New Subs

[Phil]

Just got my new subs finished off and loaded with Kappa LF 15s 600w rms. Sound very very nice. Gives everything from chest thump kick sound to soft rounded bass. Only tested it with about 500w a side





I couldnt be bothered to get the mid-tops out to test the system so I just used two old monitor wedges to give the system some top. - WHO PUTS THE SPEAKON ON THE BOTTOM lol - well i got them given so i cant complain.

Like the Oxford Blue?

[John Bell]

Great looking cabs Phil. Are you going to put metal corner protection on?
Also, SmartSound Direct do heavy duty black 600 denier polyester covers that will probably fit them. I have them for all of my cabs and they provide great protection and take a lot of punishment and keep the rain out during loading-in and out.
John.

[shepz]

Yeah probably a good idea considering they're chipboard... the corner protection definately is!

[Phil]

I might get some cheapo black corners and see what they are like. if not I have plenty of oxford blue paint left that needs using.

I think covers are a good idea, but i'm pritty skint at the moment. Having a crafty family has some percs. Will just keep the oldies occupied by making some for me - will keep them going for another few year lol. Hey could even get some wooly ones!

The cabs had another nice test today. The cabs capacity is about 110/120 litres ish so it is a tad more than reccomended by eminence but they hace a real nice punch. - !!That could be felt 5 houses down!! - shouted the neighbour from no. 29 ;D

[John Bell]

Hi Phil, the thin metal corners would look better than cheap chunky plastic ones and wouldn't cost much. The one's on my cabs are painted black, but you would paint yours Oxford Blue.
John.

[razorback]

They are pretty sweet looking, I'm guessing your glad you biult your own rather than buying new ones

[Phil]

I hate the chunky plastic corners anyway. I might have to bend the metal ones a bit because my cabs have radiused edges.

I saved a canny bit of money making them I think it was around £1000 on all 4 and £280 per cab

My fatha is sheetmetal worker so he made me all handles, grilles and backplates. That saved me loads.

But for someone wanting a nice usable band PA these cabs are great. I know it is a risk at first and people doubt how good they are, but now at the end they are certainly worth it. They are probably built alot better quality than the bought ones aswell - of the same price range.

[John Bell]

Hi Phil, if they look good and sound great, you could even put your own name on them.
The only reason I went with SmartSound Direct, is that their products are great value for money and sound well good enough for the venues I use and the bands that I provide for.
So if you can't afford what you want and you haven't the time or balls to make your own, they are a great starting point.
Well done for achieving a great entry level, but serious PA.
John.

[pete]

Not to rain on anyones parade..those subs look lovely!
But for similar money you could of got two- www.thomann.de/gb/the_box_pro_tp218_1600_mkii.htm

Which apparently are very good!

[John Bell]

I know where you are coming from, why bother with DIY?

I drink real ale and attend various CAMRA beer festivals. However, I used to brew my own, (when I had the time), full-mash real ales and serve them from my own bar on real hand pumps. My local CAMRA branch members were well impressed at my home brew beer festivals.

There is so much satisfaction in making something yourself and having a product that stands up on its own merits.

John.

[shepz]

...and also check out the weight of those beasts!
Phil does mostly smaller venues and he's not exactly built like a brick nuts house.
Gotta look after the back! haha

[Phil]

I would have preferred to have 18's instead but room and weight is an issue. My bed has 10mm clearence to fit the cabs under lol. I got a sound engineers compact bedroom . I should hook it up as a 5k home theatre lol.

My next eddition will be 4 10+1" mid hi cabs. I was going to use 2 12s cabs but I was concerned about the dispersion of the sound in a wider venue

I am going to experiment with a long throw? with 10" at the back and the horn flare centre at the front. It would make them compact but as we all know cab building is basically trial and error.

Then I might make 4 12s cabs for bass/mid. This means I could have two fairly big systems that can be used together if needed for bigger shows.

[John Bell]

Hi Phil, how about attempting something like these?
www.mackie.com/products/s400series/splash.html
John.

[shepz]

That looks awesome John!

[pete]

Now its not that I dont like home made systems....but before you make some tops Phil,how about you tell us how much your going to spend?So we/I can reccomend some ready made ones for you to try 1st?Or do they have to be oxford blue?