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Powered subs-QSC vs EV
- Thread starter nutdog
- Start date
1) The EV and QSC subs have internal low pass filters set at 100hz so I would assume this is the ideal xover point for these units. The k series tops have an external sub switch that activates a high pass filter also set at 100.
2) I've tried it with separate aux feed to the sub and daisy chain using the internal filters. It's easier for me to run sound from the stage using the internal. I honestly can't tell the difference in sound. On the mixer I high pass every channel but the drums and bass it should be about the same.
Like mal was saying, some tops don't have any filter/xover built in or do it at a different frequency. If so you won't really have the daisy chain option. In that case I would set the crossover point at 100.
The QSC and EV engineers seem to have put considerable effort into these systems. So if I had a ksub or 181 with k tops I would think their xover design and processing decisions are more informed than mine. The EV and QSC both cross at 100 so I feel safe mixing them and relying on their internal filters.
They are tiny. That's what I like about them. There are people that need 1000 watts, 2x15's, 810's and massive folded horn subs. There are others (like me) that enjoy listening to music at levels that don't require industrial grade hearing protection, safety glasses and hardhat.
Enough for me may not be enough for you but that's why I posted some clips. The little zoom recorder did a pretty good job of capturing what it is was like live. People could talk but they had to elevate their voices above normal conversational levels. The systems will get louder than we want to be.
Just got my KW181. Had a few minutes so I set it up and placed a K10 on top. Not on a pole just sitting. Hooked up a cheap 4 channel mixer and threw some tunes at the system through my ipad. Mother of Gawd. I have never heard a kick drum like that before. My K12 subs couldn't do anything like that. I can't wait for next sound gig, i'm doing an Elvis band and that will be fun.
I've never heard the dx stuff but it seems they are well liked. The deciding factor for me on the sub was the size. I don't think anyone else makes a little sub like the zxa1. I wanted a sub for the kind of gig you would use a 112, 210 or 212 bass cab.
All the yamaha mixers, powered mixers and speakers I've dealt with have been quality stuff. I considered yamaha but after my drummer got the qsc stuff I stuck with the k10's just so it would all match. I will say that when reading reviews most everyone compares stuff to qsc, ie, "it's just as loud as the k10" or "it kicks a k10's ass" or whatever. It seemed like the benchmark at this price point is qsc k series. Excellent warranty.
All the yamaha mixers, powered mixers and speakers I've dealt with have been quality stuff. I considered yamaha but after my drummer got the qsc stuff I stuck with the k10's just so it would all match. I will say that when reading reviews most everyone compares stuff to qsc, ie, "it's just as loud as the k10" or "it kicks a k10's ass" or whatever. It seemed like the benchmark at this price point is qsc k series. Excellent warranty.
I have a dxs12 sub and a pair of the dxr10 tops. It is a nice little system and one dxs12 sub can keep up with 2 tops which kind of surprised me. You won't get as much thump as a KW181 but it will definitely add some low end to your PA.
Here's a pic of the EV rig I used for a tour. Was playing live dub step/ drum n bass, using the cabs for full range monitoring of electronics and bass.
The subs were light weight, but in the end the power section is weak and the limiter tends to bark when hit even lightly.. noisy cab, too. Oddest thing, also smelled like weed when the power section got hot, this is a documented issue with these cabs (something to do with a type of adhesive in the early versions).
Sold those off as an install for dj's, much better for that.
Went to a pair of qsc k12's for tops, no contest. Still toying with different subs, powered and unpowered but will pick up a 181 when one appears locally, used.
The subs were light weight, but in the end the power section is weak and the limiter tends to bark when hit even lightly.. noisy cab, too. Oddest thing, also smelled like weed when the power section got hot, this is a documented issue with these cabs (something to do with a type of adhesive in the early versions).
Sold those off as an install for dj's, much better for that.
Went to a pair of qsc k12's for tops, no contest. Still toying with different subs, powered and unpowered but will pick up a 181 when one appears locally, used.
I did a comparo of the K series, Yam DX and EV Live X and selected QSC. I am in general a Yamaha fan. The dx sounded great but did not have near the volume potential I was looking for. EV had the volume but was too warm sounding. Seemed like they had a larger than life thing baked in... I kinda like that in my GK heads, in my PA I don't... The JBL PRX 612m's I dabbled with had some of that warmth going on but not to the same degree. I didn't find it objectionable.
Good luck on a local used 181. Pounce if one shows up. They tend to move quickly and don't tend towards the cheap. There is an EBay out first out of Los Angeles called fpLogistics that seems to have decent pricing on off lease QSC. ProAudioStar gave me a god number on my last 181.
Good luck on a local used 181. Pounce if one shows up. They tend to move quickly and don't tend towards the cheap. There is an EBay out first out of Los Angeles called fpLogistics that seems to have decent pricing on off lease QSC. ProAudioStar gave me a god number on my last 181.
Yeah it'll be a wait i'm sure- been looking lightly for a while, burned through some passive JBL budget lines… there is a lot to be said about using external power, and letting the cabs have the extra interior volume. Lighter components per-piece, just more pieces. I might go that route since I have an light weight amp with dsp and 2k watts on tap already, although the 181 doesn't sound choked like competitors can. 100 lbs though.
They're out there but they do hold their value. One dude has 4 for sale right now on ATL CL. But I could probably get one new for what he's asking. That was my experience when shopping. I like to buy used but it doesn't seem to be worth it when it comes to K's. I did get a pair of nice EON powered 15's with rolling bags, stands and cables for $700 once. One band I play with still uses those.
Last year a guy had two 181's and two kw153's listed for $2k. If I had the money at the time I would have jumped on it even though I don't want the big tops. Which is how I ended up with an NV215.
Last year a guy had two 181's and two kw153's listed for $2k. If I had the money at the time I would have jumped on it even though I don't want the big tops. Which is how I ended up with an NV215.
Ha- well yeah I just sold my NV412…. the dilemma is 3 flight total walk up to to my studio and storage for the time being. Small 18's around 65 lbs have been manageable. Too bad qsc has no passive, lighter weight offerings. Their closest equivalent is 111 lbs. passive…
You are right, now that helps quite a bit! Still a tad more than i'd like to deal with solo. Wheels really don't help with 3 flights of stairs unfortunately.
Sounds like a call for an in place studio / rehearsal rig and a storage location... 3 flights of stairs doesn't pencil in for me under any circumstances... I'll save those knees for skiing thank you...
Must be a city slicker. They climb a lot of stairs.
I've determined I can handle up to 50lbs semi-comfortably. Lighter is better. I can deal with the big subs on my own but it detracts from my enjoyment of making music. And for the most part I don't need the capability of the bigger sub.
I've determined I can handle up to 50lbs semi-comfortably. Lighter is better. I can deal with the big subs on my own but it detracts from my enjoyment of making music. And for the most part I don't need the capability of the bigger sub.
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True I just got one and I don't like the handle setup. very difficult to carry at times. The K12 subs were much better design handle wise.
i use a folding hand truck that can hold up to 150 lbs. makes take the sub upstairs a lot easier
Last year we decided to upgrade our subs and tried everything out there including the QSCs and Yamahas. I'd like to add a wrinkle to this discussion. Yorkville LS801P. These are heavy with a single 18 but it takes two of the QSCs or two of the Yamahas to match one of these. These are remarkable.
