What’s the best all around small PA top available today? Those
who have built them agree that it’s the DR200. And what’s one of the most
difficult speaker cabinets to build? Those who have built them also agree
that it’s the DR200. Superior performance doesn’t come easy. So what do you
do if you aren’t a master woodworker? If you’re willing to settle for the
second-best small PA top available build the Omni Top 12.
Measuring 15 x 22 x 18 inches and weighing only 35 pounds Omni Top 12 is only surpassed by the DR200 in its
size class for output.
How does it compare to commercial cabs? Take a look at this SPL chart,
comparing the OT12 (top trace) to the $1,045 Community Sound XLT43e 1x12:
The 6dB sensitivity differential means one OT12 driven with 200 watts is as
loud as two XLT43e driven with 400. The OT12 may be built with a single
compression driver on a CD horn like the XLT43e, or it may be built with a six element
vertical tweeter array for line-array stacking of multiple cabs. The OT12
may also be built with a twelve element cross-firing melded tweeter array,
as pictured above, giving high frequency dispersion that no commercial PA
top can match. Or, for the highest possible output at the longest throws,
build yours with a premium compression driver on a line arrayable full cabinet
height horn.
Need more power? Build the OTop as a 2x12 and load it with Kappalite
3012HO woofers, for 900 watt power handling with sensitivity and output
that no commercial cab of equal size matches.
The plans go into great depth, showing you not only what tools to use but
also how to use them. Included are tutorials on wiring and crossovers.
Construction Degree of Difficulty: 3
Running a big rig? The OTop 12 JArray is designed for stacking in the
preferred curved front 'J' configuration.
The JArray also incorporates advanced construction techniques that allow
it to come in between 20 and 30 pounds, depending on choice of drivers
and materials.
Construction Degree of Difficulty: 6
The standard OTop 12 and OTop 12 JArray are separate plans. You must specify
the version you want on your order.
Performance Quotient: 8
Suggested Audience Size, 1x12 configuration:
Two cabs to 150; four cabs to 600; six cabs to 1200;
eight cabs to 2000.
Recommended Sub-Woofer: Tuba 24, Tuba 30, Tuba 60, Titan 39, Titan 48
Equivalent Retail Value: 1x12 $1099; 2x12 $1699; 1x12 JArray $1199
Plans are $19.95, delivered within 24 hours as email attachment in MS Word format. 36 pages, 14 photos, 71 diagrams. PDF version available on request.
FLAT PACKS
For those who can't cut their own wood flat packs are available at www.speakerhardware.com
These kits are precision CNC milled from top quality Baltic Birch.
Flat packs do not come with plans, you must order those separately from us.
Can’t build your own? Contact the nearest authorized Builder for a quote.
