connecting active subs

[DJ INDIE]

(early) morning all,

I now need a pair of active subs to go with my W-Audio PSR15As.

I've been looking at the Studiomaster VPX15s.


Question is, what is the best way to link these up?

It says the VPX15s have their own crossover etc, so is one needed? and how do you wire the two together? (if possible).


Ive used Passive sub/top set up for years elsewhere, but never come across an active one yet.


Also, will the VPX stand the weight of the PSR15s if i connect them with a standard pole?



any help greatly appreciated.

[Tom]

If the whole system is active then its quite simple.


For the left side, you go from the left channel output on the mixer in to the left input on the sub. You then get another xlr lead and go from the left output from the sub to the input on the speaker top. Just add power cables and your done. Just do the same for the right but use the right channel from the mixer.

Sorry if this looks like I'm teaching you to suck eggs. This is not intended. I just show people the idiots way of doing things. lol

Make sure that the crossover points are the same on both subs to get the same sound from the speakers.


As for putting the speaker tops on the subs with poles, give it a go. It should be OK as the cab was designed to do such a thing but if not, just take speaker stands. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Also, it is worth noting that some subs have a high pass output and a full range output too, so make sure you know which is which. The high pass output will split the frequencies via the built in crossover.

The RCF 705AS which I use also has a crossover switch which range from 80-120 Hz, so you can choose how the overall system sounds.

[DJ INDIE]

cheers, to be honest Tom im glad you spelt it out, i thought it would be something like that, but wanted to be sure, but didnt want to blow anything and just wanted to make sure i could use the internal crossover.
I'll keep a look out for the pass out switch too, ta.

[DJ INDIE]

Just another quick question:

would I be able to get a Db Technologies SUB 05 and use that (instead of 2 subs)? is it strong enough using just one?

if so how would i wire that to 2 tops?


im really torn at the moment - i have a 1200w amp ready to power some passives if i dont use an active(s), but a budget around £250 for the passives - i need them to be compact too.

i know theres a million threads on this, but can anyone recommend either;

a good active SUB (around £350)

a good pair of compactish active subs (around £400-£500)

a good pair of compactish passive subs for around £250 - or do i go down the class-d route - and are they still cheap/good value?!



im willing to talk b-stock/second hand / if need be

i wont be using these a lot - just for big venues

[Excalibur]

As far as I know, one active sub will run two tops fine.
As for Class D I'd suggest a crossover and second amp for best results, as simply adding subs to an existing amp is unlikely to give a big volume increase, just emphasise the bass, and add clarity, which if you're looking to add them at bigger venues is unlikely to be the effect you seek.

[DJ INDIE]

Last question !


Whats the best way to connect passive subs to my active tops?

the passive subs are 4ohm - the tops are active W-Audio PSR15As.

would i be able to:

go from the mixer to the amp (for the subs) to the bass bins then from the bass bins to the actives?

or

external crossover going from the mixer and splitting 2 ways - one to the amp and subs, and one to the powered tops?



im getting confused now! :)

any help hugely appreciated.

[Excalibur]

Last question !


Whats the best way to connect passive subs to my active tops?

the passive subs are 4ohm - the tops are active W-Audio PSR15As.

would i be able to:

go from the mixer to the amp (for the subs) to the bass bins then from the bass bins to the actives?.
No, no, a thousand times no.


or

external crossover going from the mixer and splitting 2 ways - one to the amp and subs, and one to the powered tops?


im getting confused now! :)

any help hugely appreciated.
Oh yuss. :D

[DJMaxG]

There are several connection ports on most decent active subs.

These consist of :
- Full Range In - Left
- Full Range In - Right
- Full Range Out - Left
- Full Range Out - Right
- Mid Out - Left
- Mid Out - Right

The Mid Out is the after the sound has passed through the built in crossover, which is activated by a button or switch on the back usually.


How to Connect :

Left Audio > Left Full Range In
Right Audio > Right Full Range In

Mid Out (left) > Left PSR15
Mid Out (right) > Right PSR15

You don't really need to use an external crossover with Active Subs, as the ones inbuilt are usually pretty decent.