Finding replacement LF Driver for Mackie 2-way Cabinet

[Paul O]

Re: Finding replacement LF Driver for Mackie 2-way Cabinet

Not knowing the specs of the original drivers the only option is to model some typical pro-sound drivers using the existing cab dimensions, choose one that best meets your needs and budget.

Yes.. Download a copy of WinISD Pro and model drivers you have access to using the Mackie's internal box volume and port dimensions, it's very likely you will find several drivers that will work quite well. I recently did the same thing with a powered Behringer, the Delta12LF was a perfect fit on paper and sounds identical to the factory driver in the other cab in terms of output and response.

[billfitzmaurice]

Re: Finding replacement LF Driver for Mackie 2-way Cabinet

Didn't Mackie use Celestion drivers in those model cabinets? I would go with the Celestion driver that best fits the cabinet and you should be fine.

Which of the dozens of Celestions each with different specs would you recommend? :rolleyes:

Just get the cubic foot measurements of the cabinet and find a woofer that will perform satisfactorally with that airspace. You might have to re-port the cabinet to tune the cabinet to the new woofers (not hard using the ports available on the PE catalog). Just a little reverse engineering goes a long way.

Correct, though re-porting may not be a viable option. Not knowing the specs of the original drivers the only option is to model some typical pro-sound drivers using the existing cab dimensions, choose one that best meets your needs and budget.

[zora]

Re: Finding replacement LF Driver for Mackie 2-way Cabinet

Didn't Mackie use Celestion drivers in those model cabinets? I would go with the Celestion driver that best fits the cabinet and you should be fine.

[kblackmore]

Re: Finding replacement LF Driver for Mackie 2-way Cabinet

Just get the cubic foot measurements of the cabinet and find a woofer that will perform satisfactorally with that airspace. You might have to re-port the cabinet to tune the cabinet to the new woofers (not hard using the ports available on the PE catalog). Just a little reverse engineering goes a long way. I believe Yamaha uses Eminence drivers, so they should take a fair amount of use\abuse.

[intechpc]

Yes I uttered the name Mackie, I know that strikes fear in the hearts of many (or in some cases vomiting) so please bear with me anyway. I've got a mobile rig that consists of a pair of Mackie S215 cabinets. Last night I was treated to the lovely surprise of a cracked magnet in one of the 15's. These cabs are at least 7 years old and as a result I'm not having any luck locating an OEM replacement. It's Mackie P/N 0010658 which is the same 15 they used in a number of cabinets and subs as well.

I've resigned myself to purchasing replacements of a different brand and replacing them in both cabs but am having trouble figuring out what would be a suitable alternative model. I can't find any specs on the Mackie 15's other than general frequency response, power handling and nominal impedance which is not too helpful at this point. Does anyone know who the original manufacturer of those transducers would have been (the magnets look like RCF's)? Anyone know where I can get more detailed T/S specs? Alternatively does anyone know of or have thoughts about a good direct replacement for these guys? Below are a few models that I'm considering that seem to have similar characteristics:

Celestion: FTR15-3070C or FTR15-4080F
Eminence: Delta Pro 15A, Kappa Pro 15A
Dayton: PA380-8
Others?

Ultimately, I'd like this to be as plug and play as possible so finding a new driver that is well matched to the cabinets as they exist today would be ideal. However, any information you can offer, experiences with the above models/manufacturers, etc would also be helpful. I can supply more info about the cabinets if any enclosure enthusiasts want them in order to offer up some help. I appreciate any guidance you can provide other than the (and I know some of you are tempted to say it) "ditch the Mackie's and get some better cabs" response.