Desperate need of advice for 3 way cab's

[mulletdude]

hello i need to build 2 3 way cabs withina bout 2 weeks For a DJ job im now doing i have the followig availiable. 1 jbl 2225h and ne jbl 26h 4 6x9 dub mag speakers 4 ohm 200 watts and 2 4 inch unknown bran speakers 8 ohm and 200 watts stamped on them. i was wondering if for simplicity i could wire them in a series paralell to get about 4 ohms impedance and how big of cab i should make, also how good they will sound. i know that they should be able to handle about 800 watts each no prob without any of the speakers being overdriven. this sound like a good plan?

[TheSeekerr]

I think you may be barking up the wrong tree.

[mulletdude]

why do you say that?

[TheSeekerr]

Because your post implies that you intend to throw a bunch of drivers into a box without considering even the most basic issues - things like matching sensitivity, and crossover points.

[mulletdude]

which is why i asked the question. if you have a problem with my curiosity take it elsewhere please. the reason i would like to do it as simply as possibly is i dont have a whole bunch of electronics to build a crossover. which is why i asked how good will it sound.

[ptwining]

Don't take it personally mulletdude, your curiosity is welcome and a good thing in general, but, TheSeekerr is right. Building a loudspeaker seeems easy at first glance but it isn't.

If you just toss some drivers in a box it'll not only sound awful but you'll likely toast your equipment (amp and drivers). A crossover not only handles how the drivers sound but also makes sure that each driver gets only the frequency range that it can physically handle as well as protecting the amp from nasty loads and shorts.

You have to know the TS parameters of each driver, the specs of the amp(s) involved, the characteristics of the box, etc, etc...

It'd be cheaper and better if you buy/rent some gear for the party and then (if you're really interested) take the time to learn what's involved in building a loudspeaker.

Regards and good luck!
Tom

[mulletdude]

the reason i want to build it is for experience. i have experience building subs and i havent the money to buy or rent anything for the gig.

[doug20]

Originally Posted by mulletdude

which is why i asked the question. if you have a problem with my curiosity take it elsewhere please. the reason i would like to do it as simply as possibly is i dont have a whole bunch of electronics to build a crossover. which is why i asked how good will it sound.

You will get that sort of response everywhere like this is rocket science.

There are many kits to follow, there are many drivers measured and used. You can follow HTGuide.com mission accomplished stuff, you can follow Zaphaudio.com builds, measurements.

It all takes time but its not as hard as some would like you to believe.

You can even buy a DCX2496 and do all your crossovers actively. Put drivers in a baffle, wire it all up and start playing. If your drivers have meaurements posted then use that as a starter guideline.

Building a perfect speaker is almost impossible, building a speaker that you could sell takes skill and time but building a speaker you can enjoy yourself...its as easy as reading instructions in building a model!!

[doug20]

mulletdude, have you been to the other DIY sites.

HTGuide.com is the best DIY speaker site (IMO)
Zaphaudio.com has great advice and many, many, many driver measurements.
AVSForum.com has a decent DIY section that is starting to have more Speaker builds.

Enjoy and do not let those saying "its all too hard" gets you down....its all they ever say The DCX was the best purchase for me when I started! I still build active instead of passive because of it.

[PeteMcK]

re:'i have experience building subs ' - then you'll know the importance of having the parameters. the drivers you have listed seem to be car audio speakers? - if so, divide the power ratings by 10, they certainly won't be suitable for DJ work, 6x9 & 4" drivers driven by 200W RMS will send the cones into orbit...