Nothing adds a punch to a P.A. system like adding a subwoofer, or two… or more. Over the years, the double-18” format has proven to be most popular with pro users, and with good reason. Easy to stack and easy to truck-pack, subs with onboard amplification are simple to implement, offering a quick plug-and-play solution in installs or portable applications. We looked into some contenders and found models to suit nearly any application. Check these out!
FEATURED LISTING:
DAS Audio LARA-SUB
Designed for use with DAS’ flagship ARA-Series line arrays — but a powerful add-on to any sound system — the dual-18” LARA-SUB has two front-facing DAS 18UXN long-excursion neodymium woofers, but adds a rear-facing 18UXN to create a one-box cardioid subwoofer solution. Three Class-D amplifiers supply a total of 7,200W (peak) power for max SPLs exceeding 140 dB. The IP43-rated 21.9 x 46.0 x 40” enclosure has a tough ISO-Flex finish and is equally suitable in flown or ground stack applications. ALMA control / monitoring software provides remote access to LARA-SUB’s onboard 96 kHz DSP. Applications include festivals, touring, rentals, corporate AV and installs in houses of worship, theaters, clubs, music venues and more.
Axiom Pro SW218XA
- Amplification: 4,000 W
- Response: 30 Hz – 92 Hz (± 3 dB)
- Size: 23 x 48 x 37.5”
- Weight: 267 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: 96 kHz CORE DSP
Bag End PD18E-AD
- Amplification: 1,350 W
- Response: 8 Hz – 95 Hz (±3 dB)
- Size: 15 x 38 x 30”
- Weight: 131 pounds
- Flyable: Yes
- Notes: Low-profile 15” tall design
BassBoss SSP218-Mk3
- Amplification: 5,000 W RMS
- Response: 30 Hz – 100 Hz (dB)
- Size: 22.5 x 48 x 29.5”
- Weight: 199 pounds
- Flyable: 16 fly points
- Notes: Install version avail.
Cerwin-Vega CVXL-218
- Amplification: 2,000 W
- Response: 33 Hz – 225 Hz (+/-3 dB)
- Size: 25.5 x 41.4 x 25.5”
- Weight: 155 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: TourShield finish
dB Technologies DVA S30N
- Amplification: 3,000 W
- Response: 30 Hz – 120 Hz (-3 dB)
- Size: 23.2 x 44 x 28.8”
- Weight: 183 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: Onboard DSP; RDNET networking
Eastern Acoustic Works OTTO
- Amplification: 1,700 + 1,700 W
- Response: 22 Hz – 160 Hz
- Size: 24 x 31.5 x 31.5”
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Flyable: Yes
- Notes: Omni, cardioid or hypercardioid response
FBT Mitus 218SA
- Amplification: 2,000 W RMS
- Response: 30 Hz – 100 Hz
- Size: 23.4 x 39.4 x 35.4”
- Weight: 207 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: Onboard DSP
ISP Pro Audio XMAX 218
- Amplification: 2,000 W RMS
- Response: 35 Hz – 100 Hz (±3 dB)
- Size: 22.5 x 48 x 30”
- Weight: 230 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: Tour version with dolly board
JBL SRX828sp
- Amplification: 2,000 W
- Response: 35 Hz – 120 Hz (-3 dB)
- Size: 22.6 x 44.4 x 26.8”
- Weight: 145 pounds
- Flyable: Yes
- Notes: Configurable DSP
K-array Thunder-KS4 I
- Amplification: 4 x 2,500W
- Response:30 Hz – 150/450 Hz (crossover dependent)
- Size: 19.7 x 43.5 x 22.8”
- Weight: 132.3 pounds
- Flyable: Optional fly kit
- Notes: Onboard DSP; network control; available in black/white RAL colors
Lynx Pro Audio GXR-D18A
- Amplification: 3,000 W
- Response: 35 Hz -100 Hz (±3 dB)
- Size: 23.8 x 43.3 x 29.5”
- Weight: 202 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: Onboard DSP
Martin Audio CSX-LIVE 218
- Amplification: 4,000 W
- Response: 35 Hz -150 Hz (±3 dB)
- Size: 21x 42.7 x 31.2”
- Weight: 231 pounds
- Flyable: Yes
- Notes: Onboard DSP and Dante
Meyer Sound 1100-LFC
- Amplification: Class-AB/H
- Response: 30 Hz – 85 Hz (±4 dB)
- Size: 20.5 x 52.6 x 33”
- Weight: 249 pounds
- Flyable: Fly kit optional
- Notes: Remote monitoring option
Outline DBS 18-2 iSP
- Amplification: 3,000W
- Response: 34 Hz – 107 Hz (-3 dB)
- Size: 23.8 x 44.3 x 25.6”
- Weight: 203 pounds
- Flyable: Optional
- Notes: Onboard iMODE DSP
Peavey/Crest Audio Versarray Pro 218
- Amplification: 3,000 W peak
- Response: 35 Hz – 125 Hz (-6 dB)
- Size: 25.6 x 43.4 x 26.25”
- Weight: 187 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: Analog and Dante connectivity
PK Sound T218
- Amplification: 4,000 W
- Response: 25 Hz – 100 Hz
- Size: 20.4 x 54.9 x 30.7”
- Weight: 229 pounds
- Flyable: Yes
- Notes: Onboard DSP with network control
Pro DG America GTA 218 B
- Amplification: 9,600 W Peak
- Response: 40 Hz – 100 Hz
- Size: 20.5 x 48.5 x 26.8”
- Weight: 206 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: Onboard amp can also power two line array speakers
Proreck Audio SP-218X
- Amplification: 1,000 W RMS
- Response: 20 Hz – 300 Hz
- Size: 27 x 49.2 x 27.3”
- Weight: 153 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: Phase reverse switch for cardioid arrays
RCF SUB 8008-AS
- Amplification: 4,400 W peak
- Response: 30 Hz – 120 Hz
- Size: 21.7 x 46.5 x 27.6”
- Weight: 176.4 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: Onboard DSP
SAE Pro Audio V1218P
- Amplification: 1,500 + 1,500 W
- Response: 38 Hz – 250 Hz
- Size: 21 x 41 x 25.6”
- Weight: 183 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: Overcurrent protection
VUE Audiotechnik hs-28
- Amplification: 4,000 W peak
- Response: 35 Hz – 80 Hz (-3 dB)
- Size: 21 x 38 x 32”
- Weight: 228 pounds
- Flyable: No
- Notes: ACM Active Compliance Management Technology
