Yet another T48 reducer question

[dlv]

I know, bringing up this subject is like

I've searched the forum and there's a lot of threads with "reducer" in them.

Still, I'm hoping to validate my thinking with current feedback. I'm building 4x 24" T48s. I've got 3015LF drivers going in them. I'll have 4x OT12 tops.

From what I read in the plans the Fs on the 3015LFs is high enough (44 Hz) I could get away without reducers. However 80-90% of my main use for this will be live sound (classic rock). At least initially. So most of the content I'm gonna be dealing with (>40 Hz) would seem to benefit from the reducers. I'll still have a system that'll blow away most of what's around here for the occasional B-day party/DJ gig for recorded stuff. It also would let me load the cab with something like a Lab later on (unlikely but I could do it).

I'm not concerned about the extra build steps to put reducers in. I haven't done it yet, so I might change my tune later but seems like just a few more steps in the process.

Does this thinking jive with the experience of folks on the forum here? Or am I mistaken (an all too common occurrence )

[Seth]

It's ultimately up to you, but here are my thoughts on the matter; If you don't need the extension of the T48, it's a better choice to build the T39. I'm always a proponent for cabs to be built maximum width, or maximum allowable width within the unique circumstance and needs of each individual builder. Given you're building 24" wide cabs and aren't going to get the increased bottom end sensitivity the full 36" width cab would have, I'd personally choose not to trade off bottom end sensitivity unless I was trying to get the most output in the live sound frequency range with only one cab. Being as you'll have four, I don't think that trade off will offer you any usable benefit. I would personally only use a LAB in a permanent install, and even then it would be because 3015LF's were out of stock or I just couldn't pass up a deal. There's a few other driver options I would use before using a LAB.

[dlv]

Thanks Seth! Yeah I looked real hard at the T39 and Bruce also strongly suggested it. For me max width is 24" for both storage and transport. I don't need shallower than 24" depth and that footprint and weight will be fine but 24" width what I've got to work with. It's probably a bit of pride/vanity here but the extension of the T48's, even tho in a lot of live situations I may not need it, is appealing to me. Or maybe I will need it or at least be really happy that I have it. Not sure and partly why I'm going with the T48. Who knows, I may end up doing more recorded music gigs than I'm anticipating.

So you're saying with 4 cabs and not trying to squeeze every bit out of one, I'll be fine WITHOUT reducers in the upper range and get a little extension below that as a result. I think I've read that comment elsewhere as well. That reducers in the T48 are more of an optimization getting a bit better upper range sensitivity for a single cab and less needed when running multiple cabs where there's plenty. Not giving up any of the lower extension for that makes sense for the times I'll be hitting it. Even if it's just to show off.

Fair points on the LAB. Really just mentioned that in passing. I'm pretty sold on everything I've been told about the 3015LFs. Quite sure I'll be satisfied. They just arrived at my house from Eminence so I'm not going with anything else.

-Dave

[Seth]

...It's probably a bit of pride/vanity here but the extension of the T48's, even tho in a lot of live situations I may not need it, is appealing to me...

I completely agree. Me too. Although, I did ultimately go the route of the T39 since it covers my intended use. Part of me wishes I went T48, even though the T39 does everything I need it to do.

I think you're really gonna like what you hear and I look forward to your build, a couple gig reports, review, and overall impression.