Hi, I’ve been thinking lately about getting a sub for djing, my setup at the moment is traktor z2 with pioneer sdj80 dj monitors. Sometimes I love to blast my tunes but soon as I turn it past the half way point on the master volume the bass clips.
Would a sub benefit me?
I don’t have to worry about neighbours so I’m able to blast music all day with out a bother. If you think it would be good for the setup could any one recommend some good subs to go with my sdj80s
The Pioneer sdj80 have a low end response to 40Hz. There is no SPL chart, so there is no telling what the shape of the curve in that region looks like. As reference monitors, these get reasonable (if not overly technical) reviews. There is not much in “sound quality” to be gained for the bedroom DJ…at reasonable price points. The 8" woofer will produce sufficient low end for any reasonable expectation in a home system.
Start by removing ALL EQ that is currently in the system. If possible, high pass the content at 40Hz. Then roll off the <100Hz content at -6dB/oct. Turn it up until something clips. The Fletcher-Munson effects at higher SPL provide a natural “bass boost” in terms of perception. It may be that you can avoid any purchases by tuning your system to your room.
It may be possible to add “sound quantity” with a sub. Adding a sub means adding a crossover. That complication will vary according to the sub that is added. An active sub may have a built in crossover that can then provide the sdj80’s with a “top only” passband. Alternatively, you may want to add a dedicated PA manager with a digital crossover if you are expanding into a PA system for outside the home gigs.
If you are playing content with significant <40Hz content (Dubstep, DnB, home theater) the you do need a dedicated subwoofer - but it will be size of a coffee table to really produce <40Hz content. Most powered 12" and 15" subs will be tuned for “live sound” where there is VERY little content <40Hz. Most entry level price point subs will have a significant roll off below 50Hz. There may be some SPL to be gained, but very little low end extension over a good pair of studio monitors.
thanks a lot for the replys.sorry for my late one.
so what use are saying there is no point getting a sub with my monitors. If i want it louder maybe i should look at new speakers.
But the OPs issue seems to be low end extension, and not overall SPL. It is doubtful that 15" mains would actually go lower than the 8" monitors (to 40Hz) the OP has now. Most 15" mains struggle to produce content below about 50-60Hz. In a “shed” sized space, a 15" loaded main is TONS of overkill for the mid/highs.
DnB is one of the (relatively) few genres that actually has significant content <40Hz. That is a BIG struggle for any “full range” speaker.
A reasonable “home theater” 2.1 setup is likely the most cost effective option for the OP. The home theater subwoofer has a chance to get some extension <40Hz…at the sacrifice of overall SPL. Given all the constraints, this is likely the only solution <$500 for the OP.
