Noob questions: Omni 2x12 TB for bass guitar

[Dagomaino]

I’m gonna try to pop-off several preliminary questions about this build in one thread.

1. Driver selection: I think I am going to go with the suggested Eminence Delta 12LFA for the build but I am a little confused about the impedance. I’m downsizing from an Ampeg 8x10, so I am hoping to have a total cab impedance of 8ohm in case I want to build a second cab for more headroom later. My idea is to keep 2 cabs in the rehearsal space where I tend to be the loudest and just transport one to shows. So, do I get 2) 12” drivers that are 8ohm or try to find some that are 16ohm?

2. Is it pretty simple to add a control or switch to turn the tweeter off or attenuate down, and does that create any impedance concerns for my ultimate plan?

3. Should I have selected a jack 12 instead? And made a jack stack.Ha ha. I’m hoping the outcome is a cab that competes with the likes of Schroeder or bareface. Is that a realistic expectation?

[Seth]

I’m gonna try to pop-off several preliminary questions about this build in one thread.

1. ...I’m downsizing from an Ampeg 8x10... ...My idea is to keep 2 (O12TB) cabs in the rehearsal space where I tend to be the loudest and just transport one to shows...

Unless you're replacing two 8x10's, you're not likely going to require 2 OT12TB's. But, I encourage you to build two anyway, just because why not and cool factor. Also because it's not my time or money.

A little clarification though. Are you planning 2x12 TB or 2x 12TB? Two single 12" cabs or two double 12" cabs? I assume two single driver cabs.

2. Is it pretty simple to add a control or switch to turn the tweeter off or attenuate down, and does that create any impedance concerns for my ultimate plan?

Yes, it's covered in the plans.

3. Should I have selected a jack 12 instead? And made a jack stack.Ha ha. I’m hoping the outcome is a cab that competes with the likes of Schroeder or bareface. Is that a realistic expectation?

My encouragement in building two Omni Tall Boy's is partially in jest. For multiple cabs, vertically stacked is preferred due to science and physics and Tall Boy's aren't designed to be stacked. The Jack would be the better solution.

Ultimately, a single Omni 15 Tall Boy loaded with 2 twelves would give you sufficient output and headroom. But, if your vision is to have multiple cabs, Jack stack away.

In output potential and sensitivity, I think the question is, is it a realistic expectation for the likes of Schroeder or Barefaced to compete. As for tone, every cab is different and every players expectation is different. A very common statement in reviews about playing bass through Bills designs is that it's cleaner and more clear than other cabs and people tend to hear things they hadn't heard in using other cabs. If you're technique is sloppy, plugs/jacks dirty, or signal path is otherwise compromised, you'll hear it.

[Dagomaino]

Thanks, Seth. That is a very helpful response.

Yes, the plan is to build one Omni Tallboy loaded with 2) eminence 12”s . I’d imagine that would hang for any live situation as I commonly DI to FOH anyway. My loudness concern is actually more in our rehearsal space where I push more volume, and I would like the flexibility of possibly adding a second cab that stays at the rehearsal space… it sounds like it is unlikely that will be necessary though, and even in that scenario I could power each out of separate channels on my Crown to avoid any impedance issues. I think I’m just being apprehensive about ditching my 8x10 that I’ve used for over 25yrs at this point, and finding that the tall boy can’t quite push the volume for the very scenario I can imagine.

In terms of the clarity point you made, my technique is pretty solid, but I might adjust my pedalboard set up and run some cab sims… and it sounds like that tallboy clarity would be a great platform if I decide to go that route.