Adding a subwoofer

padenski · #1 11-09-2009, 02:12 PM

Hey all:
I wanted some thoughts on adding a sub to our system. We currently use a Yamaha 5016 powered mixer (500 w X 2) for our mains and/or monitors depending on the size of the rooms. For the larger rooms, we use both 500 w amps for mains and carvin power amps for the monitors.

I have done some research and it looks like QSC/Yorkville/Mackie make some of the better subs. I found a Yorkie locally (LS800p) and like what I have read about it. Are they worth the $$ and mostly the weight (143 punds)

Will one 1500 w sub give me the bottom for the drums and bass that we need? How can I cut the lows to mains with a coupled (internal) power amp? Should I worry about it or just let it go as the Sub will power up to the need level and really over ride the mains on the low end.

jtc_hunter · #2 11-09-2009, 03:58 PM

I believe your mixer might be similar to mine. Look on it for a low pass filter.(LPF)It should be adjustable from 80-120 hz. I like mine around 100 hz. Engage it. If you get a powered sub, (I have a pair of mackies) , then run a 1/4" line from "Mono out" on your board, to the full range input on a powered sub. In my case I use a 1/4" to lo-z adapter cable and then patch one sub to the other w/ a mic cable. You can control the amount of signal the sub is getting from the "Mono" slider, keeping it separate from your regular mix. The powered sub will also have a volume control on it. I suppose you could do the same thing with a passive sub and a separate power amp . I guess the built in low pass section of the Yamaha mixers is kinda like a built in crossover for sub frequencies. Works great for my band.

padenski · #3 11-09-2009, 06:01 PM

Do you mean a low pass filter on the Yamaha Mixer? If so, there is not on on mine. I called Yamaha and asked about the "Sub Out" jacks and learned that it's a 'sub' out but not a "sub" out meaning it is an output like the main out with it's own control and not effected by the master slide. I was only looking at the powered sub as this makes hook-up a snap.

Anyone have any input on a Yorkville LS800P?

jtc_hunter · #4 11-09-2009, 06:35 PM

ON mine , in the lower right hand area, just above the mono out slider, is the LPF section w/ a screw sized adjustment for the low pass filter. The 1/4 " output for it is in the upper right, second row from the right , 2nd from the bottom 1/4" jack. It says "mono out". Look close cause I would be really surprised if yours doesnt have it.

73jbass · #5 11-10-2009, 06:07 AM

I bought a pair of used Vidsonix powered subs from a kid locally about 6 months ago,and they work great.My band quit using the 18" subs,and now we don't need the extra poweramp. They are very reasonably priced,and lightweight.Just run a line signal into them,and set the crossover point,and volume.

jtc_hunter · #6 11-12-2009, 11:55 PM

I was just looking online at the 5016C mixer at the Yammy website and the new ones are not equiped like the slightly older ones. My 3 yr. old 5012C has the low pass filter for subs, but the new ones dont. I guess I am glad I bought mine when I did. I wonder why they did away with it on the new ones? It is a great feature. Or should I say, "was".

DWBass · #7 11-23-2009, 09:30 AM

Just wondering if it does have a sub out if it is already set for low pass. I have a Kustom that has a sub out and it is already set as such (at least according to the manual). I think that makes sense anyway. What else would you use it for?

TheVoiceless · #8 11-24-2009, 01:57 PM

Yeah I own the Yorkville, built for live sound as apposed to being built for DJ's (big difference from playing CD's to having kick drum come through). Its a tank. Its plenty low end. I would recommend for anyone with a strong back.