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Mini Dub and Roots soundsystem build
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Osian123 View Drop Down
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Points: 19 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Osian123 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Mini Dub and Roots soundsystem build
    Posted: 20 October 2024 at 8:28pm
Hi, 

I am in the process of looking into how to build my own reggae, roots and dub soundsystem. Finding it pretty difficult to figure out what type of sub boxes i need. I want it to be a 3 way system that can go down to ~45hz but doesn't really need to be mega loud. Will be mostly used in small spaces, playing to <40 people so was thinking something bass reflex with 2x12" drivers and then 2x mids and 2x tops. Any guidance would be much appreciated!
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HumbleDeer View Drop Down
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Points: 35 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote HumbleDeer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 November 2024 at 12:02am
The combination of requested performance metrics at 45 Hz is nothing to sneeze at. There will be a small list of important items to bring up:

- What kind of power do you have available?
- What are your space/heft constraints?
- Are you building things by yourself?
- If so, are you new to building things with wood?
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Xoc1 View Drop Down
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Points: 485 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Xoc1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 November 2024 at 1:11pm
A compact tapped horn like a Tham 15 would be louder & meet your 45Hz requirement.
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Osian123 View Drop Down
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Points: 19 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Osian123 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 November 2024 at 1:59pm
Hi, thanks for the reply!

I will most likely be plugging it into mains power. Needs to be able to fit into a living room (for storage), as long as it not massive it will be fine tho. I would love to build it myself and have some basic knowledge of woodworking. 

Was wondering if the SB-15 would be a good option?

Cheers
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Osian123 View Drop Down
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Points: 19 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Osian123 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 November 2024 at 2:02pm
Thanks for the reply Xoc1!

I was wondering if a tham design would be appropriate. I’ve heard that tham 15’s don’t do very well in small spaces? Have you had any experience with them?

Cheers
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Xoc1 View Drop Down
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Points: 485 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Xoc1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 November 2024 at 8:12pm
Not with the Tham but yes with other tapped horns, I don't know how small a space you want to work in but 40 people suggests not that small. The difference in output from a TH system from a reflex is conciderable. Saying that by the time you have bought 2 or 4 12" bass drivers you could buy a decent 15" or 18" driver & in the right reflex cabinet be enjoying far deeper bass response if lower db levels & small spaces are your goal.
What is a SB-15?
Conciderations may be any equipment you have, Budget for any equipment you dont have, and if you want to build or buy. For bass mids & tops you are talking a lot of amplifier channels. If fully active stereo that is 8 channels, and 8 drivers to match= Censoredamounts of cash.
Maybe if I was starting fom nothing, I would aquire a pair of half decent active mid tops that could crossover at about 100Hz, and then concentrate my efforts on a sub that would exceed your requirements - You can't have too much headroom - But not enough soon becomes a problem!
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Points: 8517 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote levyte357- Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 November 2024 at 11:42am
Whole point of Roots and Dub soundsytstem, is system is to be felt, and heard.

This means ideally flattish response downto 35hz. When you disengage the sub kill switch, you are supposed to hear controlled, rolling thunder, regardless of volume level.

Save yourself time, and wasted money, by just finding pair of unloaded 2x18 gsubs, and load with Fane 18xbs.
Or, build/buy 2x Staiper MS18 MK2, load with with Fane Xb, Colossus 1000.

Find unloaded pair of 2x12" + 1" cabs, load with Fane 12mb and DE250s or DE25s

JBL MPX1200 on sub, Qsc rmx2450 on 12s, Qsc rmx 850 on 1", Mostek 3x way mini pre. Nothing sounds as good, as system with headroom, turned down.

Cheap, done, smiles, every time you play.




Edited by levyte357- - 21 November 2024 at 11:53am
Global Depopulation - Alive and Killing.
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Osian123 View Drop Down
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Points: 19 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Osian123 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 November 2024 at 5:06pm
Hi, 

That sounds like exactly what I’m after, the system being felt an and sound good even at lower levels. Just a few questions about the components I’m curious about. I’ve head that mini scoop designs don’t sound great in smaller venues(small bars or even larger living rooms), would I be better if with the g-subs in this case? 
Do you have any suggestions/plans for 2x12” + 1” cab designs?
I would like to try and keep the initial cost under 2k(and then mabye upgrade in a few years when I low what works etc), is this possible or should I expect to have to shell out a bit more than that to start off?

Cheers!
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stitchie View Drop Down
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Points: 19 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stitchie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 November 2024 at 9:59pm
Osian123, I've got a mini set up could be what you're looking for, I have 2 x18 g subs, 1x 215 cab 2x 12+1 can come loaded or unloaded, possibly got a couple of amps to power them with, send me a message if you're interested. Cheers                
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Points: 8517 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote levyte357- Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 November 2024 at 12:06am
Originally posted by Osian123 Osian123 wrote:

Do you have any suggestions/plans for 2x12” + 1” cab designs?
I would like to try and keep the initial cost under 2k(and then mabye upgrade in a few years when I low what works etc), is this possible or should I expect to have to shell out a bit more than that to start off?

Cheers!

To keep costs down to minimum, buy used ply cabs, cables, drivers, amps.

For starter system, just go 3x way:

  • 18 inch sub, 
  • 12" mids, 
  • 1" highs (Compression drivers)
Many people selling up on FB Rig resale.

Contact Luke Smith, Kutty Qualitex, they will help locate full system, for your money.




Edited by levyte357- - 22 November 2024 at 2:11pm
Global Depopulation - Alive and Killing.
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levyte357- View Drop Down
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Points: 8517 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote levyte357- Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 November 2024 at 2:18pm
The Pre-amp and sub amp are at the heart of a decent Roots/Dub soundsystem, regardless if LMS or PA Mixer are also used.

As mentioned previously, the Mostek 3x way mini pre would be absolutely ideal for you, and a decent sub amp like QSC RMX 5050, JBL MPX 1100, Peavey GPS 3400, Peavey CS4080, EV P3000, Void Infinite 7 MK2, are cheap but heavy, great sounding subs amps, for the beginner.
Global Depopulation - Alive and Killing.
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Osian123 View Drop Down
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Points: 19 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Osian123 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 November 2024 at 10:18pm
Stitchie, your mini system is exactly what i'm looking for! I would love to know how much you'd want for it, and all the configurations you'd be willing to sell it (just the tops or just the subs for example). Unfortunately, it's unlikely i will be able to take it off your hands as i am not the richest atm, was planning on gaining as much knowledge as i could on here and make a complete plan of everything i would need to make the rig, and then potter away at building the boxes and hunting for good deals on drivers, amps etc. If i end up not buying any of your gear, i would much appreciate any info/tips on your system and any plans for the boxes (especially the mid tops). 

Cheers!
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