Does My PA System Need a Subwoofer?

Seismic Audio Speakers is built on the theme of catering to struggling musicians.  Our goal is to get you playing with out paying big bucks on well branded PA gear.  We recommend adding a subwoofer to get that low-end thump you crave without having to upgrade all the existing PA speakers you currently own.  If you need a speaker that is dedicated to playing the low notes and you want that chest thumping feeling, then you need a subwoofer (or sub). 

The 10-100Hz range is normally what subwoofers handle when reproducing audio signals.  This can sometimes be higher and sometimes a bit lower, but generally it is from 10-100Hz.  A sub is basically used to produce the lowest octave or two, below where many full range PA speakers can effectively operate.  Subwoofers require a large speaker to produce the low tones at room-filling levels, as well as a large amount of amplifier power.  We do not recommend incorporating a sub into a full-range speaker cabinet, but you can.  The speaker cabinet would most likely not be as easy to manage when doing this.

Here are some scenarios where you may want to add a PA subwoofer to your PA system.

• If your kick drum goes "boom" instead of "BOOM!", you need a subwoofer.
• If the low end of your bass guitar sounds like it is lacking power, you need a subwoofer.
• When your turntable and iPod is not inviting the masses to the dance floor, you need a subwoofer.

All of the above reasons and many more are legitimate concerns for deciding on whether or not to purchase a subwoofer.  However, another reason to purchase is a sub is by having a sub's low end response, you can often power your PA system at a lower volume while still keeping that full rich sound in tact.

As with full range PA speakers you can buy powered and passive subwoofers.  Although powered subs are convenient, if the amp goes out then your sub goes out and vice versa.  Passive subs (un-powered subwoofer cabinets) require a separate power amplifier and usually an external crossover.

Seismic Audio Speakers currently only sells passive subwoofers.  We have had tremendous success with our subs.  For the money spent, our subs can not be beat.  Ideally you would want an 18" subwoofer.  However we have also created a 15" subwoofer for those on a tighter budget.  Again, our entire theme is saving the musician money.  We would love to sell you a 15" subwoofer now and an 18" subwoofer in the future when you are ready to upgrade.  However, if you have any plans to grow and become a bigger act, we recommend going ahead and picking up the 18" subs now.  It will save you money in the long run.

If you need any technical help or advice on pa subwoofers, give us a call at 901.363.6030.