Tube Amp Archive

I need to build a speaker cabinet - something fairly small to take a 12" speaker so I can connect head amp projects, or use as an external speaker for small combo amp projects.
I had a 2 x 12 cab but it was too large and a bit heavy for convenient use around the house and shop.
I've heard some good-sounding clips played through a sealed-back cab with a port.
I've searched here but can't find specific dimensions for a 'compact' ported cab. I'd appreciate any info or links.
Thanks!
Or, should I just build a Fender style open back box (combo amp without the amp) ?

I have a few speakers here, including a Celestion Blue and a WGS Green Beret but would probably be swapping speakers in/out of the cab.

Try a Theile cabinet.

http://tubenexus.com/?p=33

The AX84 1x12 cab is ported, and sounds very nice, especially with any speaker in the "greenback" family - my personal fave with this cab is the Eminence Swamp Thang.

If you want a smaller overall size, an open back is probably a better bet IMO.

Be sure to read the design discussion to see how Alex came up with the parameters of the cab.

http://ax84.com/static/corecabinets/AX8 ... .08.03.pdf

Here's a back view of one I made for my amp room:

[img:761:1014]http://i514.photobucket.com/albums/t346 ... x84cab.jpg[/img]

I don't have a good pic of the front - the AX84 1x12 is the unfinished cab in this photo:

[img761]http://i514.photobucket.com/albums/t346 ... mproom.jpg[/img]

I have a sealed, ported Dumble Larry Carlton cab with a 1x 12 EVM and also the oval backed Dumble type 1x12 with a vintage UK Celestion G12 80.




Both cabs sound vey good, the EVM cab is just stunningly LOUD and clear. Its a huge sounding cab. It will easily cope with the 100w Bluesmaster (vox grill cloth)


Marcus

Thanks for that info.

I'll check out some of those ideas right now!

Here's a page from my rule book. If it's a sealed closed back box, whatever, make it as deep as you want. If it's ported, get some instruction. If it's an open back cab, make it no deeper than 11" and try many options on the back panel(s). Denser cab material actually makes for a better sounding speaker (use only void free lumber, whether solid wood or plywood).

Last entry... If you've tried four speakers in the cab and it still sounds like a##, then try another cab - or - if it's an open back cab @11" deep - try different sized back panels. The key to a good sounding open back speaker cab is that the bass frequencies do not make the high B and E strings sound thin. If your treble strings sound thin, cut the back panel down until all strings are balanced.

I agree with Norburybrook.
I built 2 EV TL806 cabs. Awsome for the size. You can get build details on the EV site.