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Driver for sealed enclosure versus ported?

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by StuartV, Jul 8, 2013.

  1. Jul 8, 2013 #1
    StuartV

    StuartV Finally figuring out what I really like Supporting Member

    Jul 27, 2006
    Manassas, VA
    I have a sealed 1x15 cab. I'm thinking of doing 2 things to it: Replace the driver with a better one. Replace the front baffle with a ported one. But, not necessarily at the same time. Ideally, I would replace the driver first, then do the porting later - if I still want to, after upgrading the driver.

    The question is, does it matter whether the cab is sealed or ported when selecting a replacement driver?

    I want to avoid upgrading the driver while the cab is still sealed, and then porting the cab and needing to replace the driver with a different one.

    If you want specifics, the cab is an Ampeg B-15R combo and the driver is 8 ohms. I'm looking at upgrading to a better 8 ohm driver, and also changing the front baffle to a ported double baffle design like the mid-60s B-15N had.
     
  2. Jul 8, 2013 #2
    walterw

    walterw Supportive Fender Commercial User

    Feb 20, 2009
    alpha-music.com
    it totally matters!

    go download the free winISD program (i just did today, it wasn't that hard to figure out, and it's been very revealing.)

    you measure the cab in question with a tape measure or whatever, including any ports and how big, and then you enter in all the parameters of the speaker in question, and you can see a graph of how it hangs in the low end with the cab.

    FWIW, the spec sheets of several of the nice eminence 15" bass drivers i was just looking at said that they were not suitable for sealed cabs at all.
     
  3. Jul 8, 2013 #3
    will33

    will33

    May 22, 2006
    austin,tx
    One deciding factor is the EBP spec (Efficiency Bandwidth Product). If that isn't listed the formula is Fs / Qes.

    <50 = sealed

    50-100 = can go either way, this is where modeling comparisons help a lot.

    >100 = ported.


    Hint: The Eminence Beta can work either way and is a good replacement for classic Ampeg thump.
     
  4. Jul 8, 2013 #4
    will33

    will33

    May 22, 2006
    austin,tx
    If you want something with high spl and more topend, the Delta Pro is one.
     
  5. Jul 8, 2013 #5
    StuartV

    StuartV Finally figuring out what I really like Supporting Member

    Jul 27, 2006
    Manassas, VA
    Thanks, guy! It seems like the Beta is very popular on here. If it can go both ways, it sounds like a good way for me to go.
     
  6. Jul 8, 2013 #6
    OscarJr

    OscarJr Kneel before Zod!

    Feb 20, 2013
    Laredo, Tx
  7. Jul 8, 2013 #7
    StuartV

    StuartV Finally figuring out what I really like Supporting Member

    Jul 27, 2006
    Manassas, VA
    Ha ha! Thanks, Oscar!