Got some new subs - setup for tonight

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rickryan.com

Mac Daddy DJ
ODJT Supporter
Dec 9, 2009
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Hendersonville, TN
www.rickryan.com
Working at the Vanderbilt Legends Club this evening (wedding). Just picked up a pair of used JBL mp418s and re-wired my rack. These cabs are 4-ohm so I've got one on each channel of an IPR3000 amp. The tops are Carvin 3-ways running in stereo on another IPR3000. The setup is a basic DJ setup, just a colorstrip for dance floor wash. The JBLs compress a lot less than my old cabs did. More meat to the bottom. Room's fairly small but hopefully I'll get to pump it a bit. The rafters were definitely rattling during the test run. This should be fun. Thanks to the guys that encouraged me to get the subs. $874, tax included.

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That's a shame to have a $1,500 sub sitting in storage. Too bad about the Live-X too. With the new amp modules I would think that they would work fine as long as they're not out in the sun.
 
Let us know how the JBL subs perform with a real crowd. They are definitely worth every penny you spent.
 
That's a shame to have a $1,500 sub sitting in storage. Too bad about the Live-X too. With the new amp modules I would think that they would work fine as long as they're not out in the sun.

That EV rig is first-rate, nothing wrong with it at all and yes, the new modules seemed to have fixed the overheating issue. I know it'll raise eyebrows but these Carvin 3-ways are much smoother, at both low and high volumes (they handle a consistent 400 watts) and they hit a lot harder than the Live-X.

@Steve - I'm really digging these dudes. They don't rattle my table as much as the others did and tone is smoother with more punch to it. They seem to be pushing sound out in front of the table instead of just around it. I'm itching to crank it but not sure this is going to be a real party crowd. We're scheduled to over by 10:15p. Next week I have a latina bride so that one should give this rig a good workout.
 
I was in the same space a few months ago. RR, why didnt you spread your speakers a little more? Good thing your not in Texas. The speaker separation inspector would be all over your azz.
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I was in the same space a few months ago. RR, why didnt you spread your speakers a little more? Good thing your not in Texas. The speaker separation inspector would be all over your azz.
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HA! Man, this room sure is live isn't it? Been playing mostly larger rooms here lately and with this new sub setup I'm having to really back off. Those little dudes sure do pound though.
 
I was in the same space a few months ago. RR, why didnt you spread your speakers a little more? Good thing your not in Texas. The speaker separation inspector would be all over your azz.

He would also scold you for not elevating your tops as well ...
 
Steve, Fortunately in Tennessee there is no speaker separation inspection like there is in Texas. We can get away with murder.;)
 
I can't imagine putting subs under the table right where I'm standing and right above my rack. Especially 18s.

I have a single JBL Powered Eon 518S 18" sub I put under my table all the time. With the skirt no one can see it. No problem with my equipment or laptop(s). I use this for small gigs along with a pair of EON315 tops that I put up on tripods, and then EQ a bit. People come up to the table all the time asking how I get so much bass out of the tops!
 
honestly those subs are growling to get out from under that table cloth it looks awkward bring them out in front show the power. One would have been sufficient for that room oh wait they were JBLs llol never mind.
 
Wiz,
Build quality makes a the difference in how the subs behave. There's a reason why some are so heavy (Not Only the magnets weigh a lot in some cases) but a heavy structure lets things hit harder and the tone changes when you use the right material. Feed them properly and you'll have good sound. Placing them under the table may be a necessary evil, but a nice heavy box keeps the rattling down (And I don't mean the table, I'm referring to the subs).
 
What I meant was how can someone stand the vibration and pounding being situated right above and directly behind the subs within inches? I think it would be rather uncomfortable for me, but I have VERY sensitive hearing.

I'd rather get them at least a couple of feet away-out in front or off to the side depending on the shape of the room and where you're situated. I would think that if they're decent subs and operating at a fairly high volume level that they would vibrate the crap out of a table that's right above them? And this is not criticism of the way Rick has them set up, this is just my thoughts on this.

I always either mount my tops on a pole over the subs-not the best way but it works well enough for me - OR - I put the subs right next to each other right out in front, in the center, at least a couple of feet in front of me. But, to each his own.
 
Glad you like your subs Rick and also glad you like your Carvins.
 
Working at the Vanderbilt Legends Club this evening (wedding). Just picked up a pair of used JBL mp418s and re-wired my rack. These cabs are 4-ohm so I've got one on each channel of an IPR3000 amp. The tops are Carvin 3-ways running in stereo on another IPR3000. The setup is a basic DJ setup, just a colorstrip for dance floor wash. The JBLs compress a lot less than my old cabs did. More meat to the bottom. Room's fairly small but hopefully I'll get to pump it a bit. The rafters were definitely rattling during the test run. This should be fun. Thanks to the guys that encouraged me to get the subs. $874, tax included.

IMG_5772.JPG

I am glad you are happy with your purchase. Whats up with always hiding the subs under the table? From your pic it looks like something is stuffed under there. I would think they would be better served placed "into" the tripods which would hide the legs somewhat. Is the tablecloth acoustically transparent?
Second, are you firing the speakers towards the audience? Again in your pic you are almost completely missing the Dance floor. Was there space on the left side of the colorrail to place a speaker so that the pair could be along the same plane? Again, your booth does not always have to be in the middle of speakers. Just suggestions, not a scolding. Next time I see the speakers stuffed under a table there will be a scolding! ;)
 
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What I meant was how can someone stand the vibration and pounding being situated right above and directly behind the subs within inches? I think it would be rather uncomfortable for me, but I have VERY sensitive hearing.

To me, it just feels really, REALLY nice. As long as you don't couple the sub with the tabletop, it's not an issue at all. Now as Canute & Jon, I like my subs under the table. ;) They're less obtrusive when hidden and brides (and planners and venues) seem to appreciate that. Putting them together also does seem to increase the punch than if you separate them and as for Canute's question of not having the subs aimed at the middle of the dance floor, you're kidding, right?
 
To me, it just feels really, REALLY nice. As long as you don't couple the sub with the tabletop, it's not an issue at all. Now as Canute & Jon, I like my subs under the table. ;) They're less obtrusive when hidden and brides (and planners and venues) seem to appreciate that. Putting them together also does seem to increase the punch than if you separate them and as for Canute's question of not having the subs aimed at the middle of the dance floor, you're kidding, right? No I am not! Anyone can see that the speakers are not aimed at the dance floor in the pic.
My observations were based on the photos shown. I asked if you were aiming it the Audience, didn't I? Yes, coupling does give more bass if one needs more bass! However, separating subs does not mean there will be inadequate bass for a given room. BTW the legs of the tripods plus the bulge from under the table in your photo looks far more conspicuous than if the subs were inside the legs of the tripods. Doesn't your subs have pole mounts on the tops? Personally I would rather see a Sub with tops mounted on top than tripod legs. Again, just my observation.
 
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