Subwoofer Advice

[rossken]

I currently use a pair of powered 12 inch tops for my average gig, and they sound alright (great for the price) but I feel a sub would just help them at larger gigs.

I don't do many large gigs, however I have got a gig coming up with a band called The Dangleberries (http://www.thedangleberries.com/index.php) and well they just do loud, loud and louder! When I did the gig last year, there was a noticable difference in volume and I feel a sub may help to compete with the band.

The other problem is there is not a lot of room left in the vehicle, so it would have to be a 15inch driver, if not a 12inch. Is a 12 inch sub a waste of money?

I found these (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/L2-Audio-15-800W-MAX-Powered-PA-Sub-Speaker-DJ-Band-/280509751310?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_ConElec_SpeakersPASystems_RL&hash=item414faf200e) on ebay and these (http://www.rsdmusic.co.uk/products.asp?prodid=137&catid=22&mcatid=1) at RSD. They look pretty similar to me, except from the difference in price. I've heard of LD before, but never L2. Advice?

I'm looking at around the £300-£400 mark, and just want something cheap and cheerful that would do the job.

Thanks for your help!

[csg]

ok, looking at the specs, the one you want to look out for is max output ( spl), measured in dB's

the ebay one has a maximum output of 122dB, the rsd one 128dB

6 dB might not sound like a lot, but its a logarithmic scale, so it is considerable ( most people would percieve it as a doubling in volume)

I also like the fact that the rsd unit has a branded name driver ( eminence), and the fact that the ebay unit is a blatant chinese copy of a logic system ( smallish UK brand) would make me concerned.

[rossken]

ok, looking at the specs, the one you want to look out for is max output ( spl), measured in dB's

the ebay one has a maximum output of 122dB, the rsd one 128dB

6 dB might not sound like a lot, but its a logarithmic scale, so it is considerable ( most people would percieve it as a doubling in volume)

I also like the fact that the rsd unit has a branded name driver ( eminence), and the fact that the ebay unit is a blatant chinese copy of a logic system ( smallish UK brand) would make me concerned.

Thanks for that, so really I want something around the 130dB mark?

And I quite agree with you, I don't like buying off ebay as you never know quite what you are getting.

So I would be better to get a second-hand but better quality sub?

[rossken]

Just found this. (http://www.rsdmusic.co.uk/products.asp?prodid=745&catid=22&mcatid=1)

But at 49kg, that seems pretty heavy!

[A1DL]

I don't do many large gigs,

then hiring is your friend.


I feel a sub may help to compete with the band.

Can't the band put you through the PA? On the basis you know them, having worked with them before?

In any case, one entry level sub is not going to come close to the "competing" with the uncompressed sound of a loud live band. A couple of B2s would do the trick rather nicely and some, however if you have limited vehicle room then that's a non starter too.

[rossken]

then hiring is your friend.

Yeh that may be the way to go, although hiring around here can be difficult and usually means going to Edinburgh or Glasgow. But I think there may be a local company.




Can't the band put you through the PA? On the basis you know them, having worked with them before?

In any case, one entry level sub is not going to come close to the "competing" with the uncompressed sound of a loud live band. A couple of B2s would do the trick rather nicely and some, however if you have limited vehicle room then that's a non starter too.

Yeh that is another option and I will see if the band will let me plug in to their PA.

You are right, "competing" probably wasn't the right word, and I don't think there is any requirement to be as loud as the band, as they are too loud for the village hall, in my opinion.

Thanks for the advice, I will look into hiring.

[csg]

dont get me started on B2's again Tony!

But seriously, Tony is correct that one small sub is not going to compete with a band running a much larger system, so dont get your expectations too high.

As regards to your question regarding SPL, well you dont need to aim at any level in particular, but in an ideal world if you are running one sub, then it should have a similar output as both your tops together ( if you have the SPL specs for one top, add 6dB to get the rating for both run together)

My comment was mainly to make the point that the efficiency and spl capability of a box is far more important than the power rating - i for one dont give a hoot " how many watts a speaker is", the " wattage" is one of the most useless specs!

But, to get back to the point, i would say that a decent small sub would make a general worthwhile improvement to your system as a whole, and if you are going to use it regularly, then go for it.

What ever you decide to go for - make sure you demo it before you buy it.

[MikeW]

[QUOTE=rossken;441885]Yeh that may be the way to go, although hiring around here can be difficult and usually means going to Edinburgh or Glasgow. But I think there may be a local company.




I think the company Alansound may be able to help. You will find them in the phone book.

Hope this helps.

[rossken]

I think the company Alansound may be able to help. You will find them in the phone book.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, I will contact them. Where are you based? Have you heard of Page Sound Sevices or SW Audio, both in the Dumfries area.

Thanks.

[MikeW]

Thanks, I will contact them. Where are you based? Have you heard of Page Sound Sevices or SW Audio, both in the Dumfries area.

Thanks.

I am based in Dumfries. Sorry not heard of the above although just checked yellow pages. SW Audio might be worth checking out.

[rossken]

I am based in Dumfries. Sorry not heard of the above although just checked yellow pages. SW Audio might be worth checking out.

Ok thanks.... I will send out a few emails later.