Preamp Into Subwoofer

howlin

howlin

Nov 15, 2008
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#1
So I did a forum search and couldn't find what I was looking for so I thought I'd try the direct approach.

I'm looking into getting a GK Plex preamp to run into a powered subwoofer as my bass rig. I've run my bass into a PA before but I'm not sure that's the same thing. Guess I'll figure it out when I get there. In the meantime my question comes down to this, has anyone here tried running their bass into a Mackie Thump or an Alto cab sub cabinet. I know about QSC, JBL, EV and a few other brands but I've never tried using a Mackie and I only just heard of Alto. Input from experienced be would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
#8
What about the other way around? Using a bass cab (a 115) for the sub output from the mixer (with an amp powering it of course)? Most powered subs are sealed but many (most?) bass cabs are ported. Not sure why; does that make a difference?

Only asking because such a cab (and amp to power it) is available, otherwise we would just go and get a "normal" sub. Looking to save some money if this was an option.
 
#9
HeadWind said:
What about the other way around? Using a bass cab (a 115) for the sub output from the mixer (with an amp powering it of course)? Most powered subs are sealed but many (most?) bass cabs are ported. Not sure why; does that make a difference?

Only asking because such a cab (and amp to power it) is available, otherwise we would just go and get a "normal" sub. Looking to save some money if this was an option.
Click to expand...

Virtually all subs for pro audio/PA are ported, not sealed.

You can use a bass cabinet in place of a sub PROVIDED the tuning of the cabinet/driver (system) are adequate to support the necessary low frequency output. The problem here is that most real subs are larger than most comparable bass cabinets, and the driver choices made for a bass cabinet factor in midrange voicing requirements that are not part of a real sub's design. That means that there will always be some tradeoff in loss of low frequency extension versus appropriate midrange voicing in a bass guitar cabinet.

What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Doesn't really make sense from your questions.

There's a ton of good used gear on the market that would accomplish much of what you seem to be asking, if size and weight are less important than low cost, this might be a better way to go???
 
#10
agedhorse said:
Virtually all subs for pro audio/PA are ported, not sealed.

You can use a bass cabinet in place of a sub PROVIDED the tuning of the cabinet/driver (system) are adequate to support the necessary low frequency output. The problem here is that most real subs are larger than most comparable bass cabinets, and the driver choices made for a bass cabinet factor in midrange voicing requirements that are not part of a real sub's design. That means that there will always be some tradeoff in loss of low frequency extension versus appropriate midrange voicing in a bass guitar cabinet.

What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Doesn't really make sense from your questions.

There's a ton of good used gear on the market that would accomplish much of what you seem to be asking, if size and weight are less important than low cost, this might be a better way to go???
Click to expand...
Thanks Aged Horse. Actually, the used gear part is sort of what feeds into this. We have an option of buying some used powered mains (as part of full PA system), but they are old (Mackie SRM450's - don't know what version they are 12 years old). The fact they are old and the larger speaker is only a 12" lead us to believe these may be underpowered for our needs (not that we are playing huge venues yet!). The mixer has an XLR output for a subwoofer, so was wondering if plugging the old amp and 115 cab (and old Peavey cab with a BW driver, tuned to 40 Hz) might help make up for any deficiencies in the SRM450 for volume or low-frequency capabilities. But probably better to just go with some newer/better mains.

We have to decided to go for or pass on this used PA in short order, though. It's not an ebay or CL sale.

Thanks again for your input.
 
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#12
some self powered subs provide a "switchable" LPF => ON/OFF.
Used such a sub (direct beaming woofer) for smallish rehearsal many years ago. Acoustic instruments, no drums!
It's clear a sub can't substitute a well designed bass rig.
 
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