SLA Pro - Powered

[Bryan Cox]

Bruce, you probably already know this, but there are several drivers available on ebay. I know you like to stick to Eminence but they're here if you want them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/161008790570

[Bruce Weldy]

Bruce, you probably already know this, but there are several drivers available on ebay. I know you like to stick to Eminence but they're here if you want them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/161008790570

I appreciate that, but I don't mind waiting to save money...... Although, my choice was between a Simplexx 10 or the SLA.....I'd be through with the Simplexx if I'd have gone that way.

So, why'd I chose the SLA you might ask? I liked the way it would look on top of that T24.

[Bryan Cox]

Bruce, you probably already know this, but there are several drivers available on ebay. I know you like to stick to Eminence but they're here if you want them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/161008790570

I appreciate that, but I don't mind waiting to save money...... Although, my choice was between a Simplexx 10 or the SLA.....I'd be through with the Simplexx if I'd have gone that way.

So, why'd I chose the SLA you might ask? I liked the way it would look on top of that T24.

Haha. That's very much the same reason I chose the Otop 12. At the time not knowing anything at all, I picked what others said worked great but still looked cool.

I have plans to build SLA Pros one day as well. The intent will be smaller bar gigs. I considered DR200s as well for their performance quotient and cool factor. But those are entirely above my head.

[Bruce Weldy]

So, can any of you SLA owners tell me how much of an offset you used on locating the TopHat toward the front of the cab? Obviously the drivers will make it a little front heavy. Probably not a whole lot since the magnets are back a little and the baffle is set back, but I'm guessing an inch would do it. Or, did ya' just put it in the middle? And if so, does it want to lean?

[Radian]

My plans had the holes offset already so I just used what Bill spec'd out. Like a 1/2" inch or so. Still ended up with cabs that are more forward heavy, but that's entirely do to the Alphalites which have their C.O.G. very close to the top plate vs. the ferrite magnet Alphas.

[Seth]

So, can any of you SLA owners tell me how much of an offset you used on locating the TopHat toward the front of the cab? Obviously the drivers will make it a little front heavy. Probably not a whole lot since the magnets are back a little and the baffle is set back, but I'm guessing an inch would do it. Or, did ya' just put it in the middle? And if so, does it want to lean?

The center of the top hat's (top and botom) in my 2x6's are 4½" from the front, like it shows on page 11. Haven't noticed anything one way or the other about the location and weight distribution. It's just fine with either configuration, single cab or double stacked.

[Bruce Weldy]

My plans had the holes offset already so I just used what Bill spec'd out. Like a 1/2" inch or so. Still ended up with cabs that are more forward heavy, but that's entirely do to the Alphalites which have their C.O.G. very close to the top plate vs. the ferrite magnet Alphas.

Thanks.....and good to see ya' back.

Yeah, the offset in the plans is only 1/4" forward....doesn't seem like enough. But, I guess forward heavy is better than backward.

The power amp would help to even it up.....but, that's still not looking like it's going to happen based on the word I got today.....it's still a maybe - first answer was no, but the guys digging deeper for me.

[Bruce Weldy]

So, can any of you SLA owners tell me how much of an offset you used on locating the TopHat toward the front of the cab? Obviously the drivers will make it a little front heavy. Probably not a whole lot since the magnets are back a little and the baffle is set back, but I'm guessing an inch would do it. Or, did ya' just put it in the middle? And if so, does it want to lean?

The center of the top hat's (top and botom) in my 2x6's are 4½" from the front, like it shows on page 11. Haven't noticed anything one way or the other about the location and weight distribution. It's just fine with either configuration, single cab or double stacked.

It'll probably be fine anywhere from the plans location to a little more forward. I plan to put the crossover behind it, so I'll probably move it forward a bit more.

[Seth]

It'll probably be fine anywhere from the plans location to a little more forward. I plan to put the crossover behind it, so I'll probably move it forward a bit more.

Looking at the SketchUp, there's not a whole lot of room to move forward, 3/16" between the Top Hat and the driver. Not sure how accurate the driver and top hat dimensions are to actual. If you're gonna move it forward from where the plans dictate, you might want to get a driver in there and measure before making holes.

[Bruce Weldy]

If you're gonna move it forward from where the plans dictate, you might want to get a driver in there and measure before making holes.

Oh, I won't make hole until the drivers get here...or at least until I do some major measuring. I can get the depth specs off the Eminence site. But, with the baffle setback, there may not be much room to pull it forward.

I'm just thinking about all the little things to do.....frustrating that my shop is a mess, but can't really do anything until I know whether I'm keeping the amp or not. If not, then I have to cut a new back - so the table saw has to stay out......hate not being able to do anything. When I start a project like this, I typically stay on it until it's done. Only thing I could do is to cut the damping material, but don't really want to mess with that until I know what kind of back I'm gonna' have.

[Dale Hammer]

Bummer. Hope you get a positive solution on the amp.

[Bruce Weldy]

Bummer. Hope you get a positive solution on the amp.

Me too.....but, I'm not holding out much hope as I'm sure they don't want to tell someone how to modify the amp only to have 'em screw it up and blame PE. We'll see.

I just want an answer one way or the other.....then I can finish this thing....well, up to installing the speakers....

[Seth]

...I just want an answer one way or the other...

I think I have an answer for you. I downloaded the control software/app and it won't let the high pass go any lower than 1000Hz. Type in 125Hz and hit enter... 1000Hz.

Unless you can talk them into modifying the software and likely the firmware too, I'd say it's a firm no-go for a tops/sub configuration.

A possible option:
I know you don't use 4 conductor cabling, but you could put the amp in the SLAP and with a DPDT switch, switch between powering the SLA woofers directly or switched the other way, send the power to a 4 pole SpeakOn... signal out to the sub on one pair and returning to the SLAP after the passive Xover on the other pair.

Would still give you the functionality of not having to bring separate amps. Just wouldn't have full electronic control over Xover points 'n such.

Just an option.

[Bruce Weldy]

...I just want an answer one way or the other...

I think I have an answer for you. I downloaded the control software/app and it won't let the high pass go any lower than 1000Hz. Type in 125Hz and hit enter... 1000Hz.

Unless you can talk them into modifying the software and likely the firmware too, I'd say it's a firm no-go for a tops/sub configuration.

A possible option:
I know you don't use 4 conductor cabling, but you could put the amp in the SLAP and with a DPDT switch, switch between powering the SLA woofers directly or switched the other way, send the power to a 4 pole SpeakOn... signal out to the sub on one pair and returning to the SLAP after the passive Xover on the other pair.

Would still give you the functionality of not having to bring separate amps. Just wouldn't have full electronic control over Xover points 'n such.

Just an option.

Actually, that's a very intriguing option. Of course, I could do that with a cheaper mono plate amp also. I'd have to build a little turn around cable if I wanted to use the SLA without the sub.....either that or a switch as you mention.....I'll do some thinking about that option.

Thanks.

[Bruce Weldy]

Well, not really anything out there that fits the bill of a mono amp with DSP. The sub amps look like their DSP is geared toward sub output only.

But, your idea still sounds pretty good. I'd still have all the EQ available and the bluetooth connection.

If I go with a 4 conductor cable, I'd have to dig into the sub jack panel.....or just use two short Speakon cables. (or a 4 conductor cable with split speakon ends - that would be the simplest one-cable solution).

I'm definitely leaning this way....even though it's a waste of an amp channel. But, the DSP capabilities might make it worthwhile and stick to the original idea of a Powered SLA.

I'm gonna check to make sure that the LOW amp on that thing is allowed to go full range (if there is a set high pass, there might be a set low pass....doubt it, but better get it right this time).

Thanks again for the suggestion.