Subs vs 3 ways

[awakefie]

My band is currently using Behringer subs (15) and Altos powered 12s. This rig works ok but we are thinking of upgrading to JBL SRX835Ps or QSC KW153s. Both are powered, active 3-ways with 15" bottoms. Here's my question:

I route my MarkBass CMD121P through the board. The drummer routes his Roland V-Drums through the board. We really love the bottom end the Behringers give us and wonder if the 3-ways will be as effective at providing the thump.

I play a 5 string and both sets are rated down to at least 40 hz.

Will the 3 ways sound as good or better on the bottom than our current setup?

Art

 

[thekyle55]

Yep. Those speakers, especially the JBL, are several levels above Behringer subs.

 

[walterw]

Yep. Those speakers, especially the JBL, are several levels above Behringer subs.

yeah, but those other boxes aren't subs.

@awakefie, i bet you guys would be much happier with better versions of the setup you have now.

a big heavy top box with no sub won't come near an equal quality small top box plus sub combination.

not the least of the advantages is that you can actually get the smaller top up high enough to cover the room while having the sub speaker still on the floor (where the low end gets an advantage from reflecting off the floor itself).

 

[Downunderwonder]

Subs need their own place to soubd best.

The best place for the mid high cabs will almost always be causing issues with bass from a threeway cab on a stand.

 

[4Mal]

Having mixed on the KW-153 I would say that would be a major step up for you. That cab goes reasonably deep and has really clear mids and highs.

 

[monkeyfinger]

If you hang out on ProSoundWeb Community - Index, you will find that most small sound guys prefer powered 1x12 with horns plus powered subs. QSC KW181 is my favorite sub. The JBL PRX718XLF is also popular. The best 1x12's on the market for under a grand each is the Yamaha DXR12 IMO, but there are lots of others to consider too. Pay attention to horn dispersion pattern when buying tops.

 

[musicman7722]

ZXA1-Sub 12" Powered Subwoofer

Here is my thoughts. Start off by upgrading the subs. I use a pair of these EV's along with QSC K10's. The subs would be a much needed improvement over the Behringer and they are very affordable and light to carry. Then when you can upgrade you tops.

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[s0c9]

If you hang out on ProSoundWeb Community - Index, you will find that most small sound guys prefer powered 1x12 with horns plus powered subs. QSC KW181 is my favorite sub. The JBL PRX718XLF is also popular. The best 1x12's on the market for under a grand each is the Yamaha DXR12 IMO, but there are lots of others to consider too. Pay attention to horn dispersion pattern when buying tops.

Sound advice (pun intended ) .. but I believe JBL has killed the PRX7 series in deference to the newer PRX8 series, which (IIRC) have NOT received the same "love and affection" the 7 series garnered from PWS