Best Subwoofers

JBL SRX828SP – a piece of art among subwoofers

JBL Professional is a top-notch company of audio products and has already made a statement in the market of subwoofers, having launched a strikingly powerful and also portable the fully configurable SRX828SP loudspeaker with a high productivity from the SRX800 series. JBL Professional by itself is famous for its patented Differential Drive Technology that reduces weight and increases power output; the models have low distortion and extended low-frequency response that creates smooth clear sounding. This design was created for the combination of leading sound and small or medium-sized installations. With its SRX800 line, JBL has set a bar of high standard for expert portable PA systems.

JBL SRX828SP Design

At the beginning of a JBL SRX828SP review, its size should be pointed out. This speaker is enormous in size (Width - 47.4 in; Depth - 26.8 in; Height - 22.6 in; Weight - 145.28 lbs – a size of a coffee table or a TV stand). Thus, it’s suitable for filling up with ground shaking sound club shows, touring bands, schools or a wedding hall - where durability is as crucial as sound quality; for outdoor but definitely not for the indoor stereo room, this is for a much larger area. It still would be way more than you would need for that size room.

I wish wheel casters were adjusted to its bottom for easier moving and sketches prevention but you can add them by yourself. However, it has integrated carrying handles.

Ergonomically SRX828SP offers indexed feet, tripod mounts support, and flexible array of configurations. The shell and the front mesh are sturdy. The body material is plywood. Outwardly it’s covered by the powder-coated steel and has lightweight plywood cabinet with DuraFlex finish.

Overall, think about its placing properly because it’s complicated to move it around.

JBL SRX828SP Features

The SRX828SP subwoofer has 18" Speaker Driver Diameter; amplification Type of speaker system. SRX828SP owns a full package of features: class D digital switching amplifier, DriveCore technology, LED indicators, built-in DSP, and fan, smartphone remote control, integrated audio amplifier and wired connectivity technology. Also, it has powerful DSP that makes it great for monitoring applications or main PA

The SRX828SP is fitted with Ethercon connectivity that provides full HiQnet network-ability, so you'll be able to take all the benefits of the HiQnet Performance Manager that makes the most of a room every time. A single software application supports you with a complete configuration control.

The SRX828SP features 20 PEQ's, signal generators, and input mixing. Moreover, the subwoofer is compatible with V5 JBL Tunings and empowered with 96kHz FIR Filters and LevelMax Limiting ensuring compatibility with their innovative Vertec and VTX touring systems. Also, it provides amplifier monitoring and has 50 slots for recallable presets. Mind that it has only 2 seconds of delay.

Furthermore, the network of the reinforcement system can be organized through a tablet due to Audio Architect and a standalone application for iOS and Android. Also, wireless control is available through a standard wireless router or simple wired control - through an Ethercon connector on the back of the system.

Also, SRX828SP is able to be stacked in a cardioid configuration for a show on stage due to M10 suspension points and indexed feet.

A power button, a master level, 2 input channels feature XLR/1/4" combo jacks and individual XLR direct outs, XLR mix output for conveniently daisy-chaining other speakers, phone stereo 6.3 mm, and a built-in LCD display for some settings are present.

One thing, I would like casters to be included, but they are actually easy to order separately.

The major SRX828SP specs in brief are:

• Nominal Output Power: 1500 Watt (with max (RMS) output power - 2000 Watt - the highest power rating in this class of loudspeakers) - the subwoofer is bestowed by Crown proprietary front-end DriveCore technology.
• Frequency Response: 29 - 150 Hz - a broad range of frequency means that loudness can be adjustable from the lowest level to the super highest one, 150 Hz is sufficient enough for a huge dance hall.
• Output Level (SPL): 141 dB – it’s capable of massive sound pressure levels with outstanding headroom, utterly low distortion and pure clarity throughout its frequency range.

JBL SRX828SP Performance & Sound quality

2000-watts of power, Crown amplification, and DriveCore technology from Harman is an undoubted sign of the cutting-edge quality of a one-piece amp circuit that offers great sound and power efficiency. Sound is smooth and deep with slight noise in the loudest volume. The quality couldn’t be better. It produces high sound pressure levels with headroom, practically unnoticeable distortion, and utter clarity throughout its frequency range. This SRX828SP system can be operated for live performances, mobile or fixed DJ systems, sound system rentals or tours, and permanent installations.

JBL SRX828SP Setup

A couple of words about the SRX828SP setup. This subwoofer is powered; it uses standard 3 prong plug in. In addition, it has a built-in power amp, so you have to connect an input signal through an XLR cable. It should pretty much work with any PA. You can run the input lines through the sub into the rest of the system. With onboard user-configurable DSP you have a complete set of tools to get the best sounding.

SRX828SP depends on the quality and level of the signal; in case the signal is sent through another powers speaker, then either Attenuate or Boost depending on what sounds balances and clear.

In JBL SRX828SP settings you can also eliminate noise when any signal is present. You can simply unplug the signal XLR cable.

Conclusion

Starting with the setting and further usability process even a newbie won’t have any doubts or even look to the manual because everything is pretty clear, despite SRX828SP being a subwoofer for pros. A fully automating configuration saves time. Understandable wired control is provided via Ethercon connector as well as third-party wireless router capability. Control set includes Audio Architect and standalone applications for both iOS and Android. Also, it includes HiQnet Motion ControlTM iOS app. In addition, it has JBL WK-4S Caster Kit.

Consequently, the sounding quality is out of doubt, it is clear with deep bases and, of course, astonishingly loud. However, mind the fact that it’s impossible to move around along, so choose the placing thoughtfully.

Yamaha DXS12 Review

Recently I have discovered an amazing product – The DXS series of active subwoofers developed by Yamaha that was designed to work together with the DXR product line. Yamaha DXS12 is an active subwoofer with a high-efficiency built-in 600-watt amplifier that delivers the sound of a good quality on different frequencies. This subwoofer includes versatile connectivity options and inputs, as well as various modes, like the usual mode, which is better for bass response, and the boost mode, that works better on higher frequencies. These modes are the perfect option for experimenting with specific music genres. Yamaha DXS12 is rather small in size and has different mounting options, like ceiling and standalone mounting, which make it very comfortable to use, carry around, and store anywhere.

Yamaha DXS12 Design

DXS12 is a relatively compact and lightweight device in comparison with similar active subwoofers. I think that it can be conveniently placed anywhere, regardless of the studio size.

Moreover, it features a dual angle pole mount and comfortable rigging points. It’s made of wood which is quite durable and won’t be damaged if dropped on the floor or scratched. The wood is also acoustically optimized for better sound quality. Just like almost any subwoofer available on the market, DXS12 comes in conventional black color. There’s a LED light in the front of the device which is used to indicate whether the product is still turned on or not. This LED light could be disabled with a special button on the back of it.

Yamaha DXS12 Features

Having 600 watts of built-in power and 950 peak power, I should say that DXS12 specs are rather powerful for an average subwoofer. The RMS D class amplifier contributes to solid bass sounding and may reproduce frequencies under 47 Hz. The key feature of DXS12 is the ability to choose from a variety of sound modes. I thought that such powerful subwoofers won't work for long and could be easily overheating, but DXS has an efficient cooling system that allows the product to work for many hours straight.

I have tested both – the off mode for low frequencies, and the extended boost mode designed to work with higher frequencies – up to 160 Hz, and both of them work great, having clarity on each level. So judging from the frequency range this device would be perfectly suitable for a small or medium-sized room.

This subwoofer has double XLR inputs with the help of which I could connect my mixer and the main speaker to the device. These inputs also allow connecting crossover systems or linking DXS12 with additional subwoofers to make its work even more efficient. Furthermore, DXS12 has versatile mic and line input capabilities, so I believe this subwoofer is a jack of all traits that could be connected almost to anything.

There’s another option which I have used to make the bass even better. It’s the D-XSUB built-in processing, that allowed me to make the frequencies even lower. The device also includes an intelligent onboard 3 channel mixer that worked great when I have experimented with the combination of several music styles.

Yamaha DXS12 Performance & Sound quality

I have tested different Yamaha DXS12 settings and I can say that this device performs quite well for a 600-watt device. It delivers high-definition sound on low frequencies without any traces of distortion. This item has worked surprisingly well on higher frequencies, especially when I have used the extended boost mode – the results were very satisfying. The sound was crystal clear and very pleasant which is strange because this particular item is designed to be efficient on lower frequencies.

The off mode or the usual mode also worked well, although it seemed to be noticeably quieter than the sound on the boost mode. The D-XSUB processing seemed to work well and deliver high-quality bass without any kinds of twists. This processing has brought up the lower notes that seem to be inaudible while played on other settings. I have stood right near the subwoofer and I have noticed that there’s no irritating air rumbling out sound, which is very common for the overwhelming majority of other similar products. In comparison with previous subwoofers that I have tested, the 720p sounds a lot deeper and full, which is another plus for this device.

Yamaha DXS12 Setup

The product is very easy to assemble and convenient to use because I could instantly plug my sound input and the microphone right at the back of the subwoofer. Most importantly, it has versatile options, not only standalone but also a pole mounting socket that has 0 and 7-degree angles that may help redirect the sound right to your audience. It was also helpful for me to use the installed rigging points and U-brackets with the help of which I could hang the device to the ceiling; by the way, both vertical and horizontal configurations are possible.

Once the item is set, I didn’t have any issues with tuning the subwoofer. All of the buttons and inputs are located at the back of the device, and there are a name and a sign to each input, so I had no trouble in connecting the cables and adjusting the mixer and the main speaker to DXS12.

Conclusion

I strongly recommend this subwoofer because, after reviewing it, I realized that the sound delivered from this 600-watt device is of a quite good quality. For its power, the sound is clear and loud on both frequencies and has no distortion, although the sounding slightly differs from the mode used.

Concerning the modes, the boost option worked surprisingly well on high frequencies, which is uncommon for subwoofers in general. To my mind, the product is best used in rather small or medium-sized rooms but not large areas or outdoors.

Although the design is simple and boring, DXS12 setup offers versatile placement and mounting options which is another rare option among other subwoofers. Judging by its features and performance, I think that this device is most suitable for small studios or medium-sized events.