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Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums => LAB Lounge => Topic started by: Bill Horton on April 30, 2014, 05:02:01 PM

Title: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Bill Horton on April 30, 2014, 05:02:01 PM
Hi All -
First post. Playing in a classic rock 4 piece. Looking to add a sub as bigger opportunities present themselves. Would most likely only need one for 90% of indoor gigs. I currently have an option of a passive EAW 18" Pt # SB 118 I think. going for $500 or (2) powered Seismic 18"s for $600. I have a power amp so remove that extra cost from the equation.  Your thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Ray Aberle on April 30, 2014, 05:33:21 PM
Hi All -
First post. Playing in a classic rock 4 piece. Looking to add a sub as bigger opportunities present themselves. Would most likely only need one for 90% of indoor gigs. I currently have an option of a passive EAW 18" Pt # SB 118 I think. going for $500 or (2) powered Seismic 18"s for $600. I have a power amp so remove that extra cost from the equation.  Your thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Stay away from the Seismic.

But really, more importantly, hop on over to your profile and update your Display Name to be your real, full name, as is required by the Rules of Participation on the Pro Sound Web. Until you do, no one is permitted to assist you with your inquiry!

Thanks!

Ray Aberle
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Thomas Le on April 30, 2014, 06:21:36 PM
What's the power amp?

Between the two, I'd go EAW. Seismic is one of those sloppily made chinese boxes you get on fleabay.
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Jay Barracato on April 30, 2014, 06:33:15 PM
Hi All -
First post. Playing in a classic rock 4 piece. Looking to add a sub as bigger opportunities present themselves. Would most likely only need one for 90% of indoor gigs. I currently have an option of a passive EAW 18" Pt # SB 118 I think. going for $500 or (2) powered Seismic 18"s for $600. I have a power amp so remove that extra cost from the equation.  Your thoughts?
Thanks in advance!

There are a lot more options out there then just those two. Personally I hate Seismic and I would be thinking about saving some more cash. At $1000 you have a lot more good options, and by about $1300 you could buy a single powered sub that would shred 4 of the Seismics. Buying used would also expand your options.

While you have a power amp, going passive will also likely require a crossover of some type. (There may be one built into your amp)
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Bill McIntosh on April 30, 2014, 07:03:47 PM
There are a lot more options out there then just those two. Personally I hate Seismic and I would be thinking about saving some more cash. At $1000 you have a lot more good options, and by about $1300 you could buy a single powered sub that would shred 4 of the Seismics. Buying used would also expand your options.

While you have a power amp, going passive will also likely require a crossover of some type. (There may be one built into your amp)

+1 Cheap gear is usually more expensive than you think.

I had a pair of PV-118 (same price range as the Seismic, might be better quality).  Got rid of them and found a used JBL PRX618XLF.  The JBL *solo* has more output than the two Peaveys did, and loafs along with no stress.  There are some of the JBLs around, expect to pay about $1000 depending on shipping.

If you give a few more details about venues (how big), SPL needed,  and which instruments are going through the sub, the folks here can give you solid recommendations.
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Yosi Melamed on May 01, 2014, 12:06:55 AM
If you give a few more details about venues (how big), SPL needed,  and which instruments are going through the sub, the folks here can give you solid recommendations.
I'd add also which top speakers does this sub has to work with.
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Bill Horton on May 01, 2014, 11:35:29 AM
Hi All -
First post. Playing in a classic rock 4 piece. Looking to add a sub as bigger opportunities present themselves. Would most likely only need one for 90% of indoor gigs. I currently have an option of a passive EAW 18" Pt # SB 118 I think. going for $500 or (2) powered Seismic 18"s for $600. I have a power amp so remove that extra cost from the equation.  Your thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Per request: Using Mackie Mixer, QSC Qx7 amps and a choice of JBL MR 825 or JRX115 with upgraded driver for the top half. Bass and drums would be all the sub is handling. The Mackie has an onboard X-over I also have a separate unit that I bought and haven't used - not sure the brand or model. Again we are a bar band that has been vocals only and ready to step up the sound on a limited budget. Also interested in thoughts on my options of top end between the JBLs as I will sell one of the sets to help pay for the sub.
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Mike Christy on May 01, 2014, 12:19:32 PM
The Seismic is all any bar deserves Im saying that because I'll wager youll get paid the same with or without any subs.
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Bill Horton on May 01, 2014, 05:13:15 PM
The Seismic is all any bar deserves Im saying that because I'll wager youll get paid the same with or without any subs.
I understand and agree with the fact that the bar pay won't change but as gigs get bigger such as the Taste of Huntington Beach last weekend, Concerts in the Park coming up this summer, (2) corporate ballroom gigs in July we want to be able to provide a higher quality sound.
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Mike Christy on May 01, 2014, 08:43:10 PM
I understand and agree with the fact that the bar pay won't change but as gigs get bigger such as the Taste of Huntington Beach last weekend, Concerts in the Park coming up this summer, (2) corporate ballroom gigs in July we want to be able to provide a higher quality sound.

For those "big" gigs hire a local sound company for a portion of the price youll sink into some decent subs, youll sound GREAT, wont have to drag any gear around,  and will have a pro on your team.

Mike
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Bill Schnake on May 01, 2014, 09:24:56 PM
For those "big" gigs hire a local sound company for a portion of the price youll sink into some decent subs, youll sound GREAT, wont have to drag any gear around,  and will have a pro on your team.

Mike

+100  - We have a winner.
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Bob Leonard on May 02, 2014, 12:05:59 AM
Agreed. Save your money until you can afford a well put together quality system, and hire or rent for the larger gigs. You'll be money ahead and much happier (you and your clients) in the end.
Title: Re: 18" Sub Quest
Post by: Jeff Bankston on May 02, 2014, 12:21:46 AM
for outdoors you need more then 1 18". those socal crowds can grow to a few thousand. maybe try 10 18" to start.