Dub Soundsystem from a scratch
Printed From: Speakerplans.com
Category: Other Chat
Forum Name: Roots n Culture Forum
Forum Description: Talk about speaker box with other sounds here
URL: https://forum.speakerplans.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=109031
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 7:10pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.08 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Dub Soundsystem from a scratch
Posted By: SystemSubverted
Subject: Dub Soundsystem from a scratch
Date Posted: 14 April 2025 at 8:29pm
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Hey everyone, We want to take the leap to build our Dub Soundsystem. After years of collecting Reggae/Dub dubplates and selecting sometimes also on big soundsystems, we want to bring proper sound to our local scene – where there’s currently no active Dub system. We’ve done some research and budgeting, and we’d love to share our ideas and get your input. Our vision: So we now have a few questions:The first Question: Where to start?
We’re still learning and would love to get feedback from anyone who’s built their own rig. If you have tips, photos, or even mistakes to avoid – drop them here! And if there’s already a thread on this exact topic, feel free to drop the link here as well. Thanks for your help – every tip is appreciated Merci & thank you! |
Replies:
Posted By: valve head777
Date Posted: 14 April 2025 at 10:14pm
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Double 18s. ------------- Freedom of choice, choice of freedom. |
Posted By: SystemSubverted
Date Posted: 15 April 2025 at 3:36pm
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Hey Valve, Thanks for your reply! I actually read it before you edited it – and thanks for the historical insight. But these days, 4-way systems are definitely the standard. Also, the music has changed – and the sub definitely goes much deeper nowadays, especially when it comes to roots reggae and dub. And thanks for your other reply, but honestly, that one didn’t really help me. As I wrote before:
Our vision: A modular, hi-fi 5-way system with at least 2x 18" subwoofers, full control tower (preamp, mixer, FX), and enough power for both indoor sessions up to 200 people and small outdoor gatherings. |
Posted By: SystemSubverted
Date Posted: 15 April 2025 at 3:51pm
Hey valve. Thanks for your reply. I already read it befor you edited it, and thanks for the historic shortcut. I didn't know abou the 3-way systems back in the day. It kind of makes sense, because of the changing technology and also the changing cultures and I think it's totally normal the technology and culture changes. But theese days 4-way systems are definitlöy the standard and it helps operator and selctors to proppe seperate the frequemcies and play with them much better than with a 3-way system. Also the music changed and the sub is definnitly coming much deeper theese days than back in the days when it comes to roots reggae/dub. And thanks for the reply you edited, but this one doesn't help me at all. I already wrote this in my posting:
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valve head777 wrote:Posted By: valve head777
Date Posted: 15 April 2025 at 5:21pm
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Yes my role in running soundsystem was the operator (Highness Soundsystem from Nottingham) Goodvibes Uprising (Brighton) Tradition HiFi (Nottingham). I have used Jah Tubbys, Barracuda and Mr Eddie preamps. The sound and culture has changed. As new equipment and younger crews began sound, true, its moved on. But some of the magic has been lost. But if having a loud hifi is your thing, who am I to say you could do things the traditional way. Its just that for me, I used to love standing next to the stack all night and not get tired of the sound. I do disagree with what you are saying about the bass being more sub now. Certain Treasure Island and King Tubbys was very heavy. The point of the pre with parametric on bass is to tune into that frequency and pull it out. I used to love starting a tune with the para set high to get the high harmonics from the bass and then sweep low for the drop. As said before, a pre used properly is a musical instrument in its own right. Its not really for "setting the sound" as such (although you obviously tune the sound in) ------------- Freedom of choice, choice of freedom. |
Posted By: valve head777
Date Posted: 15 April 2025 at 6:21pm
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Double 18 relex for sub. Very warm deep bass and with today's drivers, powerful. Double 15 reflex for upper bass/low mid. You get a nice response over these frequencies with this size. 12 for mid and compression driver horns between mid and tops (bullets probably). This choice gives a nice balanced sound. You could use scoops instead of double 18s. My preference is to have multiple stacks to achieve a good encompassing/emersive sound. A good reggae soundsystem should be memorable, something to talk about and look forward to hearing again. ------------- Freedom of choice, choice of freedom. |