OTop 112 / NSD 2005 and Tuba 24's

[Adam Schaible]

Hi guys,

Just figured I'd post a quick review on the cabs I've built.

So far, only 6 - 4x OTop 112's and 2x Tuba 24's. The build for 2x T48 30" started today, will probably take a week or so.

So far, I'm really really happy with the OTops. They sound really clear, not overly bright, seem to have a pretty good dispersion pattern, and get really really loud. I've set my limiters at 30v and it's actually hard to be near these things at 30v. Even 1 cab is very loud. They seem to get louder than a JBL SRX 722 with the same input power. When I stack all four up, they sound REALLY really good. Two definitely sounds better than one. I'm sure it has to do with the frequency response smoothing out, as I haven't had time to EQ them. Bottom line is they are a totally killer cab.

On to the Tuba 24's. At first, I was disappointed. I chose the S2010 driver without having the plans, so I'm not sure if it's the best driver for me. I didn't break it in either, shame on me. I've had them built for about a month now and have used them several times per week. I think the drivers are starting to break in because they are really solid. Running them with a limiter set at 30v - 12db bandpass gain, corner loaded and V plated - they actually fill my room with bass. Enough to make you think you have a pair of double 18" front loaded cabs.

I have a pair of JBL SRX 728's - and while honestly the Tuba 24's are as not strong, and don't go as low - they hold their own pretty well. I can easily fit the tuba's in my Envoy without a trailer, move them myself, etc. They aren't the strongest cab or anything, but I'm actually very satisfied with them. I can't say enough about them - they really do a great job.

Anyway, I don't quite understand how to measure the frequency response of the cabs - I get the overall, but if someone wants to post a test plan I will do it with the OTops. I know a few people are interested in the NSD version.

[chrapladm]

Is that a electric drum set on the left?

Wow I played an electric drum set awhile back when I was at Guitard Center and it was through a JBL 18 sub and some sort of single top and the sound was amazing. I loved the sound. Every time I would play the kick drum you could really FEEL it.

So I am wondering are you playing your drums through that setup?

I am wondering how that would sound if you were. Makes me want to build a top and sub for my drums in the future.

[Chris_Allen]

Ha Ha that's not an electric drum kit....

Nice looking speakers though - I would have expected the OT's to completely overrun those Tuba's. It's a shame about the driver choice, but I can guarantee you won't make that mistake again!

I still think that the 30" wide T48's are excessive and 24.5" would be fine.

I need to record a vid of my Roland though my BFM's.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

On to the Tuba 24's. At first, I was disappointed. I chose the S2010 driver without having the plans, so I'm not sure if it's the best driver for me.

The plans do specify that you should not use the S2010 unless you've got at least two 2x10s or four 1x10s.

[Adam Schaible]

Yeah I bought the kit before having the plans, I just figured more $$ = better. I built the T24's just to get my feet wet - I expect to store them away after the build because I didn't think they would be worth anything. Now I must admit, I am very impressed by them. They do great for my band practice - our bass player doesn't worry about an amp.

I'm not sure how much better the different driver would be. They are very solid for their size/weight.

In the background:

Roland TD-20. I did a gig last week with 4x OT112 and 2x JBL SRX 728. Sounded great.

Electric kits are nice. I kind of prefer my acoustic kit but there are situations where the electric makes more sense - especially in low volume situations.

[chrapladm]

Well as soon as you make that video of your roland set up let me know.

And I dont know much so sorry for my ignorance but how much better is the quality of the NSD 2005 compared to how ever many piezo's you can put on the OT12?

[Adam Schaible]

I'm a new builder so I've just built these cabs here. I really don't know about NSD 2005 vs. Piezos.

To me, the CD is a more generally accepted way of creating a speaker. I think it helps me "sell" the cabs to bands I'm running sound for. It's close to a $100 difference in the kit, and I'm not sure about dispersion/etc.

I think the sound great but I do plan to build a pair of melded array OT 112s for smaller area's that require only 1 pair of Otops.

[chrapladm]

I cant remember if it was the cd or something else that allows you to cross the driver off at a lower frequency?

Plus I thought that if you can cross the driver off at a lower frequency that the sound will improve?! Just slightly

I could be wrong, and I am alot, so I am just guessing.

[Turntablist]

I cant remember if it was the cd or something else that allows you to cross the driver off at a lower frequency?

Plus I thought that if you can cross the driver off at a lower frequency that the sound will improve?! Just slightly

I could be wrong, and I am alot, so I am just guessing.

A narrower horn has better dispersion so if you let the narrow HFpart take care of more content the dispersion will get better and you will get a sound that sounds closer to the sound onaxis.

[Chris_Allen]

A TD-20 with dual KD-80s?

The feel of the KD120 is considerably better, but also considerably more expensive



The expansion card is a fantastic upgrade.

[chrapladm]

sorry , once again for my ignorance, but Chris is that a acoustic drum kit with electric kick and cymbals?

I dont know much about drums so I am not in the know. I have played on full electric kits before and that was fun. Is alot of the money in the electronic drum unit?

I thought of someday buying a drum set but I will have to alot more research on them before I do.

[Chris_Allen]

Yeah, it's electric and yes it's stupidly expensive.

But getting home at 12am drunk, trying to make a cup of tea and playing drums for an hour can't be beaten.

[Adam Schaible]

Yeah originally I bought a TD-12 and just upgraded everything except the kicks. I might get a pair of KD-120s, just $$$$$.

[DJ Big Ronn]

Yeah, it's electric and yes it's stupidly expensive.

But getting home at 12am drunk, trying to make a cup of tea and playing drums for an hour can't be beaten.

Ha ha, I bet your neighbors would love to BEAT you !

[Rickisan]

No... the neighbors won't hear anything cause the drum sounds will be coming through headphones. At least I think that's what he means... ???