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fearful 15/6 vs lds 15/6

#41
Ukiah Bass said:
Specifications:

15/6 - 23.5" W x 22.0" T x 18.0" D, about 45 pounds
Emminence Kappalite 3015LF and 18Sound 6ND410
Crossover @ 800 hertz; padding about -3db, L-pad on side
Black Tolex, metal grill, fixed-bar handles, 2 Speakon jacks, plastic corners

12/6 - 16.0" W x 23.5" T x 18.0" D, about 35 pounds
Emminence Kappalite 3012LF and 18Sound 6ND410
Crossover @ 800 hertz; padding about -7.5/8db, L-pad on back
Black Tolex, metal grill, fixed-bar handles, 2 Speakon jacks, tilt-stand, plastic corners

LDS 15-6 and 12-6 stacked - front.jpg
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Ukiah Bass: every time I see pics of your rig (in this thread and other threads), I get hit with GAS pains. I was wondering how much those particular LDS cabs cost you? (Feel free to PM me if you prefer not to quote prices in this public forum.) Oh...and what is the freq response of these cabs? Thanks!
 
#42
Horny Toad said:
Correct. He does have a "standard" design, but Don will build anything you want. Total flexibility.
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When I spoke to Don, I made it clear that I was interested in the fEarful 1515/66 design. He made it clear to me that if I wanted an exact fEarful design I could build it myself!
I placed my order and re- emphasized that I want the same size shelf port and internal cu/ft volume and that tall is preferable (cause I am). Having seen previous threads where people were disappointed by the dimensions they recieved, I am waiting with great anticipation to see what I get. If it is the squat wide version, and comes with tube ports I will be p---'d. I think your statement is a little optomistic since he pretty much told me build it yourself if you want an exact fEarful. Not complainin cause I placed an order. Just thought my experience would clarify. There are exact fEarful builders out there but the price a volume pro like Don gets on components makes his cost effective as long as they do a good job of near maximization of the 3015lf potential. Rp might not think so anymore?
 
#43
mntngrown said:
When I spoke to Don, I made it clear that I was interested in the fEarful 1515/66 design. He made it clear to me that if I wanted an exact fEarful design I could build it myself!
I placed my order and re- emphasized that I want the same size shelf port and internal cu/ft volume and that tall is preferable (cause I am). Having seen previous threads where people were disappointed by the dimensions they recieved, I am waiting with great anticipation to see what I get. If it is the squat wide version, and comes with tube ports I will be p---'d. I think your statement is a little optomistic since he pretty much told me build it yourself if you want an exact fEarful. Not complainin cause I placed an order. Just thought my experience would clarify. There are exact fEarful builders out there but the price a volume pro like Don gets on components makes his cost effective as long as they do a good job of near maximization of the 3015lf potential. Rp might not think so anymore?
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Interesting. When I spoke to Don, he told me if I wanted a cab built exactly to the fEarful specs, he would do it. I ended up not going the fEarful route, but Don left me with no doubt he would build one. Maybe he has changed his mind for some reason.
 
#45
::::BASSIST:::: said:
While I love my LDS nEarful, I do find the squat version a little awkward to move. I am guessing the greenboy designed, tall fEarful would be easier to move than the cubed shaped LDS version. It does sound awesome though... I am just being picky.
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Hi. I am thinking about ordering a pair of 15/6 cabs from Don (the "squat" versions to stack on top of each other).

Is yours loaded with the Eminence Kappalite 3015LF? If yes, do you happen to know what the low end frequency response is of your cab?
 
#49
rpsands said:
I mentioned his name so he'll be by to post it pretty soon I'm sure...I'll look for it in the meantime.
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Okay cool. Sounds good. Thanks.

I kinda like the "squat" version of the LDS 15/6 so that having two of those stacked isn't too tall. I admire Ukiah's stack, but I am not sure I want to have a 12" cab up top. I kinda like the idea of having a pair of 15 inchers for those outdoor, non-bass PA affairs. I like low, thick, meaty (but not muddy) bass tone, and clear (but not overbearing) mids. I'm not into the sizzle (eg slap) stuff, so I don't care for tweeters, but I do understand the need for the mid driver when using the LF version woofers.
 
#50
Take this for what it's worth but I've played outdoor shows with just the 15/6 powered by a Markbass F1, and also with a Carvin power amp and a preamp. It's on the edge of its capabilities there...it's my opinion that another little bit of volume that a 12/6 would provide would be sufficient for almost any situations.

It took me a while to come around to it because the main extra advantage I see is that the 12/6 is enough to play a lot of shows by itself. I just could not buy that at first, but it really is plenty for many venues if you have sufficient wattage and some even without.

Given how much juice you have to play with I think you might find that the 15/6 is enough; it will get louder than both of your 2x10XST's together unless you take all the bass out of them or crank the mids. So if that were the case that the 15/6 was enough, you might also find that a 12/6 would be enough a lot of the time.
 
#51
rpsands said:
Take this for what it's worth but I've played outdoor shows with just the 15/6 powered by a Markbass F1, and also with a Carvin power amp and a preamp. It's on the edge of its capabilities there...it's my opinion that another little bit of volume that a 12/6 would provide would be sufficient for almost any situations.

It took me a while to come around to it because the main extra advantage I see is that the 12/6 is enough to play a lot of shows by itself. I just could not buy that at first, but it really is plenty for many venues if you have sufficient wattage and some even without.

Given how much juice you have to play with I think you might find that the 15/6 is enough; it will get louder than both of your 2x10XST's together unless you take all the bass out of them or crank the mids. So if that were the case that the 15/6 was enough, you might also find that a 12/6 would be enough a lot of the time.
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Hmmm....very interesting. Perhaps my brain is stuck in the 70's when I used to play through a 2x15 cab. You make a good point about versatility. Ukiah's rig is making more sense to me.

For power, I use a QSC PLX 3602 stereo power amp which puts out around 750 watts RMS into 8 ohms per channel.
 
#52
::::BASSIST:::: said:
While I love my LDS nEarful, I do find the squat version a little awkward to move. I am guessing the greenboy designed, tall fEarful would be easier to move than the cubed shaped LDS version. It does sound awesome though... I am just being picky.
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Add removable 3.5" casters and it'll make it 4.5" taller. Easier to move and hear. Mine's 25t x 21.5w x 18"d which gets it up to 29.5"t with casters. I take the rear casters off for monitoring sometimes and take all 4 off for tighter trunks.
 

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#53
SactoBass said:
Hmmm....very interesting. Perhaps my brain is stuck in the 70's when I used to play through a 2x15 cab. You make a good point about versatility. Ukiah's rig is making more sense to me.

For power, I use a QSC PLX 3602 stereo power amp which puts out around 750 watts RMS into 8 ohms per channel.
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Yeah I saw that in your sig which is what made me think of it...the amount of volume I was able to get out of the 15/6 with my Carvin DCM1540L bridged was pretty absurd.
 
#54
rpsands said:
Yeah I saw that in your sig which is what made me think of it...the amount of volume I was able to get out of the 15/6 with my Carvin DCM1540L bridged was pretty absurd.
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Well, maybe I need to remind myself that I am not in need of ear bleed volumes (our band does not play "Behemoth" style music complete with hair twirling). We play classic rock covers at moderate volume levels. So maybe a pair of LDS 12/6 cabs would work. Would that be loud enough in a rock band that plays at moderate volume levels?? (assuming no PA support for the bass).
 
#55
Yes, but not terribly much louder than a 15/6 with the amount of wattage you have on tap. I'm not a huge fan of the pair of 12/6's -- but my goal is to carry one cab 90% of the time or better.

I'd suggest you start with a 15/6 and see if you like it and them expand from there if you want more options. Built with Arauco plywood they're in the range of 40-45lbs apiece. That said, I don't think you could go wrong with any of the options mentioned...any difference wouldn't be one that would make you really unhappy or anything I don't think.
 
#56
rpsands said:
Yes, but not terribly much louder than a 15/6 with the amount of wattage you have on tap. I'm not a huge fan of the pair of 12/6's -- but my goal is to carry one cab 90% of the time or better.

I'd suggest you start with a 15/6 and see if you like it and them expand from there if you want more options. Built with Arauco plywood they're in the range of 40-45lbs apiece. That said, I don't think you could go wrong with any of the options mentioned...any difference wouldn't be one that would make you really unhappy or anything I don't think.
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Good point. Thanks RP. I gotta hit the sack now. I didn't write MS-DOS back in the 70's, so I have to get up and go to work in the morning. (dang).
 
#57
Blues Cat said:
Add removable 3.5" casters and it'll make it 4.5" taller. Easier to move and hear. Mine's 25t x 21.5w x 18"d which gets it up to 29.5"t with casters. I take the rear casters off for monitoring sometimes and take all 4 off for tighter trunks.
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Except that then the silly thing would not fit in my car.

Thanks anyway!

I can't see ever selling my LDS 15/6 as I *know* it can handle any sane amount of volume I'll ever need when pushed with my VT Bass > Peavey DPC 1000 poweramp (which gives 1000w at 8 ohms). Honestly, the Greenboy tall 15/6 is much more appealing to me, for whatever absurd reason, but I know I'd be struggling to get that beast in and out of my Honda Civic.

Currently I am considering getting a Barefaced Compact. The dimensions of 25.5h x 19w x 13.5d are essentially perfect for me. The weight of 26LBS is just crazy light and most of the time a single 115 is plenty loud enough for me.

I also *really* like the idea of using one of my LDS 112s as a wedge/monitor pointed right at my head and the Compact facing the audience. Since the Compact is actually lighter than my 112 (according to spec) transport would be a breeze.

So yeah, currently thinking very hard on the Compact. It would be more expensive, but I wouldnt have to wait 3 to 6 months for LDS build. Plus, Barefaced already has that design made up 'tight & right' and I'd be assured of a cab without risk.

Can you hear me trying to convince myself? :cool:
 
#58
rpsands said:
Go check out the fEarful 12/6 cube and 15/6 stack Tom Bowlus is working on...it looks kinda like the nEarful stack but is much taller :)
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Here are the cabs as they will be stacked when both are completely done:

2010_0309basscab1561260003.jpg


I've gigged with the 12/6Cube/1, but Tom Lees (our Technical Editor) is currently testing the crossover in the 15/6/1, and I have not heard them together yet. Here's an action shot of the 12/6Cube/1:

fEarfulrigatBrookfest.jpg
 
#59
SactoBass said:
Good point. Thanks RP. I gotta hit the sack now. I didn't write MS-DOS back in the 70's, so I have to get up and go to work in the morning. (dang).
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Interestingly enough, the guy that did isn't righ either. Bill Gates bought basically a functionally complete operating system(CDP, CDM??? something like that, slipping my mind now though) and only modified slightly to become MS DOS...

Back on topic... IF I were building it, or ordering it, there is no question which I would go with(Fearful, tall, shelf ported) but I wouldn't walk away from a good classifieds deal for a round port one.
 
#60
Bmorefoozler said:
Interestingly enough, the guy that did isn't righ either. Bill Gates bought basically a functionally complete operating system(CDP, CDM??? something like that, slipping my mind now though) and only modified slightly to become MS DOS...
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Tim Paterson, Seattle Computer Products. He wrote 86-DOS and then sold distribution rights to Micro$oft, who renamed it for their own brand. He did use the published CP/M APIs to make his OS somewhat upward compatible, which led to a legal wrangle with Gary Kildall of Digital Research.

He must not be broke, either, because he races sports cars in SCCA today - definitely not a money-making career. :D

Back on topic - I'm enjoying the discussion of cabinet designs, as I hope to build one of these eventually.
 

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