What Sub?

[Imagine]

OK, following on from the "to sub or not to sub" question.......

I currently use a pair of DXR15's, fantastic speakers and rarely ever take a sub out (mainly due to not wanting to lug the thing around and mainly because what I've got ain't that good!).

What I've found as has been previously mentioned is that having a sub in the rig does seem to get the floor going better. Whether it's because they can feel it, whether it's better coverage, or whether it's another reason, I don't know.

Anyway, my current subs embarrassingly are a pair of QTX15SA's. I got them when I started out because they were cheap and did the job. Sadly they don't really fit the bill anymore now that I'm doing bigger stuff (I tend to fly with a solo sub under the booth if I do use one, and last night, the poor old thing really was rattling well from my side of things....you couldn't hear that out on the floor though).

So, I'm in the market for a new one. The budget won't stretch to a pair just yet. It doesn't have to be a Yammy, but it does have to be of the 18" variety methinks so that when I get the second of the pair I can put the Yammy's on top of them if I want to, o, it also needs to be sturdy enough to hold 20kgs in the air for the evening without being knocked over. I carry everything in a van, so space isn't really an issue.

Budget realistically is in the £500 area (because I don't always use them).....ideas?

[DJColsie]

One option, might be able to find one second hand too

http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/speakers/subwoofers/yamaha-dsr118w-active-subwoofer-800-watt-class-d-18-sub.htm

Another option but doesn't accept stereo inputs
http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/speakers/subwoofers/electrovoice-elx118p-active-powered-subwoofer.htm


A much cheaper option but might be outclassed by the DXRs, although you might be able to stretch to a pair.
http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/speakers/subwoofers/alto-ts-sub-18-active-subwoofer.htm

[Imagine]

One option, might be able to find one second hand too

http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/speakers/subwoofers/yamaha-dsr118w-active-subwoofer-800-watt-class-d-18-sub.htm

Another option but doesn't accept stereo inputs
http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/speakers/subwoofers/electrovoice-elx118p-active-powered-subwoofer.htm


A much cheaper option but might be outclassed by the DXRs, although you might be able to stretch to a pair.
http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/speakers/subwoofers/alto-ts-sub-18-active-subwoofer.htm

Already trawling the interweb for 2nd hand - just not too sure what to get to be honest. The main criteria has to be that it'll hold the mighty DXR15's on satellite poles without being too top heavy when/if I eventually go to a pair.

As for the stereo bit....aren't subs mono anyway or am I missing something? I normally go out from left or right channel on the mixer to the relevant sub (if attached) then up to the top on the pass through.

[Nakatomi]

Already trawling the interweb for 2nd hand - just not too sure what to get to be honest. The main criteria has to be that it'll hold the mighty DXR15's on satellite poles without being too top heavy when/if I eventually go to a pair.

As for the stereo bit....aren't subs mono anyway or am I missing something? I normally go out from left or right channel on the mixer to the relevant sub (if attached) then up to the top on the pass through.

Bass is technically mono because the wavelength of sound at low frequencies means its origin can't be determined by creatures with ears less than 8 feet apart.

[Imagine]

I thought that was the case :)

Only Stewie Griffin's going to notice the difference then :p

Out of interest - what do people think of this one?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cerwin-Vega-CVA-118-18-1400w-Active-Subwoofer-/251992390818?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3aabeabca2

Everything power and SPL-wise looks good to me. OK - it's an ugly brute but for 99% of gigs, it's going to be hidden away under the booth :zip:

[Excalibur]

.

As for the stereo bit....aren't subs mono anyway or am I missing something? I normally go out from left or right channel on the mixer to the relevant sub (if attached) then up to the top on the pass through.

I think what's being referred to is that some subs have one channel in, one channel out, but better ones are capable of taking inputs from a stereo source, and passing them to two tops. ( They can usually send one channel to two tops, as well, if you have a mono source. )

[DJColsie]

I thought that was the case :)

Only Stewie Griffin's going to notice the difference then :p

Out of interest - what do people think of this one?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cerwin-Vega-CVA-118-18-1400w-Active-Subwoofer-/251992390818?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3aabeabca2

Everything power and SPL-wise looks good to me. OK - it's an ugly brute but for 99% of gigs, it's going to be hidden away under the booth :zip:

From memory, it is also a heavy brute, but I don't know if weight is a consideration for you. Any 18" sub is not gonna be a feather weight.

[Andy P]

Bass is technically mono because the wavelength of sound at low frequencies means its origin can't be determined by creatures with ears less than 8 feet apart.

And studios almost always record the bass tracks in mono for this reason

[Spirits High]

You might want to have a look in the For Sale section......You never know there may be some in there ;)

[Imagine]

You might want to have a look in the For Sale section......You never know there may be some in there ;)

Can't see those DB's holding the weight of the mighty DXR's for very long though Paul ;)

On a serious note though....how punchy are they? It might be worth me getting some smaller tops to use as satellites and only using my beloved DXR15s when I don't take bins out

[Excalibur]

It might be worth me getting some smaller tops to use as satellites and only using my beloved DXR15s when I don't take bins out

Hmmmm, who do we know who preaches the gospel of two boxes-15", four boxes 15/18" subs, 10/12" tops? :whistle:

Obviously , it's an idea worth considering. Also, for anyone thinking any sub will do to thid away, well they do sound different. I'm not a fan of one particular style, but when they're put under Flatliners EV tops, I love the overall sound. Even the sound of subs can be personal.

- - - Updated - - -


It might be worth me getting some smaller tops to use as satellites and only using my beloved DXR15s when I don't take bins out

Hmmmm, who do we know who preaches the gospel of two boxes-15", four boxes 15/18" subs, 10/12" tops? :whistle:

Obviously , it's an idea worth considering. Also, for anyone thinking any sub will do to thid away, well they do sound different. I'm not a fan of one particular style, but when they're put under Flatliners EV tops, I love the overall sound. Even the sound of subs can be personal.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

DB subs are great for this use, I rarely use two unless we're talking a huge marquee or guest count over 200 plus plenty of second half ones knocking about.

I use them with Mackie 450 tops and by all accounts they're 23kg so jobs a good un

[Spirits High]

DB subs are great for this use, I rarely use two unless we're talking a huge marquee or guest count over 200 plus plenty of second half ones knocking about.

I use them with Mackie 450 tops and by all accounts they're 23kg so jobs a good un

Neil beat me to it. They are great subs , not too heavy to move about and give a great punchy sound. I use them with QSC K12's and they really are good. Only selling as I'm getting new PA and won't need these with the new set up.

[Imagine]

Well - as much as I like the look of the DB's, I've gone and spent my money now (don't tell the wife!)

I spent most of yesterday morning over with the good chaps at WhyBuyNew in Colchester umming and ahhing over the general pornography they sell in there (it costs me a fortune every time I go in there....I can't resist shiny lights which is probably why I've got a storage unit full of unused fixtures - not least of all a Domin8r that's only been used three times :( ). But back to subwoofers.......

Eventually settled for a Yammy DSR18 (it goes with the DXR15's very nicely). They took the time to demonstrate the setup with the DXR15's and the DSR18's and all I can say is "WOW!". They literally blew me off my feet - I can't believe the power they give out when all linked up.

I've only got the one for the moment (they're expensive and weigh a ton....well, 96lbs anyway - I feel some casters being glued to the back of them before they go out at the weekend). Quickly tried out the new setup in my lounge yesterday afternoon and can't believe the quality of the sound. The DXR's have always been good speakers for me, but once you take the bass out of them and put that through the sub....it's unbelievably clear and punchy. Plus, the DSR has got stereo throughput, so both tops benefit from the crossover (result).

I may one day get a second one so that I can setup using tops on the subs (the dimensions look very pleasing to the eye between the two when the DXR's are on satellite poles on top of the DSR's). For now though despite it's beauty, it's going to live under my booth.

We shall see what effect it has over the weekend with a surprise 30th and a wedding :) (can't wait).

18 months back into the job, and I've finally got a complete sound system I can be proud of :)

Right....time to find the axe and chop up those horrible little QTX15 subs