wiring multiple subs

sts9fan · « **on:** 8 Mar 2011, 01:56 pm »

Shortly I will be running two maybe three subs. Two will be a mono signal and if I keep the third it will be ULF. My question is for two passive subs would you run them off one channel or two (both with the same signal)? If one, can I just attach two sets of speaker cables to the binding posts? Should I connect them in series?

How are you doing it?

JohnR · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Mar 2011, 02:13 pm »

Ideally, I'd get a miniDSP 2x4 and run an amp channel/driver combo off each output.

sts9fan · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Mar 2011, 02:52 pm »

I am going to get a miniDSP for sure. Can I control three subs with it? I was looking at the 2.1 plugin.

JohnR · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Mar 2011, 04:32 pm »

If you already have a mono sub signal, then I'd get the four-way xover. (It's not forcibly a xover, just a bunch of filters.) If you have left and right inputs, then "it depends" on what you are trying to do.

I've just been thinking through this a bit for my next project. Some sort of sub system.

JoshK · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Mar 2011, 04:44 pm »

perfect timing. Thinking through the exact same thing. In fact there is a post in the AVS forum (MiniDSP thread) where I ask a similar question.

Here is what I am doing. I ordered 4 of the Anarchy tapped horn flat packs. Then I bought a parasound 806A amp off a'gon for $450. It has 6 channels of 80wpc which is just about perfect for those drivers. Next I am getting a miniDSP 2x4 + the 4 way Advanced software.

I am going to run a mono signal to one input and 4 outputs to 4 channels of the amp to drive each sub independently. Each sub can have its own PEQ this way. Plus I will be HP and LP'ing the subs. You can even do LT apparently.

sts9fan · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Mar 2011, 04:52 pm »

So I will be having two of those tapped horns and one powerd GR Servo. I guess I could do the exact same thing but with a stereo amp an the plate amp on the GR.
I do have L+R out but I can combine them.

This sounds FUN!

JohnR · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 Mar 2011, 10:22 am »

Hadn't read about the Anarchy tapped horns before but they certainly look pretty good. Here's an article I wrote a while back on the idea of the multi-channel bass idea but didn't publish - http://www.musicalita.com/2010/10/a-multi-channel-sub-bass-system/. I'll probably experiment with a mix of OB subs and a sealed sub.

poseidonsvoice · « **Reply #7 on:** 9 Mar 2011, 01:35 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 9 Mar 2011, 10:22 am

Hadn't read about the Anarchy tapped horns before but they certainly look pretty good. Here's an article I wrote a while back on the idea of the multi-channel bass idea but didn't publish - http://www.musicalita.com/2010/10/a-multi-channel-sub-bass-system/. I'll probably experiment with a mix of OB subs and a sealed sub.

I like the way you use the word 'Crikey.'

Since I'm not Australian, I feel I am disqualified, but coming from you, it does sound cool in the short article. I'll look into that balanced miniDSP, seems it is right up a DIY'ers alley.

Yikes!

Anand.

sts9fan · « **Reply #8 on:** 9 Mar 2011, 01:59 pm »

I have no idea why I do no have a miniDSP already for my single driver and sub set up.

JohnR · « **Reply #9 on:** 9 Mar 2011, 03:11 pm »

It seems like a "waste" to use it for one sub but then again I'm not sure if even then there's another way to get the same thing for the price.

Anand, I just (re)noticed the power supply spec on the balanced unit is 12 V not the 5-24 V of the unbalanced. I'm not sure what's going on there exactly.

sts9fan · « **Reply #10 on:** 9 Mar 2011, 03:57 pm »

I would use the 2.1 to cut the single drivers and mesh the sub.

JoshK · « **Reply #11 on:** 9 Mar 2011, 04:30 pm »

Nice blog John. Exactly what I am planning to do.

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #12 on:** 9 Mar 2011, 05:20 pm »

I use a DSP30 for two subs and they each can have their own curves. I suppose you could also hook up a third sub before the unit and use the main HT processor for that one.

http://www.qscaudio.com/products/dsp/dsp30/dsp30.htm

sts9fan · « **Reply #13 on:** 9 Mar 2011, 05:47 pm »

Its 7x the cost of a miniDSP. Plus the mini will handle four subs

JoshK · « **Reply #14 on:** 9 Mar 2011, 06:21 pm »

I just ordered mine.

DougSmith · « **Reply #15 on:** 19 Mar 2011, 05:28 pm »

The mini-dsp is cool, but I would go with a DCX 2496:

Mono signal or up to 3 channels > DCX > amps > up to 6 subs.

It's not diy, but the DCX is versatile and cost effective at a street price of ~$260.
It has balanced inputs and outputs, and separate XO, level, phase, delay and 9 PEQ for each channel. The sound quality for subs is excellent without any mods.

Doug

ctviggen · « **Reply #16 on:** 19 Mar 2011, 06:19 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 8 Mar 2011, 02:13 pm

Ideally, I'd get a miniDSP 2x4 and run an amp channel/driver combo off each output.

It's too bad that doesn't have three inputs. Then, you could integrate it into a HT/ 2 channel setup.

JohnR · « **Reply #17 on:** 19 Mar 2011, 11:42 pm »

The three inputs would be L, R and sub?

You could do 5.1 ch with 3 boards, giving two-ways on the 5 speakers. That is provided all channels have the same crossover frequency to the sub. It does need a small analog mixer circuit (one dual op-amp) to be built for the sub channel. That project is a looong way down the list for me tho

sts9fan · « **Reply #18 on:** 21 Mar 2011, 04:47 pm »

Do you program the DCX on a computer? Or is it all on the unit?

DougSmith · « **Reply #19 on:** 21 Mar 2011, 05:19 pm »

You can do it either way.