Deciding on Bass Cab Build

[TheBassMan02]

Hey y'all, I'm new to the existence of BFM cabinets, but I have read just about everything I can get my hands on (including in this forum) over the last couple days! I play bass in a 3 piece surf/punk/pop band, and I have been looking to upgrade my bass amp rig. I play through a modeler (Line 6 Pod Go) into the effects return of an Ashdown Mag 300 410 combo. It sounds... ok-ish. I played through a backline Ampeg 410 at a show recently, and realized just how crappy my current setup sounds. Also, if you're curious, shameless plug for my band with some sound bites to give you an idea of what we do https://www.instagram.com/charliedangerband/

Here's my question(s): what should I build? From what I've gathered, I'm fairly certain a jack is in order (thus why I'm posting this here), but I'm struggling to decide which one. So far, a 180w amp into a 410 cab has been sufficient, with PA support for any larger gigs, so I feel like a J112 or even a J110 would be sufficient, plus the reduced price, weight, and size compared to the 2x versions is a big plus to me. I don't get particularly low (frequency wise), since we're a 3 piece and I function as sort of a hybrid bass/rhythm guitarist live.

I have access to a well-stocked wood shop this summer for free, including CNC machines, so I'd like to take advantage of the opportunity to build it then. I assume generating CNC files from the plans would be fairly straightforward (I do have CAD experience), and would be a good approach, given that's how Speaker Hardware does it. I'm also planning to build a power amp for my modeler from an ICEpower board and integrate it, but that'll be a post for a different thread.

TLDR: I'm looking to build a bass cabinet, and wondering which BFM cab is right for me.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

I use a JLite 112. I have a JLite 115, only used it once for an outdoor gig. It's more than I need indoors.

[TheBassMan02]

Ok, thanks. From my understanding, the Jlite and regular Jacks are equal in performance, only differing on weight and complexity?

Also, I know there's a couple different speaker recommendations, with different power handling. What do you recommend for this implementation (Deltalite 2512 II was my default assumption)?

Finally, do you have any thoughts/recommendations regarding a poweramp vs a bass amp, given my setup? Does building an integrated power amp into the rear access panel seem like a good idea?

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

Your back will thank you for building a JackLite every time you pick it up. If I was to build one today I'd use the LaVoce WAN123.00. An integrated amp might fit offset to one side.

[9830Lark]

The Jack is great. I built a JLite110, but I'm just a bedroom player. It gets crazy loud with my cheapo amp head. Bill's plans are great, easy to follow, lots of detail and logical. The Lite isn't hard to do, especially if you have the means to deal with the shaped cuts (and you do). I used a laser cutter/engraver, it worked great. If you want those files I can zip them up for you. They're Lightburn files, but I can export them into something more generic. You'll fall in love with PL Premium and start loving it for other stuff.

[Seth]

Welcome to the forum!

[TheBassMan02]

Thank you guys for the advice and input (and the welcome, Seth). I'm looking forward to taking on the project this summer, I'll definitely be back when I do.

[Clef's of Bass]

Finally, do you have any thoughts/recommendations regarding a poweramp vs a bass amp, given my setup? Does building an integrated power amp into the rear access panel seem like a good idea?

Side note on the Jacks. You need to be aware that they are capable of generating a metric f@#k ton of Mid range frequencies. Almost as if they're on mids steroids. It's a feature not a bug. However, that means you'll need to be very cognizant of the mids in every different room you play in and adjust your EQ accordingly. I would recommend an amp that has a mids cut/boost control so you can cut the mids in case you're in a room that can't handle it, or conversely boost the mids if your getting drowned out in the band mix instead of simply feeding your cabs more amperage and risking driver over excursion which could lead to catastrophic damage.

Bass player here (with a few Jack cabs). I use a GK legacy 800w head. 800w definitely overkill, but the versatility Is amazing. Actually, I've never pushed it past 10 o'clock on the master dial because of how loud the Jacks get.

Pros:
Sounds real good!
it weighs 6 lbs
has DI output (pre or post Eq).
more power than you'll ever need.
can handle 2 ohm, 2.7 ohm, 4 ohm loads for different extension cab combos.
And it's quick to figure out and easy to use.

Cons:
Not inexpensive.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

You need to be aware that they are capable of generating a metric f@#k ton of Mid range frequencies. Almost as if they're on mids steroids. It's a feature not a bug.

+1. You often see complaints about cabs that can't cut through the mix. You won't see that said about a Jack.

[nola50]

So… what is the rule of thumb to match amp power to speaker rating? Would it be 100% or more for headroom?

I like a rack mounted power amp mated with either a PreSonus Channel Strip or a Sansamp RPM.

Decisions abound…

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

50% to 200%. Most commercial speakers won't take more than half their advertised rating before reaching their mechanical limit. Jacks have high enough sensitivity that they don't need a lot of power.

[nack]

I've used J10L and J12L, both are great. Currently using a pair of J12L with a tone hammer 350 which gives me a setup that I can carry in one load (including bass) from any parking spot in within about a quarter mile of the gig. Backlined a gig last Friday and the 4 other bass players all told me that they loved my gear. I used Kappalites in the twelves and a variety of drivers in the tens... the kappalite 12s definitely gave the best result. I have also played these cabs with just a pedal board and a "100w" class-d amp board (probably closer to 70w) shoved into a pedal case, still loud enough to keep up with my superloud drummer.

[nola50]

That sure sounds like a keeper to me! I'd love to hear one. I'll have to do some digging around the area!