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Use a powered P.A. sub to extend a bass rig ?

DrumsAndBass

DrumsAndBass

Apr 7, 2011
757
366
San Diego, CA
#1
I'm new to TB.
What do you think about using a powered P.A. sub to extend the lower end of a bass rig ? I use a 5 string. I'm using an Ashley BP-41 preamp that has a very good built in crossover. My rig is two 2x10 cabinets. So my plan is to connect the powered sub and adjust the sub volume to suit. Of course, there is wide range of powered subs in terms of price etc. But I think that most any powered sub of reasonable quality would easily handle this application. I play Reggae. I'm sure this idea has been done before. Can you offer any tips on what I can expect ?
 
#2
If you want "real" lows , it's the only way to go.
There is no Bass specific cabs capable of delivering the lows a PA sub would do.


I personaly use one on bigger gigs.
I use Invalid Link Removed
I had a 18" active before that one , the lows were sublime and better than my actual but it was too big and too heavy.
That RCF is a good compromise between sound/power/weight/size.

The tip I could give is if you use one "live" , make sure it doesn't interfere with the FOH sound.
You can have a very good sound on stage but make thing sound like crap in front if too loud.
The louder the backline is , the harder is the FOH job.
In that case , it depends on your priorities , your self enjoyment or your public.
Use it with caution
 
#4
This approach makes so much sense that I'm a bit surprised it doesn't get discussed more here at TB.

I would think that the APPROPRIATE use of a sub could go a long way to addressing some modular cab needs/issues. Weight/power etc should be interesting issues to find out about.

I've got some Schroeder cabs that are a little light at the lower end, and might really benefit from this approach.

Am I missing something or some reason this is not a good approach?
 
#5
I think that these systems are usually pretty damn expensive (I think the ISPs are like $1500 or more). It's really no different than a bi-amped system, and I think those largely fell out of favor over the last 15 or 20 years as speakers have gotten better...as I understand it...

-JV
 
#8
I'm glad the soundguys bring in my PA subs when needed... For mid size venues I just bi-amp, putting my Markbass 151 combo up front underneath one the PA speakers with extra cab on the other side (and keeping my PJB Briefcase right next to me as personal monitor). If I should keep the Markbass behind me, I'd drown out everything else on stage.
 
#10
First, I understand that the lower freqs go all over the place and can cause unacceptable problems with bleed into FOH. That said, I've also had times, like benefits, where I show up with my 38 pound Schroeder and the sound guy tells me there is no line for the bass in FOH; the rig will have to carry the club. I mean it happens.

Also, don't subs have volume knobs? I mean they aren't digital on/off. I would think there might be a appropriate level for a sub to fill in a little depending on FOH/stage etc just to provide a little reinforcement.

The Meyer mm10AC looks about right; but, yeah these things are astronomically expensive, like $2k. Seems there ought to be some other options.
 
#11
fEarfuls perform down to 45hz as well as pretty much any PA sub (better than many, even some of the super expensive ones). That's as low as you really need to go excepting tuning below low A or so (I use mine with low A and it's plenty of output with a little boost down there).
 
#12
yorkville makes lovely small powered subs. the Invalid Link Removed might be just the ticket.

+1 to these things being dangerous weapons in the wrong hands, but for reggae they might be just the ticket.
 
#14
rpsands said:
fEarfuls perform down to 45hz as well as pretty much any PA sub (better than many, even some of the super expensive ones). That's as low as you really need to go excepting tuning below low A or so (I use mine with low A and it's plenty of output with a little boost down there).
Click to expand...
But, RP, I think we're talking about reinforcing other rigs here. Sure, the fEarful designs are well engineered. If that's what you're using you wouldn't be asking this question. Otherwise, a reasonably powered 24 pound sub with a volume control might be worth considering for some situations.
 
#15
Carvins 18" powered sub (700w RMS) is currently on sale for 549.00. Includes level (volume) control, Hi Pass filter, Crossover Freq. control, etc... Comes in colors too.

Invalid Link Removed
 
#16
bucephylus said:
But, RP, I think we're talking about reinforcing other rigs here. Sure, the fEarful designs are well engineered. If that's what you're using you wouldn't be asking this question. Otherwise, a reasonably powered 24 pound sub with a volume control might be worth considering for some situations.
Click to expand...

What good quality 24lb sub are you seeing?

IMHO, adding a fEarful 12/sub to an existing 2x10 or 15 sub to an existing 4x10 would be a good fit, and probably both lighter and louder than most PA powered subs. They can reinforce 700hz or so on down, rather than 150hz on down, and won't sacrifice as much SPL to get <40hz extension that's unnecessary in a stage rig.

* You could get the fEarful powered for +250 bucks or so by adding a bridged Crown XLS Drivecore 1000 and an airhead, I would imagine. Probably a lot more flexible.

Conventional PA powered subs would be better off out front...you'll still hear the low end, it's omnidirectional, and it'll help the rest of your band too.
 
#17
rpsands said:
What good quality 24lb sub are you seeing?

IMHO, adding a fEarful 12/sub to an existing 2x10 or 15 sub to an existing 4x10 would be a good fit, and probably both lighter and louder than most PA powered subs. They can reinforce 700hz or so on down, rather than 150hz on down, and won't sacrifice as much SPL to get <40hz extension that's unnecessary in a stage rig.

* You could get the fEarful powered for +250 bucks or so by adding a bridged Crown XLS Drivecore 1000 and an airhead, I would imagine. Probably a lot more flexible.

Conventional PA powered subs would be better off out front...you'll still hear the low end, it's omnidirectional, and it'll help the rest of your band too.
Click to expand...
Thanks RP; interesting suggestions.

Here's the Meyer unit (though probably a bit too expensive).
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I also see KEF has some interesting small units, though not as robust as the Meyer unit.
 

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