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Real World Gear: The Latest Subwoofers

Modern subs are designed using several basic principles and can be deployed in a variety of ways. Find out more followed by a round-up of numerous recent models from around the industry to serve as a starting point for more detailed research.

Initially developed to extend low-frequency response in the 1960s, subwoofers have grown to become the most ubiquitous specialty enclosure. For years, dedicated subs accompanied modular full-range loudspeakers with predictable tops-to-subs deployment ratios, depending on the type or style of music: two-to-one for pop music, one-to-one for rock and one-to-two for reggae and rap. This was as complicated as subwoofer math initially got.

Over time, greater understanding of low-frequency physics has resulted in refinement of the general approach to subs, starting with driving them from an auxiliary send as well as sending only specific inputs, such as bass and kick. Much of today’s music is particularly bass heavy; even songs from decades ago can sound a bit “thin” without some subs thumping along with the beat.

We’ve become accustomed to hearing – and often feeling – the low end. Many popular instruments center around subbass frequencies, with the low E on an electric or upright bass having a fundamental of 41 Hz, the lower notes of a synth, piano, or five-string bass reaching below 31 Hz, and the thump of a kick drum focusing a lot of energy around 60 Hz.

Modern subs are designed using several basic principles. A common design utilizes one or more direct-radiating cone drivers in a tuned, ported “bass reflex” enclosure. Also widely used, a folded horn design places a cone driver within the interior of the enclosure, and it feeds a baffled “horn” pathway that exits the front. The tapped horn is a variant that modifies the location of the driver within the horn.

Bandpass designs resemble enclosures within an enclosure, where cone drivers in sealed or vented internal cabinets fire into a second tuned chamber before the sound exits, reducing upper harmonics while presenting a controlled LF bandwidth. Designers will sometimes use more than one of these principles to create hybrid subwoofers, such as a blended direct-radiating and bandpass cabinet.

Many of the enclosures are physically large and densely constructed, often housing a pair of 15-inch or 18-inch (and sometimes bigger) cone drivers. Yet even for their size and weight, they’re dwarfed by the lengths of the sound waves they must reproduce. A 40 Hz tone, for example, has a wavelength of over 28 feet. Given the ratio of wavelength to cabinet size, the resulting output tends to propagate omnidirectionally, especially at the lowest frequencies, though directivity-control techniques exist.

The following overview includes more than numerous models in a variety of formats. It’s by no means an all-inclusive list but is presented to serve as a solid point for your own further research.


Spotlight Listing

Adamson CS119 & IS119
adamsonsystems.com

The CS119 is the largest subwoofer in the powered, intelligent CS-Series. Boasting onboard amplification and DSP, the CS119 is loaded with a light weight, long excursion 19-inch ND19 Kevlar neodymium driver utilizing Adamson’s Advanced Cone Architecture. The CS119 is intended as a companion subwoofer to the CS10, CS10n and CS10p loudspeakers in the air and on the ground, in permanent installs or mobile productions.

Meanwhile, the IS119 (pictured above/left) brings the same impressive sonic footprint but in an installation-friendly cabinet for architectural deployment in flown or ground stack configurations. Designed to fit sleekly in compact spaces, the IS119 employs the same ND19 driver as its powered counterpart. In both models, the drivers are mounted in an ultra-efficient front-loaded enclosure, designed to reproduce clean, musical low-frequency information with a max SPL of 138 dB.

The CS119 offers male and female XLR connectors, two etherCON connections, and an in and through powerCON TRUE1 connection, with a rigging system supplying a range of options. The IS119 sports front and back Speakon NL4 connectors (or barrier strips upon request) and ships with removable handles that allow it to fit into even tighter spaces when removed.

Key Specifications (CS119):

Type/Format: Bass reflex cabinet/vented enclosure
Components: 1 x 19-inch Kevlar neodymium woofer
Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 100 Hz (+/- 3 dB)
Max SPL: 138 dB
Power: Driven by one channel of class D amplification with 3,000 watts total output
Dimensions (h x w x d): 21.4 x 29.2 x 24.8 inches
Weight: 112.5 pounds


Standard Listings

Yorkville Sound Synergy Series SA221S
yorkville.com

Components: 2 x 21-inch neodymium cones (with 4.5-inch voice coils)
Frequency Response: 28 Hz – 100 Hz (+/- 3 dB)
Max SPL: 130.6 dB continuous, 142.6 dB peak
Nominal Impedance: N/A
Power: Onboard class-D amplifier (6000 watts continuous)
Dimensions (h x w x d): 29.7 x 47.5 x 29.75 inches
Weight: 168 pounds

BASSBOSS ZV28-MK3
bassboss.com

Components: 2 x 18-inch cones (with 4.5-inch voice coils)
Frequency Response: 24 Hz – 90 Hz ; 21 Hz – 90Hz in pairs (both +/- 3 dB)
Max SPL: 134 dB continuous, 142 dB peak
Nominal Impedance: N/A
Power: Onboard class-D amplifier (5000 watts continuous)
Dimensions (h x w x d): 22.5 x 42 x 42 inches
Weight: 225 pounds

1 SOUND SUB215
1-sound.com

Components: 2 x 15-inch neodymium cones with tetracoil technology
Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 120 Hz (-6 dB, preset dependent)
Max SPL: 140 dB (at 1 meter with preset)
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
Power: 3600 watts (program), 1800 watts (AES)
Dimensions (h x w x d): 37.4 x 17.7 x 26.7 inches
Weight: 133.8 pounds

Meyer Sound 2100-LFC
meyersound.com

Components: New 21-inch cone (with 4 voice coils)
Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 125 Hz
Max SPL: 139.1 dBZpk
Nominal Impedance: N/A
Power: Onboard class-D amplifier (1200 watts continuous, 2400 watts burst)
Dimensions (h x w x d): 24 x 41.6 x 26 inches
Weight: 235 pounds

Yorkville Sound Elite Series ES18P
yorkville.com

Type/Format: Active
Components: 1 x 18-inch woofers (with 4-inch voice coil)
Frequency Response: 43 Hz – 150 Hz (+/- 3 dB)
Max SPL: 140 dB
Power: Onboard custom-built amplifier delivering 1600 watts program, 3200 watts peak
Dimensions (h x w x d): 34.6 x 22.8 x 24.1 inches
Weight: 137 pounds

Biamp Community VLF208LV
biamp.com

Components: 2 x 8-inch cones in a direct-radiating design
Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 200 Hz (±3 dB, and operating range down to 30 Hz)
Max SPL: 119 dB program, 126 dB peak
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
Power: 400 watts continuous, 1000 watts program (Community ALC404D amplified controller recommended)
Dimensions (h x w x d): 10.2 x 21.7 x 21.7 inches
Weight: 48 pounds

Yorkville Sound YXL15SP
yorkville.com

Type/Format: Active
Components: 1 x 15-inch woofers (with 3-inch voice coil)
Frequency Response: 45 Hz – 100 Hz (+/- 3 dB)
Max SPL: 125 dB
Power: Onboard class D amplifier delivering 500 watts program, 1000 watts peak
Dimensions (h x w x d): 24 x 18 x 19 inches
Weight: 62 pounds

d&b audiotechnik SL-GSUB
dbaudio.com

Components: 3 x 21-inch neodymium woofers, cardioid configuration
Frequency Response: 33 Hz – 84 Hz
(- 5 dB)
Max SPL: 144 dB when driven by D80 amplification
Nominal Impedance: 3/6 ohms (front/rear)
Power: D80 amplifiers recommended: front – 1,000/4,000 (RMS/peak) watts front; 500/2,000 (RMS/peak) watts rear
Dimensions (h x w x d): 23 x 51.2 x 38.4 inches
Weight: 291 pounds

RCF TT+ AUDIO GTS 29
rcf-usa.com

Type/Format: Direct radiating
Components: 2 x 19-inch neodymium woofers (4-inch voice coils)
Frequency Response: 25 – 200 Hz
Max SPL: 144 dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Power: Designed to operate with XPS 16K amplifiers
Dimensions (h x w x d): 20.9 x 51.6 x 28.9 inches
Weight: 211.6 pounds

L-Acoustics KS28
l-acoustics.com

Type/Format: Direct-radiating bass-reflex, laminar-vented, with standard and cardioid configurations; ground-stack or fly with integrated hardware
Components: 2 x 18-inch cones (4-inch voice coils) with vented magnets
Frequency Response: To 25 Hz
Max SPL: 143 dB
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
Power: 1,225 watts RMS, driven by LA12X amplified controller also offering presets
Dimensions (h x w x d): 21.7 x 52.8 x 27.6 inches
Weight: 174 pounds

Martin Audio SXF115
martin-audio.com

Type/Format: Direct-radiating, bass-reflex; ground-stack or fly with integrated hardware
Components: 1 x 15-inch cone (4-inch voice coil)
Frequency Response: 50 – 150 Hz (+/-3 dB)
Max SPL: 136 dB
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
Power: 800 watts AES, 3,200 watts peak; iK42, iK81 or MSX power plant recommended
Dimensions (h x w x d): 19.7 x 20.1 x 22.6 inches
Weight: 99 pounds

Renkus-Heinz VA15Si
renkus-heinz.com

Type/Format: Direct-radiating bass reflex; ground-stack or fly with integrated hardware
Components: 1 x 15-inch cone with dual suspension
Frequency Response: 40 – 120 Hz (+/- 3 dB)
Max SPL: 128 dB
Nominal Impedance: N/A
Power: Self-powered; non-powered version also available (1,000 watts AES at 8 ohms)
Dimensions (h x w x d): 19 x 24.4 x 22.6 inches
Weight: 120 pounds

K-array Thunder
k-array.com

Type/Format: Active (passive also available)
Components: 2 x 18-inch neodymium woofers (with 4-inch voice coils)
Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 150 Hz (-6 dB)
Max SPL: 139 dB (Preset: VTX B28 80)
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
Power: Onboard class D amplifier delivering 2,400 watts per channel
Dimensions (h x w x d): 19 x 37.4 x 23.6 inches
Weight: 101.4 pounds

Alcons Audio BF121
alconsaudio.com

Type/Format: Direct radiating, available in road and installation versions
Components: 1 x 12-inch direct-radiating woofer, vented
Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 300 Hz (+/- 3 dB)
Max SPL: 128 dB driven by Sentinel10 amplified controller; 133 dB comparative
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
Power: Sentinel3 or Sentinel10 amplified controllers recommended
Dimensions (h x w x d): 15.7 x 19.7 x 19.7 inches
Weight: 78.3 pounds (install version – 65 pounds)

QSC LS118
qsc.com

Type/Format: Direct radiating
Components: 1 x 18-inch long-excursion woofer
Frequency Response: 35 – 111 Hz
Max SPL: 136 dB
Nominal Impedance: Self-powered
Power: Onboard class D amplifier, 3600 watts peak
Dimensions (h x w x d): 25.2 x 20.5 x 31.1 inches
Weight: 110 pounds

JBL Professional VTX B28
jblpro.com

Components: 2 x JBL 2288H-M 18-inch Differential Drive transducers with dual voice coils and dual-gap neodymium magnets
Frequency Response: 25 Hz – 80 Hz (Preset: VTX B28 80)
Max SPL: 141 dB (Preset: VTX B28 80)
Nominal Impedance: Self-powered
Power: 2600 watts continuous (IEC/100 hour)
Dimensions (h x w x d): 20 x 52.1 x 29.5 inches
Weight: 191.8 pounds

Electro-Voice X12-128
electrovoice.com

Type/Format: Direct-radiating bass reflex; ground-stack
Components: 2 x EV DVF4180 18-inch cones
Frequency Response: 33 – 200 Hz (-3 dB)
Max SPL: 147 dB
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms (parallel mode) and 8 ohms (dual mode)
Power: 4,000 watts continuous
Dimensions (h x w x d): 20.4 x 43.5 x 29.9 inches
Weight: 195 pounds

TW AUDiO BSX
twaudio.de

Type/Format: Hybrid, can operate in standard or “Infra-bass/UltraLow Frequency” modes
Components: 2 x 21-inch cones
Frequency Response: 27 – 120 Hz
Max SPL: 142 dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (x 2)
Power: 2 x 3,600 watts program, 2 x 7,200 watts peak
Dimensions (h x w x d): 23.8 x 55.3 x 35.4 inches
Weight: 240.3 pounds

dBTechnologies VIO S318
dbtechnologies.com,
americanmusicandsound.com

Type/Format: Bass reflex, semi-horn-loaded; ground-stack and points for rigging frame
Components: 3 x 18-inch cones with 4-inch voice coils
Frequency Response: To 35 Hz (-10 dB)
Max SPL: 143 dB
Nominal Impedance: N/A
Power: Self-powered (class D, 2,700 watts RMS); integrated 64-bit DSP
Dimensions (h x w x d): 20.5 x 51.2 x 31.5 inches
Weight: 229 pounds

Eastern Acoustic Works SBX218
eaw.com

Components: 2 x 18-inch neodymium cones (with 4-inch voice coils), ported
Frequency Response: 25 Hz – 120 Hz
Max SPL: 141 dB (half space)
Nominal Impedance: 20 kOhm (balanced)
Power: Onboard 2-channel class-D amplifier provides up to 5,000 total watts
Dimensions (h x w x d): 21.3 x 52.7 x 31.5 inches
Weight: 208 pounds

DAS Audio LX-218CA
dasaudio.com

Type/Format: Direct-radiating bass reflex; cardioid preset switch for
multiples; ground-stack or fly with
integrated hardware
Components: 2 x 18 cones
Frequency Response: 28 – 100 Hz (-10 dB)
Max SPL: 142 dB
Nominal Impedance: N/A
Power: Self-powered (2,400 watts continuous); variable crossover frequency, polarity reversal switch
Dimensions (h x w x d): 22 x 51 x 24.9 inches
Weight: 177 pounds

Ramsdell BPSD21 Sub Engine S2
ramsdellproaudio.com

Type/Format: Double-tuned band pass
Components: 1 x 21-inch neodymium cone
Frequency Response: 32 – 300 Hz (+/- 3 dB)
Max SPL: 138 dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Power: 4,000 watts program
Dimensions (h x w x d): 30 x 25.5 x 30 inches
Weight: 150 pounds

NEXO MSUB15
yamahaproaudio.com

Type/Format: Operable in omni or cardioid mode; ground-stack or fly with integrated hardware
Components: 1 x 15-inch cone
Frequency Response: 40 – 120 Hz (-6 dB)
Max SPL: 136 dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Power: NXAMP 4×4 recommended
Dimensions (h x w x d): 17.2 x 20.9 x 27.7 inches
Weight: 79 pounds

BASSBOSS SSP218
bassboss.com

Type/Format: Active, direct-radiating
Components: 2 x 18-inch woofers (with waterproof cones)
Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 100 Hz (+/- 3 dB)
Max SPL: 135 dB continuous, 141 dB peak
Power: Onboard class-D amplifier delivering 4000 watts RMS
Dimensions (h x w x d): 22.5 x 48 x 29.5 inches
Weight: 230 pounds

Fulcrum Acoustic CS121
fulcrum-acoustic.com

Type/Format: Direct-radiating subcardioid; ground-stack or fly with mounting points
Components: 1 x 21-inch (6-inch voice coil) neodymium cone
Frequency Response: 29 – 143 Hz
Max SPL: 138 dB (-10 dB rear rejection)
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Power: Single amplifier, 2,000 to 3,000 watts recommended
Dimensions (h x w x d): 29.7 x 24.5 x 30 inches
Weight: 132 pounds

CODA Audio SCP
codaaudio.com

Type/Format: Sensor controlled, vented; ground-stack or fly with optional hardware
Components: 2 x 18-inch cones with neodymium magnets
Frequency Response: 25 – 120 Hz (-3 dB)
Max SPL: 144 dB
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
Power: LINUS10 DSP amplifier recommended (3,000 watts AES, 12,000 watts peak)
Dimensions (h x w x d): 21.6 x 43.6 x 31.5 inches
Weight: 209.4 pounds

Danley Sound Labs BC215
danleysoundlabs.com

Type/Format: Proprietary Boundary Coupled technology
Components: 2 x 15-inch woofers
Frequency Response:
33 Hz – 185 Hz (- 3 dB)
Max SPL: 143 dB
Impedance: 2 ohms
Power: 1,400 watts recommended amplifier power
Dimensions (h x w x d):
45 x 45 x 24 inches
Weight: 360 pounds

Verity Audio SUB136TP
vaudiopro.com

Components: 2 x 18-inch ferrite woofers
Frequency Response: 28 Hz – 1.4 kHz (-10 dB)
Max SPL: 141 dB
Nominal Impedance: Self-powered
Power: Class D, 2 x 1,200 watts (2,400 watts total, AES)
Dimensions (h x w x d): 19.7 x 41.7 x 37.4 inches
Weight: 238 pounds

Yamaha DXS18
yamahaproaudio.com

Type/Format: Band-pass design, selectable cardioid mode
Components: 1 x 18-inch cone (4-inch voice coil)
Frequency Response: 32 – 120 Hz (- 10 dB)
Max SPL: 136 dB
Nominal Impedance: Self-powered
Power: Class D, 800 watts continuous, 1020 watts peak
Dimensions (h x w x d): 26.8 x 22.2 x 28.4 inches
Weight: 110 pounds

FBT SUBLine 18Sa
fbtusa.com

Type/Format: Direct-radiating bass reflex; ground-stack
Components: 1 x 18-inch cone (custom B&C)
Frequency Response: 33 – 140 Hz (-6 dB)
Max SPL: 133 dB
Nominal Impedance: N/A
Power: Self-powered (class D, 1,200 watts RMS), DSP with presets, polarity reverse switch; non-powered version also available
Dimensions (h x w x d): 24.7 x 20 x 25.6 inches
Weight: 92.6 pounds

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