First build: O15TB 2x12, some questions

[CaseFAceMcGee]

I'm taking the big step of building my own cabinet for my bass rig, and after reading more about BFM's cabs I'm sure I will be building more in the future. I decided on a full-range Omni15 TallBoy with two BassLite S2012 drivers, the 6A-CBMR and APT80. My first question is about the total power handling and average impedance of the cab. I have learned from reading this forum that sheer power isn't the main factor of total volume like I had previously thought. I know that this cab will launch a wall of sound when hooked up to my 500w MarkBass LMIII - I just don't know enough about how crossovers work to figure out how much power the cab is capable of using. To find the total power handling, do I just add up the values of each speaker, or does the crossover affect it at all?
For the impedance, if the cab only contained the two 12's, its impedance would be 4 ohms. How is impedance affected by the midrange and tweeter running at 8 ohms?

Now that the silly questions are done, I have some other questions about installing wheels and handles. I will be adding two wheels, side handles and a top handle like this build, and I'll probably be modifying the rear access panel setup in a similar way: http://s1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... G_1104.jpg

For the wheels, it looks like he built a false floor above the wheel cutouts to keep it airtight. Would that affect the cabinet's tuning adversely? Are there any other ways to add wheels effectively?

For the wheels, top handle and side handles, how much would I need to reinforce the wood around them to prevent something from getting ripped off or broken off the cab? Would I need to add any additional bracing?

While looking for different kinds of grill cloth, I came across http://www.amplates.com/ where I saw they can make custom logo nameplates. I may be getting some extra cash given to me for this build, and I might splurge it on a nameplate to install on the grill and a faceplate to install around the LPad or tweeter on/off switch, depending on which I decide on. I think some other people may be interested in buying BFM nameplates if they were available to purchase at a reasonable price, so if Bill reads this, that may be something to consider. Also, Bill, if you see this, if I do go through with having plates made for my cab, would you allow me to have your logo engraved on a plate? For copyright purposes, I won't get your logo engraved without your permission.

[Tom Smit]

I'm taking the big step of building my own cabinet for my bass rig, and after reading more about BFM's cabs I'm sure I will be building more in the future. I decided on a full-range Omni15 TallBoy with two BassLite S2012 drivers, the 6A-CBMR and APT80. My first question is about the total power handling and average impedance of the cab. I have learned from reading this forum that sheer power isn't the main factor of total volume like I had previously thought. I know that this cab will launch a wall of sound when hooked up to my 500w MarkBass LMIII - I just don't know enough about how crossovers work to figure out how much power the cab is capable of using. To find the total power handling, do I just add up the values of each speaker, or does the crossover affect it at all?
For the impedance, if the cab only contained the two 12's, its impedance would be 4 ohms. How is impedance affected by the midrange and tweeter running at 8 ohms?

Total power handling will be that of a single twelve since the twelves are in parallel. The crossovers cut the power somewhat for the mids and tweets. If the drivers are complaining, then there is too much power.
The impedance will be different, depending at which frequency. So, for the woofer section it will be approx. 4 ohm; for the midrange section it will be 8 ohm; and for the tweeter section it will be 8 ohm.

Now that the silly questions are done, I have some other questions about installing wheels and handles. I will be adding two wheels, side handles and a top handle like this build, and I'll probably be modifying the rear access panel setup in a similar way: http://s1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... G_1104.jpg

For the wheels, it looks like he built a false floor above the wheel cutouts to keep it airtight. Would that affect the cabinet's tuning adversely? Are there any other ways to add wheels effectively?

Tuning won't be affected that much. If it is a concern, you could make the box approx. a half inch taller to compensate for volume.
An ooptional way to reinforce the section where the wheels go is to put a single panel across the width, on an angle (makes a triangle to box the wheels).

For the wheels, top handle and side handles, how much would I need to reinforce the wood around them to prevent something from getting ripped off or broken off the cab? Would I need to add any additional bracing?

Search the forum for ideas and pics, also looking at subs.

While looking for different kinds of grill cloth, I came across http://www.amplates.com/ where I saw they can make custom logo nameplates. I may be getting some extra cash given to me for this build, and I might splurge it on a nameplate to install on the grill and a faceplate to install around the LPad or tweeter on/off switch, depending on which I decide on. I think some other people may be interested in buying BFM nameplates if they were available to purchase at a reasonable price, so if Bill reads this, that may be something to consider. Also, Bill, if you see this, if I do go through with having plates made for my cab, would you allow me to have your logo engraved on a plate? For copyright purposes, I won't get your logo engraved without your permission.

The answer is at the bottom/end of the plans.

BTW, welcome to the forum.

[Mikey]

Total power handling will be that of a single twelve since the twelves are in parallel.

That's incorrect. Whether drivers are in series or parallel, the power handling is the sum of all drivers. S2012s handle 150w RMS each, so together they'll handle 300w RMS, regardless of whether they're wired in series or parallel.

Tom, I think where you may have gotten confused has to do with voltage. Wired in parallel, drivers all receive the same voltage (however many volts the amp is putting out). Wired in series, drivers split the voltage; for instance, if an amp is pushing 30v into two series-wired drivers, each driver will get 15v.

[CaseFAceMcGee]

Thanks for the help, I'll try to track down a few more ideas.

Almost all of my speakers and hardware arrived today!

[The Big M]

BTW, nice canoe in the pics and nice work on the cab.

[Tom Smit]

Mikey is correct. I stand corrected.