Running a single passive sub from a crown Powerbase 3??

[1Drop]

We have two peavey BW 18 subs that are 700watts and 8 ohm each. One of the subs is blown so we've been using just one with a crown powerbase 3 in stereo mode with a DOD crossover. The powerbase 3 says 700 watts per channel into 4 ohms. since we are running it into a single 8 ohm sub does that mean we are only getting 350 watts or so from the amp? IS it stupid to run one sub with this gear? We've only used it in smaller venues and it seems to be working fine but I'm curious if there is a better way to run the single sub and also what the best way is to run both subs when get the one speaker replaced.

Thanks!!

 

[walterw]

just the way you're doing it is fine.

crossover at about 100Hz, and if you can cut off the sub-low rumble from about 40 and down with the EQ or whatever, you should be good.

 

[Zooberwerx]

We have two peavey BW 18 subs that are 700watts and 8 ohm each. One of the subs is blown so we've been using just one with a crown powerbase 3 in stereo mode with a DOD crossover. The powerbase 3 says 700 watts per channel into 4 ohms. since we are running it into a single 8 ohm sub does that mean we are only getting 350 watts or so from the amp? IS it stupid to run one sub with this gear? We've only used it in smaller venues and it seems to be working fine but I'm curious if there is a better way to run the single sub and also what the best way is to run both subs when get the one speaker replaced.

Thanks!!

Okay, your kinda hosed in one regard. The PB3 in bridged mono will do 1500 watts into an 8 ohm load (single passive sub) but is not rated to handle the 4 ohm load encountered when daisy chaining (parallel) two 8 ohm enclosures.

Power Base-3

Stereo mode (both channels driven):
760 watts into 4 ohms.
540 watts into 8 ohms.

Bridge-Mono mode:
1525 watts into 8 ohms.
1090 watts into 16 ohms.

Parallel-Mono mode:
1530 watts into 2 ohms.
1080 watts into 4 ohms.

Riis

 

[1Drop]

Okay, your kinda hosed in one regard. The PB3 in bridged mono will do 1500 watts into an 8 ohm load (single passive sub) but is not rated to handle the 4 ohm load encountered when daisy chaining (parallel) two 8 ohm enclosures.

Power Base-3

Stereo mode (both channels driven):
760 watts into 4 ohms.
540 watts into 8 ohms.

Bridge-Mono mode:
1525 watts into 8 ohms.
1090 watts into 16 ohms.

Parallel-Mono mode:
1530 watts into 2 ohms.
1080 watts into 4 ohms.

Riis

Thanks for the help guys! So if I understand this correctly the best way to run both subs would be parallel-mono. two 8 ohm cabs makes for a 4 ohm load correct? So if I run parallel mono each cab is getting how much power?

And if running just 1 sub like we are (stereo) we are getting 540 wtts?

You guys rock, thanks again!!

 

[walterw]

it would be the same power in parallel mono or stereo, about 540w per 8Ω cab.

stereo is easier, just get a Y-cable to run into both inputs.

if you do want real parallel mono, remember to get a thick piece of copper wire to stick behind the banana plugs according to the diagram.

this set-up won't get you more power, but it will let you jump the two subs together and run one cable from the amp.

 

[Mig]

perfectly fine, (but in my opinion parallel mono would be a higher risk to overdrive the single woofer)...
I have power base 3 and have been working with it for years in many sub-bass set ups and in comparison have an excellent response in very demanding situations, 18" RCF, EV, CERWIN VEGA, ETC, double or single woofer, remember that the sub-bass woofer will only "suck" as much power as needed, the only risk is peak or surges of energy that might overload the woofer's capability and power base 3 has that capability ... (I would recommend moderate use, no more than 75% gain from PB3 on single 18" sub-bass)