View Full Version : db Tech or Mackie?
Vectis
20-01-2008, 07:55 AM
Folks, a dilemma which needs your expert guidance :D
I need to spec out a system for a regular gig of mine where the kit will be stored on-site. Kit will be in my ownership but stored packed away when not in use.
Scenario is a kids play centre. Low ceiling in the area where the disco sets up, around 15m square, then out into a large 3-storey playbarn. Because it's targeted at older kids 7-14 and due to the building design it needs plenty of bass.
Now I'm kitting it out with existing equipment but I'm missing a pair of subs. Tops will be a pair of Peavey Pro-15's (300W version) with a Behringer EP1500 amp (400W into 4R). I've narrowed the choice of sub to:
a) Pair of db Technologies Sub 12's
b) Single Mackie SWA 1501
They/it needs to be fairly light and compact and max budget is around £600.
Any help choosing? (or alternatives??)
Ta
:beer1:
Dillmiester
20-01-2008, 09:02 AM
Im thinking two slightly smaller subs would be better than one slightly bigger one in a big area. And then there is also the back up advantage. Plus the Mackie 1501's cant be called light and compact.
Dragonfly
20-01-2008, 09:28 AM
one thing i saw the other day and i know nothing about them whatsoever is :
http://www.bluearan.co.uk/menu/index.php?id=CARSS3540
i have seen these at around 600 a pair and the thing i noticed was the vast weight difference between these and the mackies.....
as said i know nothing about them and im willing to bet they are probably pants but with a 15 inch driver thats a bit of a shame.
Why not go for the DB Tech Sub 15. If you dont know its an active subwoofer that has a built in 800 watts rms amp with a clip limiter.
It also has a 133db spl rating. Also as i have this sub it really does kick hard. I used this sub at my new years gig infront of 650 people. Could maby handle 700 but at a push.
Its about 40kg in weight but i dont think thats to bad. You can get this sub for just under £500.
Also if you wish to have the matching tops then go for the Opera Live 402. I have seen then for £600 a pair
wigglyrich01
20-01-2008, 12:43 PM
I agree with KMA, i heard the sub 15 at a large venue (300-400 people) recently and the thing was awsome! loads of punchy bass
http://dbtechnologies.com/mod_produkte.cfm?pgid=1&pugid=39&psugid=0&pid=110
DB tech say its only 32kgs not 40 but i've never lifted one so can't comment really.
The rcf 705 subs are also rated pretty well. A little over budget but may be somthing to consider
http://www.eddiemoorsmusic.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?cPath=26_44&products_id=651
good luck!:D
Solitaire Events Ltd
20-01-2008, 12:45 PM
Im thinking two slightly smaller subs would be better than one slightly bigger one in a big area. And then there is also the back up advantage. Plus the Mackie 1501's cant be called light and compact.
They can for subs. They have a very small footprint.
DB tech say its only 32kgs not 40 but i've never lifted one so can't comment really.
Sorry, that was a rough guide at 40 but yes, 32kg is correct (after looking in the manual).
Feels like 40kg though. :lol:
Also i would offer to show you but the isle of wight if quite a way, i think. :lol:
spin mobile disco
20-01-2008, 01:34 PM
I use a db sub 15 and it is very good, very light for a sub. And build quaility is much better than the mackie's. The DB sub 15 can be picked up for £479 and the customer support is amazing.
I have used a single sub 15 with up to 300 people with no issues and without clipping it. Also its pretty easy to move around unlike the mackie which is much heavier.
Vectis
20-01-2008, 02:13 PM
So based on comments so far dB wins out over Mackie.
I'm still inclined to go with a pair of the 12" rather than a single 15"
a) for balance (ie no need for tripods)
b) for future flexibility
c) for redundancy
d) for manoeuvrability
Given that the 12" are 400W RMS with SPL 127 (each) versus the 15" with 800W RMS and 133 SPL then in terms of bass delivery we're probably fairly even stevens I presume?
Weight is important as there's a flight of stairs inbetween the gig room and the storage cupboard :rolleyes: RCF is a little over budget but looks like a good option if I was going for a single 15". Not too sure about the Carlsbro's suggested earlier... never really liked their gear for disco use - a bit harsh. OK for live stuff. But then I've not auditioned for a few years.
So... anyone give me a good reason NOT to go with the dB sub 12's ?
Twinspin
20-01-2008, 03:13 PM
The RCF ART 705 is the same as the DB Technologies sub 15 bin in terms of watts RMS. Im not sure how they differ though.
I think the only difference may be that... the front of the RCF bin is different with a grille as opposed to the rounded chipboard frontage.
As many know i use the RCF ones.
The RCF ART 705 is the same as the DB Technologies sub 15 bin in terms of watts RMS. Im not sure how they differ though.
I think the only difference may be that... the front of the RCF bin is different with a grille as opposed to the rounded chipboard frontage.
After looking at both subs this is what i have come to.
Both subs are basicaly the same. They are both bandpass cab designs.
The DB sub 15 has the ports at the bottom of the box. I see this as moving more air and being able to create lower bass notes.
The RCF 705 AS has the front speaker port half way up the cab in line with the dust cap.
TBH all your paying for is the name as the front port/s can be placed anywhere.
Solitaire Events Ltd
20-01-2008, 07:32 PM
And build quaility is much better than the mackie's.
I've not seen a DB sub, but know how well built the SWA1501s are built. Can you explain why you think that?
spin mobile disco
20-01-2008, 07:36 PM
The mackies are now all built in china. Check them out I had a look and was not impressed. Decided to go for the DB as they are not built in a sweatshop in china. Just a sweatshop in Italy lol. The old mackie stuff was good but the new stuff is not as good for the same price.
Solitaire Events Ltd
20-01-2008, 07:51 PM
The mackies are now all built in china. Check them out I had a look and was not impressed. Decided to go for the DB as they are not built in a sweatshop in china. Just a sweatshop in Italy lol. The old mackie stuff was good but the new stuff is not as good for the same price.
Yes, most things are now built in China. The cabinets are exactly the same. The design is still the same. You don't think that Chinese people will be more efficient than Italians and care a bit more?
People have mentioned that the sound is not as good now. I can't comment on that as I never heard the Italian built ones, but what we are talking about here is the build quality, which is very very good.
The cabs are still made of birch ply and put together in the same way, so why are the older versions better built?
Twinspin
20-01-2008, 11:57 PM
After looking at both subs this is what i have come to.
The RCF 705 AS has the front speaker port half way up the cab in line with the dust cap.
The port on the ART 705 is at the bottom have a look at the pic.
http://www.ltt-versand.de/shop/images/ART705AS.jpg
Danno13
21-01-2008, 12:15 AM
I used to own one of those Carlsbro subs that Dragonfly linked to and they're not bad at all.
I sold it to Pete (soundtracker) and I beleive he still uses it.
The port on the ART 705 is at the bottom have a look at the pic.
http://www.ltt-versand.de/shop/images/ART705AS.jpg
So if there is only one port, what is the "hole" in the middle for then???
Solitaire Events Ltd
21-01-2008, 01:24 AM
So if there is only one port, what is the "hole" in the middle for then???
Posting letters. :D :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:
Corabar Steve
21-01-2008, 08:09 AM
A bit hard with that grill in the way.
You really don't think these things through do you Darren? :sj:
flatliners
21-01-2008, 08:16 AM
i also use the carlsbro gamma sub as mentioned in the link but try this http://www.studiospares.com/pd_248270_STU%20Fortissimo%2015a%20Sub%20Bass%20Ac tive%20single.htm
same as the gamma but cheaper
Corabar Steve
21-01-2008, 08:28 AM
What!!!!! Not an RCF one?
rob1963
21-01-2008, 08:49 AM
i also use the carlsbro gamma sub as mentioned in the link but try this http://www.studiospares.com/pd_248270_STU%20Fortissimo%2015a%20Sub%20Bass%20Ac tive%20single.htm
same as the gamma but cheaper
What!!!!! Not an RCF one?
:jawdrop:
flatliners
21-01-2008, 09:14 AM
look i dont work for rcf may seem like it
Solitaire Events Ltd
21-01-2008, 11:13 AM
A bit hard with that grill in the way.
You really don't think these things through do you Darren? :sj:
Not when I've had a beer, no. ;)
Corabar Steve
21-01-2008, 12:19 PM
Ah, I see.
Solitaire Events Ltd
21-01-2008, 12:21 PM
Thought you might
Vectis
22-01-2008, 11:06 AM
Right then, just ordered a dB Tech Sub 15.
Reasoning behind the decision - lots of good feedback about them and at 32Kg they're not exactly impossible to shift. The addition of a set of good castors will help with moving it around.
I was sorely tempted to go with a pair of Sub 12's but when I looked at the measurements (and weight) they'd have looked silly and possibly been a bit unstable with a pair of Pro15's stuck on poles. The Pro15's are 10cm wider and about the same weight as the Sub 12 :p
Will let you know how I get on with it. :beer1:
Dillmiester
22-01-2008, 04:09 PM
Right then, just ordered a dB Tech Sub 15.
Reasoning behind the decision - lots of good feedback about them and at 32Kg they're not exactly impossible to shift. The addition of a set of good castors will help with moving it around.
I was sorely tempted to go with a pair of Sub 12's but when I looked at the measurements (and weight) they'd have looked silly and possibly been a bit unstable with a pair of Pro15's stuck on poles. The Pro15's are 10cm wider and about the same weight as the Sub 12 :p
Will let you know how I get on with it. :beer1:
Nice one!
I will be very interested to hear how you get on as I was pondering between the Peavey Pro Sub 15 and the DB, but at well under half the price the Peavey won.
What did you pay for it in the end, the best i found was about £600?
Dragonfly
22-01-2008, 07:00 PM
Know this thread is effectively over ... but thought I would post this for anyone thinking of a sub in the near future ... I thought a superb price ...
http://www.pegasussl.co.uk/mackie-swa1501-15-active-sub-500w-p-12574.html
Vectis
22-01-2008, 07:30 PM
Nice one!
I will be very interested to hear how you get on as I was pondering between the Peavey Pro Sub 15 and the DB, but at well under half the price the Peavey won.
What did you pay for it in the end, the best i found was about £600?
I use Prosubs on my main rig... if this one turns out to be more portable / better sounding I may well do a swap :o £479 from soundslive.
Know this thread is effectively over ... but thought I would post this for anyone thinking of a sub in the near future ... I thought a superb price ...
http://www.pegasussl.co.uk/mackie-swa1501-15-active-sub-500w-p-12574.html
June 2016?? :eek:
Just to let you know that screwing wheels on the back of the cab might affect the bass responce as you would be drilling into the chamber. if you can seal of the screw holes then i guess it wont be to bad.
i prefer to carry mine as i could never to this to my speakers. they look gorges the way they are. :D :lol:
Solitaire Events Ltd
22-01-2008, 08:33 PM
Know this thread is effectively over ... but thought I would post this for anyone thinking of a sub in the near future ... I thought a superb price ...
http://www.pegasussl.co.uk/mackie-swa1501-15-active-sub-500w-p-12574.html
Or your one on Ebay....:mad: :D
Ever heard of DJ Bids? :p
By the way, in that ad, why does it say "This product will be in stock on Thursday 30 June, 2016" :confused:
It looks like they are ex-demo stock or have I read that wrong? :confused:
Solitaire Events Ltd
22-01-2008, 08:35 PM
Just to let you know that screwing wheels on the back of the cab might affect the bass responce as you would be drilling into the chamber. if you can seal of the screw holes then i guess it wont be to bad.
Yeah, but the screws would be in the screw holes, so what difference would that make?!! :confused:
And the holes would need to be a lot bigger to effect the bass response....
As these subs kick hard i was thinking if the screws came loose. Would nuts and bolts be better???
Solitaire Events Ltd
22-01-2008, 08:41 PM
A couple of rawl plugs might help.
djsteve10
22-01-2008, 08:49 PM
Either use raw plugs or fill the holse up with some form of contact adhesive if you are not going to take them off, If not try a bolt rather than a screw or something.
Vectis
25-01-2008, 09:14 PM
Nice one!
I will be very interested to hear how you get on as I was pondering between the Peavey Pro Sub 15 and the DB, but at well under half the price the Peavey won.
What did you pay for it in the end, the best i found was about £600?
WHOA! BABY!!!!
Couple of Prosubs going on DJ Bids any day... :p
Fan... tastic!
Really sweet and punchy, REALLY LOUD without distortion, and not as heavy as I imagined. A very sexy piece of kit that's made an impressive difference to my sound setup. Wow! :D
pulsemobiledisco
26-01-2008, 01:59 AM
WHOA! BABY!!!!
Couple of Prosubs going on DJ Bids any day... :p
Fan... tastic!
Really sweet and punchy, REALLY LOUD without distortion, and not as heavy as I imagined. A very sexy piece of kit that's made an impressive difference to my sound setup. Wow! :D
That's exactly what I thought the first time I used mine. The Sub 15 really does drop low and as Vectis said it's bloody loud. Excellent peice of kit for the price.
Dillmiester
26-01-2008, 04:40 AM
WHOA! BABY!!!!
Couple of Prosubs going on DJ Bids any day... :p
Fan... tastic!
Really sweet and punchy, REALLY LOUD without distortion, and not as heavy as I imagined. A very sexy piece of kit that's made an impressive difference to my sound setup. Wow! :D
I suspected they were good, alas i could not afford them, ho hum:(
Next time im on the island I must drop by and hear them.
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