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!

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

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

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= amounts 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!

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.

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!

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

For starter system, just go 3x way:

Many people selling up on FB Rig resale.

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

Cheers!

Subwoofers are more forgiving. 

It's going to be a big learning curve anyway, putting a system together, tuning it etc..... 

I think building a midtop from scratch makes more sense after you have gained experience, listened to a lot of different things, and had time to make up your mind on what you like. Without a clear vision and relying on second hand opinions will just have you running around in circles.

For excellent results you will need a lot of time AND money (and experience, or a well proven plan/design).

At the same time you can get very good deals on very good professional grade PA loudspeakers if you are tenacious and know what you are looking for. 

2k overall budget is not much, but not bad either.

Cheers

£970 makes more sense, i did think 770 was too good to be true

I am only around a 3 hours drive form Sheffield, so i could potentially come and get them.

Cheers!

You need to pass a certain count of posts before you can send abd receive pms

or perhaps there's a dedicated forum for mini dub soundsystems?

Cheers for all the comments and help, got me a lot more clued up on what I needed! Atm, I have 2 12”+1” mid tops powered by a europower 1500 amp. I’m looking to upgrade this setup, was thinking of adding 2 1x15” bass reflex subs for now. Was wondering if this would be a good idea? And any suggestions on amps and crossovers to use would be much appreciated. The final plan (in the future) is for these to sit on top of 2 18” scoops, would this setup sound good and be well balanced? Will be playing roots, dub and steppas.

Cheers