Author Topic: 18" Cab recommendations? (Read 251 times)

bassman10096 · « **on:** June 18, 2004, 04:55:13 PM »

I'm considering biting the bullet and adding an 18 cab to my rig. I've looked at a lot of the logical suspects, but haven't been able to play any other than the SWR Big Ben (which was pretty good). The cab I need will have to run at 8 ohms on 425w (or 4 @ 700w). I'm looking for a round, warm sound. So far, I getting ready to find and try the BagEnd S18B-B or D and the Eden XL118.

Anyone have any experience or comments about the sound or performance of cabinets mentioned so far? Any other cabs I should track down and try?

I'm waiting on my 4 string Alembic (sometime in this lifetime) but I have several 5's and will probably upgrade those or custom-build another Alembic in 5 string.

Bill

bkbass · « **Reply #1 on:** June 19, 2004, 07:51:09 AM »

I'm considering the Eden myself(x2)because I use two of their 2x10 XLT's for my highs/mids.I currently run two Electro Voice T-118 and they sound loud and fabulous from 250hz down to 34hz.My problem is their frequency range as I need an 18 to go higher say up to 600-1000hz because I use a looping device to repeat patterns and then solo over them.The EV's just make it sound like mush (not enough detail) but most excellent as a sub.JBL professional has a relatively small 18 with a grey polyester finish they also have a model that comes with a crown power amp built in.I'm sorry I don't know the model # Guitar Center has them in their PA sound room and the last flyer had them walking out the door at $399.00 each.Personally I've always found the JBL's to be a bit soft on the low end but for the size and price give them a try it just might be the sound your looking for.Also anybody else's PA sub again,these are only going to have limited upper range.Carvin also has one hellava box that is much cheaper than Bag End but should sound somewhat similar given the fact that they are both birch plywood dado jointed eminence equipped cabs with the Carvin having twice the power capabilities.I haven't heard the Carvin but you can usually try their products for ten days and then ship them back if not satisfied.I've personally used Bag End products for over twenty years but Mine are all loaded with Guass loudspeakers and therefore have a much different voicing than what you would get straight from Bag End.Happy Hunting,please return to the posting board with your findings.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 19, 2004, 09:03:07 AM »

I'll be baaaaack... As the man said.

Actually, some good financial fortune in the last 24 has put me in the hunt (and price range) for BagEnd ELF (INFRA) subwoofer getups. Anyone have any opinions? Particularly on the INFRA 18 and the 212 INFRA? I don't thinkn I can afford the INFRA 21. I need to accomodate a low B, but will also (maybe primarily be playing a 4 string.

Bill

dnburgess · « **Reply #3 on:** June 19, 2004, 04:08:11 PM »

Bill - if you need a sub to go up to the 600Hz to 1000Hz region, have you considered the Acme subs? They sound great on low B, reach to 1000Hz and handle heaps of power. They roll of steeply below 30.87Hz, so not recommended for detuned setups.

I know there are a few 18 fans out there - what are the advantages vs, say, a specifically tuned 4x10 sub?

bassman10096 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 19, 2004, 07:21:51 PM »

I have a LowB-2 and like the low 10 sound. While I like the flat, true low end (along with the clear mid and high) of the Acme, I like to blend in the throatier low voices of larger diameter speakers. By keeping the 10s on one channel and the larger diameters on the other, I can tilt the mix either way. I'll probably wait for my new Alembic to get here before I try a new sub, but I'll be looking for an articulate 18.

Bill

kevin_k · « **Reply #5 on:** June 21, 2004, 08:22:29 AM »

Bill,

The next time you are in the Chicago suburbs, you are more then welcome to check out my Bagend rig, which includes an 18. It might not be as tight as you are looking for, but you never know. If nothing, you can cross it off your list of subs to consider. It is rated at 8ohms 300W, or maybe 400w, I don't recall right now.

We can talk off line in more detail if you are interested.

Later,

Kevin

bassman10096 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2004, 09:30:31 AM »

Thanks, Kevin. I'd come down just to see your bass! Which BagEnd 18 do you have? The S18-D or the S18B-D (or B)? Looks like they have very different frequency responses.

Bill

kevin_k · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2004, 09:59:53 AM »

I believe I have the S18B-D

It has a port, however I leave it covered for a tighter response. Sometimes I hardly notice I have the 18, I don't turn it up too much.

I do have the option of foundation shaking bass at my finger tips but it is a little ridiculous, even for me.

I use the cross over on my F1X and only send the lowest frequencies to the 18. I could send it higher frequencies, but that's way I have 4x10.

I personally think an 18 has a touch more presence. And you can always turn it down or off to suit particular tones.

By the way, one of my favorite bands is playing at Summerfest's Piggly Wiggly Stage this week...Ekoostik Hookah on Thursday afternoon/evening. The bass player, Cliff plays an Essence. If you are going to the Fest, check them out, I don't think you'd be disappointed.

Later,

Kevin

(Message edited by kevin_k on June 21, 2004)

bassman10096 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 22, 2004, 02:06:39 PM »

I just bought a BagEnd 18 driver off Ebay. BagEnd told me it's the model they sell to SWR for the Big Ben and the same as they put in their 18's. I'm going to retune a homegrown cab I have and play with it. I can vary the porting, etc pretty easily, so at very least, I'll know what sounds good to me.

Kevin: What frequency do you have the crossover set for?

Bill