2x Otop12J & 2x Titan 48 18" V-plated

[Boyd]

After a busy week of building I finally got my new Otop12J speakers (3012HO melded) going on the weekend for an Outdoor birthday party. My workmate helped me out by fashioning me a new V-plate out of some 1" MDF I got a good deal on, with a nice hardwood reinforcing strip at the front, while i finished the tops.

The sound was excellent, plenty of positive comments. If anything the Otops can outrun the subs if you let them. I didn't have time to RTA them but a PEQ approximating a fletcher munson curve had them sounding sweet. The V-plate worked well, nicely solidifying the bass, and even stood up to the token drunk girl dancing on them. I'm looking forward to trying this rig out corner loaded in a good room.

Of course I'm already thinking about what to build next - maybe a 36" Titan 48 to V-plate with the other two T48's...

[Titanium Hand]

I'm with you Boyd regarding the O-Tops abilities to outrun two bass cabs in the outdoors. Such an efficient design.

Your idea of building a single loaded 36 inch T48, to v-plate with your pair of 18 wides is very cunning.

I'm intrigued to hear of anybody elses' theories or experiences regarding that sort of set up. Sounds fun.

[David Raehn]

I would think that a dual loaded 36 incher is a better choice. Having equal drive on both sides of the v-plate could avoid power-shading of the v-formed horn flare. Otherwise a good idea for having a flexable setup with a number of variations for whatever venue presents itself.

Am I accurate in this, Bill?

[MissileCrisis]

I + 1 the idea that if you go 36 inches wide you would be wise to dual load - otherwise you're just sacrificing too much and the statement of uneven power may create a problem. You could power the two drivers in the 36 inch dual separately but then people will mention just building another pair at 18.

[Boyd]

My 18" T48's are 3012LF loaded.

I'm considering a Lab15 loaded 36" T48, which would have close to the same displacement as a pair of 3012LF.

Sounds good to me anyway

Edit: Eventually that might become a pair of lab15 36" T48's...

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

My 18" T48's are 3012LF loaded.
I'm considering a Lab15 loaded 36" T48, which would have close to the same displacement as a pair of 3012LF.

They would have different sensitivities, so the 1x15 and paired 1x12 would have to be separately amplified, each section on one channel of a stereo amp.

[Boyd]

Bill, what are your thoughs on the 3015LF vs the Lab15 in the same size cab?

I haven't seen an SPL chart on the Lab15 T48 to compare. The lab seems to have a fair bit more displacement than the 3015LF, though with lower sensitivity and impeadance the Lab is clearly more power hungry too.

I'd heard it mentioned that the 3015LF has more ideal T/S specs, and therefore works better. How does it pan out between them? Is there any difference in how well either would work with the 3012LF's?

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

The ideal driver for the T48 is the 3015LF. The LAB 15 option was added when the prices of neo drivers peaked.

[MissileCrisis]

Power handling is typically what separates the 15 inch drivers from the 12, that and minimum/recommended cab width. Door the titan series the 3012lf/3015lf are the ideal driver for technical reasons but with modifications (outlined on plans ) the lab 12/15 are lower cost alternatives that provide similar performance at the cost of more weight . So if money is tight pick the lab 12, else get 3015lf because last I checked those were the most cost efficient options.

[sine143]

The lab 15 is the most expensive eminence driver recomended in anybfm plans. the 3015lf is cheaper than the 3012lf

[Grant Bunter]

The lab 15 is the most expensive eminence driver recomended in anybfm plans. the 3015lf is cheaper than the 3012lf

+1.
I have the latest price list from the Eminence distributor here and the 3015lf is about $120 cheaper than the Lab 15, and $30 cheaper than the 3012lf (go figure), based on recommended retail price.
If New Zealand pricing is similar, I won't shock you all with the actual figures.

Even if you can procure drivers using the methods known to us all, shipping can still make for an expensive exercise, with either of the 15's being greater than the 12's of course.

Given that, sounds like the 3015lf would be a good choice for you Boyd...

[Chris_Allen]

I've got a pair of 3015LF's which I had in a pair of T48s - they are simply incredible. Then again, I think the BP102 is amazing!

[Boyd]

I've got a pair of 3015LF's which I had in a pair of T48s - they are simply incredible. Then again, I think the BP102 is amazing!

Yeah, I've been well impressed with the 3012LF's too - I'm constantly amazed at how much bass can be had out of a pair of 12's (that appear much like ordinary P.A. midbass drivers) when loaded into one of Bills designs.

It looks like it's unanimous - the 3015LF will be my driver of choice.

Thanks to everyone for your input, especially you Bill, it's a pleasure to build cabs that exceed expectations