Best PA Subwoofer - Powered / Active (2024)
Author & Contributors
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
Budget Option - Under $500
Behringer Eurolive B1200D-PRO
Cons
- Too small for larger venues
Pros
- Good power to price value
- Excellent for small jazz/acoustic venues
- Portable subwoofer
- Decent filtering options
Budget speakers usually have corners cut on materials, build quality, and speaker quality. The Behringer Eurolive B1200D-PRO doesn't suffer from cheaping out despite its affordability.
It's spec'ed with a Class-D amplifier with a long-excursion 12" woofer that puts out a respectable 500W of power with a max SPL of 122dB. This efficiency also means longer running times with little risk of overheating. The internal limiter also protects the woofer from going beyond operating limits as well as protecting ears from sudden jumps in volume.
For pairing with other speakers, the B1200D-PRO also includes an active stereo crossover for outputting a high pass filtered signals to them. A high cut control lets you fine tune the PA sub with nearly any setup.
The B1200D-PRO is notably loud for its size. At 12", it's not the largest subwoofer but it does a good job of filling in the energy in small to medium venues. Having a smaller PA sub also means tighter sound in smaller environments where a large PA sub might introduce unwanted resonance. Jazz and acoustic bars benefit the most from its compact size and tight sound.
This is also where its limitations are evident. While it's able to do DJ Music and EDM (Electronic Dance Music), larger clubs will find the push and bass tones inadequate.
The Behringer Eurolive B1200D-PRO is the best budget powered PA subwoofer for small to medium venues. Especially for those that don't need too much thump and those who acknowledge that more bass isn't always beneficial. Jazz, acoustic, indie, and other bass-light genres still need some reinforcement on the low end, and the B1200D-PRO does an excellent job in its price points.
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 30Hz-132Hz (-10dB)
- Crossover: 140Hz
- Max SPL: 130dB
- Power Rating: 600W RMS
- Drivers: 1 x 12"
- Input Connectors: 2 x XLR
- Output Connectors: 4 x XLR
- Polarity: Not Specified
- Enclosure Material: 15mm Plywood
- Dimensions: 26.5" x 22.6" x 22.8"
- Weight: 82 lbs.
Website | Source | *Rating Value |
YouTube | HappyRider Reviews | 90/100 |
Gearspace | Peter Z | 82/100 |
Under $1000
Electro-Voice ELX200-12SP
Cons
- Not ideal for larger gigs
Pros
- Impressive size-to-power ratio
- User-friendly DSP
- Intuitive app controls
The Electro-Voice ELX200-12SP, a compact 12-inch subwoofer, offers an impressive blend of portability and performance. With precise and punchy bass, it excels in genres like electronic music and suits smaller to medium-sized venues. Its robust build, including a 15mm plywood cabinet and durable EVCoat finish, ensures reliability.
Equipped with a powerful Class D amp (1200W) and QuickSmartDSP, this subwoofer delivers a max SPL of 129dB and offers customizable frequency settings. Bluetooth control enhances convenience for adjustments and sound assessment.
The ELX200-12SP's modern design, manageable dimensions, and built-in M20 Pole Mount Plate make it versatile. While not ideal for larger gigs, this is one of the best powered subwoofer for smaller to medium-sized events.
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 49Hz-135Hz (-3dB)
- Crossover: Adjustable (80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz)
- Max SPL: 129 dB
- Power Rating: 1200 Watts Peak
- Drivers: 1 x 12" EVS-12L woofer
- Input Connectors: 2 x XLR-1/4" Combo
- Output Connectors: 2 x XLR
- Polarity: Not Specified
- Enclosure Material: 15mm Plywood with EVCoat
- Dimensions: 15.63" x 17.52" x 17.99"
- Weight: 42.11 lbs
The Highest Rated PA Subwoofers
Here are the best-powered subwoofers that you can buy today.
QSC KS118
Cons
- Slightly on the heavy side at 104lbs
Pros
- Pairs well with various speakers
- Deep mode excellent for EDM
- DSP with scenes great for variety across different events
This subwoofer is meant for loud use in medium to big venues, housing an 18" driver that is powered by a 3,600W amplifier.
Built-in DSP expands the functionality of the KS118, allowing for adjustable crossover and save-able scenes that can be used to conveniently tweak the subwoofer to match the venue and event requirements.
Another interesting feature is the selectable Deep mode, that further enhances low-end, ideal for electronic musicians, DJ Setup, and more. This means that you can switch to a more natural sounding subwoofer, or a deep sounding one, all in one package.
All these are housed inside a 15mm birch wood cabinet with built-in rolling casters.
With these specs, the sound quality is close to what you can get for premium or custom. With the switchable modes, the versatility of the KS118 is unmatched at this price point. This makes it an excellent choice for rentals where events and venues vary.
It helps a lot that QSC is one of the more popular brands in sound reinforcement, so you'd likely get it to match the best pa speakers from QSC. The KS118 also synergizes well with other brands thanks to the DSP, which allows adjustments of various settings to calibrate them to nearly any setup.
The KS118 suffers from the same problem as most subwoofers in its class, which is the weight. While it's a given that subs are heavy, at 104lbs, the KS118 is on the heftier end of the spectrum and would benefit from casters. If you want something lighter, checkout its lighter sibling, the QSC KS112.
If you've had a good experience with QSC loudspeakers and have the budget, then this is your best pick. If not, then the KS118 will easily turn you into a fan of the brand.
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 41Hz-98Hz (-6 dB)
- Crossover: Variable
- Max SPL: 136 dB SPL @ 1m
- Power Rating: 3600W Peak Class D
- Drivers: 18"
- Input Connectors: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo
- Output Connectors: 2 x XLR
- Polarity: Not Specified
- Enclosure Material: 15 mm Birch Plywood
- Dimensions: 25.2" x 20.5" x 30.9"
- Weight: 104 lbs.
Website | Source | *Rating Value |
Sound On Sound | Mike Crofts | 98/100 |
Church Production Magazine | Loren Alldrin | 96/100 |
Electro-Voice EKX-18SP
Cons
- Lack of casters slightly hinders transportability
Pros
- Light for the size
- Fast transient response great for rock and metal
- DSP enables quick matching with other speakers
- Cardioid Control Technology helps directionality
The Electro-Voice EKX-18SP gets good ratings thanks to its big 18-inch woofer and 1300W amplifier, and its most interesting feature is its Cardioid Control Technology which focuses sound projection onto the audience while reducing stage noise.
It also comes with built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) that allows for quick setup and matching, be it with your other speakers or the venue it is employed in.
And it is relatively light considering it comes with an 18" LF Driver.
Not all 18" subs are made the same. It has a large cone with a big excursion range. This means that to get a balanced sound, an enclosure needs to be engineered around it that has the right amount of airflow. Rock and Metal genres are surprisingly more demanding of good subwoofers, in my experience, as they have faster transients and require more careful balancing with the bass guitar. The EKX-18SP has a fast transient response for the woofer size, which makes it great for the aforementioned genres' rapid double pedal styles.
One thing to note is that it doesn't come with casters, so that might be a dealbreaker if you're looking for something a bit more easily transportable.
Having said all that, the EKX-18SP is a serious PA sub that will fit most musical and event applications. It excels in band-centric applications where transient response is usually favored over raw power.
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 35Hz to 180Hz (-10dB)
- Crossover: Adjustable (80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz)
- Max SPL: 134 dB
- Power Rating: 1300 Watts Peak
- Drivers: 1 x 18" EVS-18C subwoofer
- Input Connectors: 2 x XLR-1/4" Combo
- Output Connectors: 2 x XLR
- Polarity: Not Specified
- Enclosure Material: 15mm Wood
- Dimensions: 20.4" x 23.8" x 24"
- Weight: 72.3 lbs
Website | Source | *Rating Value |
YouTube | DJ Andrew Yates | 90/100 |
Sound On Sound | Mike Crofts | 94/100 |
Turbosound iQ18B
Cons
- Enclosure may not fit in tight spaces
- Caster wheels may vibrate and cause noise
- Some reported issues with pole mount durability
Pros
- Punchy, warm bass
- Ultranet connection offers more connectivity options
- Able to handle higher SPL without overheating
The Turbosound iQ18B is an 18-inch subwoofer that delivers powerful, deep bass. It boasts a peak power of 3,000 watts and utilizes Klark Teknik digital signal processing for precise sound shaping. This subwoofer stands out because of its digital signal processing, which allows for speaker modeling and emulates the sound of other popular speakers. This expands both the tonal palette and the viability of the speaker for use with different venues and musical styles.
The iQ18B delivers punchy, warm bass with an Ultranet connection that offers more connectivity options. It is also able to handle higher SPL without overheating.
The lightweight Class D amplifier technology makes it highly portable. The subwoofer's back-mounted casters add to its convenience, making it a top choice for gigging musicians and sound engineers.
However, it comes with a premium price tag and may not fit in tight spaces due to its large enclosure. Some users have reported issues with pole mount durability, and caster wheels may vibrate and cause noise.
The Turbosound iQ18B is a reliable, powerful subwoofer that adds low-end punch to any sound system. It combines robust construction, advanced features, and impressive performance, making it a go-to choice for professionals seeking high-quality bass reinforcement.
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 36Hz-100Hz (-10dB)
- Crossover:Active (High Pass L-R 24 dB/oct)
- Max SPL:127dB (Continuous), 133dB (Peak)
- Power Rating:3000 Watts Peak
- Drivers:1 x 18"
- Input Connectors:2 x XLR Combo
- Output Connectors:2 x XLR
- Polarity:Not Specified
- Enclosure Material:Birch Plywood
- Dimensions:27.2 x 21.0 x 22.0"
- Weight:87.5 lbs ( 39.8 kg)
Things to Consider When Buying a PA Subwoofer
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There are several ways of setting up a subwoofer sound system. But the main goal is to have the subwoofer handle the lows, while the main PA speaker handles the mids and highs (via a voice coil). One of the most beginner friendly ways is to create a sub-mix on your mixing console where you send the kick drum and bass to the Aux output and then connect that to your powered subwoofer. Other output modes include running your subwoofers in parallel to your main PA speakers if your subs have high pass filters. In more complex setups you will use a crossover unit to split the frequencies before sending the signal to your subs. It's beyond the scope of this guide to provide comprehensive information on integrating subwoofers so here is an article you might find useful: Using a Powered Subwoofer to Augment Your Existing PA.
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Acoustic performers and folk style bands will find the smaller 12" drivers provide all the bottom end they need, but if you use 808 beats and other bass heavy styles then you'll need larger drivers that are capable of moving a lot more air - this is particularly true for EDM style DJs. Don't drive your speakers over the limit for prolonged periods of time to prevent damage and Crackling from Speakers.18" subwoofers like the Electro-Voice EKX-18SP and Mackie Thump18S are are ideal if you need really big and deep sounding bass.
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Many drummers and sometimes bass players use a powered stage subwoofer in addition to a standard stage monitor in order to get a full punchy bottom end on stage. And the best powered subwoofers that we listed here are capable of fulfilling this task. If you're planning on using multiple subs, you should get one with phase control, which allows better subwoofer matching.
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Generally speaking, subwoofers aren't entirely portable friendly, being an extra speaker that you have to lug around. But for many, the added effort, space requirements, and weight of subs are justified by the sound they produce. Still, it will be wise to weigh your low-frequency range needs versus your convenience and mobility. If you're a solo performer with no one to help you carry your gear, then go for a compact powered subwoofer, or maybe no subs at all. With bulky subwoofers, you may want to look for mobility features like side handles, built-in rolling casters. If you want something lighter, you can go for one of the best passive pa subwoofers, but you'll still need a separate amplifier which also adds to your gear count and overall weight.
How to Integrate Subs Into PA Systems
Your Type of Music & Driver Size
Use as Stage Monitors
Portability
Best PA Subwoofer Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2016. The current edition was published on Feb 18, 2024.
For this edition, we looked at the best PA subwoofer units that you can readily buy in the USA, resulting in a short list of 34 of the most popular and highly rated powered PA subs - you can see them in the Music Gear Database. We then gathered and analyzed the most recent data from customer and expert reviews, forum discussions, and feedback, totaling over 7,900 sources. These data were then fed into the Gearank Algorithm to produce rating scores out of 100, which we used to rank the subwoofers according to market sentiment. We selected the highest-rated options to recommend above. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
In my experience of doing live sound, the best venues are the ones with a good subwoofer that pairs well with both the mains and the venue. PA sub selection is dependent on the purpose: Is it for a rental, rehearsal, or venue? How large is the space? These things are what influence how I calibrate venue sound. It's always better to err on the side of too much power than too little, but the tradeoff there is size and portability. The selections in this guide cover a wide range of use cases so I recommend getting acquainted with your intended purpose while reading through the guide.
Contributors
Jerry Borillo, Jerome Arcon, & Alden Acosta: Product research.
Alexander Briones: Supplemental writing and Editing.
Jason Horton: Supplemental writing, Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com using photographs of the QSC KS118 and Electro-Voice EKX-18SP.
All videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube's Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
Comments
I have to correct you on your
Submitted by Steven (not verified) on
I have to correct you on your comment. A 5kW amplifier does not draw 32A. Amplifiers first store energy in capacitor banks, then release that energy (through a DC power supply) through transistors to the speaker. Look up "average power draw" on your amplifier's specs. Then look up "inrush current.". The inrush is the most likely reason a breaker would trip, especially if turning on multiple amps at the same time.
Curious how the TurboSound
Submitted by Steve Bontius (not verified) on
Curious how the TurboSound IQ15B and IQ18B stack up compared to the others. Can they be included?
When we were doing the
Submitted by Jason Horton on
When we were doing the research for this guide it was clear that none of the Turbosound iQ range were rated highly enough to be included in this guide so they didn't make it past the initial screening process.
There have been more ratings published over the last couple months so I re-checked and the situation hasn't changed much except that the Turbosound iQ18B now has a higher Gearank score then it did back then, but still not high enough to be included in this guide, although I did add it to our public music gear database today.
You can see all the Turbosound products in the database here.
I should point out that the purpose of Gearank.com is not to list every piece of music gear out there, instead we focus on highly rated gear that have a realistic potential to be included in our Music Gear Guides.
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