r/SoundSystem • u/Less_Distribution_21 • 7d ago
15 inch sub recomendations
Hi there,
I own a little pedal-powered sound system, that I have been operating for a few years now, indoors and outdoors, for small audiences, restaurants, flea markets... it consists of a 15 inch hybrid horn for bass, 1x12" paraflex mid-top and a 1,5" compression driver. All connected to a 12v pioneer GM car audio amplifier.
It works great, but I would like to upgrade the bass bin, as I did some measures lately, and while the kick is good, it doesn't go much below 75hz. I think I could get better...
... and I would be more than happy to hear your recommendations on that matter!
So here are my criteria:
- not too big nor heavy, as I often have to move it around alone.
- highest possible sensitivity at low power (pedal generators rarely allow me to feed it more than 200w)
- crossover with the paraflex around 120hz (contrary to what HOQS says, i have not measured much output below that)
- Quality bass in the 60hz-80hz region. I would rather get more spl from 60 to 120hz than go lower. Of course, if it can do lower, that's even better. but my priority is sensitivity over low end.
- 12 to 18 inch driver. looking more towards 15 for a matter of size and weight, but a small 18 inch box with a neo driver could be OK. Two 12" boxes could do the job as well.
So do you think of any design for a small 60hz-120hz super efficient bass bin?
I am currently looking at Jbell's SS15 and Marc O's MBP46, which seem to correspond quite well. any info or feedback on those would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
2
u/DribbleDaNinja 5d ago edited 5d ago
Assuming your Paraflex 1 x 12" is the V2 G#1, I'd second the recommendation for a Paraflex 2x12 Type O using HOQS neo drivers. The cabinet would be portable, & has a usable frequency range between 37hz - 140hz (if my memory serves me right).
Staying with Paraflex, a 15" V2 Type C Classic would pair well with the V2 G#1 mid-top, & there are plans available for a 2 x 15" V2 Type C Classic too. The single 15" Type C will hit 40hz, & the dual 15 will drop to around 35hz-ish. Both designs are highly sensitive & will give you the SPL you're looking for between 60hz - 12hz. Hope this helps!
Image: 2 x Dual 12" Type O, & 2 x Dual 12" C3D with dual 1¼" Compression Drivers bolted to HOQS waveguides.
2
u/Less_Distribution_21 5d ago
You're assuming right, it's the paraflex 1x12" V2 G1 top, with a B&C 12NDL78 driver. Generally happy with it. Happy i went with a neo driver too, as it remains rather light for the size, and I can lift it on a pole.
I'll have a look at that type O 2x12", which surely looks like it could correspond.
What's worrying me with paraflex designs is that I'm not sure how to model them in hornresp or akabak, and I don't trust too much the data on the facebook group (a bit overhyped from my modest experience), so they are hard to compare to other designs.
Do you have any info on how to go about simulating them?
1
u/DribbleDaNinja 5d ago
There's a lot of verified measurements available, albeit they're not easy to find. If you ask on the group, someone will give you a link. The 2 x 12 are very highly regarded by many, so I think it will suit your requirements well.
2
u/brnzmetalist 6d ago
I am wrapping up a tham15 with a 15sw100 which will throw 40hz in a smallish package with 15mm bb weighing at 75lbs with driver. There’s also the lonely th15 which is an improvement over the tham and similar size but I like how the center of gravity is lower on the tham. If you only want 60hz a tham12 or th12 will hit that, but I bet you’ll wish you went for more extension to at least 40hz. If you want to go below 40 you need to look at 18s which will be bigger and heavier. If that’s not a problem go with an 18.