V-Plating T48 pair

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brodave2 · #1 Post by **brodave2** » Thu May 01, 2008 4:05 pm

I got my V-Plate built and did some testing. Two T48, 24.5" wide loaded with 3015. I used a filler plate in the driver chamber to get the added upper end response. Set them up in my driveway on concrete with V-Plate on top. Ran 60hz sine wave, not sure of the voltage, doesn't matter because that remained constant, it was a comparison test. Reading 106db. Took the V-plate off, didn't change anything else, meter dropped to 102db. That's HUGE. One test it dropped from 106 to 101. It consistently did 4db better. Same test at 80hz, there was no difference. That was a surprise. Tested a pair of my double 18's side by side with them. In former tests, Titans compared favorably with the double 18's at 80hz, but the double 18's did much better at 60hz. The V-Plate has further leveled the playing field. The double 18's appeared to be maybe 1 or 2 db better at 60hz, it varied from test to test, so I'm going to say 1.5db. Of course, the double 18's took 2.5x the power to get there. Here's some pics. I attached 1.5" rubber feet on top of the T48, and drilled 1.75" holes corresponding in the v-plate to keep it in place. I glued carpet onto the v-plate where it meets the titans to dampen vibration between the two. I'm hoping the weight of the v-plate will be enough to hold it down. I made it out of 13 ply birch 3/4", with a 1.5"x1.5" stiffener on the front top.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7655072@N05/2457108155/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7655072@N0 ... otostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7655072@N0 ... otostream/

gzc_stageTech · #2 Post by **gzc_stageTech** » Thu May 01, 2008 5:13 pm

Thanks Dave for the data (and test). Good looking setup.

How did the sound compare between the direct radiator cabinets and the horns? I'm talking about the clarity, not the SPL. Or, is there even an audible difference?

Again, great job with the Titans (and V-plate). It's definitely "worth it" to couple them.

brodave2 · #3 Post by **brodave2** » Thu May 01, 2008 5:21 pm

they were coupled in both tests. The V-Plate made the big difference I was talking about. Coupling is a big improvement, but V-plating gives you that much again, at least in the lower freqs. As far as clarity, the horns sound better. One big thing I have noticed using the T48's is that the bass guitar is MUCH clearer and easier to bring out in the mix. I think it is because the horns don't have the harmonics that muddy the low mids.

brodave2 · #4 Post by **brodave2** » Sat May 03, 2008 6:16 pm

Did the gig Friday with the V-plated t48 pair, 2 OT12's on sticks on either side (4 total). First outdoor gig with the BF rig. I am still totally blown away by the OT's. So clean and clear, and LOUD! I had the v-plated titans on the stage on one side. The bassists liked standing beside it. The kick drum was sooo sweet. Again, the bass guitar is much cleaner with the titans than with my double 18's. V-plated, the 2 titans can just keep up with 4 total OT12's. If I'd go ahead and build two more titans and 4 more OT12's, I could get rid of all the heavy stuff I'm using for big shows.

James R · #5 Post by **James R** » Sun May 04, 2008 7:00 am

What type of music was it, I'm just curious. Thank you for the review

brodave2 · #6 Post by **brodave2** » Sun May 04, 2008 7:25 am

It was a praise band, drums, bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, one singer. The kick and bass guitar were to die for. The second band was kind of a bee-bop band(think stray cats), and they were way loud coming off the stage, kind of a rowdy bunch. I couldn't get their kick sounding like I like, but I think it was the drum, the bass guitar still sounded rich. OT12's are incredible for vocals for sure, but they also excell on acoustic guitar.