If you need the performance of a DR250/280/290 but don't have
the woodworking chops to build a DR, what's the next best thing? The easy to build OmniTop 15.
This SPL chart compares the woofer response of the OTop 1x12 and
OTop 1x15, loaded with the Eminence Deltalite II 2512 and 2515
respectively.
The OTop 15 has enough bottom to use it for PA without a sub in
live-sound applications, or as an electric bass cabinet.
In fact, it has way more bottom than any other 22x22x18 inch 45 pound cabinet,
while above 100 Hz it beats commercial cabs that are a lot larger and heavier.
This SPL chart compares an OTop 15 loaded with a Deltalite II 2515 woofer and ASD 1001 tweeter to the $1,600, 96 pound Community Sound iHP1544:
The 5dB average sensitivity differential means an OT15 driven with 200 watts
is as loud as an iHP1544 driven with 700. The line array capable OT15 can be built with a dual
compression drivers on a CD horn, with a 10 element vertical
tweeter array, or with a 20 element melded tweeter array, pictured above, giving high frequency
dispersion and pattern control that no commercial PA top can match. Here's what
builder James Mellberg says about his:
"Totally destroys the Mackie SA1530Z's we used to use for band. The piezo
array is a night and day difference compared to the single compression tweet on
the Mackies."
Here's builder Riflefleet's impressions:
"These OTops... were crystal clear with a flat eq. The dispersion around the
room was incredibly clean and with them placed at a 10-15 degree tilt at about
6.5' off the ground they just obliterated the vast majority of systems I've
heard in terms of clarity and response. I'm a big fan of a Void acoustics
installation at a club here called Monarch, and a funktion1 install at a club
called Public Works (both of which use four-6 point surround set ups) and
honestly these two OTops in this space rivaled how clear those two systems
sounded."
OTop 15 may also be built with the same HF section as the DR300, for
unsurpassed line array performance at the longest throw distances.
The plans go into great depth, showing you not only what tools to use but
also how to use them. Included are tutorials on driver wiring and crossovers.
Construction Degree of Difficulty: 3
Performance Quotient: 8
Suggested Audience Size in PA use:
Two cabs to 200; four cabs to 800; six cabs to 1200; eight cabs to 2,000
Suggested subs: Tuba 30, Tuba 60, Titan 48
Equivalent Retail Value: $1299 to $2699 depending on drivers used.
Plans are $19.95, delivered within 24 hours as email attachment in MS Word format. 36 pages, 16 photos, 69 diagrams. PDF version available on request.
FLAT PACKS
For those who can't cut their own wood flat packs are available at www.speakerhardware.com
These kits are precision CNC milled from top quality Baltic Birch.
Flat packs do not come with plans, you must order those separately from us.
Can’t build your own? Contact the nearest Authorized Builder for a quote.
