Help with 1X8 speaker cabinet dimensions

edspyhill01 · #1 08-13-2011, 02:49 AM

I would like to build a 1X8 extension speaker cabinet for home practice. I cannot seem to find the procedure to calculate the enclosure size. I did find a few sites but I seem to not be grasping the steps. It looks like I have to make a series of calculations to arrive at the dimensions but I'm not understanding the complete procedure.

Can anyone recommend a web site, software or book that has clear instructions for this task? I have the spec sheets for the speakers I can use.

Thanks,

Ed S.

edspyhill01 · #2 08-13-2011, 01:56 PM

I decided to stop complicating a very simple task and build an open-back cabinet for the 8" speaker. I was obsessing over designing a sealed 1X8 cabinet which is not necessary for my practice usage.

Ed S.

Vihar · #3 08-13-2011, 03:50 PM

You could just use the dimensions of an old Fender Champ or the likes. But the larger the cabinet, the lower the resonance of it will be. And if it's an open back, it'll sound kind of nasal, while a closed one will sound kind of "boxy". Those are the general tonal qualities.

A guitar cab is not supposed to be a hi-fi cab, so the more character you can squeeze in, the better it is.

edspyhill01 · #4 08-13-2011, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vihar

You could just use the dimensions of an old Fender Champ or the likes. But the larger the cabinet, the lower the resonance of it will be. And if it's an open back, it'll sound kind of nasal, while a closed one will sound kind of "boxy". Those are the general tonal qualities.

A guitar cab is not supposed to be a hi-fi cab, so the more character you can squeeze in, the better it is.

I finally figured out which speaker spec/parameter I was confused about. I actually did get the dimensions for a sealed enclosure for the 8" Jensen speaker. The sound of the 8" speaker will leave a little to be desired but it will be better than the tiny speaker on a Honetone toy amp I have. I noticed the guitar sounds much much better through the headphone jack. I'm installing a 1/4" switched jack on the amp so I can use an extension cab.

One reason for the small enclosure is to use different battery-powered amps. I was on the Smokey Amp site and the thing sounds big thought a number of extension cabs.
Smokey Amps

I was also thinking of getting an Electro Harmonix 22 Caliber Guitar Power Amp and playing it through the cabinet.

I was on an OCD mission and after many hours over 3 days I learned a bit more about guitar speakers and I might just build a 1X10. Using a 10" driver allows me more speaker choices from more manufacturers.

Ed S.

Vihar · #5 08-14-2011, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edspyhill01

I was also thinking of getting an Electro Harmonix 22 Caliber Guitar Power Amp and playing it through the cabinet.

I just looked that thing up, interesting. A guitar amp in an effect pedal enclosure. Wonder how can they cool the power transistors/chip in such a small box to produce the 22 Watts output power.