decent sub for under $100?

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shackrock

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I'm lookin for a decent sub to compliment my Bx5's. I don't want to spend over 100. Mainly, because these monitors themselves were 300 for a pair, and I don't see the logic in spending 300 on a sub too...ha.
 
Scott - I think you're going to be pretty limited there. However, a cheap sub can be fine if you're just looking for a little additional "thump."

Here's the thing I'd keep in mind - Depending on how it's connected or will be connected in the future, there's an important feature - Stereo inputs.

A lot of subs are made to squeeze into home stereos that have a mono sub out. Those are fine if your controller / console / whatever has a mono sub out. Most also have inputs for speaker level, but if you're using active cabs, that isn't going to do you much good.

If you're splitting or going parallel, such as using the "C" switch on a Central Station or Big Knob, you can't just combine the stereo outputs to a single connector - You need to send both signals.

SO - Basically, when you're looking for subs in your price range, keep the stereo input in mind - It'll probably cut out half the units out there right off the bat.

I believe the MTX SW2 would be a nice choice if you still have your CC connections...
 
oh yeah...i didnt even think of that.

Well, I'm going from the aardvark q10 - so I coiuld easily send an extra 2 outs to the sub from that, yeah? However, it'd be sending the full spectrum - not just lows - but that's ok, is it not?
 
Sure, that's fine. The sub filters what it needs and rolls off the rest.

You can do it one of two ways - Send one set to the sub, which will use its own crossover, and from the sub's out to your BX's. OR:

How you mentioned - Separate outputs. Make sure they're the same level at the output (so you know how to get that setting back) and manually trim in the sub (using the sub's trim) while listening to the BX's. Personally, I like this way myself - It tends to sound more "natural" in many cases - It lets the speakers do what they're supposed to and lets the sub simply fill in what the speakers aren't capable of.

Best o' luck with it.
 
hmm, ok sounds good.

I had been looking at the SW2 actually (I work at circuit city..). So with my employee discount, its $145. And really, that sub is bigger than I need it seems like. It's frickin huge, haha.

I also read somewhere that It's a bit muddy - and that sometimes a piece of plywood nailed across the bottom will fix that. Is that AT ALL true??! hahaha.

Lastly, what is the best placement for a sub? http://www.shackrockrecordings.com/images/studio/2.jpg - That's an old picture, but still have that same set up just with Bx5's now instead (and a Q10, etc.).

thanks holla! ha.

Also some more recent pics at http://www.recordingproject.com/media/select.php?uname=shackrock if you need
 
A lot of people think it's not important where it goes. I have a tendency to disagree.

I can't really tell in the photo, but experimentation will probably find the spot. Keeping the distance about the same as the speakers is a good starting point. If it's too far, it can get muddy and disjointed from the BX's.
 
www.partsexpress.com. They have some good 100 dollar subwoofers there. I got my 10" powered subwoofer from there for my home theater. I think it was called the DLS 10
 
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