Selecting Subwoofers for Dubstep and Drum and Bass

As a concert producer, I am frequently asked which subs I'd advocate. Subwoofers, like mains, are selected by the kind of music you will be playing although them, and how they're going to become utilized. For the purposes of this short article, I am going to restrict the conversation to just Dubstep, and Drum and Bass. Get more information about 10 inch subwoofer

Dubstep and Drum and Bass possess a massive volume of content within the 20hz - 50hz variety, and when you do the math, you will be going to need to have about 5000 watts committed to a that frequency range to create adequate of that sound to become heard together with the rest with the music.

My setup

My larger setup is (five) QSC HPR181s across the front from the stage, (six) Martin Blackline dual 18's for the house, and two Bag End Dual 18's running 8000watts via an ELF processor committed for the 8hz - 50hz variety by means of a lab gruppen amp. When I play smaller sized shows, I just use my QSC HPR181, which are 700 watts each and every, but superior for ultra high volume bass. The QSC's are self powered and take all of five minutes to setup, which also helps. Now I've heard the widespread wisdom, do not mix subwoofers, but in reality, I've but to find one particular sound manufacturing organization that does it all, quick of a tour package that is definitely created for a provided show, as an alternative to a variety of music (an important distinction). That stated, crossover points and keeping every subwoofer plus the all round program in phase is very important when mixing subs.

Setting the crossover

Traditional crossovers, just like the very common dBx DriveRack PA have a good and fairly adjustable crossover that also consists of the ability to change the slope from the roll off. When matching and tuning subwoofer frequencies, I've noticed that despite the fact that the crossover claims to have rolled a frequency off, a number of the content material continues to become transmitted towards the sub. Clearly, when two brands of subwoofers are creating exactly the same tones, distortion is created. I, for that reason, separate the frequencies by about 5hz. Visually around the crossover, it seems that I am losing musical content material, having said that, with all the amplification get, in truth I'm not, plus a RTA mic will confirm that the setting are correct.

Sealed box enclosures and subharmonics

Bag Finish is genuinely the visit right here. You will find other sub systems that do subharmonics, but Bag Finish was 1st, so I'm writing about them. The Infra processor, and before Ron Wickersham left, the Elf Processor would be the two crucial elements. Dubstep and Drum and Bass require a huge presence in the 20hz - 50hz variety. A lot of people can not hear music in this variety, but you'll be able to feel it, and also you can really feel the difference involving 20hz and 40 hz when the signal is clear and totally free of clipping. The Infra processor is readily available in two types. The initial 1 has a flat response down to 18hz, the second one particular to 8hz. 18hz is a lot more efficient for larger systems. For those who have an further 20k to burn, then go for the 8hz integrator and (four) dual 18's. You'll need a substantial volume of AC Power to run the amps at the same time, ordinarily an added 20amp 220 circuit for any Lab Gruppen or four 20amp 110 ciruits for four QSC amps bridged into every single sub. My Bag Ends frequently pull about 3000 watts per dual 18 when generating content STRICTLY Limited for the 18hz - 50hz range. I should really note that creating adjustments to your crossover at full volume can swiftly destroy all of your gear, so be careful, and know your gear frequency response and power handling ratings.

Pricing

Subs vary tremendously in price tag. Within the reduced price range, I have heard the Peavey blackwidows, that are technically louder, but considerably much less musical. When you're mashing up two tracks, or swiftly transitioning from one particular to another, it is actually tough to hear a great deal difference with the Peavey subs, they may be just loud, not a lot musical. JBL and Cerwin Vega subs are fart cans, and I believe the majority of people know this. They will rumble and shake, however they don't have an articulated sound - a clarity inside the low end that may be totally important for Dubstep and much more so for Drum and Bass.

Some other gear that I've tried, In case you are wealthy, the D&B (not db technologies) audioteknic Q2 subs are killer, EAW 218z subs are pretty very good, McCauley does a pretty decent sub with fantastic all around specs for Dubstep, and Bag Finish kills. All of these cabinets demand extremely expensive amplification even though. You could get 12,000 into amps alone before it is possible to even turn on a mid-sized method of this caliber.

Home Construction

A further alternative, is to build your own box. This is not a beginner project, but when you love wood working, and possess a spare 2500 bucks, it is possible to build some pretty amazing cabinets. The best way to do this is to get around the forums and look at designs, then read the threads through. Often men and women post reviews over the course of years.

Look for any design that features a fantastic frequency response down to 40hz, as well as a driver that has exceptional frequency response. OHM (brand) makes a pretty incredible driver, and you will discover a couple of higher end RCF subs that are bad towards the bone.