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Steelsound 2x12 review

#61
illidian said:
More depth means a bigger cabinet, which
means better low frequency response. So you're right, depth
does not mean more low end per se, but a bigger cabinet is
better for low requencies (if this wasn't true, bass cabs would
be much smaller ala guitar cabs).
Click to expand...

This is a bit over-simplified, particularly since this is a
ported box design.

The increased depth referred to earlier of 16.5 and 16 inches
alluded to that the depth of the cabinet was the determining
factor in low end response. Actually, the total internal volume
is a factor, but only one of the factors determining the
response.

The T/S parameters of the driver have a significant impact on
the desirable box volume and tuning, which is why you
now see transducer manufacturers listing the parameters
in their product specifications.

Too large a volume can cause the response to peak or hump
and the lo end frequency response to fall off rapidly,
depending on the T/S parameters of each specific driver.

As a result, trade offs are made, with the object of
achieving optimum flat freq response through the usable
range of the driver, extending the low end response as far
as is feasible, while maintaining good speaker efficiency
and SPL.

So the equations are kind of like a balloon, you push in in one
area, but get a bulge elswhere, so you have to decide what
you can live with.

WinISD, a freeware program, has many preloaded TS
parameters for popular drivers, or you can load your own.
Then you can change box dimensions and volumes, and
see the predicted frequency response curve.

Finally, the size, shape and length of the ported vent(s) is
a major factor in the frequency response and performance of
the rig.

If you read the retro-fit thread in my sig, you can see
how the box was modelled using WinISD. So, I went
through this whole learning curve recently as well, and
though I would pass it on.

If I were building a SS rig from their empty box, I would
use this program to optimize the cab after choosing the
drivers and loading the driver parameters, and the box
dimensions. I would then fiddle the port lengths for
the best available curve.

************************

I have had good results with SS, and Cindy has always
gotten back to me.

I was particularly happy with the 1/4 locking jacks they
offer, and are often out of. They pop right into a 13/64's
hole, with a small channel route required. Thumbs down
to the small plastic corners, I had 2 crack on installation
and subsequent handling. I did advise SS of my experience.

BTW, their 14.99 mic boomstand is a great deal if you are already shipping something.

BTW, Jay, thanks for the review. It's a decent deal!
 
#62
Appreciate the knowledge and comments about tuning the box. At some point I need to actually learn some of the math behind this - I agree, it was a decent deal on a solidly performing budget cabinet. I've been very happy with it (and it's sound) at its price point. I do think I will also try Dave's B212 NEO (Avatar) later this Fall in order to better pair up the 2x10 NEO and modified horn.
 
#64
vicenzajay said:
Yep - I ordered a couple of them - I'll post a review of all the stuff once the big PA order gets here.

Jay
Click to expand...

I have 2 mic stands, they are just fine. The same stand is about 30 bucks in GC, and 24.99 plus shipping from MF.

But the 1/4 locking jack is just the cat's pants. Great
little design. Does't unplug unless you push the little red
tab on the side. Great item for speaker DIY'ers.

Looking forward to the PA review, Jay.
 
#65
I put the SS 2x12 to the test tonight with a little something I picked up today....It's my first 5 and I had no issues with the cab (rattles, odd sounds, etc.). I had the volume up reasonably high and it didn't fart. More tests are a 'comin, though.
 
#66
good afternoon again all

Dawn here from STEELSOUND and I am just checking to see if anyone has any issues for me that I need to address or take care of. I am fully on the phones and emails have been caught up for quite a few weeks now, so I just wanted to check in see how all was going for everyone or if you have issues or concerns that I need to address or check into
See ya
Dawn
 
#68
Cassaramma said:
good afternoon again all

Dawn here from STEELSOUND and I am just checking to see if anyone has any issues for me that I need to address or take care of. I am fully on the phones and emails have been caught up for quite a few weeks now, so I just wanted to check in see how all was going for everyone or if you have issues or concerns that I need to address or check into
See ya
Dawn
Click to expand...

I agree with Chef - it's really nice to see vendors who care! The only issues I see with the cabinet I identified during the early stage of this review - might want to look into more robust jack plates (and maybe a speakon connection as well).

Also - a REALLY nice feature would be a switch/button, something to turn off the tweeter when you don't need it (vice actually disconnecting the wires).

Finally - Nice hard rubber corners/protectors will probably age better than the metal ones.

These are just suggestions - I'm sure they would cause the cab's price to increase some, but it would still be a great deal.

Congratulations on the performance of the cab and all the recent success!

Jay
 
#70
Cassaramma, check my post on the plastic corners a few posts up. The smaller ones.They are not so good, they shatter easily. I emailed this to Cindy, but thought I would
reiterate it in the spirit of constant self-improvement.

Hey Chef, I was going to put your ex- SWR 4x10 innards into some empty Steelsound boxes, but I am too busy with outside stuff right now. Maybe this fall.
 
#72
all right.. im going to look in on all of these suggestions.. the jack plates tho.. those are going to be an issue for a bit to come still.. we are working on getting metal ones in .. but for now they are those cheap dual 1/4 plastic ones.. and i know they suck i wont deny that.. but that is all that we do have in right now.. but it is an issue that is being worked on to get metal ones in.. the corners.. i know on the xaudio line (which is being phased out so you know) those were cheap and crappy.. and if you blew hard they broke. that i cant change as it came that way from the manufactuer.. but keep em coming guys and ill keep working on it on my end also and putting in words on what needs to be changed or improved
have a good one
Dawn
 
#73
vicenzajay said:
Nice "something" that you picked up. ;)

If I remember correctly, your bar gig should be soon?

Let us know how everything goes.
Click to expand...

I kinda had to buy something so I could make sure my 12's were still working properly. ;) It was a real tough decision :D

I've been working on getting used to the new feel, so I can at least play it on one set on Friday.
 
#74
Cassaramma said:
Good Afternoon all,

This is Dawn from Steelsound. I just wanted to jump in and say thank you to those who posted the nice things about me, and i want you all to know i do really try.. i know its hard to get ahold of me, but please realize I am extremely busy.. and i do try to get back within the same day.. but sometimes it is the next day .. but I am dedicated to try to get everyone happy and taken care of.. and i have been in here and read the bad reviews to and taken note of those to try to make those issues better. There are times when hour after hour when I have been yelled at by customers who, in fact, have abused their equipment, then they are really upset with me. I try to explain to the best of my knowledge that i have from being here 3 1/2 years. I dont know it all but what i dont know, i will find out for you the best I can. So I think i will try to stay in touch here with you all.. but do realize how busy it is here on this end. I work my tail off. and do make most people happy, its those who dont understand their equipment or how to use it properly that seem to post the negatives on most and i quote MOST subjects. Yes there are things that need improved sometimes on our end and on product, but know that we are constantly revising and revamping to make items better and work for everyone out there who actually uses the equipment. My husband is a Dj also and i work with him in what spare time i have.. but i have gotten my hands dirty and experienced a lot but i do have a lot to learn.
Thanks all ill keep in touch
Dawn
Click to expand...


Great post - thanks Dawn! I was in Fort Collins on Monday and I saw yoru new store. I'll have to stp in sometime when you guys are open.
 
#76
Planet Boulder said:
Great post - thanks Dawn! I was in Fort Collins on Monday and I saw yoru new store. I'll have to stp in sometime when you guys are open.
Click to expand...


yes definately do .. they are there monday thru saturday 10-6 and sat 11-4 but be sure to stop in loveland at the warehouse where I and the rest of the staff are at. we are here m-f from 9-5 (bankers hours hey?)

Catch ya later
 
#77
I just ordered a pair of the Madison Knight 15s (they were an open box special) and some other little parts. I'm rebuilding an older 2x15 cab, and I can't wait to hear how these sound. Now I know who to speak to if I have any issues with Steelsound...thanks for posting Dawn! Nice to know that there are actually people behind the products. When I get them installed I'll be sure to write up a review.
 
#79
Hey cool Thor - now I'll be reading for a while.... those RS speakers look almost like the ones I pulled out of my cab. It's an old 2x15 my dad handed down to me years ago. He said it was a Yamaha cabinet. It's kind of odd looking, in that it's a horn loaded enclosure.

It looks similar to this one, but is in better condition:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

(This is an old Ampeg cab). I'll start up a thread when I'm done with mine too. But enough hi-jacking. I hope the Knights sound good in it!

Edit: Just finished your thread Thor.... that turned out NICE. Looks sharp! I hope mine comes out looking good. (of course I don't have quite so much cutting to do)
 
#80
vicenzajay said:
It wasn't hard to talk yourself into a "tester" for the 12's :p

Really nice bass....how's the tonal palette...I've never had the pleasure of trying a Lakland...

Have fun
Click to expand...

Thanks!
The sound is pretty aggressive, but I can dial in pretty much anything I need. It's slightly more jazzish sounding, but a little fuller like a P. The EQ has lots of headroom, especially the mid and bass controls. I think it has the best preamp/pickup combo in its class. Here's what I tried out to compare and how it beat them out:

VS. Fender MIM Deluxe Jazz V: More clarity, better EQ headroom

VS. Schecter Diamond 5: Slightly better string spacing, more EQ options, better neck feel (personal preference), edge on sound clarity

VS. Ibanez 905: Better string spacing, fuller sound

There were more 5's there, but the Lakland had my name written all over it in terms of sound, feel, and appearance.

I'll report on the 2x12's gig performance later during the weekend.
 

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