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I LOVE 15" "drivers" BUT...

#63
Got to agree with those who say that an insistence on a 15 inch driver is very flawed thinking. I used to be a "bigger driver=more bass" thinker, and then I actually learned how speakers and cabinets work. Do yourself a favor, and do some reading on the physics of sound; I know, science can be scary, but I promise, if you take the time to learn about it, you will be glad you did. It will solve this whole problem for you.
 
#64
matt holt said:
Got to agree with those who say that an insistence on a 15 inch driver is very flawed thinking. I used to be a "bigger driver=more bass" thinker, and then I actually learned how speakers and cabinets work. Do yourself a favor, and do some reading on the physics of sound; I know, science can be scary, but I promise, if you take the time to learn about it, you will be glad you did. It will solve this whole problem for you.
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Going with a larger cone pushes some of the constraint boundaries, with accompanying tradeoffs, of course. Larger cone area can translate into higher efficiency or deeper low-end extension (or perhaps some combination thereof).

The Kappalite 3012LF is arguably sorta the gold standard in 12" neodymium woofers for boutique two-way cabs, and the Kappalite 3015 (non-LF) uses essentially the same motor (with a shorter voice coil) on a big, fairly lightweight cone to get similar low-end extension but significantly higher efficiency. Of course a bigger box is needed to get that similar low-end extension.

So if the goal is "max SPL in a given size/weight ballpark", and a good 115 fits into those size and weight requirements, it could easily make more sense than a good 112. Which tool is best for the job depends on the specific requirements.
 
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#67
DukeLeJeune said:
Going with a larger cone pushes some of the constraint boundaries, with accompanying tradeoffs, of course. Larger cone area can translate into higher efficiency or deeper low-end extension (or perhaps some combination thereof).

The Kappalite 3012LF is arguably sorta the gold standard in 12" neodymium woofers for boutique two-way cabs, and the Kappalite 3015 (non-LF) uses essentially the same motor (with a shorter voice coil) on a big, fairly lightweight cone to get similar low-end extension but significantly higher efficiency. Of course a bigger box is needed to get that similar low-end extension.

So if the goal is "max SPL in a given size/weight ballpark", and a good 115 fits into those size and weight requirements, it could easily make more sense than a good 112. Which tool is best for the job depends on the specific requirements.
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First, I am honored to be quoted by you sir!

I agree with everything you said: my point was that, given the OP's specific requirements (needing to fit in his car) the right tool for the job might be multiple cabs of a smaller driver size, as it allows more flexibility in the space it occupies. True, he will probably end up paying more for the additional engineering required to give the cab/drivers adequate low end response.
 
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#68
matt holt said:
Got to agree with those who say that an insistence on a 15 inch driver is very flawed thinking. I used to be a "bigger driver=more bass" thinker, and then I actually learned how speakers and cabinets work. Do yourself a favor, and do some reading on the physics of sound; I know, science can be scary, but I promise, if you take the time to learn about it, you will be glad you did. It will solve this whole problem for you.
Click to expand...

I built all of these and more in the last 2 decades. All sound quite good too! Would this qualify as "reading on the physics of sound" for you?

2015-8-15 140.jpg
 
#69
I'm kinda bemused that if you've got that kind of skill set in building cabs that you are looking for a commercial solution. If its possible at all to get the right amount of volume into your vehicle it must be easier to do it with a custom built cabinet which is non-rectangular looking down from above. Have you worked out the exact size and shape of the space you have to work with?
 
#71
Jim Carr said:
fEARful cabs 12/6/1, 1212/6/1, 15/6/1, and 1515/66/1 sound essentially the same.
I play a lot of Reggae and quartet-style Gospel. I have only occasionally needed two 15/6/1 cabinets. A 15/6/1 or 1212/6/1 can handle 99% of my gigs, assuming NO support from the PA. The 1%? I reserve that for the future, as it hasn't really happened yet.

As one who has a variety of fEARfuls, I can assure you that a 1515/66/1 is a beast you very likely do not need.
I've used a single 15/6/1 with no PA, outdoors for a crowd around 500, with no problems. A 1212/6/1 is significantly louder than a 15/6/1, and tilts to roll around on two wheels.

Seriously, a 1212/6/1 will equal any old-school 215 or 810. A conventional 15/6/1 is wider and not as tall as the regular 1212/6/1, but there are alternate shapes, and 15/6/1 will kick any 410 to the floor. Finally, why not build two mirror baffle 12/6/1 cabs that can stack and act as a 1212/6/1, or a 12/6/1 and a 12sub?

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A pair of fEARful 12/6 cubes. This is a very capable cabinet, and is a very VERY small size. They run 19.5x20.75x14.25. Should be able to fit that in just about any car.
 
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