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Is an 18 better than a 15?
- Thread starter ZenG
- Start date
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
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- Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
Not really, given that both 15's and 18's are both beamy. And as long as you're within the 'beam' the size isn't telling you much of anything about the tone of the speaker.
A little bit yeah. There are some statements one can make with regards to woofer size, particularly that most larger drivers tend to have more excursion, surface area, and lower resonance than most smaller drivers - keep in mind that these are generalities. They're also usually going to start beaming directionally at a lower frequency than a smaller driver.
It largely depends on the design of individual drivers, a $200 "10 dedicatedsubwoofer is going to outperform a $75 "15 woofer designed to be a cheap replacement for old pa top boxes, at least in the lows.
Just to throw in my $0.02US... Cabinet design has a lot to do with it. A lot of people say you can't get good mids or highs out of an 18" speaker. I currently use an old Acoustic 301 cabinet - it is a big fridge-sized folded horn cabinet with a rear facing single 18" speaker. With my Boogie Buster Bass head that thing produces a great range of tones - it's definitely not super hi-fi sound, but it puts out great mids and still has plenty of presence and note definition.
Speaker size is just one variable.
-Y
Speaker size is just one variable.
-Y
15 is too young IMO...would use an 18 as a sub though
There are two aspects of this discussion - physics and taste. The laws of physics would say that smallet speakers have better transient response (lighter weight) and better dispersion.A smaller driver usually has better mid and highs because of its smaller cone, but if the cone is thick or heavy that may not be true. Based on enclosure tuning, they can go just as low as a larger driver, but a smaller driver simply can't move as much air.The taste aspect is simply what kind of sound you like and want,
I prefer a more linear , detailed hi-if sound - and because of that I don't use 15s. II'm not criticizing 15s or anyone who uses them - but that isn't my kind of sound. Multiple small drivers and the comb filtering they have usually works better for me.
I prefer a more linear , detailed hi-if sound - and because of that I don't use 15s. II'm not criticizing 15s or anyone who uses them - but that isn't my kind of sound. Multiple small drivers and the comb filtering they have usually works better for me.
If 15 and 18 inch speakers are beamier than smaller speakers, then size isn't "The only thing you can know about a speaker from it's size".
This statement is also contradicted by the engineering choice of having up to 3 different sizes of speakers in your favourite cabs.
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It is a physics issue for sure. All things being equal, which is unlikely, the moving structure of an 18" is more massive than that of a 15" which changes its resonant frequency and affects the design of the cabinet.
That being said, there could be an 18 out there that sounds more like a 15 due to its design and the material used in construction.
So, you end up as in most comparisons, too many variables to come up with a good answer.....
That being said, there could be an 18 out there that sounds more like a 15 due to its design and the material used in construction.
So, you end up as in most comparisons, too many variables to come up with a good answer.....
- Feb 12, 2006
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- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Beaming is not ONLY a function of size... there are dust cap and secondary radiators that can be used to decrease the effects of beaming. JBL knew this in the 1950's 
Even cone geometry can be used to alter the polar pattern under some applications. Curvilinear cones are one example of a modified cone geometry. Cone depth is another factor.
Even cone geometry can be used to alter the polar pattern under some applications. Curvilinear cones are one example of a modified cone geometry. Cone depth is another factor.
For me, to help minimize my own internal confusion and for the last many years I go with a 4-Ohm, 410 Cab.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
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Any recommended reading on the subject?Beaming is not ONLY a function of size... there are dust cap and secondary radiators that can be used to decrease the effects of beaming. JBL knew this in the 1950's
Even cone geometry can be used to alter the polar pattern under some applications. Curvilinear cones are one example of a modified cone geometry. Cone depth is another factor.
I recall reading an article, a letters to the editor sort of thing similar as well to the terminology you've mentioned in another current thread that compared the activity of a bass reflex port to a network of inductors. He drew up a schematic and everything. Long story short, I'd like to read more, but I've been hitting a wall on good sources of information.
Many many yrs ago Orange made a 18" folded horn about the same size as an Acoustic 370 style. I had both at one time or another - the Orange had more headroom for some reason. Had a sticker on the side 'Warning SPL may exceed 120db within 3 meters' hehe
I wouldn't drag one around now unless I was playing Reggae - which I would with a P bass &'Echoplex
I wouldn't drag one around now unless I was playing Reggae - which I would with a P bass &'Echoplex
As far as 18" drivers go I would use them either as a sub or as a woofer in e.g an 18/6 or 18/8 configuration.
This particular driver Invalid Link Removed
needs an as big enclosure as the Emi 3015LF (so no bigger cab needed) and will eat it for breakfast too. I would recommend using a separate power amp and active crossover (or DSP) to make full use of the driver capabilities.
This particular driver Invalid Link Removed
needs an as big enclosure as the Emi 3015LF (so no bigger cab needed) and will eat it for breakfast too. I would recommend using a separate power amp and active crossover (or DSP) to make full use of the driver capabilities.
15" VS 18" ? Building my own cab or combo? It would be a 15" EV.
That being said, I prefer the sound of 12's. It all started with my old MB150S.
That being said, I prefer the sound of 12's. It all started with my old MB150S.
Why use a single 18 when you can have 2?
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
- 27,956
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I play reggae and I wouldn't drag one around. These days there are some really beautifully designed 12's and 15's that can produce extreme volumes and go as low as you'd want with clarity in a direct radiator design.
Hopefully the notion that 18's, 15's, 12's and 10's have a specific 'sound' has been put to rest fairly soundly.
Absolutely - if you want it, you get it.If nothing gets those pants flapping this will
But this cab sounds beautiful in lower volumes, too.
And what I like best, on stage you can hear yourself really well with the midrange 4.5 feet above the ground.
Schlepping is only an issue when you have soft ground and stairs but can be well handled by 2 persons weighing in at 55Kgs which is about 10 Kgs less than an Ampeg 810.
On firm, plain ground it's easy with wheels and handles on top.
Soundwise I absolutely prefer it to my TecAmp L810 which is even lighter and can get louder, but the 2x18 goes lower and has a very characteristical low mid growl that I love.
