree...we live vicariously thru spending other people's money!

Yep...get the 2x12's repaired. They're great cabs and apparently need some TLC.

To the OP: you're within driving distance of a few metro areas including Norfolk / Va Beach. Tom McCraig is one of the best: Tom — Alpha Music - The Premiere Local Music Store | Virginia Beach

Riis

 

[lark_z]

If you enjoy building things, it can be a blast. If not, not so much. I built a Jack 110 Lite last year, no tweeter. I love it, articulate. And loud - which they're supposed to be since they're horn loaded. All I need for now. If I ever need more, I'll just build a second one. Other than that, I don't have sufficient experience to add much.

Bill (the BFM) has posted a number of times on his forum that he has two Jack 1-12's. Totes either one or two depending on the gig. Have you visited the forum and perused the Jack 12 entries?

 

[LetItGrowTone]

I generally prefer the low mid character of the 212av

I'm not an expert, but the Jack is probably tuned lower than the 212AV.

Someone here (can't remember/find the link) did a pink noise analysis on the 212AV (hard to do that right) and according to his graphs it had a pretty good bump at about 120Hz.

If you found a cab whose tone you like, that knowledge is worth a lot, so I'm with those who suggest you try to fix them.

 

[lark_z]

SPL Charts - BillFitzmaurice.info

 

[LetItGrowTone]

Thanks. According to those graphs, Jack (112) has a dip where the 212AV reportedly has a bump.

 

[kbakerde]

I used to own a Jack 210 that I used with a tube head. I currently use either a pair of the SVT112AV’s, or a custom LDS cab with a pair of Genz 12’s.

It would be worth seeing what’s causing the rattle. Could be a very inexpensive fix for a good cab. But, if you enjoy building, the Jack would be a fun build. It’s loud, clear and definitely projects. I liked it. But I’ve gotten out of the boutique custom cabs over the years.

Keep in mind, one of the reasons the Greenboy fEARful cabs were so much more popular than the BFM cabs back in the heyday of DIY cabs was cause the flagship BFM cab, the Jack, was a much more complex build. YMMV.

Another option would be find plans and build 1-2 fEARful 12/6 Cube’s. Absolute monsters.

 

[sylvanbass]

I have a SVT212AV that had a rattle as well. One .25 cent drywall screw into the internal wood brace from the front fixed that problem for good.

 

[Gizmot]

Fixing rattles isn't that hard - all you have to do is find what's causing it and re-attach or reinforce it. If you want to improve your sound quality, you might want to consider a high-pass filter to prevent it from being fed signal below its tuning frequency AND if you don't mind doing a little work, I'd think about replacing the jack inputs with a Neutrik Speakon since the enclosure is rated to handle 600 watts (way more than a phone jack will safely handle).

 

[J Wilson]

If you're running a single 212 with an SVT (if I'm understanding your OP correctly), I'd get the rattling in the current cab fixed and add a second 212AV. A single one (no matter what brand cabinet is sitting under that SVT) running loud rooms with no FOH backup would seem like a lot to ask from a single cabinet. I'd rattle too . . . .

 

[JimmyM]

Whether or not you get a Jack, fix the 212av’s. I’ve had rattling that was as easy to fix as tightening screws.

A common but not thought about fix involves the insulation inside the cabs coming loose and flapping when you play. Easy fix with double sided tape.

At any rate, it’s not that hard to fix them unless you blew out a speaker.

 

[41Hz To Go]

Love mine! I scoop the mids (mostly) and the cabs come alive. I've built a J15, and a J210 lite.
Plus you get some shop time!