Tuba 45 Build

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Pabloaguas
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#31 Post by Pabloaguas »

More pics before lids go on
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Seth
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#32 Post by Seth »

Paul and Rob... that's looking really good. :thumbsup: What a great job. The build quality is very apparent in the photos. I really hope the results meet your expectations, given the few modifications to the plans.

One thing I thought I'd mention... it's not something I've experienced personally, but it's come up in conversation a time or two. You'll note that the plans advise screws to secure the drivers. IIRC, the plans were modified a few years back to screws and retention blocks, from bolts and hurricane nuts because they hold better without backing out as much and they wont cross thread, push out the back side, or strip and spin as easily. I was thinking thread locker would be good to keep them from backing out, but it could also contribute to spinning the inserts at a later date. What's done is done, and I'm sure you'll handle it appropriately if it ever becomes an issue. Really, I just mention it for the benefit of casual viewers/future builders to be aware of.

Other than that little tidbit... I'm super excited to hear of your impression once they're all buttoned up, painted, and tested/in service.
Build in process - 2 WH6, one Alpha 6a loaded, one PRV Audio 6MB250-NDY loaded

Two 2x6 shorty SLA Pro's
One T39, 16", 3012LF loaded
Tall AutoTuba, 20" wide, 2x 8" MCM 55-2421
TruckTuba, 8½" wide, 2x 8" MCM 55-2421

Pabloaguas
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#33 Post by Pabloaguas »

Yes, we went with the double baffle and 1/4" lag bolts. Torqued them to 5.5nm. They do not protrude through. They should hold fine as long as the gasket on the woofer doesn't shrink...
Last edited by Pabloaguas on Sat Feb 13, 2021 11:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Pabloaguas
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#34 Post by Pabloaguas »

Final coat curing:
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Pabloaguas
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#35 Post by Pabloaguas »

MIND BLOWN!

Dang these things sound good! And loud! Haven’t gigged with them yet but they sound great and powerful in the living room. Might even sound better than my old ACI Titan II Le. They really have that concert bass sound like horns that professionals use at large concerts. Sound is clean and responsive down to 30hz with a simple 6db boost at 30hz. Can’t wait to gig with them!
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himhimself
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Joined: Fri Nov 13, 2015 9:34 pm
Location: Vancouver BC & Bloomington IN

Re: Tuba 45 Build

#36 Post by himhimself »

:hyper: Way to go, you'll soon see how awesome they sound unleashed at a gig!
I love my T30's. Can't explain until you experience the difference.
2xT30 (20", 3012LF)
2xT30 (21", 3012LF)
4xOtop J-array (Beta12, melded/straight piezos)
Truck Tuba (MCM)
Next up: 2xJack12 or family of table tubas

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Tom Smit
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Location: Sarnia, Ont. Canada

Re: Tuba 45 Build

#37 Post by Tom Smit »

:clap: Way to go!
TomS

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Chris_Allen
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Location: Huddersfield, UK

Re: Tuba 45 Build

#38 Post by Chris_Allen »

I've spotted a problem with your T45's......... You don't have enough of them 😄
Built:
6xDR200, 2xT39, 2xT48, 2xJack110, 1xOmni10.5, 1xAutotuba, 1xT18, 1xSLA Pro, 1xW8, 1xW10

Grant Bunter
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#39 Post by Grant Bunter »

What is the high pass for less than 4 cabs with T45's?
I see a pic of a driverack, that's great.
I'm assuming the high pass is the same as T30's, 35Hz for less than 4 cabs.

If you're high passing at 35Hz, but boosting 30Hz by +6dB (double the power) is AFU :cop:
If you're high passing at 30Hz, with less than 4 cabs, is AFU :cop:

If you're really "needing" 30Hz at +6dB, add two more cabs, high pass at 30Hz, and you will have it, but that will also raise everything else by +6dB, so where does it stop?

I can't see the point in employing someone to build your cabs, then keep on blowing up drivers, because that's what will happen.

Sorry to come on so strong about it, ask as many questions as you like, but a show with no subs all of a sudden will hurt somehow, pocket or reputation...
Built:
DR 250: x 2 melded array, 2x CD horn, March 2012 plans.
T39's: 4 x 20" KL3010LF , 2 x 28" 3012LF.
WH8: x 6 with melded array wired series/parallel.
Bunter's Audio and Lighting "like"s would be most appreciated...

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Bill Fitzmaurice
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#40 Post by Bill Fitzmaurice »

+6dB is four times the power. So long as the voltage limit isn't exceeded that's OK, but it will skew the response away from where most bass content lies, which is between 50 and 70Hz.

Pabloaguas
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#41 Post by Pabloaguas »

Bill Fitzmaurice wrote: Sun Feb 21, 2021 8:48 am +6dB is four times the power. So long as the voltage limit isn't exceeded that's OK, but it will skew the response away from where most bass content lies, which is between 50 and 70Hz.
Yes- high passed at 30hz 48db butterworth. Playing test tones at 25, 30, 35 and not exceeding the voltage limit at all with the limit set on the drive rack.

These things really rock Bill. So much great sounding bass in a relatively small, lightweight package. Absolutely blows away front-firing subs. Thank you for your excellent design 🙏

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Bill Fitzmaurice
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#42 Post by Bill Fitzmaurice »

Now you can imagine what the T60 will do. :hyper:

Pabloaguas
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#43 Post by Pabloaguas »

Bill Fitzmaurice wrote: Sun Feb 21, 2021 4:22 pm Now you can imagine what the T60 will do. :hyper:
Yes! I’m actually dreaming of creating a T90... doubling the scale of the T45 for an almost 8’x 4’ x 4’ Tuba. Build with 3/4 BB ply. Would fit perfectly as a permanent build into a 4x8 trailer. Load with two high-excursion 15” woofers and have rack mounts for amps in the space between panel 4 and 5.

22’ foot horn length, and Almost 16 cubic feet of mouth area. High pass at 17hz. Low pass at 60hz. Pure bass bliss.

Would be convenient for outdoor venues- just drive it in, plug in and open the trailer doors. Or hand-wheel (push) into venues that have > 5’ Wide doors.

The tuba trailer.
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Pabloaguas
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#44 Post by Pabloaguas »

But really, I’m impressed with how low the t45 plays and how much output and control it has at low frequencies. These two T45s were the prototypes and now that we have confirmed that we are happy with the sound we Will probably build a batch of another 4-8 T45s later this spring.

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Bill Fitzmaurice
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Re: Tuba 45 Build

#45 Post by Bill Fitzmaurice »

Don't bother with going any lower than what the T60 will do, there's nothing down there to reproduce. Having mains capable of going to 60Hz is a waste of cartage as well.

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