Good Sub Options (new/used/pow/pas) 2023?

[IvanMike]

Hey there thank you to everybody who have chimed in with a real world experience on my other questions about putting together a small PA. - Huge thanks to Zooberwerx for shipping me a crossover!

Essentially, I’m looking for your experience on subs. - the PA question is a Yorkville M1610–2 powered mixer with enough routing options that it can be used in several ways, including splitting the signal for the mains with a crossover, so a sub could be used. For the time mains are JBL SR4702X, monitors are a pair of EV TX1122FM and a Bag End TA2000CF.

clearly, this is not meant for huge events but I would like to add a sub when desired. Ideally, I would like to use just one and stay within some kind of reasonable size/weight. It seems like a powered sub would be ideal, but I’m not against grabbing a good used passive one for a decent price and grabbing a used poweramp, maybe even running the monitors off the other half so I can use both sides of the Yorkville for mains.

so, with that very long introduction let me know what your experience has been with single cabinet subs that fit the bill. What’s Awesome? What should I stay away from?

thanks a ton! ~ Ivan

 

[Wasnex]

How much are you willing to spend?

Calculated SPL of a SR4702X with 600W is about 123dB. I suggest getting a sub that can at least match that number. Even better if the sub can play a bit louder.

If you only want to use one sub, consider a cardioid sub like the QSC KS212C. The idea is you can run the sub in the center without putting an excessive amount of sub bass on the lip of the stage. I don't have experience with this sub, but it has a good reputation.

My perception is the SPL figure may be a bit misleading (overstated). AFAIK peak SPL ratings usually use a 6dB crest factor, so 132dB peak = 126dB continuous. Note the 10dB crest factor...I believe it this means the continuous SPL would be about 132 - 10 = 122dB...sorry I am getting a bit above my knowledge level.

 

[Marko 1]

Would you say that the sub will mostly be some kick drum, maybe help out with your bass?

The way I high pass everything, that's about all my sub(s) (crossed over at 90hz) help with, and in many places I might not even put any bass guitar in it.

I mostly just use one sub, but they're 85-lbs each and probably way more than what you'd need.

 

[IvanMike]

Would you say that the sub will mostly be some kick drum, maybe help out with your bass?

The way I high pass everything, that's about all my sub(s) (crossed over at 90hz) help with, and in many places I might not even put any bass guitar in it.

I mostly just use one sub, but they're 85-lbs each and probably way more than what you'd need.

Probably. Maybe keys.

 

[Marko 1]

Probably. Maybe keys.

If keys are going to be playing frequencies that low...

that's another discussion.

 

[IvanMike]

If keys are going to be playing frequencies that low...

that's another discussion.

Exactly! I’ve had to tell some to tie their left hand behind their back….
What I really mean is any frequencies that dip that low.
Depending on the mains used and the subwoofer, I might crossover at different points, but pretty much just wanting to keep the mains from trying to reproduce, but they really can’t and maintaining a full sound is my goal. ~ my amp set up is not going to go as subterranean, and to be honest, I’d rather have the control of those frequencies in the hands of the PA and not a bass amplifier.

 

[pfschim]

I've had good luck with the EV EKX15SP sub I grabbed last year. My mains are QSC K10.2, not 12" like your JBL's. I'm only using one sub as my PA is for small/medium gigs where we don't get FOH support (about 40% of our gigs). The 10" mains over 15" sub work really well, my bands are not ear bleedingly loud.

The EV is a direct radiator, not a bandpass, box. It's a pretty solid sub and weighs in at a very manageable 57lbs which was important to me as I don't want to break my back hauling PA gear.

The EV specs are generally pretty accurate. Measured, not derived/calculated like some other manufacturers.

• Frequency Range:40 Hz-180 Hz (-10 dB)
• Frequency Response:45Hz-150Hz (-3dB)
• Maximum Peak SPL:133 dB SPL @ 1m

Folks around here seem to have good results with the Yamaha stuff too.

good luck!

 

[JRA]

although i have no experience with it, i recently stumbled on this one:
Peavey PVs 12 1,000W 12-inch Powered Subwoofer

i'm thinking it could be a good choice for small stuff (using one, 50-100 people) and medium stuff (probably using two, 50-200 people), indoors.

 

[Flowj]

So I recently put together a new PA, and I am using a single sub for our 3 piece rock trio. I picked up the new Mackie Thump 115S for it's price, performance and weight. This is the new version, not the previous one, which was boomy and not the best sounding, more aimed at the DJ market. This new one is much improved, used it twice so far, and I am impressed with it! I am not using the presets, but the variable High pass crossover, tuning it to the room.

 

[Bufalo]

So I recently put together a new PA, and I am using a single sub for our 3 piece rock trio. I picked up the new Mackie Thump 115S for it's price, performance and weight. This is the new version, not the previous one, which was boomy and not the best sounding, more aimed at the DJ market. This new one is much improved, used it twice so far, and I am impressed with it! I am not using the presets, but the variable High pass crossover, tuning it to the room.

I recently bought the same and have had a similar experience. Very pleased with it. Wanted the EKX 15 that was mentioned earlier, but it was consistently out of stock and nearly double the cost. My PA isn't my source of gig income, so I'm good with a "lesser" speaker. It does what it needs to in the right setting. It seems to perform better running from an Aux send and creating my own filters and mixes for it.

 

[ezstep]

The powered subs are so very easy to set up - basically just plug and play. But I don't know your budget. You should be able to snag a good passive sub, power amp, and external crossover for less than the price of a good powered sub. Contact some local musicians and ask around. There is no telling what is hiding, unused in someone's barn/garage/storage unit.

 

[pfschim]

I recently bought the same and have had a similar experience. Very pleased with it. Wanted the EKX 15 that was mentioned earlier, but it was consistently out of stock and nearly double the cost. My PA isn't my source of gig income, so I'm good with a "lesser" speaker. It does what it needs to in the right setting. It seems to perform better running from an Aux send and creating my own filters and mixes for it.

yeah, I looked for my EKX15SP for a while before I was able to grab one last year. Funny thing is, I compromised a bit myself as I was originally looking for the QSC K212C to go with my QSC K10.2 tops, but at the time those became complete unobtainium, so I ended up going with the EV which I got as a open box but mint item for under $900. I've been very happy with it though, so it all worked out.

 

[ezstep]

I have a large (physically), old but very functional pair of EV subs (about 102 lbs each), passive, and I already had a couple of power amps and an electronic x-over. They are great outdoors. They are often overkill indoors. I found them for about $400 for the pair. Fast forward a few years. By checking around with a few guys, I found a pair of EV ELX188P's a few years ago for $800 for the pair. They work great in those venues where the bigger subs are just too much. There are bargains out there, but the biggest bargains will likely be passive subs. I still have all four.