TLAH build for sanctuary

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gzc_stageTech
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#16 Post by gzc_stageTech »

Bill Fitzmaurice wrote:I'd remove those cleats that are constricting the bottom opening.
OK Bill. I'll run my router around there to reduce the trim dimensions.

It's not far though because the baffle and backs are both 1/2" and the trim strips are only 3/4" square (a ripped 1x4). But it will open up the opening another couple of square inches cumulatively.

Thanks.

gzc_stageTech
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Joined: Thu Oct 05, 2006 7:31 pm
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#17 Post by gzc_stageTech »

Weekend update....I managed to get a sample of the sanctuary paint such that I could have a color match made for the TLAHs. It's a light tan/beige. So, I primed and sanded the boxes. Here's a look-see:

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Sorry, you really can't see from my poor photography, but the finish is sanded nicely. It will be ready for paint shortly.

So after priming and sanding I started on the filters. Pretty straightforward wiring using point to point technique. I've made circuit boards before and if there were a more elaborate filter/crossover I probably would've etched a board. But instead, I simply wired it on a 1/4" plywood board. I spent about an hour on the first one, but the second only took me about 1/2 hour.

Image
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Woo_hoo, it's starting to "feel" like a speaker cabinet. Still to come...the driver mounting and wiring.

Chris

gzc_stageTech
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#18 Post by gzc_stageTech »

Next step...finish paint. I put on a coat on the boxes today. Tonight I'll lightly sand and apply another light coat of topcoat. Here's a look at the color (as applied):

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And the view of the back of the cabinet:

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Finally rounding the corner to the finish line. We'll see if I can get something done tonight.

Chris

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LelandCrooks
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#19 Post by LelandCrooks »

Nice Chris.
If it's too loud, you're even older than me! Like me.
http://www.speakerhardware.com

gzc_stageTech
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#20 Post by gzc_stageTech »

Thanks Leland. And, thanks Bill for a great design. This is the ideal sanctuary refit, much better than the conventional hung point source boxes. I can't wait to hear them.

Chris

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shawn_g
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#21 Post by shawn_g »

Good looking cabinets. The inset router detail is a nice touch.

gzc_stageTech
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#22 Post by gzc_stageTech »

Thanks Shawn.

These will go in our church sanctuary, so they need to be (somewhat) attractive. I've painted them the same color as the walls so they blend in. Also, I've got grill cloth that matches the color as well. I'd like for the cabinets to be "invisible" when installed. When I get them installed (maybe this weekend possibly) I take some photos of the finished install.

But I've got to comment on the superb tubas you've built too. Those are "finish cabinet worthy". Very sharp looking cabinets. Great job on your build.

Chris

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shawn_g
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#23 Post by shawn_g »

gzc_stageTech wrote: ..
But I've got to comment on the superb tubas you've built too. Those are "finish cabinet worthy". Very sharp looking cabinets. Great job on your build.

Chris
Thanks Chris. :)

I'll bet you can't wait to hear those bad boys! I'm anxious to see your install pics and listening impressions.

gzc_stageTech
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#24 Post by gzc_stageTech »

Too tired to post pics. I'll get to it tomorrow.
But I got them done, except for the grills. They're loaded, wired, stuffed, and powered up. They have a tight response and roll off around 80 Hz, I'd guess.
I'll grab a video and RTA the output tomorrow.
Too late to get them into the sanctuary this week. I'll try to get them installed next week after I finish the grills.

Great design Bill. Thank you.

Chris

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shawn_g
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#25 Post by shawn_g »

Awesome! :loler:

gzc_stageTech
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#26 Post by gzc_stageTech »

Finally, some pictures from this weekend's activity. This shows the pair of TLAHs done. I have them powered by a CE1000 (275W in 8 ohms). The cabinets breathe very well. Now that they're damped, the low frequency extension is apparent. I'd guess in the neighborhood of 80 Hz. This is the look:

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Yes, they are standing on the top ends with the open bottom pointed skyward.

Next, I've got to build the grills (to keep exploring fingers out of the speaker cones). Here I've started the frame with 1" x 3/4" pine strips. I used rabbit ends to improve the strength.

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Here's a closer view of the grill with the spacers (5/16" oak dowels) to keep the grill clothe from bending the side strips inward.

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And a view of the frame with the spacers glued in (and drying).

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When dried, I'll sand the frames and put a 1/4 round on the upper edge. Then, I stretch the fabric over the frame and staple it to the inside frame. I should be ready for the install in the sanctuary by week's end.

Chris

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shawn_g
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#27 Post by shawn_g »

I'd love to hear a pair of those sometime. I'd imagine its like a wall of sound with all of those drivers and piezos. :shock:

gzc_stageTech
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#28 Post by gzc_stageTech »

shawn_g wrote:...I'd love to hear a pair of those sometime...
They sound very nice, especially when compared to the old point source PR15's. But before I do a side by side compare, I need to get them mounted on the walls in the sanctuary. Once I get that done, I'll do a RTA shot, EQ, and a quick video of the system installed. I will capture using reference mics so you shouldn't get the dynamic range limited output from the camera mics. Also, I want to capture the sound in true stereo, so that you can really listen to what the venue sounds like.

Sure, this is all "gotta' do" stuff at this point. I'm getting close to the install but still have to finish the grills (just a couple of steps left to do).

Yes, I'm getting excited to hear them too.

My initial plans are to recover the PR15s for service as subwoofer cabinets. But who knows, maybe I'll build a couple of Tuba18s at some point. We'll see.

Thanks for the interest Shawn.
Chris

gzc_stageTech
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#29 Post by gzc_stageTech »

Grill frames sanded, shaped (round over) and now painted. Now all I need to do is stretch the fabric over the frames.

Sorry, no photos tonight.

Chris

mattaudio
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Re: TLAH build for sanctuary

#30 Post by mattaudio »

I'm planning to build tlah pros for my church, and one thing I was hoping to do was remove the piezos from the piezo horns, and paint the horns the same color as the cabs (tan). Hopefully this will make it even less visible thru the grill cloth. Just throwing it out there.

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