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Subwoofer or Amp?
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Author:  JiggyJune [ Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Subwoofer or Amp?
I am still new to karaoke scene and mostly just have it to entertain at home. I do have what I think is a pretty good system using the Yamaha EMX512 mixer, 15 in speakers and all digital software for playing the karaoke. However, I used my equipment at a family reunion this weekend just for my family to have fun. I played outdoors for everyone and I felt like it just was not loud enough. Now everyone else thought it was LOUD but I guess I was just used to hearing it inside and never have to even turn it up too high for it to be loud. So, my questions are:

1. Is this difference between a subwoofer and an amp?
2. Where would you plug in a subwoofer or amp in the mixer?
3. Which one do I need?
4. What brand would you recommend?

I want to be able to start using my equipment more for parties, etc. and I know that I need to ensure that the sound it right.

Please advise.

Thanks. :?
Author:  timberlea [ Mon Jul 06, 2009 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subwoofer or Amp?
First of all I'd say your power mixer isn't all that powerful, but I'm sure Lonnie or the other guys will tell me if I'm wrong.

Second, the problem with doing sound outside is because, it's outside and there is nothing for the sound to bounce back on as the walls of the room and no containment. Ever notice that the big boys (AC/DC, The Stones, McCartney, etc) use many more speakers outdoors than indoors.

If you decide to go with a subwoofer, I'd recommend powered vs passive.
Author:  LondonLive [ Mon Jul 06, 2009 10:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subwoofer or Amp?
To answer your first question. The EMX512SC is a decent powered mixer and could do most small to medium size venue's indoors with no problem. However, in outside use you might find yourself needing more power and or speakers. The open air dissipates sounds rather rapidly with no walls to reflect your sound. The rule of thumb is you need roughly twice the power to do a gig outside as you do inside. If you are using 8 ohm speakers you can put two per speaker output. This would drop you to 4 ohms and increase your amp to 500 watts per side (it's full potential) verses the 350 watts it is putting out per side running at 8 ohms. To answer your other question. You can run a line out the two jacks in the front marked "Main Out" to an external amplifier ( or powered speaker) and then you could add more power and speakers that way. The same method could also be used to run a signal to a sub also but you would either need a crossover or a sub with a low pass filter built in. Adding a sub will free up some of your EMX512's power to just handle upper frequencies which require less power than reproducing lower frequencies. I agree with timberlea, adding a self powered sub would compliment what you already have. I don't know how big of parties you plan on doing so it's hard to say which sub is best for you. I personally use Yorkville LS800p's myself but you may be able to use something smaller.
Author:  JiggyJune [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 5:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Subwoofer or Amp?
LondonLive,

Could you recommend a reasonably priced sub with a low pass filter built in?

Thanks :?
Author:  LondonLive [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Subwoofer or Amp?
Cost is always one of the deciding factors but you should keep in mind what your ultimate goal is so you are not buying something that you will just end up replacing. You would probably be surprised to know that the cost difference between a "reasonably" priced sub and a sub that can handle any situation (if there is such a thing), just isn't that great of a difference. You also need to keep in mind how portable you want this system to be. If you are going to be doing small to medium sized indoor gigs, DB Tech has a very efficient little self powered sub.
http://www.directproaudio.com/product.c ... ctid=53688
Carvin also offers a decent low cost sub.
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... t=LS1801NA

Try to have a plan when building your system. To be honest starting with a self powered mixer head is not ideal and will really limit your options.
Author:  Lonman [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Subwoofer or Amp?
The JBL EON18S would be a good compliment for a decent price. Built in low pass filter/crossover.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--JBLEON518S

Here is another, same price, little more power, but never actually worked with.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMMSR800W
Author:  JiggyJune [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Subwoofer or Amp?
Thanks for all the information.

I have been trying to find out more information on the internet also. Can you tell me the difference between a powered speaker, sub, and a monitor?
Author:  jamkaraoke [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Subwoofer or Amp?
Jiggy

I have the exact same system you are using ( YAM EMX512 and 2 15") and as stated --Its is a good system for most indoor karaoke applications for small to medium sized venues. Lately I've been using the system playing OUTSIDE at a Bar &Grill patio deck. Its a CONTAINED seating area maybe 100sqft +/- and I find the system handles that also withoiut a problem or a need for a sub. "IF" I was going to do an open aired outside performance where the area was not contained it would need more power or more speakers. With the YAMAHA you can run 2 additional 15" speakers for a total of 4 and it would give you more MUSIC without more power

Just a thought
Author:  Lonman [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subwoofer or Amp?
JiggyJune @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:30 pm wrote:
Thanks for all the information.

I have been trying to find out more information on the internet also. Can you tell me the difference between a powered speaker, sub, and a monitor?


Powered speaker is just simply a speaker with it's own built in amplifier so there would be no need for an external amp source. A "Passive" speaker is an unpowered speaker that would need some sort of external amplification like a powered mixer (mixer with an amp built in) or simply a regular power amp.
A subwoofer is a speaker that is designed to specifically reproduce the very low frequencies of the audio spectrum - BASS mainly. A sub can come in both powered & non powered versions as well. Ever hear those car stereos you can hear thumping as they are driving by that knock the pictures off your walls - same premise, although in a PA situation, one would never really use it in that manner.
A monitor is simply a speaker designed to face back at the singer. Most monitors are built specifically as a wedge to sit on the floor of a stage & aim up toward the singer.
Author:  ripman8 [ Wed Jul 08, 2009 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subwoofer or Amp?
LondonLive @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:00 pm wrote:
Cost is always one of the deciding factors but you should keep in mind what your ultimate goal is so you are not buying something that you will just end up replacing. You would probably be surprised to know that the cost difference between a "reasonably" priced sub and a sub that can handle any situation (if there is such a thing), just isn't that great of a difference. You also need to keep in mind how portable you want this system to be. If you are going to be doing small to medium sized indoor gigs, DB Tech has a very efficient little self powered sub.
http://www.directproaudio.com/product.c ... ctid=53688
Carvin also offers a decent low cost sub.
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... t=LS1801NA

Try to have a plan when building your system. To be honest starting with a self powered mixer head is not ideal and will really limit your options.


This is my sub. It pumps and bumps. I've used it indoors at a place that seats around 250 and was more than enough. Outside? No experience there yet.
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