Aux fed Subwoofers in Live Sound for More Impact

[@1062venturesfan]

I have been using the aux sub method for about a year now and I can say that it greatly improves the overall clarity of the system. I run my systems in full stereo. Left and right top left and right sub. I use the Driverack Venu360 for my speaker processing/EQing with 4 in 4 out with awesome results.

[@Barry-Watson]

Thanks for the comment, and I agree. Most of my mix is mono-ish, but I run stereo because it makes the vocal effects so much better. I run my subs as summed mono, since frequencies under 100hz generally can't be localized and this gives a little better power utilization. Glad you found a setup that works well for you!

[@1062venturesfan]

@@Barry-Watson the reason why I run FOH 4 in 4 out is so that each output channel is measured for the area it covers. I run the auto EQ in 2 measurements for each output. My 2 measurements are taken from straight on in front of the cabinet at ear level and center of the FOH. Usually I take the measurements 10'-15' away from the speakers in a small venue and 20'-25' in a larger venue or outside. The only actual stereo inputs I have typically are the vocal effects, stereo guitar (Line 6 Helix), keyboards, and maybe a drum pad with patches and special effects the drummer may use. Otherwise everything is panned center. Even at 30 years or so I'm always looking to up my game and find your videos helpful and informative. thanks!!!

[@mojoemurphy]

I find aux fed subs are nice for me. I recently moved from bridged mono to stereo power amp for my subs after watching some of your videos as well and they are certainly more punchy and I don't think there's any less perceived volume, I actually think with the added punch from the greatly improved damping factor they sound/feel a bit louder now. As always, appreciate the videos

[@Barry-Watson]

Very nice!

[@jimsuber6784]

I agree. Stereo

[@MrSoundude]

We need less of you on the screen and more illustrations and comments and stuff like that 😂 LOL

[@vincentpereira8416]

What is the best way to set a dj system for out parties iam thinking of getting 2 18" subwoofers and 2 midrange speakers and 2 tweeters per a box i will be using only the 2 speaker boxes and iam going to have a controller an equalizer and a mixer and the amplifier how do I go about assembling this system

[@Barry-Watson]

I think there are multiple workable answers, for me, I would be looking at powered speakers. A couple of powered 18 subwoofers, and a couple of powered tops, probably with 12 inch mid-drivers. Two giant full-range boxes would be a real hassle to move around. Powered speakers make it simple by taking care of all of your amplifiers, crossover, and EQ issues. I don't think it's a great idea to custom build speakers, your home brewed boxes will probably have very little resale value if you ever decide to sell and do something different. I work with a couple of bands that use the newer powered electro voice boxes, a bit costly but I think they're very nice.

[@songriderproductions9123]

I have a Midas Pro2c . Walk me through how to set it up with the aux feeding the subwoofers. I also have QSC 12.2 F.O.H speakers and QSC Kw181 subs. Right now I am coming off the stereo bus into the subs L& R then into the Top L&R Speakers through a graphic but not using must since the 12.2s also have a digital interface which I am using in Live bright mode. I have a problem also of the musicians not hearing the bass like I am hearing in the house. The musicians are on Shure PSM300 In Ears system. Thanks T.

[@Barry-Watson]

Connect your tops (K12s) to L+R outputs. Connect a sub (KW18) to an unused output buss. Connect the output of that KW18 to the input of the other subs (daisychain). Since these are powered speakers, they have built-in crossovers, so we don't have to worry about any external filtering. Now set the output buss you used for sub-bass to post-fader. Go to the channels that require bass (kick drum, floor tom, bass guitar, keyboards, etc) and apply some feed to the sub-bass output buss (same as you would for turning up a musicians monitor buss). Now, you'll have main subwoofer level on that subwoofer buss. You may wish to apply some compression/limiting/eq to taste on that buss. On each channel (kick drum etc) you can control the balance of highs vs subs by adjusting how much you send to the subwoofer buss. The main fader for that channel will control both highs & subs together (since the sub-buss is post-fader). Best wishes!

[@Barry-Watson]

Regarding bass response of the in-ear monitors, I would experiment with EQ & compression on the monitor buss, and/or suggest exploring different earbuds that offer better/different bass response. Manage expectations, the IEMs will never sound exactly like the house. Generally I've had good experiences with Shure IEMs.

[@tttxx82]

Great vid. One question though. Suppose I have aux 6 for subs. Is the eq for that aux supposed to be boosted in the lower range or left flat. Like is it typical to put a slight curve on the lower end starting at the crossover point. Like you would see in a kick drum eq.

[@Barry-Watson]

Sure! Adjust for taste, EQ as needed for good smooth bass. But, beware that the power handling of the subs diminishes greatly below f3, so I usually do a high-pass (a steep low-cut filter) below the bottom frequency that the subs can easily handle (maybe 40hz depending on your speakers). Keep in mind that the low end power of a typical band (kick drum etc) is usually mostly around 70-100hz. Remember that +3db (which isn't a lot of boost) equates to 2x power output, 6db is 4x power, so be cautious with doing any outrageous EQ boosts. Avoid doing something like crazy EQ boost at 30hz to try to make your subs do high level subsonic stuff they're really not really capable of. This could exceed xmax, break drivers, and rob you of amplifier power that is best used at 60hz and above where most of the music really is. EQ is a good tool, I use EQ. However it's fixing things after-the-fact. If you need lots of EQ, it suggests that there might be an issue with your speakers or something else in the signal chain. If you find yourself using lots of EQ, I'd suggest that maybe you need better speakers, or better mic placement, or a different mic, or something... If all you gear is good (relatively flat response), and you're going for accurate sound, you really shouldn't need radical EQ to get there, It's best to fix issues at the source, if you can. Best wishes! Rock on!