A note about speakers with integrated amplifiers: I currently use self-powered speakers-on-sticks. A couple times I've used them outdoors, and show setup required the speakers to be placed in direct sunlight. Those amplifier plates got HOT in the sun, and then eventually the speakers started going into thermal protection mode. When using a system outdoors, I want the amps separate so they can be placed in the shade somewhere, with an effective fan. Thus, my next speaker system is going to be powered separately. I built some high-output dual-18 subwoofers from a design by 18 Sound. I power them with a Powersoft amp set to provide appropriate system EQ and crossovers, and they sound amazing. Much better than my self-powered EV subwoofers!
Did your active speakers previously have internal DSP with the amp or where they just power on and go (kinda like most studio monitors for example)? I just wondered as this may be the reason why it now sounds better with the Powersoft amp as you're now given more functionality regarding presets and EQ.
Oh, whoops. I re-read my comment, and it definitely reads like I'm saying the new subs sound better because the amplifier is external. Not what I meant to say, and of course, the sound of a speaker has little to do with the location of the amp. My bad. :) My subs and tops are EV ETX series; they have onboard FIR processing, so they have excellent processing. The subwoofers are based on EV's old Phoenix drivers, which were very efficient, high-output drivers, but at the expense of deep bass extension. The new subs use state of the art woofers from 18 Sound (Tetracoil), and 18 Sound's enclosure design, that is not quite as loud and efficient as ETX, but much higher fidelity. The cabinet is braced better, too, so the speaker systems don't ring like the EVs do. The Powersoft amp definitely is also a high-tech piece, and maintains very tight control of the speaker, but it's (probably) not the main reason for success in these subs.
Thanks for the breakdown! Being on the younger side and trying to learn more and more about system design and optimization, this definitely helps me streamline my thought process in seeing a venue and it's measurements and knowing how to process that info into a consistent system.
Have you ever messed with the EAW Adaptive stuff? We have the Anna's and they're pretty wild with the coverage front to back, while also being able to shoot down 90 degrees.
I've only heard one EAW Adaptive rig for about 20 minutes. Two Anyas per side. I like the concept in theory and thought the rig sounded great, but want to get my hands on it!
@@MichaelCurtisAudio We have three Anna's per side with a center QX, along with three SBX218 in an end-fire array. It sounds great and has amazing coverage!
