A subwoofer is a woofer that plays low-pitched frequencies. A subwoofer can be powered (having its own amplification) or unpowered (being amplified through another speaker). Powered subwoofers are typically used by DJs to provide rhythmic basslines, whereas unpowered ones are often used in movie theaters and music concerts to enhance the sound of the lower frequencies.
Subwoofers are typically divided into two categories: passive subwoofers, which are unpowered woofers, or powered ones, which are usually equipped with amplification. Powered models are generally more efficient in their power requirements because they direct the electrical signals into the woofer’s paper cone rather than having them radiate through.
Table of Contents
How to Choose Powered Subwoofers for DJs:
The key features in choosing powered subwoofers for DJs are:
Main Power Sources:
The most common power sources in powered subwoofers are integrated amplifier circuits, separate amplifier systems. Integrated amplifiers are built into the subwoofer/enclosure itself. Separate amplifiers house their own electrical components in a box which is wired to the subwoofer/enclosure.
Rated Power:
Amplifier power is rated in watts. Subwoofers are usually measured by the amount of power they are able to deliver. This is usually measured in watts. The larger the wattage, the greater amount of power the device has at its disposal, and thus more powerful it will be.
Sensitivity:
The sensitivity of a subwoofer is measured in decibels per watt (dB/W) and is the amount of electrical energy required to produce one watt at 1V. In other words, lower sensitivity means that it will be louder, but with less output power.
5 Best Powered Subwoofers for DJs
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Rockville RBG18S 18″ 2000W Active Powered PA Subwoofer W/Dsp+Limiter Pro/DJ
- Features: Rockville RBG18S 18" 2000 Watt Active Powered PA Subwoofer.
- 500 Watts RMS / 1000 Watts Program / 2000 Watts Peak. 18" Woofer with 120oz Magnet and 4” Voice Coil. Frequency Response: 35HZ-2000HZ. Adjustable...
- DSP Digital Signal Processor with Boost or Extended Low Frequency Control. Power-On and Signal Input LED Indicators. Signal Input LED Indicator. Clip...
- Balanced XLR + TRS input jacks. RCA Input. Balanced XLR thru/output jacks for parallel connections. Passive heat sink with heat sensitive variable...
- Subwoofer Level Adjustment. Subwoofer Phase Control. Built-in pole mount socket. Built-in carrying handle. Heavy-duty locking wheel casters. Custom...
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Rockville RBG18S 18″ 2000W Active Powered PA Subwoofers W/Dsp+Limiter Pro/DJ is a quality powered subwoofer. It is compatible with most amplified sound systems and can easily be installed in a car, truck, ship, or any other stationary vehicle due to its compact and lightweight construction.
Pros:
- Easy to use and install
- Reasonable on noise levels
- Powerful and smooth bass sounds
- Made of durable material
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy when compared to other powered subwoofers in the market.
2. Electro-Voice ELX200-18SP 18″ 1200W Powered Subwoofer
- SPECIFICATIONS Frequency response (-3 dB) : 47 Hz - 105 Hz¹ | Frequency range (-10 dB) : 40 Hz - 145 Hz¹ | Maximum SPL : 132 dB² | Power rating :...
- SPECIFICATIONS Color : Black or White | Dimensions (H x W x D) : 600 mm x 507 mm x 574 mm (23.7 in x 20.0 in x 22.6 in) | Net weight : 29.0 kg (64 lb)...
- EV QuickSmart Mobile application: quickly and wirelessly configure, control and monitor up to six ELX200 loudspeakers simultaneously, and receive...
- QuickSmartDSP features best-in-class processing. Easy setup via three presets, sub/top system-match, five user-programmable presets, visual monitoring...
- High-efficiency 1200 W Class-D power amplifier delivers up to 132 dB peak SPL utilizing ultraefficient, high-sensitivity transducer designed and...
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Electro-Voice ELX200-18SP 18″ 1200W Powered Subwoofer is the ideal choice for the DJ community. With its smaller size, this subwoofer still delivers powerful vibrations to the entire room. It also has enough power to satisfy even professional sound systems.
Pros:
- Its rugged construction makes it rugged and waterproof for diverse usage in the automobile, boat, store, stadium, store and any other sound systems that need powerful bass vibrations.
- Simple controls for bass levels, phase control, gain adjustment and low pass filter control.
- Bulky but lightweight enough for easy carrying. It is almost half the weight of most other powered subwoofers in the market.
Cons:
- May not fit well with DJ speakers. In most cases, it is placed at the back of the DJ stand. It may also be too large for smaller profession sound systems.
3. Sound Town METIS Series 1800 Watts 15” Powered Subwoofer with Class-D Amplifier, 4-inch Voice Coil (METIS-15SDPW)
- MASSIVE POWER: Powered by a built-in Class-D amplifier, the subwoofer handles 500 Watts RMS / 1000 Watts Program / 1800 Watts Peak Power and generates...
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The Class-D amplifier efficiently provides enormous power without weighing you down. Thanks to the Class-D topology,...
- VERSATILE INPUT OUTPUT CONNECTIONS: Easy to integrate this stage subwoofer with your PA rig. It has 2 XLR-1/4” combo and 2 RCA inputs, 2 XLR...
- TOP-QUALITY COMPONENTS: The PA subwoofer comes with a top-quality 15” subwoofer and 4” voice coil, which handles massive power and generates earth...
- STURDY CONSTRUCTION: The black carpet finish with heavy-duty metal grille and corners holds up to touring applications. Two recessed ergonomic handles...
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Sound Town METIS Series 1800 Watts 15” Powered Subwoofer is ideal for use in cars, trucks, and even in boats. It has a sturdy and reliable design that makes it compact and lightweight yet powerful enough to provide the bass output required by DJs and professional sound systems.
It can also be easily mounted in the back of the DJ stand when used with a good DJ speaker set.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact when compared to other powered subwoofers in the market. Can be easily mounted on the back of a DJ stand when placed next to a quality DJ speaker set.
- Powerful enough for most professional sound systems.
- Perfect match for most DJ powered speakers as this subwoofer does not come with a built-in amplifier or separate control unit.
Cons:
- The weight and size of the subwoofer may not be compatible with smaller auditoriums and gym classes which need less powerful and lighter sound systems.
4. BEHRINGER EUROLIVE B1200D-PRO 1200W Powered Subwoofer
- High-performance 500-Watt powered subwoofer for PA applications
- Powerful 12'' long-excursion transducer with high temperature voice coil provides incredibly accurate and pulse-pounding bass
- Precise reproduction of ultra-low frequencies for "bulletproof" punch and impact
- State-of-the-art 500-Watt Class-D amplifier with comprehensive over-excursion, thermal and clip limit protection
- Built-in active stereo crossover provides high-pass filtered outputs for full-range loudspeakers
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Behringer EUROLIVE B1200D-PRO 1200W Powered Subwoofer delivers powerful bass vibrations to the entire room. Its sturdy and durable construction makes it versatile enough for DJs use in cars, trucks, and even in boats.
Pros:
- Although it is very big and bulky because of its 1200 Watts power output, it is very lightweight. This means that it can be carried around easily by even the most inexperienced DJs.
- It has a separate amplifier which also makes it easy to use and install.
- A separate phase control controller allows the user to adjust phase alignment whenever necessary.
Cons:
- There seems to be a problem with the phase alignment when the unit is used in a car. It is not fixed even when the user tries removing all possible sources of interference. This may affect its tonality in most vehicles.
5. QSC KS118 Direct Radiating 18″ Subwoofer
- A very high output active subwoofer producing impressive low frequencies for mobile entertainment, AV production, clubs and performance venues
- Features an 18" direct radiating driver powered by a 3600W Class D amp, to deliver high SPL with dynamic and musical sound reproduction of very low...
- On-board DSP optimizes and protects system performance as well as offers advanced capabilities such as the ability to array two units in a cardioid...
- Highly transportable, the rugged enclosure features comfortable handles with a professional and elegant appearance in any application, plus four low...
- An M20 threaded pole receptacle accepts a 35 mm pole for easy vertical deployment with full-range loudspeakers
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The QSC KS118 Direct Radiating 18″ Subwoofer is the ideal choice for DJs who want an all-round subwoofer for their professional sound systems. It produces smooth and powerful bass sounds for even the largest concerts, school graduations, competitions or any other outdoor events.
Pros:
- Low frequency horns are built into the subwoofer to provide even more enhanced bass sounds. This helps out in reinforcing the lower frequency sounds that are needed to enhance any DJ speaker set up.
- Well-insulated grilles help protect this subwoofer from dust and dirt interference. This means that it can be placed anywhere in a car or other moving vehicle without damaging its internal components or sound quality.
- Strong and durable construction gives it an overall heavy duty feel. It is not light but is also quite compact for easy mounting under the seat or anywhere else in a car.
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than most other subwoofers of its size range.
Conclusion:
With this guide, it is now easier to choose the best subwoofers for your professional sound system. These devices are just right for the sound systems used in bars, restaurants, school auditoriums, gymnasiums, or any other location where you need powerful bass sounds to make your event or show even more exciting.