subwoofer recommendations

[Seaside]

Hi guys

I am new here...I am a mobile DJ and I am looking to buy some new bass bins, I preferably need a pair of passive, 4 Ohm load that kick extremely loud as I am playing some larger venues...but they need to be as lightweight as possible...I am tired of lugging so much heavy stuff all the time:( .

Anyone got any good recommendations and any advice on the most reliable internet dealers that do good deals would be a greatly appreciated too.


thanks in advance



Lee

[Corabar Steve]

What sort of budget do you have Lee?

& do you intend using a crossover or do you want speakers with crossovers?

[Seaside]

Hi Steve

My budget is between £1000 - £1500 for a pair (cheaper if anyone knows of some real bargains out there;) )

I run 2 amps and have a seperate crossover (so not neccessary in the subs)

I have mackie tops...i've looked at the mackie active subs but they are sooooo heavy don't fancy carrying 'em upstairs


regards


Lee

[Corabar Steve]

Out of interest, where are you based? You never know a forum member near you may have some going spare they may want to sell, for example we've got some that don't get used very often just sitting around gathering dust.

[Pierre Le Sound]

I've been using Peavey gear for years. These 18" subs do the biz and i can carry one on my own.

http://www.peaveystore.co.uk/acatalog/Messenger_UL_Series.html

[colinm345]

Have a look here then ,yes I know they are powered but they are much lighter than the Mackie Subs
http://www.decks.co.uk/products/speakers/db/sub_15 :)

[Seaside]

Hi Steve

I am based in Lancashire

I'll check out the links guys thanks :)



regards


Lee

[Corabar Steve]

That rules ours out then :D :D

[Dragonfly]

could go active with mackies although not as light saves a couple of trips from the van as your amps are sellotaped to the back of them?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have mackie tops...i've looked at the mackie active subs but they are sooooo heavy don't fancy carrying 'em upstairs


regards


Lee

The subs are heavy, but are fairly moveable due to the fact that the handles are positioned towards the back, thus making them easier to carry.

Unless you do massive venues, you'd probably only need one.

[Seaside]

Hi Solitaire

maybe those handles will make them easier


I hadn't thought of just buying one...but, to be honest there is something aesthetically pleasing (to me) about having the top and bottom cabs on each side.

Plus it can be easier using poles out of the subs rather than having speaker stands for the tops


thanks for the help


Those Peaveys look favourite at the moment...is there anyone that would say stay away from Peavey (I've never used them before ...I have used D.A.S. for the past 5 years but, am ready for an upgrade with much more kick)

I have an 800 a side amp just for driving the subs so I am sure with the right choice I can get chest thumping bass...although I am starting to think about an amp upgrade too (uh-oh)...looking on all these P.A websites I am getting a minor case of upgrade fever!! LOL


Lee

[Seaside]

One more question

I have 15" subs now and am I right in thinking 18" is going to give me more ooomph...or can a 15" beat an 18"

and am I better with an 8 Ohm or 4 Ohm speaker?


Lee

[gillo]

well 4 ohm speakers suck more juie out of your amp so if your running top speakers on another amp i would go for 4ohm subs as tey would get the best power out of your amp but if you were going to run tops and subs off one amp then avoid 4ohm bass bins:)

[gillo]

One more question

I have 15" subs now and am I right in thinking 18" is going to give me more ooomph...or can a 15" beat an 18"

and am I better with an 8 Ohm or 4 Ohm speaker?


Lee


it depends oxn the make of the driver a 15 fane will out do a 18 soundlab it depends what quality buy there are a few twelves out there that will give a 18 inch driver a run for their money:)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Hi Solitaire

maybe those handles will make them easier


I hadn't thought of just buying one...but, to be honest there is something aesthetically pleasing (to me) about having the top and bottom cabs on each side.

Plus it can be easier using poles out of the subs rather than having speaker stands for the tops




I'm not sure how - my Mackie poles are a lot heavier than my Proel stands!

My thinking was exactly the same about having two speakers a side, but when I use a single sub, I position it under the deck stand.

[Corabar Steve]

I can't vouch for their subs (I use some of their full range, which are very bassy) but give Class D a look (http://www.class-d.com/ProductList.aspx?CatName=Speakers&Cat=48)

[Seaside]

Hi steve

Wow...now they are cheap £399 a pair

pity they don't do an 18" driver with a 4 Ohm load (now I've gone and convinced myself thats what I need...doh!)


I think I'm slowly getting more confused



Lee

[Corabar Steve]

I think I'm slowly getting more confused

:confused: It happens all the time round here:D You'll get used to it:)

[Seaside]

I'll tell you why I am on this mission


A couple of weeks ago I went to a soul weekender at Blackpool Tower and in one of the rooms they had JBL SRX715 and JBL SRX 718S http://www.dv247.com/invt/25703/

I had been unhappy with my sound for quite a while and when I heard this combo it blew me away (wonderfully loud with such a mellow top end and awesome bass!!! I just had to have it (or something like it?) but we are looking best part of £4000 for the lot !!

In my searching I happened upon these forums so here I am


regards

Lee

[Seaside]

My thinking was exactly the same about having two speakers a side, but when I use a single sub, I position it under the deck stand.


I hear you Darren ...but, I am confident something inside of me would always yearn for 2 of them and I don't want to carry 2 that heavy

I'm getting old and lazy

Infact, taking the speaker stands out of the main bag, then out of their own bags then opening them up and lifting the poles to hole number 5 inserting the safety pins and locking them and then putting them away at the end of the night...has over the years become a bit of a fag (yikes I am getting old and lazy!!!;) )


Lee

[Seaside]

Hi guys

I have almost made up my mind on those Peaveys...they seem to have a lot of bang for the buck


so, I have been shopping around and have found them cheaper

here:-
http://www.thomann.de/gb/peavey_ul_118s_sub_messenger_serie.htm?partner_id= 25293


Has anyone had dealings with this company? are they trustworthy? bbecause at £342 each they are a bit of a bargain (IMHO)


regards


Lee

[Dragonfly]

what you have to remember is from thomman they are shipped from germany looooong way away .... that said ive bought lots from them and always been perfect and reliable and quick to deliver.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Hi guys



Has anyone had dealings with this company? are they trustworthy? bbecause at £342 each they are a bit of a bargain (IMHO)




There's a thread on Thomann somewhere on here - have a search.

[Seaside]

Thanks Dragonfly

Hmmm...Germany?

I am getting more confused by the minute because the pictures of the subs at Thomman are different to the ones in the first link that Pierre la Sound posted?


Lee

Thanks Solitaire I'll check it out

[Pierre Le Sound]

Hi Seaside,

The subs i posted are fitted with 4ohm 500w RMS, 1000w Program, 2000W peak Black Widow drivers.

The ones from Germany are from a different range and are 8 Ohm.
They are designed more with bands in mind, to reproduce a bass drum and low bass, but not much else. That's why the drivers are called Low Riders. They would really need to be run in mono, with a seperate amp for each to do them justice.

I know a band who use these, and i've done the sound for them, They also run seperate mids to fill in the sound as part of a 6K rig.

Hope this helps.:)

[Seaside]

Thanks Pierre (Ah I see now)

Was chatting with a DJ and he was telling me that the SPL figure is the most important. It doesn't mention the figure on the nevada website anywhere? I've been on the Peavey website and can't find the speakers on there either (are they discontinued?)


I think I'm gonna go for these whatever ...so they better be good cause I'm going on your recommendation...LOL


regards


Lee

[Pierre Le Sound]

Thanks Pierre (Ah I see now)

Was chatting with a DJ and he was telling me that the SPL figure is the most important. It doesn't mention the figure on the nevada website anywhere? I've been on the Peavey website and can't find the speakers on there either (are they discontinued?)


I think I'm gonna go for these whatever ...so they better be good cause I'm going on your recommendation...LOL


regards


Lee

It looks like the casings have been redesigned again, but the internals are the same. SPL is 98db. Look here....

http://www.peavey-eu.com/products/messenger/ul118.cfm

There's a PDF spec sheet that should tell you all you need.

[dj-jaym]

Hi steve

Wow...now they are cheap £399 a pair

pity they don't do an 18" driver with a 4 Ohm load (now I've gone and convinced myself thats what I need...doh!)


I think I'm slowly getting more confused



Lee


The class d twin bass bins, look awesome and sound realy good plenty of bass maybe make the journey for a demo ! helpfuly chaps with after service to !

[Seaside]

Hi dj-jaym

They look a good price but, I had discounted them...

not 18"

and a low-ish SPL 96 or 98db


I'll never get to demo them cause I'm buying these without "Mrs Seaside" knowing :zip:

so, its got to be mail order (delivered to work ;) )

thats why I want to make sure I get it right this time (these are hopefully going to be the last ones I buy)

[Seaside]

Right guys

Its D-Day (decision day)

Thanks for all the recommendations

For those that are still reading this (and interested in the outcome and can advise)

I am stuck choosing between these 2 that I have narrrowed it down to:-

1. The Peavey (recomm by Pierre) - http://www.peaveystore.co.uk/acatalog/Messenger_UL_Series.html

2. or this JBL - http://www.htfr.com/more-info/MR197931

The JBL specs look better but they are £1000 the Peaveys are £720


If you were me would you spend the extra or do you think the Peaveys are a bargain not to be missed?


Both brands are well known and I am sure I can trust them both to be reliable (unless anyone knows differently)


any thoughts guys (and gals)?



Lee

[Pierre Le Sound]

Hmmm...Tricky.

I've had no knowlege of the JBL's, but i know many people like them.

I guess i have a certain amount of brand loyalty to Peavey, i use their guitar amps as well. All i can say is that i've been using their gear for nearly 20 years, in disco and band applications, incuding amps, and have never had a fault or breakdown.

One point to remember, is that the peavey bins have a passive crossover built in. You take of the right hand side handle, reach in and move a patch plug to turn it on or off. This could be really handy if you're running two amps and one goes down. You can link the subs to the tops with a short Neutrik patch lead.

[Seaside]

Pierre

Just one more question for you...you have those Peaveys right?


Does the bass kick physically hit you?


I heard some JBLs a week or so ago...(slightly dearer model to the ones I'd be going for) and they sure did shift some air...thats what I am after this time I have to have that kick of air. Can't demo so I have to rely on recommendation, BTW I will have an amp driving them that puts over 800 watts a side into 4 Ohms

sorry (edit : oops I didn't say that its a sign of weakness LOL) for so many questions...but, these subs are the last ones I buy


regards


Lee

[A1DL]

The JBL SRX bins are very nice sounding boxes, they are extremely popular in the States but there aren't that many of them about over here yet. Have a look at the Prosoundweb forum and you'll see they really love JBL in the US & A ;)

JBL SRX was one of three shortlisted options for new FOH stacks for our Event PA Hire business. Whilst I've not heard the single 18" 718 boxes, I was very impressed when we demoed the twin 18" 728 boxes with twin 12" 722 tops at Koko (Camden Palace) a few months back, where they have 3 No. 728s boxes each side on front fills. Admittedly this was an empty venue in the middle of the afternoon, but we only turned it up about half way and it rocked. The SRX do have a serious thump to them.

The SRX are in a different league to the Peaveys mentioned in this thread. SRX are good for many applications - big discos, live sound reinforcement and small scale touring alike. Whereas the Peaveys are OK for, ummm.... pub bands possibly.

Not sure on the prices you've seen on the web, but we can supply anything JBL at trade + 10% If that's any use then email me and I'll do my best to help you.


HTH

Tony

[Seaside]

Hi Tony



Not sure on the prices you've seen on the web, but we can supply anything JBL at trade + 10% If that's any use then email me and I'll do my best to help you.



Just my luck....you had to pop in right after I've just (this afternoon) bought them (grrrrrr!!!)

I have finally purchased the JBL's was going to go with the Peaveys went on line to order them - couldn't on-line?... so rang the order line "haven't got any in stock" when will they be in? " not sure how soon we can get them"

so...

Bought the JBL's at £499 a pop from HTFR (Seaside prays you can't match that price 'cause dolphin had 'em at £639!!)

Still, from what you say I've made the right decision...phew!(yaaaaaaaaaaaay!!)


regards


Lee

[A1DL]

Bought the JBL's at £499 a pop from HTFR (Seaside prays you can't match that price 'cause dolphin had 'em at £639!!)

Still, from what you say I've made the right decision...phew!(yaaaaaaaaaaaay!!)

regards

Lee

nice one matey, that's an excellent price Lee, especially if that's including VAT !

you won't be disappointed, what are you going to be driving them with?

Tony

[Seaside]

The guy that repairs my gear is lending me a second hand C Audio (now Crown) amp which can drive 852-ish? a side into 4 Ohms amp for my next gig (week tommorrow)

I currently have a McGregor SA1600 (for the subs) that I hate so, I 'm going to see how this C Audio sounds?

He has two to sell if I want which I can then run each one in bridged (but maybe thats overkill?)

But these are heavy mothers so will probably settle for one...had a look inside and they are serious heavy duty amps...huge transistors! infact everything was huge in comparison to my McGregor which is heading for Ebay soon as! (along with the D.A.S subs)

regards


Lee

[gillo]

seaside mate i live in blackpool would it be alright when you are doing a gig if i could come and listen to your new babies would love to hear what they sound like (Y) many people have different foughtd of jbl on here but my opinion is they have also been very dam good:)

have heard cracking reviews on the srx range im sure they are what you have been looking for:)

[gillo]

nice one matey, that's an excellent price Lee, especially if that's including VAT !

you won't be disappointed, what are you going to be driving them with?

Tony

note a bad prie at all:)

[Seaside]

Hi Gillo



seaside mate i live in blackpool would it be alright when you are doing a gig if i could come and listen to your new babies would love to hear what they sound like


No problems

I am resident at Park Hall for the Xmas banquets

http://www.parkhall-hotel.co.uk/Christmas-Medieval-Banquets.aspx

Not exactly name in lights...I'm the "...then dancing until the early hours". - lineage


Just PM me and I can arrange for you to hear them either when I'm setting up or you can pop down on one of the nights (as you can see I've got a lot of dates to do!!) whichever you prefer?

I don't start the disco till after the banquet and entertainment is finished (around 10-30 - 11-00 PM)


regards


Lee

[Pierre Le Sound]

Pierre

Just one more question for you...you have those Peaveys right?


Does the bass kick physically hit you?


I heard some JBLs a week or so ago...(slightly dearer model to the ones I'd be going for) and they sure did shift some air...thats what I am after this time I have to have that kick of air. Can't demo so I have to rely on recommendation, BTW I will have an amp driving them that puts over 800 watts a side into 4 Ohms

sorry (edit : oops I didn't say that its a sign of weakness LOL) for so many questions...but, these subs are the last ones I buy


regards


Lee


I've always been pleased with the Peavey's.

I see you've gone for the JBL's, and at a good price as well.

Making this sort of choice is always difficult, i hope you're pleased with your new toys. Keep us informed after you've gigged with them.:D :beer1:

[Seaside]

Hi Pierre

I actually went for the peaveys at first..but, they didn't have any in stock and couldn't confirm how quick they could get some in?

So, that forced my hand in to the JBL's (so please don't be offended)

The JBL's should arrive next week...so, I'll get my first chance to use them next Friday night.

I'll let you know my thoughts (I'm all kind of excited, I love trying out new kit)


I have just been informed by my repair guy the McGregor amp has really died and is unrepairable...so, I'll be trying out the C Audio Amp too


regards


Lee