Adding a subwoofer to my PA system.

TFleming · 15 Aug 2011 at 18:29

Hey guys,

I'm after some help regarding adding a sub to my setup. Atm i have this package:

http://www.htfr.com/p/368191/wharfe...300_400_watt_speaker_amplifier_package_stands

Now I can't add a sub to that amp as it is only 2 channels and wouldnt be powerful enough to run a sub aswell.

I'm a complete novice when it comes to sound systems so could someone please advise me on how I could get a set up with my two speakers and a subwoofer?

Thanks.

Shamrock · 15 Aug 2011 at 18:33

Get yourself an active sub (self-amplified) and connect it via hi-level inputs to the speaker outputs of your amp.

I don't know your budget, but I can recommend the BK Gemini.

TFleming · 15 Aug 2011 at 18:38

Shamrock said:
Get yourself an active sub (self-amplified) and connect it via hi-level inputs to the speaker outputs of your amp.

I don't know your budget, but I can recommend the BK Gemini.

Got the first bit but what are 'hi-level' inputs?

It may also be worth adding that i use the speakers for DJing, which I do from a MIDI connected to a PC.

Shamrock · 15 Aug 2011 at 18:44

Some subwoofers will have a high-level input which is connected to the speaker terminals on the back of the amp.

This means the subwoofer receives all the frequencies and the crossover is set on the sub itself.

TFleming · 15 Aug 2011 at 18:50

So would this sub:

fit anywhere on my amp?

(The red and whites are already accounted for to connect my MIDI)

Shamrock · 15 Aug 2011 at 18:54

I can't make out the connections on the back in that subwoofer picture. Do you have a spec list?

Also, just to be clear the subwoofer will connect to the same terminals as your speakers. It will not use the red and white ones on the left, but the 2 red and 2 blakc in the middle.

TFleming · 15 Aug 2011 at 18:56

Having further looked at the suubwoofer, it looks like i connect my speakers into the sub and then the sub to my PC?

This picture should be better

Model SUB15A
Type Sub
RMS (W) 400
Max (W) 800
In - Speakon 2
In - Jack 2
In - RCA (Phono) 2
In - Binding Post 0
In - XLR 0
Driver Size (inch) 15
Impedance (Ohms) Active
SPL @ 1W/1m (dB) 107
Frequency Range (Hz) 20Hz to 250Hz
Top Hat Yes
Dimension (mm) 580
Dimension (mm) 480
Dimension (mm) 380
Weight (kg) 23

Shamrock · 15 Aug 2011 at 19:02

Okay, I don't really have a clue now lol. Someone more experienced will have to step in.

My home system is a lot more straight forward. I don't know how PA stuff connects.

TFleming · 15 Aug 2011 at 19:04

Haha no problem, thanks anyway.

3dcandy · 16 Aug 2011 at 13:06

Yes mate, the sub is connected first and the inbuilt crossover then splits the signal and sends it onwards to the speakers. However that sub is powered so you wouldn't need an amp at all! Also has inputs for a mike and your lappy...you need a sub which isn't powered and then daisy chain it up...or split the power to both. Or just use the sub poweramp and get rid of your power amp, although the amp is pretty cheap

3dcandy · 16 Aug 2011 at 13:10

and wharfedale do a sub matched to your peakers..called (strangely) the SVP15 B

TFleming · 17 Aug 2011 at 15:16

Thanks for the reply. That amp is passive though isn't it? Sorry for my ignorance by the way.

So what you're saying is, I could in theory buy the amp pictures in my post, discard my current amp and run both of my speakers through the subs built in amp and crossover?

OR

Buy the sub you posted at the cost of getting a new amp?

3dcandy · 17 Aug 2011 at 22:44

you could yes. An active sub has an amp in it and the crossover to drive the sub and speakers separately. A passive sub usually has the crossover but no amp, meaning you wire between the amp and the speakers. The crossover is the important part as the sub doesn't want high frequency's and vice versa. As long as everything is put through a crossover and wired correctly you'd be fine. Hope that all makes sense!

TFleming · 18 Aug 2011 at 12:28

3dcandy said:
you could yes. An active sub has an amp in it and the crossover to drive the sub and speakers separately. A passive sub usually has the crossover but no amp, meaning you wire between the amp and the speakers. The crossover is the important part as the sub doesn't want high frequency's and vice versa. As long as everything is put through a crossover and wired correctly you'd be fine. Hope that all makes sense!

Yeah that makes sense thanks, dont think I have enough to buy an amp and a subwoofer though so think i'll go active.