The Return of the BFM Thread

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

yeah i heard on some other forum that people didn't understand bills designs, in how he doesn't have ripple because of the small mouth to wavelength ratio.

The same way that Danley doesn't: proper design. My cabs don't have any smaller mouth to wavelength ratios than his do. Tom's actually a newbie, he's only been doing horns for about 30 years. I did my first in 1969.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

could you use a modestly powered but robust driver like those recommended in BFM cabs, but extend the horn until it had an opening say 8 or 10 feet high and roughly the same wide, and get tremendous output from very little energy?

Yes, but unless it's literally part of the building it's not practical.

[JamesRoss]

Just a quick question. I don't have much experience with constructing stuff, but has anyone built a Tuba-24 with no to little previous experience in building this type of stuff? If so, how hard was it? I'm thinking it looks basic enough, but I'd just like a second opinion before I try to do it this summer. I know the site post a skill level 1-10, but that means nothing to me because I don't know who the scale is based off of. Thanks!

The subs are super easy to build. The DR 200 (top) was a little bit of a challenge though. You should be fine. Just don't skimp on the glue.

[DJ Pyro]

4 Tuba30 16" wide with uhhhhh I think BP102 or something loaded... I can't remember but its one of the recommended drivers. I haven't used them in a few years, I'd actually consider trading them for a set of Tech 1200

[Scott]

^Looks great man! I'm looking to build around 8 Tuba 30 eventually. Probably gonna build 1 pair at a time as I obtain enough funds. And looking at how well they perform, I'll need to get another pair of tops to keep up!

edit: Probably going to use the LAB 12 drivers

[DJ Higgumz]

lab 12 all the way!

[Scott]

lab 12 all the way!

I figured from reading tons of threads/charts that the performance will be much better with fewer cabs by using the good drivers. Normally it's a discussion of quantity vs quality, but I plan to have both. Chances are I'll be rocking 4 of 'em for a while until I can afford another set of SRX725, amps, etc.

[KLH]

I've read this thread for years, but always wondered about the practicality of making these subs active with passovers, independent volume, and thru features like retail subs.

Has anything been discovered that would be easy to add to the BFM subs that would be like this:



-KLH

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

I've read this thread for years, but always wondered about the practicality of making these subs active with passovers, independent volume, and thru features like retail subs.

There are no affordable DIY options. The primary independent manufacturer of OEM amps does not sell at retail, and outfits like QSC won't sell the amps because they don't want to lose the sale of a complete speaker. In any event there's no particular advantage to on-board anyway.

[DJ Higgumz]

Yes, active is a PITA. Subs should be in a corner, and if a corner is available then it is likely to be 50 ft away from your booth. And that means extra power outlets to worry about, and gain knobs you need to leave your booth to get to.

Let's say your onboard amp goes. That gives you less options when in crisis in the field. Not to mention the extra weight you have to carry at one time up a flight of stairs.

Active has it's up sides, less pack space, and some come with remote control linking for line array rigs. But not my cup of tea