SWR BIG BEN 400 WATTS

[StreamerJazzman]

Hi all,
Specs for the SWR big ben are:
SWR Big Ben 1x18" Speaker Cabinet:

Power Handling: 400 watts RMS

Impedance: 8 Ohms

Frequency Response and SPL: 100 dB SPL @ 2W1M

(–6dB @ 25 Hz and 3 kHz)

Speaker Complement: (1) 18" Woofer

My question:
How many real watts would this cab be rated at?
Just comparing it to the Carvin RL118.
Thanks

 

[quickervicar]

I have no experience with the Carvin, but I've played a loud show with a Big Ben powered by a G-K 800RB. I really liked the sound of that cab. It showed no signs of breakup or fatigue the entire night. I was so impressed that I offered to buy it after the gig. I'm still disappointed that he wouldn't sell.

 

[anderbass]

I remember Bagend made the speaker tor the early 90's era Big Ben cabs that came with grey painted expanded metal grills, but I can't remember if the newer chrome grill models had a diferent brand/model speaker or not ?

 

[pickles]

The SWR is one of the best 18s ever made. It handles 400 watts. It makes a ton of wall shaking bass (even more than my fearless F115). It sounds best with a crossover at or below 1kHz, just like every other 18.

 

[StreamerJazzman]

Thx for the reply ppl.
So for the Carvin RL118 rated at 800watts, is this peak or RMS?
How would this compare to the SWR BigBen 18 at 400 watts?
TY

 

[pickles]

Higher wattage drivers dont neccesarily get louder. Sometimes they actually need more power to get as loud. They do that usually to go deeper. I am 90% sure the SWR will sound better but they are both probably fine.

 

[dennis selleck]

Ive been getting ignorant as shag with this speaker since 2012. I bought it used. Put its durability to the test in my first 2 metal bands, a punk band, and a bunch of different genres as of lately , Dubstep (I use lots of pedals) , reggae , hip hop (perfect fit) and your typical rock bands . Have used a plethora of heads, Ampeg programmable head(like 200W), Hartkee , Fender tube guitar head. If you want to know specifics pm me. I use a P bass and A schecter 5 string stiletto. No regrets, 15 year old me made a solid choice. #detroithustlesharder

 

[LeftyD]

SWR Big Ben

 

[wintremute]

SWR Big Ben

How funny! I saw this for sale on Craigslist and came in here to find out more info about it!

Why are you selling it? Also, how heavy is it?

 

[LeftyD]

That is funny. I'm selling a Moog synth and the prospective buyer is asking to demo it.
I only sell from the garage and the Big Ben was out there. Found that I can fit my bikes better with the Big Ben out of there.
Thought I would try a sale.
The specs say 73 lbs.

 

[agedhorse]

Thx for the reply ppl.
So for the Carvin RL118 rated at 800watts, is this peak or RMS?
How would this compare to the SWR BigBen 18 at 400 watts?
TY

My experience would lead me to believe that the driver wouldn't hold up all that long at 800 watts RMS.

Here's from the cabinet's data sheet:
MODEL RL118 BASS SPEAKER SYSTEM SPECS:
Frequency Response: 38 to 2k Hz - useable to 30 Hz @ -10dB
Useable Low Frequency
Nominal Impedance: 4Ω
Output Connector: Speakon ™ and 1/4" Phone Connector
Woofer Enclosure Type: Computer Optimized Vented Box
Enclosure Covering: Duratuff II™
Bandwidth: 30Hz (-10 dB)
Drivers: One heavy duty 18" PS18 Woofer
Power Handling: 800 watts

But from the driver data sheet for the PS-18-4:
500 watts.

IMO, details do matter.

 

[Linnin]

SWR Big Ben

Did you buy that brand new? I always thought Cerwin-Vega made the 18 in the Big Ben.

 

[LeftyD]

Bought from original owner.
I think Bag End supplied them for some of the years of production.
That's what I remember from when I researched it.

 

[lalo_garcia-maynez]

Almost nobody knows it but Hartke made an 18 inch cabinet in the early 2000s.
It’s a beast and sounds great; but it’s almost impossible to find. Thru made very few and was quickly discontinued because it was heavy and because Hartke customers are usually looking for ultra high end modern tone (the opposite of this !).
Here’s a pic:

 

[6thplanet]

....but alas...no aluminum cone.