Single 15" bass speaker cab design

[TIMBO]

Hi guys, been asked to knockup a couple of boxes and I know as bout as much of these as I know about guitar cabs.

Drivers 

[drgonzonm]

Off the top of my head, these are a couple of questions I would ask my self.

What kind of amp am I going use? (Tube, SS, hybrid)  what are the standard outputs?

What type of music am I planning to play? 

What kind of power am I looking at?

What brand and model of speaker am I planning to use?   Some speakers should not be used in a sealed cabinet, others should not be used in a vented cabinet. 

What recommendations does the speaker manufacturer provide.  It could be the minimum volume for the cabinet. 

With a 15 inch speaker, am I going to have to use 3/4"material? 

Crowhurst in his Audio Basics can be a big help,  I believe there is also info in RDH 4, regarding enclosures. 

Good luck on your project. 

[TIMBO]

Thanks Dr, Yeah, didn't think it was going to be easy.

[drgonzonm]

I gave you the tough approach, an easier approach would be look up cabinets and sizes of various manufacturers.  Those manufacturers have done most of the engineering.  Some of the speaker manufacturers have websites that allow comparisons of different models of speakers.  Knowing what kind of speaker the end user likes allows you cut out a lot of the "engineering".

Now, where do I source 3/4" baltic playwood for this build? 

I have no doubt you build the cabinets.  Good luck on the project. 

[TIMBO]

Hey Dr, Unfortunately when I get asked to investigate these projects the people think I've got all the answers at my finger tips and the questions you have asked are a mystery the guy that wants the cab.
In the end, when you slug him with the cost, its usually more than he can afford and buying one off the shelf looks like the way to go.

[drgonzonm]

Hey Dr, Unfortunately when I get asked to investigate these projects the people think I've got all the answers at my finger tips and the questions you have asked are a mystery the guy that wants the cab.
In the end, when you slug him with the cost, its usually more than he can afford and buying one off the shelf looks like the way to go.

Its kind of the same reasoning that I have a used Peavey 1x15 that I bought for $25.

[TIMBO]

 

[SILVERGUN]

Here's some specs and the plans for the famous EV "thiele" cabinet. I've been holding on to em with the intent of making my next 1x12 this way.
Hopefully there's something there to chew on mate.....

[SILVERGUN]

That first one I posted has the 12" TL806 plans attached.....hang onto it for later 
 
Here's the plans for their 15" model TL606

[TIMBO]

That's great, Thanks

[HommeMarrBuckley]

 Here's the plans for their 15" model TL606

I've looked at this before and have seen some built online.  Is this specifically for a bass guitar/speaker?
Like the supro thunderbolt was designed for bass and had a 15" speaker but crossed over to guitar use.  Is this kind of design (TL606) overkill or not catered to a guitar driven amp like that?
Thanks

[SILVERGUN]

 Here's the plans for their 15" model TL606

I've looked at this before and have seen some built online.  Is this specifically for a bass guitar/speaker?
Like the supro thunderbolt was designed for bass and had a 15" speaker but crossed over to guitar use.  Is this kind of design (TL606) overkill or not catered to a guitar driven amp like that?
Thanks

I see it like this Homme....
These enclosures were developed by EV engineers for use with these specific EV drivers. Those speakers weren't initially designed as guitar and/or bass amp specific speakers, but they have proven to sound very good in those applications.

If you were to build one and use a different speaker, you'll wind up with different results than what they have listed for specs.........good, bad, or overkill would have to be determined by the end user.

The 12" version has been used by Mesa Boogie for years with much positive feedback from professional guitar players.
'Overkill' is subjective, and for a Supro T-bolt, I'd have to say this is way more design than you'd probably need.

I like to imagine that sound engineers and speaker designers know way more than I do about enclosures for their designs,,,so I keep it simple. If EV prints up plans for a known good enclosure, it's good enough for me. 

If I'm going to spend time building a cab from scratch, it doesn't create much more of a hassle for me to add a few more cuts and make something that has a good chance of sounding better than something I would "design" myself.
These seem to be a proven design, and so,  I'll make it a point to at least try an EVM-12L so that I get to hear what the designer intended.

[HommeMarrBuckley]

Thanks Silvergun,


I've seen builds of EVs but just wasn't sure if the cab layout was made to be more "bass friendly" (if there is such a thing) but your response made a lot of sense and cleared it up.  I guess, overall, (with their drivers) they were designed to be "any sound friendly".


I've seen many photos but not a post outlying the build--  Would you use caulk and the weather stripping as noted in the plans?


Matt

[SILVERGUN]

I've seen many photos but not a post outlying the build-- 

Google- Building a TL806 (or 606)
Here's one example of a result:
http://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/topic/61978-thiele-tl806-guitar-cabinet-build/

Would you use caulk and the weather stripping as noted in the plans?

Yup, anything that they took the time to write down, I can take the time to do.
It's all about creating a tight, solid, rattle-free air mover.

[HommeMarrBuckley]

When the weather gets sorted out I might just try out this design.  From what I have read, they can get heavy.  But, then again, one needs to get that way every now and again.


If either of you give it a go I will be watching.


good luck Timbo!