DIY Bass Cab

[rkbratney]

Ive got 2 15 inch speakers sitting around (one from an old Peavy and one brand new one - i forget the brand, great quality though)

Anywho, a friend and I want to build a 2 15 cab ourselves. So i was hoping someone on here would be able to help us - tips on acoutics on the inside, or maybe even plans. We are just confused on what to do with the guts, the inside. anything helps!

 

[spode master]

Driver models would be a good place to start

 

[molsen]

this program will be absolutely essential for designing a sealed or ported box specific to the drivers you choose: http://www.linearteam.dk/default.aspx?pageid=winisd

some tips:
-don't make it a cube. cube=standing waves=bad sound
-don't forget all of the hardware and connections you'll need for this thing.
-don't use MDF.
-when it's all said and done, you'll likely have ended up spending almost as much as it would have cost to just buy a cab of the same specs.

 

[rkbratney]

What do you mean my driver models? is that a sort of kit? I was wanting to steer away from that.

Also, i doubt that ill spend anywhere close to an actual cab, at least one i would be interested in buying, since i own the speakers already. With the cost of the wood, the grille and other coverings, and the connections, i figure im looking at about $100-150. Now, if i am sorely mistaken, please let me know!

 

[chaotick]

What do you mean my driver models?

He meant which speakers do you plan on stickin' in the box.

Look for numbers stamped on the back.

 

[molsen]

oh, since you already own the speakers, that cuts your costs significantly! yea, $150 would be a good budget, depending on what kind of wood you use. birch is good.

 

[rkbratney]

What else can you tell me about that program? So i get the driver model, which is apparently a sort os serial number on the back of the speakers, and then what?

a little help!

 

[molsen]

if you get the driver model, hopefully you can look up all of the specs on it and then you enter them into the program and it uses the parameters to calculate optimal box size, port tuning/size, etc. and allows you to graphically see what various changes will do to your frequency response, gain, and group delay.

 

[billfitzmaurice]

a little help!

Read a book. Seriously. This one would be appropriate:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Having done that you'd have some understanding of driver parameters, which are explained here:
http://www.eminence.com/resources_data.asp
and then you can use WinISD to design your own cabinet.

 

[greenboy]

It's bad to put two different drivers into a 2-by box. They need to be the same model.

 

[molsen]

agreed. if their specs are different, you'll need to make a seperate enclosure for each.

 

[rumblinbass]

agreed. if their specs are different, you'll need to make a seperate enclosure for each.

+1

 

[JoeVictim]

Read a book. Seriously. This one would be appropriate:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Having done that you'd have some understanding of driver parameters, which are explained here:
http://www.eminence.com/resources_data.asp
and then you can use WinISD to design your own cabinet.

BWahahahaha. Sorry, just instinctive laughter. I do applaude the OP for trying to make their own cab.

 

[rkbratney]

agreed. if their specs are different, you'll need to make a seperate enclosure for each.

So, does that mean i could make a 2 15 cab, but enclose each of them in their own box? It would look like a 2 15, but each speaker would be seperated inside.

 

[Trevorus]

So, does that mean i could make a 2 15 cab, but enclose each of them in their own box? It would look like a 2 15, but each speaker would be seperated inside.

Yep, you could do that. Just be sure to seal the divider between them!

 

[MuzikMan]

So, does that mean i could make a 2 15 cab, but enclose each of them in their own box? It would look like a 2 15, but each speaker would be seperated inside.

IMHO this is the best way to make a multiple speaker box. It adds strength and rigidity (is that a word?) which will improve performance. It is also a good idea to isolate drivers to remove any negative interaction that is caused by differing driver response. Even 2 of the same drivers aren't EXACTLY alike.

With all that said I prefer to build single driver cabinets these days. I can take what I need and leave the rest.

 

[Thor]

You may find this thread useful for your DIY project.

Bill F. helped me with this 2 years ago. The pics were lost
during a TB upgrade, but I can email any pic your are
interested in.

Basically, I took a 2x12 guitar cab and loaded it with new
bass drivers, and modeled the frequency response with the
above mentioned WinISD program. I also used that to select
the port sizes. A number of tradeoffs and compromises
had to be made, but the project came out very well.

Rebuilding the RS Guitar cab to a bass cab.

 

[rkbratney]

oh, since you already own the speakers, that cuts your costs significantly! yea, $150 would be a good budget, depending on what kind of wood you use. birch is good.

By birch, do you mean solid birch or birch plywood?

 

[Thor]

He is referring to Baltic Birch plywood.

 

[62Bassman]

He is referring to Baltic Birch plywood.

Commonly known in UK/Europe as Finnish (as in Finland) Birch Ply.