Peavey BWX Series 1508-8 HE 15" Black Widow Loudspeaker, 40Hz-2kHz, 2000W Peak Power, Single

The 1508 and 1208 driver series represent a new level of power and performance for Black Widow loudspeakers. Power handling is increased by 40% over other comparable models, along with reduced distortion and higher overall sound quality. The series includes 12" and 15" models in both 4 and 8 ohm impedances.

Design
The BWx series uses a new cone that is a variation on the existing Kevlar impregnated cones used on all Black Widows. The new cone is stronger and tougher, highly water resistant and has a specially designed surround a deep roll accordion design on the 15" and an innovative asymmetrical-M style on the 12" that improves mid range clarity. The dust cap is also made of the same extremely strong material.

Voice coil assemblies on the new drivers use the thermoset insulated aluminum or copper ribbon wire, bonded onto an incredibly durable, heat resistant polyimide composite former. The coil wires are solderless diffusion welded to high conductivity OFHC copper foil leads, which are embedded inside the former assembly and soldered to the tinsel leads with high temperature silver solder. The solder joint is then coated with a special thermally conductive silicone adhesive for encapsulation and heat dissipation.

The voice coil assembly is bonded to the Kevlar cone and new super tough nylon composite spider using a thermoset epoxy originally develop for attaching nose cones to ICBM missiles truly an aerospace grade adhesive. The spider and surround are bonded to the frame with a high strength toughened adhesive. The magnet structure includes subtle changes to its geometry that improve power handling.

While it appears the same as the standard structure and replacement basket from the BWx series will fit on standard BW magnet structures, the improved power handling will be compromised if the standard structure is used. These new drivers also adhere to the familiar features of Black Widow products: cast aluminum frames, replaceable basket assemblies, Rubatex gaskets and high reliability, spring loaded terminals are all used.

Applications
The 1508 and 1208 drivers are excellent choices for a wide range of sound reinforcement, high level playback, subwoofer and monitor applications. The 1508sps driver is an excellent choice for general purpose sound reinforcement and is available in both 4 and 8 ohm versions. Enclosure size is reasonable and bass / mid-bass performance is strong. Its versatility includes sealed and bandpass enclosure designs.

The 1508cu produces amazing bass performance in small enclosures, along with flat mid-bass response for an accurate, clean sound quality. The 1508he is best used as the bottom end of a full range enclosure. It has very high efficiency for superior output in the mid-bass and midrange. However, for pure subwoofer applications, the 1508sps or 1508cu are better choices. The 1208sps works well in sealed or vented enclosure designs and its smooth, extended frequency response makes it an excellent midrange performer. It is available in 4 and 8 ohm versions.

Because the 1208sps's low frequency output is limited, it should be used along with a subwoofer when response below 60 Hz is needed. The best application for the 1208sps is in compact enclosures and very high quality mid-bass/mid-range reproduction at high sound pressure levels. The 15" drivers can work with crossover points as high as 2.0 kHz but work best below 1.5 kHz. The 12" drivers are usable to 3.5 kHz but perform best below 2.5 kHz.

Enclosures
To assist with the growing interest in home built enclosure designs, Peavey provides complete parameter data on these drivers, as well as several recommended enclosures for each model. The strength of the completed enclosure has a great effect on the bass performance of the finished system. Box panels that aren't stiff enough will vibrate, canceling bass produced by the woofer and creating undesired sounds of their own. If your box vibrates or you don't think the box panels are stiff enough, add more bracing.

Vents used in the examples require standard Schedule 40 PVC pipe for vent construction. The pipe should be dadoed tightly into the back of the baffle and glued firmly in place with high quality epoxy or high strength, industrial grade hot glue. Rough up the outside of the pipe to improve the glue bond. Be sure to account for the displacement of the vent, bracing, horn (if used) and woofer or your enclosure before building it or it will be smaller than its intended volume. This can reduce bass output and mis-tune the enclosure.

Line the inside of the enclosure with polyester fiber batting such as quilt stuffing. The batting material should conform to California bedding fire codes. Attach the batting with spray adhesive or staples and keep material away from the end of the vent tube where it can be pulled in by air flow. Handles, protective corners, cabinet covering, grille materials and crossovers are available through Peavey Accessories. When building a bandpass enclosure, design a panel or door to be removable for access to the woofer. Use foam weather-strips to seal the panel along with enough screws and bracing to prevent leaks and buzzes.

Fill the sealed volume loosely with polyester fiber, but leave the vented volume empty. Place the magnet of the woofer in the vented side for improved cooling. Peavey does not supply hardware required for the manufacturing of flying systems and recommends that builders should not suspend or fly any enclosure not certified for such applications. These instructions are a general guideline for design. Proper construction techniques, good planning and common sense will result in a reliable, high quality, high performance system.

Peavey in no way accepts liability for any damage, accidents or injury that may result from construction or use of enclosure using this information. Due to Peavey's continuing efforts to improve its products, features and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Parameters
Thiele-Small parameters for Black Widow 1208 and 1508 drivers follow. This data is for use in designing enclosures. Numerous software packages are available that use this data to simulate the response of the driver and enclosure together for optimum performance in any application.