Cabinet Volume

**SOOTSHE** · July 7th, 2010, 04:15 AM

I'm considering bracing my 19's to stiffen the cabinets. I had fantastic results with my La Scalas when I recently added additional 3/4 inch panels to the sides & the rear. My concern with the 19's is that I will have to do this internally as I don't wish to reveneer the cabinets.

If I were to add additional layers of 3/4 inch material to the 2 sides, the top & bottom & the back I estimate I would lose approx. 1.33 ft3 of volume. Do you think this would adversely affect the tuning? I probably already know the answer to this, but just looking for another 2 cents worth.

Alternatively I could put braces of 2 x 2 on the sides, a couple each on the top, bottom & back & a brace running from front to rear. This way I would lose approx .59 ft3.

Has anyone ever added bracing to the inside of the cab? Did you notice any difference in the low end response due to decreased cabinet volume?....or will this be negated by the benefit of the bracing.

I know with my La Scalas it was a whole new ball game with the extra bracing. Cleaner, tighter & more punchy bottom end.

Any input appreciated.

**Altec Best** · July 7th, 2010, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by J Henry

I estimate I would lose approx. 1.33 ft3 of volume. Do you think this would adversely affect the tuning? .

Absolutely !!! 1.3 cu.ft of volume is quite a bit.

Now have you considered glue blocks,diagonal braces,cross braces,as opposed to full panels.

La Scala's and 19's are quite different. I think the 19's are fairly stiff already and 2x3 braces,glue blocks,etc. are all that is needed.Are you thinking of doubling the thickness of the panels from 3/4" to 1 1/2" is my understanding correct.

**SOOTSHE** · July 7th, 2010, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Altec Best

Absolutely !!! 1.3 cu.ft of volume is quite a bit.

Now have you considered glue blocks,diagonal braces,cross braces,as opposed to full panels.

La Scala's and 19's are quite different. I think the 19's are fairly stiff already and 2x3 braces,glue blocks,etc. are all that is needed.Are you thinking of doubling the thickness of the panels from 3/4" to 1 1/2" is my understanding correct.

Hi John,
Yes, my first thought was to glue & screw additional panels on the inside which would make them 1 1/2 inches thick, but as you suggest this would lose too much volume.
So then I thought to just use diagonal braces on the back, sides, top, but I will still lose approx .6 ft3. Do you think this will be OK.
If so, do you recommend the braces & glue blocks? Would you put glue blocks around all edges? I'm a bit in the dark here.
Thanks,
John

**Altec Best** · July 7th, 2010, 06:00 PM

Is there something wrong with the cabs in the first place.For you to want to add this additional support, my cabs are still quite tight.This is why I'm asking.I would just use small glue blocks,and maybe a diagonal brace.John I would rebuild those Crossovers first to see what you have as I'm 100% positive that you will see a Huge difference and maybe good enough.Try that first and then brace if you think it needs more.

The old adage why fix if it ain't broke !!

**SOOTSHE** · July 7th, 2010, 06:17 PM

No, the cabinets are in first class nick....it's just that I had such a huge improvement in the LS & the theory says that the less vibration you get from the cab, the better the sound.

When I look inside the cabs I see nothing at all in the way of bracing & my mind says "this can't be right", but I know what you mean as they sound just fabulous.

I suppose I'm thinking "is there a super 19 lurking in there just dieing to be heard"!!!!

Yes, first things first....let's get this crossover sorted & see where that takes us.
Thanks,
John