EV EKX Cardiod Mode

DJ Jer Shop Time explains Cardiod Mode from Electro-Voice The Electro Voice EKX brings a stellar feature which allows you to put your audio in to Cardiod Mode. This is exclusive through the new lines at EV. Cardiod mode "bends" the low ends of your audio to make it more directional and aim the low end towards your crowd. Take a watch of the video to help understand this awesome feature.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Can you put them both on the floor and one faceing back or do you need to stack them on top?

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Yes u can

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

No problem

[@specialtyentertainmentdj]

Just saw this, thanks for the info. In theory would Cardioid setup work for the ELX200 12SPs also? I thought I had seen it on promotional page but it wasnt explained as "cardioid", like a microphones?

[@CornellPhillip]

Is there any disadvantage in using Cardioid Mode? Eg, is there a db drop in this mode as apposed to the normal mode?

[@octaudio]

when you fill a room in cardiod mode the subs will sound more even than using a stereo configuration, as you may find a cancellation valley at the center front of the stage

[@VaughnCordero]

Spl wise, is it louder?

[@area31culinaryarts70]

what is the signal path you use or does it matter? What I mean is when running your mains from the mixer do you run into the crowd facing sub first, or the rear-facing sub first or does it not matter what order the signal flow is in

[@peternavarro8277]

Thank you for your help and quick response, your feedback helped me decide in which subs to get , once again thanks.

[@djjermusic]

Anytime! Enjoy... I know you will :)

[@DJFAYZE13]

Jeremy, Going to be picking up one or two of these, and have a quick question; does cardioid mode drop the sound level of the speakers? Obviously using the 2 subs side by side with no cardioid would give you the benefit of coupling and a boost in volume, does using cardioid give you less volume?

[@djjermusic]

+DJ Fayze Great question. The really question is do you get a drop in DB. Yes, but very minimal, but here is the thing. When the focus of sound is directed out to where it should go(your crowd) then the clarity is better and you aren't getting crushed by bass. You can actually hear yourself think. If you could experience this live... it is the craziest thing you will ever see... and hear. :)

[@andrewhigdon8346]

It’s actually better than that. Onstage sound will be cleaner, with less low end that some musicians hear as noise. The monitor mix in turn gets cleaned up too. Unless the band is really used to and dependent on having tons of sub spill back onto the stage. Seriously though, some bands don’t like it because they miss all that low end on stage. Most love it though. But the “better than that” part is that the pattern out front is more uniform. Most people do t even notice the power alleys and power valleys created by having the subs downstage right and left. Big holes in the low end depending on where you are standing. With an optimized cardioid setup, the subs are amazingly uniform all the way across the front of the stage and its a lot more pleasing to the ear, of course only when really dialed in, otherwise your pissing into the wind. If you have no idea of the concept of this thing, practice at home. As in, you might as well be jerkin it. But when done right, it’s amazing. Problem is that there is no linear equation to figure this thing out. There is a compromise ALMOST no matter what you do. You’ll mess with it for awhile and reject tons (-5 to -20db) of low end, but then you realize that you’ve negated, say 60hz-100hz, but now 40hz is singing under the stage. Phase. Time. Distance. Amplitude. Frequency. Too many variables. But Badass to attempt. Get into it before these whipper snappers get the formula down and make all of us vets look dumb. 4.65 feet is a quarter wave of 60hz. Use that as a basis, and it’ll work like a champ, at 60 ha. Some frequencies will but summed, whole others negated. It is anything BUT a simple set up. But worth trying.

[@dougtodd9184]

Is your out front sub output (volume) the same in cardioid mode with one sub turned backwards as both subs facing forward in normal mode?

[@Middle8DJTraining]

No, there is a small gain in db over a single sub and your not near the db increase you would expect if both subs were faced forward. However you do get a increase in clarity and the rejection in the rear is pretty substantial

[@LukaPanik]

If you have a cardioid preset on your subs you don't have to build 2 element inline gradient stuck. You do that with subs in omni.

[@drufunk]

Would I only get the optimal results if they were stacked on top of each other? They couldn't be side by side or on either side of the DJ booth could they?

[@djjermusic]

Great question Drew. You could be side to side as well. Should be get the same results.

[@highoctaneproductionsllc7380]

Hi I was curious about volume.. I assume that stacking them together or side by side traditionally would give you the highest spl in front. Has anyone compared spl in front in cardioid mode and a regular stack or side by side? I've really been looking to the ekx serious for some of my small- medium sized gigs and cardioid is really appealing to me. Thanks

[@djjermusic]

you will get a minimal drop in spl but cardioid is to help push the low frequencies in a single direction. bands, djs who don't want the sound traveling at them, etc. I think it gives enough flexibility either way because it is a setting you can switch back and forth.

[@highoctaneproductionsllc7380]

+djjermusic thanks gonna give them a shot!

[@BayAreaEventDesigns]

Is this one smaller and lighter than the etx 18? I would like it if it was it would save on the back.

[@prvphetzay4445]

They are technically the same and look almost similar to each other the but etx will sound louder and better, id say the ekx is more of an affordable version of the etx

[@centerstageentertainment6792]

the EKX is smaller, and the ETX will have more out put.

[@hendrikusdetuinman8360]

I dont think you have them both at the same crossover frequency, because one has to be putting the full signal through to the other, not the crossover signal.....

[@kushalgossai3695]

I have question. So im buying 8 of these and my question is, when i put the subs in the centre of the stage, i will be putting 4 in cardioid facing the stage, and then the other 4 on top just like normal? thanks! love your videos

[@djjermusic]

That would give the best cardiod results but I think you can have one reverse to two normal. I will double check that though. You are gonna crush it with your setup!

[@kushalgossai409]

djjermusic thank you man! Respect

[@peternavarro8277]

i just purchased a pair of EV elx115p's last month and looking for a pair of subs, i was going to get a pair of elx118p's but have read in a couple of forums that the 115p overpowers the 118p i haven't heard the elx118p in person since nobody has them in my area, do you have any suggestions on what subs to get for the 115p's?

[@djjermusic]

for a good balance in sound and to complement your elx I would go with the Ekx18sp. the Ekx18sp would work but you will find more fullness with the 18. ETX would be complete over kill. I hope this helps.

[@browners32]

If I set my two subs under my dj booth one forward one rear facing, then will this feel less base in the booth but more out on the floor

[@djjermusic]

Theoretically yes. Because your dj booth is on top and not actually behind you might run into issues. Give it a try and tell me what you figure out. Love to hear the results.

[@dannygalvan5655]

When running this in stereo mode (one sub on each side of my DJ setup), is there a way to minimalize all the bass on stage and still keep a clean, deep bass on the dance floor? I am running 2 Yamaha S115V Club series on speaker poles. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@djjermusic]

Great question. You would need to place the subs next to each other as one sub will reverse polarity allowing the audio to be minimal on the stage. To have them separated you will lose low end dispersion to start. placement on subs is so key to great low end coverage.

[@dannygalvan5655]

@@djjermusic Thank you for the quick response. Will I need to set it on "Cardioid mode"?

[@djjermusic]

@@dannygalvan5655 Put one speaker in Cardiod mode and set it backwards. It can be side by side or stacked. They do need to be next to each other for it to work properly.

[@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.

[@djjermusic]

Sorry for the late reply. ETX is going to give you a lot of head room. EKX is going to be more cost effective. I think either will work for you. I hope that helps.

[@djteddymac]

Does Cardioid mode just reverse the polarity?

[@djjermusic]

teddy mac that is correct. it is the craziest phenomenon to experience

[@thethoeby]

thats incorrect...it also adds a delay ;)

[@TinoSchulz1990]

It adds delay to correct for the speaker placement, right?

[@Unplugged704]

Interesting. How far from the wall is good for optimum sound?

[@octaudio]

you can follow the rule of not less than the quarter length of the frequency you set them.

[@philipbalistreri6849]

Can these subs be paired with the EVOLE 50's ??

[@LauraHilles]

yes

[@PerfektSoundLighting]

Having a hard reflective surface behind it will defeat the purpose. So in that garage cardiod mode would not work effectively

[@jaimemartinez700]

What happends when you put a different brand of speakers on the top

[@djjermusic]

I have not tried sorry. I am guessing it will work in tandem but might not be 100% the same.

[@accomplis1]

just purchased one EKX 18SP but i have the EV ZLX 12P's... Is that okay?

[@djjermusic]

for sure. you can mix and match and with the ekx sub you will just have a little more headroom.

[@accomplis1]

thank you I'm not really happy with the sound coming out of the zlx's i may upgrade.

[@djjermusic]

well after you compare it to EKX I understand. it's almost like you didn't know what really good sound sounds like ;). I know you would be happy with an upgrade but try to change the eq settings going I to your tips and see if that helps. Or come check out theaudiosymposium.com

[@andrewhigdon8346]

Man it’s all about what you expect from the gear. ZLXs are pretty banging speakers, especially for a plastic box. I like them better than the old K12 and they cost had as much. The ELX has a wooden cab but no DSP, still an awesome speaker. The EKX are beautiful to Listen to and they never complain. The EKX 18” sub is EASILY the best sounding powered single 18” I’ve ever heard. The subs should be identical to optimize rearward rejection. But not mandatory.

[@JMang101]

This one is substantially lighter than the Etx18sp and smaller foot print as well.

[@fame4049]

how do you connect xlr?

[@djjermusic]

No real trick to it. In to out. The signal of the audio doesn't change so it wouldn't matter. Does that make sense?

[@ebelderol]

What is a good subwoofer for 12" EV ZLX?

[@djjermusic]

+Elisa Belderol Great question. There are a couple options depending on your need. First by adding any of the sub options will allow for ZLX to run as a full loud speaker and your sub would focus 100% on the bass levels. Two options to look at would be for (A) Compact, light weight ZX1A sub. (B) Little bigger, but more bass EKX15SP. 15" sub. You could go with the ELX subs as well but then your adding a much bigger sub and to me the EKX technology is worth the extra costs if there is any. Hope that helps.

[@ebelderol]

+djjermusic Thanks!

[@DenisDamulira23]

Cerwin Vega's new CVX18S does this very very well

[@bumlover1167]

AtlantaMusicDJ.com The EKX is much lighter but will not thump nearly as hard. If you're not going really loud then the EKX would be better for a one man lift :)

[@jordalations2449]

lol why wouldn't a 134db sub thump hard, Man I've heard these things, they hit pretty hard for their size

[@centerstageentertainment226]

is it true that in cardiod mode you loose SPL or decibels, fact or fiction. lol

[@djjermusic]

kevin Mitchell you don't lose dbs but your dbs don't muliple in the same ratio the way they do when you set them forward. But this mode is extremely important when working with bands and stage performers.

[@centerstageentertainment226]

thanks, just can't afford to loose any real-estate coverage is as important, keep educating thanks once again.

[@octaudio]

you increase apparent hearing levels and control the foldback system. Rumble lows wont mess up with the band on stage, rather it will create a uniform and more controlled low end for the audience. Although sacrificing a little of tonal quality as consequence of phase issues as part of the physical placement of the speakers.

[@djbwellz]

Will one do the job?

[@djjermusic]

+blake wellman One sub will only give you bass, it will be able to control the bass to direct it out to your crowd. If you only have one sub you would want to run it in regular mode.

[@joaocorreia9465]

this sub have 1300 watts RMS or peak?

[@djjermusic]

I am thinking this is peak. Great question.

[@Lophat7]

Are you pleased with these subs.....? Im seeing a lot of disappointments. Ppl saying they peak way too soon and dont push like they should

[@djjermusic]

+WET PAINT I have not had any problem. I guess when I am running my audio I am going for quality in the sound and not trying to blast or peak. The control on the board and the settings in the sub if not used properly might be the issue people are running into. But yes I am happy with it.

[@djvetz6973]

Thanks for the vid. How does it it sound with one sub in cardiod mode?

[@djjermusic]

DJ Vetz Truthfully I have no clue. I guess I never tried it. From what I would guess the compression would be less giving less thump.

[@DJSCOOBVibes]

DJ Vetz Cardioid mode is actually a "pro-feature" used in many multi-sub setups to dampen the sub bass thats generated behind the subs (usually where the DJ sets up or where the stage area is). It is not to be used with one sub as that would be pointless. Just my 2cents..... hope that helps.

[@DJVetz510]

DJ SCOOB Im trying to understand this better... cardioid means eliminating bass coming out behind the box, so in essence your simply having the throw come-out in front only. Im having trouble understanding why one sub would be pointless, if all your doing is re-directing all bass through the front only. I also don't understand why in most vids and pic, while turning on cardioid mode, the bottom speaker is face forward, and the top speaker is face backward, seems pointless since from what i'm understanding the whole purpose is to eliminate any bass coming out from the back. Thanks, any feedback is well appreciated. *~*~DJ Vetz~*~* "The only stupid questions is the one not asked."

[@DJSCOOBVibes]

The rear firing (facing) sub energy will help cancel out standing bass waves behind the stack which is where most DJ's and performers are. It has set exactly with the same setting as the other sub(s) other than facing backwards and with being in the cardioid mode. Since sub bass is omni directional, the remaining bass energy is therefore directed towards the audience as a result. That's what creates the cardioid or "heart" shaped waveform where there's a significant bass reduction rearward. If you only use one sub and set it in cardioid mode you won't be cancelling out anything, in fact you'll be subjected to a horribly deficient bass tone and output. I.E...... if you face the sub backwards you'll get added sub bass in your face/space/etc. The bass that deflected off the walls will be out of timing not to mention phasing issues that will be heard.......guess where? You got it, by the audience! Hey, buddy there's plenty of youtube videos and websites that will explain this in detail to help you "see" exactly what I'm trying to describe here. Not sure if I confused you more but always open to help.

[@DJSCOOBVibes]

Oh, also to answer your speaker placement question........... the rear facing speaker set with "cardioid mode" switched in the on position fires differently to create the exact opposite waveform that the forward facing sub creates at its rear.

[@magicsingkaraokeeindhoven169]

Where is the bass?

[@djjermusic]

I am not sure what your question is. In Cardiod Mode the bass will only be focused on the front. If you can't hear it in the video it is because most cameras don't have the response on that low of a frequency since most vocals and noise is captured at a higher frequency. Hope that helps.

[@anthoneychocolate2317]

These are great for live music/bands not as crisp for recorded music, they sound synthetic and stiff or just down right digital-No warmth on recorded music.

[@djrudedogg808]

If you're talking about recorded music by way of Djing, then you might have to check what setting you have the speaker on. These sound great with my Dj setup. I put them on the "music" mode for all my Dj gigs and Live for the Live sound gigs.

[@djjermusic]

Yes, A couple things to think about. The track quality is important as well as the setting you are using on the speaker. That is one of the awesome things with my ETX and EKX is they have pre-determined settings for the EQ.

[@centerstageentertainment6792]

this so true, i notice when I've used track say from sound cloud instead of a music pool I get a poor response. but with music pool the sound quality is exceptional

[@jessebalfour5663]

That's great until a pissed punter kicks out the cable or decides to turn it off , great in theory but not very practical in a club/pub.

[@djjermusic]

Jesse Balfour I would recommend of your in a club then build a facade around the backwards units on the bottom row. Probably a permanent install at that point

[@DjGabrielEscobar973]

Aesthetically this wont look good when DJ'ing a nice venue. Which is why I have never used it.

[@djjermusic]

Gabriel Escobar that is true. Of your in a venue it probably isn't that important. If there is a band which it would make more sense for they probably already have a ton of equipment and then you can put them side by side if need be and it will still create the same feature.

[@DjGabrielEscobar973]

I stay with the traditional pole mounted tops to sub, one to the right the other to left. nobody wants to see wires or have someone with the urge to pull them out. lol

[@theoutlawbiggtrouble]

Gabriel, I run mine the same way. One sub on each side. Have you figured out any tricks to minimizing the low end on stage? I've messed with crossover settings and input settings, but still get a lot of low end behind me.

[@Interpolation1911]

​@@theoutlawbiggtroublecardiod mode

[@ホタテ-x5u]

無駄口多い。音を早く出せよ❗