DJGold

kevincolangelo · Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 9:08 pm Post subject: speaker probs

What is that 'pop' noise like a slap sometimes i get from the bass speakers when I play heavy rap and hip hop songs?
Is the cone pushing to far/

whats the solution?

Thanks Kevin

dokai · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:37 am Post subject:

Sounds like you're "bottoming out", which refers to the sound of the cone exceeding its mechanical limits. Backing off the volume or reducing the bass frequencies is the immediate solution. You'll have to buy better or additional subs to prevent it from happening again.

kevincolangelo · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:53 am Post subject: Re: speaker probs

what subs do you recommend - not low end but mid range to high end price-quality...about 1000wat each sub would do or 800watt

TheBartman47 · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 2:42 am Post subject:

Any sub can still bottom out (sub farting is the "technical term" used by sound pros) regardless whether its a cheap low power one or high dollar expensive one. The sound is the voice coil actually striking the back side of the magnet structure. If it hits too hard, it will actually deform the voice coil. Most of the time, overextension of a sub is because of too low frequencies. Use a 40Hz low-cut filter in the audio signal chain if not already doing so (most EQ's have a low-cut filter built in, and some amps have a low-cut filter switch as well). It is usually best to use only ONE low-cut filter, as using more than one will start adding weird phase shifts to the sound. If your EQ is a "smiley face", then that setting is the quickest way to toast your speakers. There's really not much sound below 30Hz, or even 40Hz for that matter. And most of the punch you feel in your gut is around 80Hz, so don't be affraid to cut a lot of the ultra low frequencies.

As for sub recommendations, this may be a bit more than what you're looking for, but I am extreemly happy with my Peavey QW218 subs. Dual 18" subs powered by 3,500 Watts per cabinet.

dokai · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 11:03 am Post subject:

I've had good luck with Cerwin Vega "Earthquakes" and B-52 subs. The B-52 ACT series is particularly well regarded by several members of this forum (that I'm sure will be chiming in any second now. :D ) I'm currently using LAB-12 subs for my big events, but don't recommend them for typical DJ use: they're complete overkill for almost anything short of an outdoor concert, and HUGE, but I love them. Both the Cerwin Vega and the B-52 sub line are mostly "large" form factor enclosures. There are also some popular smaller boxes out there. If you want to spend a bit more money, then look at KV2, EAW, and that league.

Before you make a decision, though, ask yourself the following questions:

1) How large/heavy a sub do you want to move? Do you have roadies? Do you have a box truck to move them? If not, then you'll want to take size and weight into consideration.

2) Active/powered sub, or passive sub and amp with an active crossover? Active subs, like the B-52 ACT-18 or Mackie SWA-1801, are more "plug and play" than building a subwoofer system from separate components, but that approach provides less flexibility.

If you have a sound company that has a rental fleet of subs, you might be able to audition a few different types before you purchase. Just keep in mind that placement makes a big difference in subwoofer sound, so try to set up in the same configuration each time to keep the comparisons valid.

TheBartman47 · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:22 pm Post subject:

Check out this thread too...
http://start.djgold.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=478
There are some pictures of several people's setups. See if there's anything there you like to compare size of what you'd like to get.