I just got an LDS Fatial 15 4 ohm with no tweeter. With this driver you get, IMO, a smoother sounding mid than the 3015 and if you play finger style and want some upper mid definition this driver cab combo is it. I get just a touch of string noise for nice upper mid definition but no harsh treble and the build quality is excellent. Nice weight as well.
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Low Down Sound Club, Part Four
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
Don's builds are super. And his fit & finish is beautiful. But, yes, watch out. At times, his judgement may not be the very, very best. This may be one of those times.
I have two of Don's cabs & both are truly excellent, but I researched & knew exactly what I wanted beforehand. The two boxes are an 8-ohm 15/6 (3015LF/18Sound 6ND410) & a 4-ohm 215 (3015 x 2/D220Ti HF).
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by "be careful, I mean:
"if you ask for a driver with a 22", an 18", a 15" two 12's, a 10, a 6 and some horns," he may well build that for you.
Doesn't mean it's a great idea.
I like Don. Right now, I have 6 of his cabs.
"if you ask for a driver with a 22", an 18", a 15" two 12's, a 10, a 6 and some horns," he may well build that for you.
Doesn't mean it's a great idea.
I like Don. Right now, I have 6 of his cabs.
What chef said. I have probably owned more of Don's cabs than anyone (including an entire large PA). He will make suggestions but, will build whatever you ask for and, you may not always know best. His work is literally second to nobody. Top quality everytime. I just wish there were more quality, bass-centric drivers out there to match the cab work that Don can do.
Ok it's happening, put down the deposit today! Had many long talks with Don this week and based on his suggestions I think this is gonna be the start of a beautiful friendship...the specs:
Cab 1: 12/6/1 3 way config
Powering them with a GB Shuttle Max 12.2...that's the reason why I wanted each cab @ 4 Ohms: to get the full 1200 Watts when combined. Should be two interesting flavors of cab to choose from for smaller gigs and a full-range powerhouse stack for the big shows...can't wait!!
Cab 1: 12/6/1 3 way config
- 4 Ohm Cab
- Faital Pro 12FH500 12" Woofer 4 Ohm Version
- Faital 6" mid (his choice, most likely the one used in Chef's cab; don't know the model #)
- Tweeter (his choice)
- L-Pad for midrange and tweeter
- Ideal Weight: 40 lbs or less
- Proposed Dimensions: 20"W x 18"H x 16"D but may take the height up to 22"
- 4 Ohm Cab
- Faital Pro 15PR400 - 15" Woofer 4 Ohm Version
- Ideal Weight: 35 lbs or less
- Proposed Dimensions: 20"W x 22"H x 16"D
Powering them with a GB Shuttle Max 12.2...that's the reason why I wanted each cab @ 4 Ohms: to get the full 1200 Watts when combined. Should be two interesting flavors of cab to choose from for smaller gigs and a full-range powerhouse stack for the big shows...can't wait!!
Yea he was telling me about a build he did like this one that killed...could you describe what you like about it in comparison to your previous cab(s)?
Why combine the 15PR400 (full range, not a sub woofer) with a 12FH500 (not full range). Furthermore the 12 is going to lag way behind the 15 in terms of sensitivity. I dont see these pairing well together, and think this is a case of Don building you what ever you want.
Yep, afraid so. That's why I said I hope it works out for the OP.
Sigh...what do they say about assuming something? Why is everyone assuming I'm not listening to Don and instead telling him exactly what to do? I told Don what I'm trying to achieve volume and tone wise and asked for his suggestions...these were his recommendations, not my orders.
To your first point: I thought the whole premise behind the 3 way design (based on the countless fearful/LDS/3 way threads I've read) was that to get that full range sound with extended lows that these designs are known for...a bass driver that excels at sub-bass (but not necessarily at as a full range driver) is used in combination with a mid and tweet to balance out where the low driver lacks (along with a smart crossover and cabinet design) and thus getting a full range sound overall. Unless I totally missed the point, what's the problem with the 12" not being full range? (not being snippy, please tell me why it's a huge mistake IYO)
To the second point: He knows the 12" is 3 dB lower than the 15"...In fact, I pointed this out in our last conversation because, even though I don't know much about cab design specifics, that difference in SPL seemed odd. His response was basically that the sensitivity of the other drivers in the 3 way when combined will make up the difference in volume and everything should even out overall...Don's been building cabs for a long time and I've heard (mostly) nothing but respect & high praise for his abilities on this very thread. He knows what amp I'm using the cabs with and why I wanted 4 ohms per cab...so, as crazy as it sounds, I'm deferring to his judgement. Again, I'm not trying to be snippy, but every time I post info about the discussions we had about my future build, I get accused of telling Don how to do his job...kind of annoying I guess.
So in that case I'll put it to the knowledgeable TB community...I need 2 cabs (not lifting 1 heavy beast) that:
- Can utilize all the power of a Genz Benz shuttle max 12 when combined (600W @ 4 Ohms x 2), so 4 ohms each cab
- Can hang anywhere from a small club (separated) to big outdoor stages (combined)
- Are not identical so that I have different tonal options when used separately...I play several different styles; some of which are very low end heavy, like Reggae for example...others I need more mid definition and high end shine, like jazz fusion for example
- Sound like one unified unit when paired together
- Are no more than 40 - 45 lbs per cab
, say so...if it is possible, give me specific details.
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That's why I went with the single 15.
It has a full bottom, I don't care for the 3015LF. Sounds like a PA speaker
Obviously with no mids. The Fatial has open mids for a 15 and just enough upper mids to hear a little finger noise, and no x over or mid driver needed. I play finger style only so this cab is perfect for my needs .
You might want to start with the this cab and see how you like it. Might not need the other cab. Just my thoughts.
It has a full bottom, I don't care for the 3015LF. Sounds like a PA speaker
Obviously with no mids. The Fatial has open mids for a 15 and just enough upper mids to hear a little finger noise, and no x over or mid driver needed. I play finger style only so this cab is perfect for my needs .
You might want to start with the this cab and see how you like it. Might not need the other cab. Just my thoughts.
Thanks for the response, that's pretty much what Don was saying about the different 15" drivers and why he recommends the Faital. I forgot to include in my previous post that I use a VB-99 and sometimes I use synth and guitar sounds along with bass, so for some gigs, I'm gonna need that high end that the 15 lacks. Also, I slap sometimes and like the "Marcus" tone for that, so a tweeter (or at the very least a mid driver) is needed.
The point is the 15PR400 isn't a sub. Using it as such, or expecting it to is poimtless. The 12 is more of that vein, but I don't think it will pair with the more midrange prominent 15.
Your money. Your decision. But it isn't what I would expect to work well.
Your money. Your decision. But it isn't what I would expect to work well.
Thanks for reminding me that it's my money and my decision...I kinda forgot.
Now to the part where you suggest what you would expect to work well based on the criteria I outlined...? (or, if it's not possible within those limits)
So if you were gonna change one or both of the drivers, keeping the goal of a 12" cab and a 15" cab, what would you suggest? Or are you saying matching a 12 to a 15 is always a bad idea?
