But I'm unsure how powerful to go on it. I have all powered Behringer stuff (2 15s at 400 watts each, 2 12s at 400 watts each). Purpose is rock band amplification for live setting.
I'm sure I want to go with a Behringer powered sub, and I think I want to go with an 18 for depth, but I don't know how powerful to go. There are 500 watt, 1400 watt, and 3000 watt varieties I am seeing.
I have read that you want the sub to be on par or slightly more powerful than the rest of your system. That would lead me to think that the 1400 watt would be a good choice because that would be slightly more powerful than the rest (1400 > 400 x 4).
Any advice?
I'm sure I want to go with a Behringer powered sub, and I think I want to go with an 18 for depth, but I don't know how powerful to go. There are 500 watt, 1400 watt, and 3000 watt varieties I am seeing.
I have read that you want the sub to be on par or slightly more powerful than the rest of your system. That would lead me to think that the 1400 watt would be a good choice because that would be slightly more powerful than the rest (1400 > 400 x 4).
Any advice?
The general rule for a sub is it need to be capable of at least twice as much output as the top it are paired with. Low frequencies are the hardest to reproduce requiring the most power and largest drivers so there really is no such thing as too much sub.. get the most potent model you can afford. But amplifier output is not a great measure of how good a sub is, it's a hint but you need to dig deeper because some makes exaggerate power specs, also look at the rated maximum continuous and peak output SPL ratings where available.
And for a live band getting that kick drum feel on the dance floor requires significant air displacement and that usually means multiple 18" subs.. 2 being the bare minimum and 4 or more wouldn't be unreasonable depending upon the size of crowds you are trying to cover.
Of course it also depends if you are a R&R/blues/country band or something else, some types of "band" won't require that much low end support.
And for a live band getting that kick drum feel on the dance floor requires significant air displacement and that usually means multiple 18" subs.. 2 being the bare minimum and 4 or more wouldn't be unreasonable depending upon the size of crowds you are trying to cover.
Of course it also depends if you are a R&R/blues/country band or something else, some types of "band" won't require that much low end support.
If You are going to Rock, 400 watts doesn't take You far away, unless You are playing in a small room to little people. You need some serious power. Start with 2000W each side.
The specs for the Behringers are peak not RMS I believe, unlike most other manufactures who quote figures in RMS. Therefore, a 500 watt RMS sub (usually equating to 1000 watt peak) would keep up with a pair of your tops. On that basis either a pair of cheaper 500/600 RMS or a single good quality 1000RMS sub would do the job.
The B1800XP would be a good match but it weighs 45KGs, or one (or a pair of) Behringer B1500XP if the individual weight or size is an issue (perhaps buy one and add another later if required). Both claim to be 3000 watt peak, and the specs of either of these subs actually look reasonable for the money (turbosound drivers, which aren't the worst).
Dont bother with any of the cheaper Behringer subs because looking at the frequency response they will sound crap.
Or perhaps try one of these:
Beta 18" Active Powered Subwoofer 1000w RMS 18mm Birch Plywood - Mark 2 | BishopSound
Specs alone (+/-3db down to 35hz) it pisses all over the behringer and pretty much all active subs in that price range. Ive not actually heard any of his stuff (formerly Carlsbro) but its cheap and some people I know have used them for various things and were happy. 30 day money back guarantee if you don't want it.
The B1800XP would be a good match but it weighs 45KGs, or one (or a pair of) Behringer B1500XP if the individual weight or size is an issue (perhaps buy one and add another later if required). Both claim to be 3000 watt peak, and the specs of either of these subs actually look reasonable for the money (turbosound drivers, which aren't the worst).
Dont bother with any of the cheaper Behringer subs because looking at the frequency response they will sound crap.
Or perhaps try one of these:
Beta 18" Active Powered Subwoofer 1000w RMS 18mm Birch Plywood - Mark 2 | BishopSound
Specs alone (+/-3db down to 35hz) it pisses all over the behringer and pretty much all active subs in that price range. Ive not actually heard any of his stuff (formerly Carlsbro) but its cheap and some people I know have used them for various things and were happy. 30 day money back guarantee if you don't want it.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.