OK, I ran both subs, each on its own channel on the QSC PLX3402. Set by ear, the 4 ohm Carvin was set at 2/3 what the 8 ohm Seismic was set at. I positioned both subs about 4 feet apart on the floor near center stage. We ran 4 15" mains at 2 ohms through the Mackie m1400i on one channel (two on poles and two on the floor, each ouboard of each sub), and 4 monitors on the other channel. This was an outdoor corporate event on an estate.
Dinner and cocktails were served to the right of the stage with the closest table being about 50 feet away, so we faced one Main and the Carvin sub towards that area, which left 3 mains and the Seismic sub facing the dance floor. I was completely blown away by the performance of the single Seismic sub facing straight out. This was the first time I gigged it outdoors, and I gotta tell you that all by itself, fed only 700 watts (not even maxed by the mixer), that thing blew me away. It really does live up to its company name (Seismic). It had kick, punch, thumped you in the chest, and reverberated your innards, I kid you not! And, I only heard it during sound check when I had our female lead singer sit on my throne and step on the kick. Even with a weak, undeveloped kick I felt like I was going to be knocked on my a$$. I was shocked out of my gourd.
That Carvin bass sub was not too shabby either, and although it had kick and punch, you didn't feel it throughout your being like you did with the Seismic. But, that Carvin alone was plenty for the crowd that hung at the dinner tables.
We actually had to turn down the sub feed when we later had them both facing forward when everyone was up and dancing. It was awesome.
Although not a direct A/B, I could immediately tell the difference between the Seismic and the Mackie powered 18 sub we used at the last wedding we did. I can't believe that the Seismic sub was only $300 shipped! And, I don't care anymore that they're made in China. I seriously hope that company doesn't grow so big that they raise their prices to what the market bears on good sounding 18" subs. I am completely sold on this Enforcer II model (this model has the the plywood cab, not the pressboard). It also has a slightly downward facing speaker, which I really think contributed to the sound "enveloping" you. Great design. I'm sure running it center stage also helped, rather than running it off oine side. Ever since I bought it, I've always had my doubts about how it would perform outdoors, but not anymore. I am SO glad I got this sub, because 700 watts is well below it's supposed 1000 watts RMS. I have yet to bridge the QSC and give it what it deserves, but it must jar your teeth loose if you run feed it what it wants! All I can say is if you're considering a sub and don't already have one, get this sub... you will not be sorry!
As for mixing subs and even impedances. it was no problem at all (of course I ran them on separate channels)! While I'm glad we had both subs (so we could face one toward the dining area), I really think we could have gotten away with just the Seismic sub, centered, even though we were outdoors, if the people were all in front of the stage, like usual.
** Disclaimer: I am not affliated with Seismic Audio in any way.
