The goal here was simple: Max output in a small box. I’ve wanted a smaller sub for some time. Titans and Tubas are great, but hauling a 22” T-39 to my small venue gigs was getting old. The 14” T-39’s spoiled me because they’re so easy to carry and load. They work, and they’re light, but you need 2 to keep up. They also take up floor space when standing upright that you don’t have in small rooms.
There are a lot of guys out there who, like me, run a powered mixer in small venues. They like to run mains on one side and monitors on the other. They also want to run a sub just to add kick, or maybe some left-hand keys. The problem is they’re already at 4ohms with their tops. Options are few. A powered sub is probably the best bet, but if it doesn’t have a built-in Xover you need to add that to the system. Plus, they’re heavy and typically expensive. There are a few passive units on the market with a built-in Xover, but they’re all entry level models that can’t come close to keeping up with a pair of tops on their own. So why not a good, 4ohm pro-grade sub with a built in passive crossover? Then a guy can run tops and sub off one channel and keep the second one free for monitors.
Enter the 2-10 version of the Omni 12. I asked Bill what he thought would happen if the O12 were loaded with a pair of BP102’s. He said it modeled ok and would be worth a try. The results are very good. It’s been used at 2 gigs, one free standing and one where I was able to load it by a wall. No problem getting all I needed in either case.
I really need to get some RTA gear so these reports can include numbers. Until then all I can do is A/B. Before it went to a gig it was tested against my 22” Titan 39. It was able to keep up, but with more of a reflex ‘tone’ while the Titan had the typical horn punch. The Titan was slightly louder in the upper but the Omni did a better job down low. That is to be expected in a 1:1 comparison, but would be negated once you started adding cabs.
The build is simple. 10 hours from first cut to final assembly including some changes to the door (I didn’t make it full height) and the bracing. I think after you found your way around this cab it’d be possible to do one in 6-7 hours flat. It weighs 50lbs using Auraco ply. The size difference between it and a 39 is substantial. The 22” T-39 is 9.68CuFt, while the Omni at 34” H x 20” W x 15” deep is only 5.9CuFt.
Bill’s modeled chart shows the 2-10 version will gain 3dB average over the 1-12. That puts the sub somewhere in the 99-100dB range. Not bad for a little guy!
Of course, it has limitations. For the intended purpose it’s perfect, but keeping it all in perspective it won’t match up to the Tubas or Titans once you start stacking. Most musicians own enough PA for 95% of their gigs, for the other 5% they borrow or rent. I think of this as a “95%” sub. Even though it’s a niche cabinet, it’s still small enough to keep around in addition to your modular system.
It can be built with the passive Xover or if you’re already bi-amping it can be built without. If you have the amplification and wanted to run a pair in a room to about 200 +/- that’d be fine. Anything more and you’ve reached the point of diminishing returns, and it’s time for Titans or Tubas.
