First self build - whats my best option

Hello from a forum noooob


After a lot of thought and a fair amount of research im 99% sure a self build is the direction i want to take. Mainly due to the limited availability of passive cabs in todays market

So firtstly here is what i do, what i have, what i would like and budget

Prime use - generic Dj work (weddings etc ranging form small function rooms to marquees)

secondary use - PA for band (small venues only, vocals, acoustic/electric guitar, tiny bit of kick drum)

Current rig - 2 x RCF 712 Actives & 1 RCF 902 Active Bass bin

The bass bin is under powered for my tops and i m looking at building 2 passive good allround bass bins. Not looking for earth moving Sub frequencies and as i'll be using an active crossover would like some advice on target frequencies etc

Have had a sensible offer on my current bass bin and have approx £500 to build 2 cabs +-£50

My current RCF  spec
902As - www.soundslive.co.uk/product~nam ... D~9260.asp
712A - www.soundslive.co.uk/product~nam ... D~9107.asp

Graphs


So im looking at a 500w RMS cab. A Max SPL of at least 130DB. Now the different style of cabs really have me baffled (pardon the pun). All i understand is that some will deliver different frequencies better than others

As im not looking for Deep Sub i can imagine that would rule out some designs.

Mainly im looking for a good balanced rig that would sound good and is apprpiate for the type of functions i do.

15" v's 18", that depends on the cabinet. I want to keep the size and weight down and think 15" would be sufficient.

cheers

Dave

Hmmm first thoughts,, I xill let others more experienced than myself answer you query ,, If its a fiirst build I can send you a link of how one guy builds his cabs and why he does the things ,, a lot of good info for the "Newbie" to self build. Take your time, some cabs have a lot of angled cuts so depending on what equipment you have (Or don't have) and experience with wood could rule a lot of cabs out for the newcomer.

15 vs 18 well for an example take a look at the cubo15 or cubo 18 the cabs sizes are not vastly different many have used this design as a first self builds I,m not suggesting this cab for you just making the point !!

I am assuming like myself and I may be wrong,, that you don't have much building experience or limited access to tools etc ( start at the bottom and work up lol ) in which case many of the Bss Reflex or Bandpass designs often have no nasty angled cuts !!!

Take advice do your research and don't overstretch on a firts build work to your own limits You will find a lot of help / advice here !!

Cheers Dave and Luz

Thanks for the reply

The actual building isnt a problem as i have a decent workshop at my disposal, i just need to make sure i build the right thing.

The Cubo cabs have been suggested in the past but without further input i'm staying on the fence for now.

Dave

Cheers Dave,

Obviously I was not aware of the access to the workshop and experience. I replied as a complete novice,, With regards to building the things there is avery good guide on here

There is also a very good guide and FAQ page on speakerplans.com which are well worth a read anyway !!!!


Cheers Dav and Luz

Thanks to you Dave
I have been through various forums and although there seems to be a wealth of experience and some very nice rigs, they seem to focus on big stuff and I'm struggling to find a suitable solution for my needs.

My plan was to pick up a pair of db technologies passive sw15's but they are now discontinued in favour of active units which I'm not a fan of. My experience is that they are expensive (RCF 905 active subs are £1000 each) and although the spec looks good on paper, the output is disappointing

I struggled to find an alternative sensible priced passive unit that boasts a decent spec and as I'm in the northern uk, dealers with pleanty of gear on demo are like rocking horse crap so a good demo session is near impossible.

Hence am looking to build and may look at more in the future.

Dave

i think tapped horns will be the best best for your needs , they give a nice smooth sound!

mth-30 might be a good bet , this will make for a very compact system coupled with your tops!

dont know what there max spl is but there nice little cabs!

www.freespeakerplans.com/index.p ... load&id=12

Thanks Joe

Had a good look at the mth cabs. Look very nice but my gripe is the shape. I'd rather have a square cabinet with a top hat (I know that stacking subs together is best but I would need to do the typical sub-pole-top config)

Saying that the mth's look good laid down

Would need to see some numbers too as my tops are quite loud and I want to ensure I get a balanced system

Dave

yeh i know what u mean regarding poles as i have to do it alot of the time!

on there side they would be very low profile and very neat , dont know the numbers but someone may know on here!

or email the designer marc34.o@free.fr

iv emailed him before regarding another one of his designs , explain to him that u are a member of fsp and ask if he has the numbers for them with a big please on the end!

marc.o is very helpful when ive needed information smiley20

Hi Dave from the Philippines !!

I'm gonna post you some Links to have a look at , you might fond them useful, first

A Speaker build highly detailed for the numpty (like me) www.colomar.com/Shavano/pa_speaker_project.html

A dsicussion on SUBS to help you dort out the basic types www.colomar.com/Shavano/subs.html

Loads of Plans ,, Assembly views here , forum.speakerplans.com/poweraudi ... 48256.html

Excellent guide and faq here www.speakerplans.com/index.php?id=home

There is also an excellent guide on here but like a fool I forgot to bookmark it when I downloaded it sorry !!!!

If you have already seen them well bin them lol but as a complete novice i've found them usefull so passing my bit of research on Cheers

Dave and Luz (Manila Philippines) !!!!!!!!!

Thanks Dave & Luz, great information. Will be having a good read over the next few days

Dave (cold and wet northern Uk)