Electro Voice EKX18 SP Subwoofer, detailed review with event footage

[@devinstepp4205]

The reason these subwoofers show the limit lights so fast is because EV built in a threshold to the amplifier so that whenever you hitting limit you're actually still safe, is just a warning that you're getting up there

[@JOEDAPOPERAPGOD]

Devin Stepp Iv always wondered about that

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Well that also has to do with the frequency you work with. At higher frequencies any subwoofer will peak . I have had a single ekx18sp for about an year now and yes I see the limit here and there specially when the bass player slaps the string or we set the frequency high. At lowers frequency it does so well and bass goes super far. Now having 2 of this will def be a super charger instead of having one. But they r quite expensive too

[@tdxownyou]

I have two etx-15sp with four zlx-12p. Ready for homecoming!!

[@bumlover1167]

This keeps up with the 181 and at a better price but for me, they are not loud enough. I own the ETX18sp which is a step up from this and while it is not concert grade it is really good. The EKX is great if you can't handle the weight

[@moneymoney5434]

DJ TIME just got mine today💪💪💪

[@YaMonBaitCo]

just bought a EKX 18sp sub and a EKX 15p for small beach parties and get togethers. super happy with the low bass

[@graydonbutt8330]

that is a terrific review. I have ordered the EKX-18SP to replace my Yamaha 15 band pass which I have had in my music room, it just doesn't hit the lows I want. I have a detached 1000 sq.ft. Family room behind my home which I play satellite music during the day and have a home/office too. I want rich low and clean bass, not earth shaking, but clear clean bass for this EV EKX-18. The ETX 18 is way to heavy and powerful, I do not DJ, it's a beast. Question: "music" mode or "live" mode for playing music all day long. Maybe a simple question but I want the best setting for hearing the clearest sound and deepest bass from this sub. Thank you so much for being impartial and critical. This unit is definitely for me ! Should have it in next week.

[@josealfredfernandes]

With live mode, it will rarely limit Music mode sounds good, but limits.. may damage unit.. Go for live mode, I got 180 sq ft room, sounds good at low volumes..

[@djgslimm]

Thanks for the review ...I just purchased my ekx yesterday...very imformative

[@acidstorm001]

I know this is an old review, but our venue just bought some EV EKX 15P tops to replace some JBL Eon 615s. Now our JBL subs do not seem to match up well with the tops and was thinking to upgrade to these EKX 18-SPs. I also took a look at the QSC KW181s you had mentioned and I have heard these in person when we had a DJ bring in a whole slew of QSC KW PA speakers for his setup. The QSCs definitely hit hard. Hit so hard in fact that our roof was rattling too much and they needed to turn them down a bit. To be fair, he did bring 6 of them which was complete overkill for our 200 capacity room. But the QSCs should hit harder and sound a bit better for 500 more than the EKX 18-SPs. Comparing the ETX 18-SPs to the QSC KW181s would be a much fairer comparison. And I think 2 of the EXK 18-SPs would be a nice upgrade for our venue room. Currently our JBL 18 inch subs(2), are passive, being powered by a Crown CH2, with 660 watts each channel into 4ohms load. It's decent, but when we have demanding punk and metal bands that are loud, it's hard to get that deep bass to fill the room and I have to push the subs a bit harder than I'd like to. I think the EKX 18-SPs would give me enough grunt to do this, and not stress them out nearly as bad.

[@AndrewYates]

I still have the EKX18, it's been a wonderful sub over the years. Has held up very well! Certainly a pair of QSC 181's would be a bit better than a pair of the EV's - but as I said, they're more expensive, and heavier. I needed a slightly easier mobile sub, and the EV perfectly fits that bill. If I was doing a venue install, I'd probably get the QSC's or a BassBoss sub that I do not have to move around once placed, unless cost is a factor.

[@Fizyxx]

So I compared this EKX and KW181, DXS12 and PRX715. I know the KSub very well from live settings so lets say that is the baseline. DXS12 hung with the JBL - I would say the DXS15 would beat the JBL in bump and hang with rumble - I would chose DXS over PRX but I assume I am the minority in that. DXS12 didnt and couldnt (isnt even meant to) hang with the KW181 and EKX. I ran a frequency tone test through all 3. I do weddings so I actually don't mind a "one note wonder" bc all ppl care about is feeling bass. But the frequency test helps show the strength and purpose of bandpass vs reflex. Long story short - I thought the EKX was a winner for wall shaking, ground rumbling, gut busting bass. Held together nicely, hit the wide range of tones from 30-120 best of all the subs, and it is 4-500 bucks cheaper than QSC. Its also lighter. If 70+ pounds is too heavy for you then you don't need big bass. I should say that I was really hoping for the Yamaha to be the best. I love everything I read about them and I love the price point. I was thinking I'd use 2 Yammies but I think 1 EKX is the answer

[@JonTisch]

I run two Yamaha DXR 15 mains and love them. Looking for one sub to add some bass and take some stress off the mains. The Yamaha DXS18 is ridiculously large. Should I get one Yamaha DXS 15 or one EV EKX18SP? What LCD setting on back would work best for wedding venue applications?

[@Fizyxx]

I went with 2 KW181s. Dont really need 2 but I got a nice deal so I went with 2. I went with QSC bc of: 1) proven reliability and longevity 2) they hold their value 3) I don't like the DSP on the EV. Mainly it just concerns me that there is something that sensitive/delicate built into a bass bin. 4) I love EV but my ELX12 (tops) had amp issues within the first year so I am a bit shaken on the reliability 5) QSC held its sound at high volume and people say it will go hours without signs of fatigue 6) almost everyone who has the EV says it clips very early. Ultimately I love the KW181. It is everything and more than I need. I could also sell one in 5 years for 3/4 what I paid bc these things are built solid and just simply work.

[@Fizyxx]

Jon Tisch also, the KW181 isn't too much bigger. 2 Yamahas would equal 1 QSC. Also why I went with QSC. twice the output

[@Fizyxx]

Jon Tisch But I am a bit of a needy guy - I was afraid I would regret not getting the QSC. So I spent the extra dough to not experience buyers remorse. That said...I spent over a year researching subs and I would offer this as my top picks" 1) KW181 2) ETX15sp 3)EKX18sp These 3 are close in size, sound and performance but separated by price and proven track record. The Yamaha DXS line offers seriously impressive subs. Its best use is for smaller operation (except the 18 - that fucker is enormous). the 12" vs the 15" is a 100 dollar difference. Few inches bigger and about 10 pounds heavier. These subs blow away the Ksub and thats its best comparison.

[@JonTisch]

I currently run two Yamaha DXR 15 mains at weddings. Would this work good with my Yamaha DXR15 mains to add some thump and take the stress off my mains and add clarity when playing open dance music at weddings at louder volume? Torn between this and the Yamaha DXS15. I only want one sub. Not looking at the ETX series too much weight and size for packing van.

[@khaleddetroit1897]

Jon Tisch definitely yes they will sound good those ekx subs hit

[@djsash77oldmanradic]

Jon - i run 2 x DXR 15's with a EKX 18sp sub. They work great together. Low pass the sub at 100hz, hi pass the DXR's at 100hz and your good to go. The sub hits hard and the DXR's sound so nice without having to worry about the low end. I get about 107db before the limiter kicks in on the sub. Good for around 150 - 200 people depends on the event. Overall the sound with the sub in my opinion is like a 30 - 40% improvement. It rocks. Also if you insert a limiter between your mixer and the sub you can squeeze another 6db from this system. DBX 166xs is perfect for this. That will give you around 112 - 113db of awesome sound before the limiter kicks in. Most gigs realistically are around 100db for mobile dj's (weddings, 40th's, etc..).

[@DjDiamondLee]

Thank you. I bought one to go with my Zlx 15p.

[@sunburn15]

how did you connect your tops on this sub? arr you running 2 or single sub?

[@DjDiamondLee]

Single Sub. I connected both tops to one Sub.. But after reading about subs and placement. I just connect one top to the Sub and stick the sub in the corner leaning against the wall facing outward. It seems to sound much better that way. 2 Subs is to dam heavy for this one man crew.

[@richardking8720]

the turbosound m18b is a very good sub it is as good as the kw118 in my opinion. I just ordered a ekx18sp I'm looking forward to trying it out .your review is very informative. thanks

[@BayronYSusTeclados]

How was that comparison friend?

[@Rickky007]

Jbl prx818 goes down to 30hz & 1500watts , but I do like the interface of the ekx18 : 35hz ,1300watts.

[@scottgrzywacz5948]

Awesome review! I'm in the IE...would like to tech talk and pick your brain sometime about dj stuff!

[@AndrewYates]

+SCOTT GRZYWACZ [e-mail]

[@sunburn15]

hi Andrew great review.. just want to ask, did you link your tops from this sub? sub (out) -- (in)k12 ?

[@AndrewYates]

+Burn Medina The outputs on this sub are full range outs, so you can easily go out to another sub, or to full range tops. Select your crossover frequency in the sub that best suits your top so the sub and tops are not sharing any frequencies (mine was 100hz as stated the K12 has a 100hz cutoff when put into 'ext sub' mode.) Set your tops to not output any bass and bingo - you're set!

[@joereeves4602]

great review! The sub certainly looks nice, but is not loud at all. I tested all settings and even compared it to my alto ts118s and that sub put the EKX18sp to shame. I was told the alto will sound more boomy, where the EKX will be more tight. I disagree, will try the ETX18SP and hope a sub twice the cost and performance (per specs) will certainly out do the alto. otherwise I'll just keep the a to and be do everything with it.

[@chamndivan88]

Joe Reeves hey I am thinking about to buy Ev subs can just tell me is there any big difference between ETX VS EKS ? What is worth ?

[@jaisonpeter2210]

@@chamndivan88 definitely go for ETX, you won't be wrong

[@MobilediscowirralCoUk]

Always wondered if a neo 18" b & c driver would make this sound even better? Reason say that i have one left over, as they always put a basic driver in them

[@gt4033133]

Great video.. does the memory store all settings after the speaker is been unplug?

[@devinstepp4205]

lenny cordero yes

[@jasonfallon4968]

How do you update the firmware if you only have an iPad?

[@pastornk11]

I'm thinking about buying 2 of these for my church! I already have the 15's do you suggest these to couple with them!! It's a 3000 square foot room

[@dancarthen3634]

Pastor Nick That's a BIG room. You may want the ETX series.

[@Aesop101]

Praying or partying in church?

[@NorrOadcin]

Thanks for the review Andrew, very well done. I also have the ZXA1 subs with a pair of ZLX 12" tops and was wondering if have you run all three subs together with two tops? I'm guessing two of the ZXA1 subs aren't going to be close to matching one of the 18" subs but maybe it saves me the money of having to buy a second 18". I'm hoping for larger events that I can run a pair of 12" EKX with a pair of 18" EKX and then use my existing ZLX 12" tops and ZXA1 subs on the perimeter.

[@AndrewYates]

+Aaron Nicdao Only run multiple subs if: A) they're identical B) they're stacked top/bottom or side-by-side or C) they're at least 52 (I think?) feet apart to eliminate low frequency sound wave cancellation. A very common setup seen is a sub/top on one side of a stage, and an identical sub/top combo about 15-20 feet away on the other side of s stage/table. This looks great, but is NOT ideal. Two ZXA-1 subs will be loud (all things considered), but will not boom like the EXK-18 does. The EKX has much lower frequency response and will move more air. Do not match all three together. Careful with perimeter setups also due to delay issues :)

[@jefizz66]

Do you have to save your settings with a bank or does it save the settings after the first set up? If you have to bank it do you have to recall it every time or will it just use it automatically? What’s a good volume to set the subs on at first? Unity maybe?

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Do you mean the setting on the back of the sub. If so when you set it up it stays like that everytime you turn in up or you can save like indoor party or outside party save mode .you will just find the save name setting and click it . I have this sub and it is the only one I use. I have a 3 band group. 2 guitars one bass guitar and 2 vocals. This is more than enough. We play at a nephew high school dance and it covered across the whole gym with no issues and I have 60 percent volume with no peaking and not lighting blinking at all. Of course you have to do a great mix and know what kind of bass frequencies you r using. It is also very loud outside house parties. This sub is not tall but is wide which is great because it moves alot of air and gives a boom bass. Not a hard kick bass but a boom wave. Again it is also how you do your mix and how you desired your bass sound. If you just play music randown with ur phone and don't have an EQ you will get limit clipping because again higher bass frequencies will five you a hard kick bass and limit will come up often just like any other speaker. Lot of people don't know that and most people don't know that at all. They think adding more speakers will get rid of the clip or adding 4 lol but it all depends how you run your bass

[@ibizaamigos]

@@SuAmigoElilegal i'm thinking of ordering the ev ekx 18sp but noticed you said it gives a boom bass. When you say boom bass are you referring the voooooovwowowooo type sound? I'm not that keen on that type of bass I want it to hit like everytime the kick drum hits. I loop lots of instruments, drum machine, then play bass, electric guitar, piano and synth. Indie, rock, and also some dance classics in the set too so wuld you say this sub is for me?

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

@@ibizaamigos when you are in a music band and pñay bass or play any type of intrumets that has bass like drum kick or tuba it is very important to know or to learn about hertz instead of trying to describe as boomy or boom or heart bass. The frecuencia that bass work is from 40 to 80 or 100. Every band recording is different depending on their style of music and preferences. Some like it at 60 while other at 80 or 90 Take anote that the heigher the free the more changes of clipping because is more hard bass while 60 heartz are longer softer waves but move more air and feel so good too. It all depends on ur style.

[@ibizaamigos]

@@SuAmigoElilegal ok cool I get that but that doesn’t answer my question. What type of bass sound would you say the ev sub gives…a punchy type of bass which would be great for let’s say a kick drum? Or would you say it gives out a voooooooooooooo type of bass let’s say more associated with dnb music?

[@tonyviera-senorbohemio5666]

Waoooo..thanks a lot you enlightening me about.my subwoofer

[@AndrewYates]

Happy to help

[@dawneschnitker1900]

Would this sub be too much for use with evolve 50.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

7:52 wow? I acually increase thet gain up to 8 and that is where i satar seen some limit coming out. I belive people dont know how to mix their music or live sound well that is why they r having issues. You have to send a nice cool singnal from the instruments and from the mixer trough the rest to the speakers in order for ur amp not to overworked so much.

[@jasonflores1990]

How would you compare the EKX 18sp to the zxa1-sub that you have? Have you heard the zxa1-sub's coupled together? I have a pair of those micro subs and when coupled together sound pretty good for their size and weight. Thanks for your input!

[@AndrewYates]

I have not heard a pair of ZXA-1's coupled. The EKX18 will certainly go deeper than the ZXA...which when pushed hard only goes down to about 53hz. The EKX18 by comparison will go about 40hz when pushed. Individually I use both often for one reason or another, and there is no comparison. The coupling will certainly add a bit to a ZXA, but not as much as the 18" I'm guessing.

[@nikostyson3255]

hello!!is it louder than the older elx 118p and how much??

[@ReapZzLeaderofReturnClan]

QSC KW181 or EV EKX 18-SP ? which is better? i don't really understand it (i'm german and i don't speak so good english) :)

[@AndrewYates]

+ReapZz | Leader of Return Clan The KW181 is slightly louder, but also bigger, 15 pounds heavier and cost about 360 euros more than EKX 18-SP. I think the EKX 18-SP is a great choice; not far behind KW181. Depends on your situation :)

[@4x4Productionz]

etx-18sp

[@ragnarschepers9561]

Is it powerful enough to compare with two Art 712 mk4? What do you think..?

[@AndrewYates]

Absolutely it is! Place the sub in the middle, give it a stereo signal and it will thump with those tops. I have RCF subs now, so kudos on the RCF.

[@ryana3664]

DJ Andrew Yates Did the sub break down on you is that why you got rcf? Also how much usage did u get out of it before it messed up if it did??

[@AndrewYates]

@@ryana3664 No break downs at all, ever - very solid subwoofer. I got RCF 15" subs to 'downsize' as I typically can use just one for most crowds. Together, yes the two are just a bit bugger than this, but also when coupled are a bit louder. The EKX was a great subwoofer for me, no complaints at all.

[@richardpenrose1968]

How audible are the fans? I'm considering changing my ELX118p's for the EKX18sp.

[@AndrewYates]

+Richard Penrose The EKX-18SP has NUMEROUS upgrades over the ELX118P - do it! DSP (inc custom DSP memory slots), Cardiod mode, digital display, better drivers, better design.....I have never even heard the fan thus far.

[@richardpenrose1968]

+DJ-Andrew Yates Thanks for the reply. How does the EKX18sp sound compared to the ELX118p?

[@centerstageentertainment6792]

night and day, better

[@josealfredfernandes]

@@AndrewYates best 18 inch subwoofer, money can buy? Even dual 18

[@marcoalmeida3123]

Hey there ! I need a help about something. In our church, i have 2 zlx15p and will buy another 2. You think that 2 subwoofers ETX18SP or EKX18SP will be the suficient for me? the church has 400m².

[@thomasrudder9639]

Yes, go with the ETX's for sure . God bless.

[@AndrewYates]

A pair of either would be great. If you do not have to move them and cost is not a factor - certainly get the ETX.

[@ClectaSkiMusic]

cool video

[@synapticflow]

Are the people saying this isn't loud, the same people who want everyone headphone to sound like Beats? They want loudness that destroys eardrums in seconds? Or is this sub truly not loud? I heard the ELX-18P and thought it was very loud. Surely this model would be even louder.

[@AndrewYates]

'Loudness' is of course a relative term that most everyone disagrees on. Having done live sound since 2001 I would say it's 'loud'...in my opinion. It's not a 200lb concert knock your chest out sub; but for a mobile single 18" sub that will last more than a dozen gigs and is only 73 lbs...it hits hard and sounds great. Of course not everyone will agree, but my clients and audio nerd friends really love it.

[@leonquinn2432]

This is a whole level above the ELX, I've got the ELX series and can't wait to upgrade to either these or ETX

[@Mr.Brolic]

Ev ekx 18 vs rcf 705 what’s your pick and y?

[@AndrewYates]

The EV is great - pretty deep and cheaper and lighter than the 181. I went from the EV to the 705 ASII because I really liked how the 705 sounded "for a 15" sub". Not because I knew it was going to "match" any 18's, but I just really liked the overall way it sounded - and it's smaller and 16lb lighter than the EV. So I bought two. Now, with that pair of 705's I'm getting - I believe - much better bass than the single 18" EV obviously - but I only deploy two when necessary. I used to use a 12" compact sub for smaller events, and the EV or a pair (too much space in the van..) for larger events. Now I just bring the 705 everywhere - which sounds better at the smaller events, and almost as good at the larger events by itself - and when I need the boom I bring two, which subsequently take up less space than 2 18's. I'm almost 40 now, so I've reached that point 20 years in where less weight is a nice thing for subs, even at the 'sacrifice' of extreme low end. Hard to explain in a comment - but I'm not missing the trade off I guess is the simple answer...

[@Mr.Brolic]

@@AndrewYates we’ll said I agree I have the 705 now and an Fbt maxx 10sa both 15” amazing quality good power lite weight I’m thinking about getting another 705 but I may just get 905 or Db tech sub 15h thanks for the reply keep up the great videos oh and I’ve heard the ekx once with an jbl srx 15 on top was beautiful

[@Mr.Brolic]

@@AndrewYates I have few videos on my channel of my rcf and Fbt gear take a peak ✌🏾❤️

[@stavrosk]

Lcd dim what exactly does when on or off?

[@AndrewYates]

This is just the dimmer for the LCD display on the back. It's a brightness level.

[@la_lomacity]

How does this sub works with QSC K12?

[@AndrewYates]

It's fantastic with the K-12's

[@albertoaguilar5389]

i love this i have 11 subs and 4 etx -35p and it sounds bad ass

[@joaocorreia9465]

that sub as 1300 watts RMS or peak?

[@AndrewYates]

Talked with EV audio product specialist Mike at NAMM last year about this. He told me it's 1300 watts 'matched power' for the sub, not really a peak, but 'perfectly matched' to the components etc...The passive EKX18 states 1600/800/400 (max/continuous/program). So I'm not really sure there's a good answer for the powered ones. The QSC KW-181 is 2000w peak, 1000w continuous with nearly an identical design to this, and they sound almost exactly the same - so if you're just looking to number compare I'd go about there, but it's hard to define - even after talking to their product specialist.

[@hendrikusdetuinman8360]

After I got RCF, that was it, not want anything else anymore....

[@ChestertonKatherine-l3t]

Rachelle Extensions

[@thatsmybit]

not even in the same league as a yorkville. you need atleast 4 of these to just compete with one york

[@BarbaraDoering-o2r]

Sarina Knoll

[@PeggyJonas-n8b]

Eliseo Street

[@bautroiconnecticut5201]

Qsc kw181 6 year insurance

[@Komplex_Music_]

not the same price tho

[@AdamCruz-o8k]

Daniel Meadows

[@DanielHebert-k3g]

Morton Shoal

[@MargaretScott-z2q]

Joseph Wall

[@RichardTaylor-n2h]

O'Kon Prairie

[@DanielSmith-w2x]

Delmer Walk

[@PeterLang-w5g]

Schuyler Way

[@DohertyLorraine-u9e]

Mills Road

[@AndrewYates]

Great cardiod mode video for these subs! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKO6doSBfbR7iZY

[@CelenaDenooyer-l1d]

Schiller Ways

[@KaleyDatu-b8o]

Price Lakes

[@RuthTyree-w4k]

Wyman Junction

[@OctaviaKeedah-m1c]

Luettgen Mission

[@EverettHarris-v4s]

Schaefer Inlet

[@katherineotiseesa2340]

Joe Courts

[@MichaelThomas-r7k]

Schowalter Stravenue

[@EuphemiaJasper-l6b]

Beer Summit

[@LaunaPalacois-w7j]

Thompson Isle

[@KathleenGrace-w5m]

Emiliano Loop

[@MaryStillings-j4o]

Luciano Island

[@SedatKarakan-f1t]

Royce Flats

[@JackSteele-l8n]

Athena Corner

[@HabibaKhatun-j5l]

Doyle Roads

[@DavidCrystal-v4s]

Raphael Villages

[@CarllyleFrank-x3j]

Keebler Drive

[@KathleenMedved-n9s]

Sheldon Unions

[@ThomasLambert-y9b]

Amely Brooks

[@JoeHaynes-x4c]

Kuhic Square

[@LylyJonson-n5f]

Fausto Course

[@ErnestGassman-f9c]

Gardner Mount

[@RichardLewis-h1l]

Kling Valley

[@SandraJones-z7q]

Bianka Creek

[@BrendanBogany-r8o]

Salma Underpass

[@JudeWhaler-f8f]

Pfannerstill Skyway

[@RenaeHagon-q8p]

Jonathon Station

[@PollyElla-x2n]

Karina Route

[@BakerDeirdre-v4z]

Witting Fords

[@TheDjelements]

i bought one and returned it after 2 weeks... doesn't compare to the JBL VRX 918 SP

[@AndrewYates]

I hope you didn't think this COULD compare with the VRX - which is an array sub in a different class entirely.

[@retlasnoj]

That's comical that you compare it to a speaker that is double the price.

[@richardking8720]

well of course not the vrx is in a whole other category and twice the price

[@TheDjelements]

+Richard King lol I paid 300 more for Vrx

[@TheDjelements]

+Jonathan Salter actually was just 300 more

[@BessemerAdam-m5l]

Lueilwitz Place

[@JeffWolfgram-f2g]

Tom Ridges

[@LloydVerbeck-c6s]

Isom Viaduct

[@HardyTheresa-u3m]

Aufderhar Union

[@CrystalWhite-l2f]

Feil Ways

[@BarnardGenevieve-o5h]

Frami Views

[@mustknowinfo2001]

For heavy metal drumming should I go with a 15 or 18

[@AndrewYates]

This really depends on space and needs. A good quality 15" sub will be great, and likely more than enough for any home or studio environment. If you're playing to larger groups than an 18" would be a bit better. Many great 15" options out there.

[@deleuandrian322]

What power RMS has ekx-18 sp?

[@AndrewYates]

It's never stated in RMS terms, 1300 watts is all that is specified. So 650w or so would be anyone's best guess, but EV will say it's slightly higher.

[@DgjsdgGhjsgh-d7f]

Ledner Tunnel

[@GranthamMandy-r8j]

Brandt Viaduct