OK, Here is the question. I have been using 2 Peavey PR15s powered by a Crown XLS402. I would like to add a Subwoofer to my system. I dont really know how a crossover works. Or, Should I but a powered subwoofer. Or, should I buy a passive subwoofer and add another amp to power it. Then, How do I hook it all up??
Wanting to Add a Subwoofer
- Thread starter DJ Sweet T
- Start date
An electronic crossover is a unit that separates incoming frequencies (Usually from the EQ). A two way crossover will separate the frequencies to Mid/Highs and lows. Each frequency will have an output (two pairs stereo), one goes to the mids/highs amp and the other goes to the Lows/subs.
if you have two tops it is highly recommended that you get a pair of subs (In some cases you may only need one sub with your tops so some crossovers will have a summed bass output. Using one sub, you will sum the bass and then bridge the amp so it can then power the single sub.
A three way electronic crossover separates the frequencies into highs, mids and lows. You will need three amps.
A four way electronic crossover separates the frequencies to highs, mids, mid bass and lows. This is the Ultimate sound setup. You will need four amps.
For best results using any of the crossovers especially the three way and four way you should remove or bypass the passive crossovers in the cabinets.
DBX and Ashly make excellent crossovers.
http://www.dbxpro.com/223XL/index.php
http://www.dbxpro.com/234XL/index.php
http://www.ashly.com/xrseriescrossove.html
Well... the answer is.... it depends. Since you have passive tops, I would lean towards a passive sub too. You would then get another power amp and a processor (crossover). Set up would be very easy, I can send you a schematic of how to wire it. You could also go with a powered sub, it just makes the connectivity a little more difficult. Most powered subs have a high-pass out, but that means the full range cabling from your mixer needs to go to the sub first and then back to the amp for the tops unless you use a processor like in the passive arrangement.
Did that help?
Ben
Did that help?
Ben
BTW Ben/NLFX is one of our sponsors who can lead and assist you in the right direction. 10 DJs will give you ten different answers! LOL
That was my concern with a powered sub. That the signal would have to go to the sub, and then the amp for the PR15s. So if I added a passive Peavey PRSub, I would need a crossover and another amp? I have never used a crossover before. Nor would I know how to hook it up or purchase one. Can you help on that one? Thanks
Ben,
OK, So I want to use the 2 PR15s, a PRSub, 2 crown xls 402 amps, and a Peavey PV 23XO crossover, How do I hook it up?
OK, So I want to use the 2 PR15s, a PRSub, 2 crown xls 402 amps, and a Peavey PV 23XO crossover, How do I hook it up?
When I first started I had a set of Peavey PR15's and a Crown XLS 602 amp. I ran across a good deal on a set of Yamaha Club series 18" subwoofers and added a second Crown XLS 602. I wanted my PR15's to still run full range but needed a little more bass so instead of going with a full crossover I found an equalizer that had a subwoofer (low-pass) output built into it. I eventually sold the PR15's and bought some Yamaha mains but both worked well...
To wire it up:
--Main ouputs from your mixer go to the inputs on the Crossover (or equalizer w/sub outs as I described).
--Coming out of the equalizer you will have outputs for the high pass (mains) and low pass subwoofers). Run the high pass into your current amplifier (the Crown XLS 402). The low pass will be connected to your new amplifier that will only push the subwoofers.
I would suggest looking at the XLS602 for your subwoofers...
To wire it up:
--Main ouputs from your mixer go to the inputs on the Crossover (or equalizer w/sub outs as I described).
--Coming out of the equalizer you will have outputs for the high pass (mains) and low pass subwoofers). Run the high pass into your current amplifier (the Crown XLS 402). The low pass will be connected to your new amplifier that will only push the subwoofers.
I would suggest looking at the XLS602 for your subwoofers...
You might have skipped over part of what I wrote. I was saying that I was using an equalizer that had a built in "subwoofer out". When I used both an EQ and a crossover, yes....
So if I have a crossover with 2 outs for highs, 2 outs for lows, and a summed out for the subwoofer, What do I connect to my full range PR15s? I just dont understand how my PR15s will get a full range signal from one of the output signals marked "highs" and "lows". Am I missing something. I have been a dj on and off for going on 20 years now, but I have never used a crossover nor a sub.
Yeah, decided to simplify it for this purpose 
Basically the equalizer that I was describing would have replaced the crossover. The equalizer that I used when I had my PR15's had a seperate subwoofer out on it so I used that instead of a true electronic crossover.
Basically the equalizer that I was describing would have replaced the crossover. The equalizer that I used when I had my PR15's had a seperate subwoofer out on it so I used that instead of a true electronic crossover.
Maybe I am blind but I don't see an EQ in the drawing! However That diagram setup will actually work.
