How to make my speakers more punchy?

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Feb 7, 2018
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I just added a single JBL PRX 718xlf sub to my mobile dj setup because i love bass and a fuller sound and because all the music produced these days has sub bass.

I run left right balanced full range output from my mixer into the left right inputs of my subwoofer and then take the highpass output from sub to my tops. I have 2 thump 12s.

Music does not sound punchy when high pass mode is enabled in my sub ( tested in my living room). I do understand that a sub is there to only produce sub bass and not punch. Is there any way i could make the sound punchier. Also i tried to disable high pass filter and send full range from sub to the tops and it sounds a bit punchy, but will that cancel out frequencies?
 
I use a rackmount crossover (DBX 223xl) so the cross point can be adjusted. To me, a subwoofer's punch is kind of felt more than heard, but having control over the cross point helps.
 
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Punch is usually in the 60-70 Hz region, so the sub should be the one producing that. The PRX718XLF is a good sub and should certainly be able to be felt.

I'm not as thrilled with Thumps, but if they are high-passed around 100Hz, then they should be fine. I do see that the JBL has a 120Hz crossover frequency on the thru jacks .. that's a bit high for a 12" and maybe an issue. You may need a separate crossover as Jas said and move the X-over point down closer to 100 Hz. Also try the polarity switch to see if it makes a difference with the tops.
 
I you want punch, a good compressor is what's going to give it to you, far more than just a crossover. I use a dbx 266xl. It compresses the transients, which typically cause peak lights and lets you bring the overall level up. Just my observation, it seems to give me about 50% more headroom.
 
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Those with single subs often place it symmetrical to the tops, but try not to make it's location symmetrical to the room.
 
I use a rackmount crossover (DBX 223xl) so the cross point can be adjusted. To me, a subwoofer's punch is kind of felt more than heard, but having control over the cross point helps.
Great I never thought about it. What's your crossover setting for low and mid high? Is 80 Hz a good setting? I'm using a single sub so should I connect both the crossover channel's low outputs into the sub or 1 channel is fine? I use all powered speakers.
 
I you want punch, a good compressor is what's going to give it to you, far more than just a crossover. I use a dbx 266xl. It compresses the transients, which typically cause peak lights and lets you bring the overall level up. Just my observation, it seems to give me about 50% more headroom.
Thank you for this great tip. I will need both compressor and crossover? Compressor to compress only the lows where the punch is?
 
Thank you for this great tip. I will need both compressor and crossover? Compressor to compress only the lows where the punch is?

If you have actives on both top/bottom, you likely don't even need the crossover. I put the full-range signal from the mixer into the compressor, then pass to the subs/tops. I've tried it on subs only, and with a crossover, but I prefer it across the main buss. It's really a pretty amazing difference in your overall sound.
 
Great I never thought about it. What's your crossover setting for low and mid high? Is 80 Hz a good setting? I'm using a single sub so should I connect both the crossover channel's low outputs into the sub or 1 channel is fine? I use all powered speakers.
The idea is to tweak it until you hear the sweet spot you're looking for. As Steve said, somewhere around 100 Hz which could be a few notches higher or lower than that. I've never used a compressor for music playback myself and Rick is the only DJ I know that uses one. Too much pumping and breathing if not set right. Good for porno films?
 
Crossover points are chosen for a smooth transition between the sub and top and for an 18" sub (and many 15" subs) it's usually around 85-90Hz for a 15" top, 100 Hz for a 12", 120Hz for a 10: and 150Hz for a 8". Every system is different, so these are just targets.
 
I have never used a compressor on music. IMHO, most modern music is compressed too much already. In fact, I often go the opposite way and use ReLife (a DAW plugin you can use in Audacity) to put transients back into lifeless songs.

Right now I'd take a deep breath, relax, and work on one thing at a time - which should be your crossover settings. Since you are mixing manufacture's speakers, an external crossover (like the one suggested by Jas, using Steve's starting crossover points) will make life a lot simpler - and future proofs your system allowing you to continue to use any brand tops and subs.
 
I would pass on the compressor and get a crossover or speaker management processor that has an adjustable high pass filter built in.
That way you can high pass frequencies to the sub at around 50hz to get rid of the muddy bass below those freqs so you can push the sub more before it limits.
As Steve mentioned, punch freqs are in the 50-70hz range so you can play with the high pass freqs to get the sound you want.
 
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I did an event today with my new sub. I was satisfied with the sound.

I tried 2 different settings.

Setting 1 : I turned off high pass filter and ran full range into my tops. Equed the lows in tops but it sounded muddy because the frequencies were clashing

Setting 2: after enabling high pass filter I got it to sound perfect. It was clear and punchy too. Got a lot of compliments for the sound.

But the sub hit me hard because I was standing behind it.

It sounded completely different in the venue so the room matters a lot. Subs need a bigger space to perform well. Thanks all for the great tips I will definitely invest in a crossover in future to further fine-tune my sound.
 
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I would pass on the compressor and get a crossover or speaker management processor that has an adjustable high pass filter built in.
That way you can high pass frequencies to the sub at around 50hz to get rid of the muddy bass below those freqs so you can push the sub more before it limits.
As Steve mentioned, punch freqs are in the 50-70hz range so you can play with the high pass freqs to get the sound you want.
OK but I don't think all crossovers come with a 50hz low cut. DBX comes with a 40 Hz low cut
 
I have never used a compressor on music. IMHO, most modern music is compressed too much already. In fact, I often go the opposite way and use ReLife (a DAW plugin you can use in Audacity) to put transients back into lifeless songs.

Right now I'd take a deep breath, relax, and work on one thing at a time - which should be your crossover settings. Since you are mixing manufacture's speakers, an external crossover (like the one suggested by Jas, using Steve's starting crossover points) will make life a lot simpler - and future proofs your system allowing you to continue to use any brand tops and subs.
Yeah I agree with you
 
Crossover points are chosen for a smooth transition between the sub and top and for an 18" sub (and many 15" subs) it's usually around 85-90Hz for a 15" top, 100 Hz for a 12", 120Hz for a 10: and 150Hz for a 8". Every system is different, so these are just targets.
Why manufacturers don't mention this in their manual. Why don't they give adjustable crossovers in the sub so it can be compatible to any top
 
Well many subs do have an adjustable crossover, just not the JBL prx.
Also just to make sure there is no misunderstanding, in this context, crossover and high pass filter aren't the same thing.
You are using a crossover between sub and tops to direct which frequencies go to which speaker.
You are using a high pass filter in this scenario to cancel out freqs below a certain freq (say 50hz) that would go to the sub in order to eliminate the muddiness that can occur at freqs below that and allow you to push the sub a bit more in the punchy range you want before it limits.
I know on the JBL back panel they call the crossover button a high pass filter so it can be confusing.
 
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Why manufacturers don't mention this in their manual. Why don't they give adjustable crossovers in the sub so it can be compatible to any top
Because then you may not buy that manufacturer's top .. I agree that subs should have adjustable crossover frequencies .. but it is what it is.
 
Is
Crossover points are chosen for a smooth transition between the sub and top and for an 18" sub (and many 15" subs) it's usually around 85-90Hz for a 15" top, 100 Hz for a 12", 120Hz for a 10: and 150Hz for a 8". Every system is different, so these are just targets.
Is it possible to control the cross
Well many subs do have an adjustable crossover, just not the JBL prx.
Also just to make sure there is no misunderstanding, in this context, crossover and high pass filter aren't the same thing.
You are using a crossover between sub and tops to direct which frequencies go to which speaker.
You are using a high pass filter in this scenario to cancel out freqs below a certain freq (say 50hz) that would go to the sub in order to eliminate the muddiness that can occur at freqs below that and allow you to push the sub a bit more in the punchy range you want before it limits.
I know on the JBL back panel they call the crossover button a high pass filter so it can be confusing.
Well many subs do have an adjustable crossover, just not the JBL prx.
Also just to make sure there is no misunderstanding, in this context, crossover and high pass filter aren't the same thing.
You are using a crossover between sub and tops to direct which frequencies go to which speaker.
You are using a high pass filter in this scenario to cancel out freqs below a certain freq (say 50hz) that would go to the sub in order to eliminate the muddiness that can occur at freqs below that and allow you to push the sub a bit more in the punchy range you want before it limits.
I know on the JBL back panel they call the crossover button a high pass filter so it can be confusing.
Great. Have you tested it and how does it sound? Ya I do know the difference. I was referring to dbx crossover which has a low cut button of 40hz but it's not adjustable..