Open and closed back combination cab

[666666]

Exactly what is your plan? Will the closed portion be totally closed? If so, your closed portion will really act more like a small closed 1x12. It'll truly be like two separate 1x12s stuck together (an open and closed)... for better or for worse. In that case you'd probably be better off with two actual 1x12s.

If you were planning on just merely keeping the rear panel solid behind the "closed" speaker but not actually fully sealing it closed, then both speakers will simply respond like an open back.

In my opinion, while it might seem like a cool idea on paper, I don't know if it's worth building, either way. If you want the best of both worlds out of a 2x12, just make two back panels... one with an opening and one that is solid... swap on whichever one sounds better in a given situation.

I have a nice closed back 2x12 and I made an "accessory" open back rear panel for it... and I swap on whichever back panel depending on what I'm going for. In that way, the cabinet will respond like a true 2x12 whether open or closed, and not like a 1x12.

[phybeau]

Thanks for your insight!

The plan is indeed a double 1 x 12: One closed portion and one open wired together (probably parallel).
This way I'm hoping to have the solid low end from the closed part and the smoother mids/highs from the open one.

But like stated earlier, I've never seen nor heard a set up like that.
Maybe I should just try it?

I also like the idea of a removable back, although that way you don't have both at the same time.

Thanks again!

Phybeau

[guavadude]

Mesa boogie used to (or may still) have a vertical 2x12 with the bottom closed and the top open if u need to see an example. I agree it's probably better to go with an open cab with a removable back. Avatar makes a cab like this that is probably cheaper than you could build.

[phybeau]

Thanks for the tip on Mesa Boogie!
Apparently they also have a newer version: The Road King. (Expensive...!)

[DrewA]

That sounds like a good idea. As was mentioned, Mesa have been making half open/closed cabs for while.

I used to have a Rectifier 2X12, and it included an open and closed rear panel. Obviously, they couldn't be used at the same time - but it made a tremendous difference, particularly in the low end.

Your idea would be great for the studio - double your rhythm tracks, one with closed and one with open back!

[phybeau]

Your idea would be great for the studio - double your rhythm tracks, one with closed and one with open back!

My thoughts exactly

Gonna give the DIY cab a try sometime in the near future.
I'll get back with some results.

Thanks again,
Phybeau

[DrewA]

Originally Posted by phybeau

My thoughts exactly

Gonna give the DIY cab a try sometime in the near future.
I'll get back with some results.

Thanks again,
Phybeau

Well, let us know your progress and post some tracks when it's all done!

[shineauks]

thanks.In that way, the cabinet will respond like a true 2x12 whether open or closed, and not like a 1x12.

[phybeau]

thanks.In that way, the cabinet will respond like a true 2x12 whether open or closed, and not like a 1x12.

Welcome Shineauks!

Could you please explain what you mean by "in that way" ?

Thanks