Help me choose....

**gilbypoleadamson** · **04-30-07, 07:19 PM**

Does this setup seem like a good setub.
2 TC Sounds dB-500 and a BASH Digital Sub Amp out of a ported enclosure with the subs in a clamshell setup?

**Geoff St. Germain** · **04-30-07, 08:59 PM**

I don't know too much about isobaric loading, so I won't comment on that part.

As far as the amp goes, I think there are two issues. The first is that I'm not sure that that amp is rated to drive a 2 ohm load (it only lists 4 ohm in the specs), which means you'd either have to risk it or wire the drivers in series for 8 ohms which gives you probably 250 - 300 W for the drivers which are capable of handling 800 W. I would want an amp rated for 800W @ 2 ohm going to two 12" dB500s.

**gilbypoleadamson** · **04-30-07, 09:04 PM**

Do you have any amps in mind that would be good?

**Geoff St. Germain** · **04-30-07, 09:37 PM**

I'd personally use a pro amp. A Behringer EP1500 could get you 450 W to each driver (real world will be less). If you're stuck on a plate amp, then the elemental designs LT/1300 will probably get you a lot closer to 800W @ 8 ohms(maybe 650W or so) but it still isn't rated for a 2 ohm load. I don't think I've seen a plate amplifier that was. Maybe someone else is aware of something different.

**gilbypoleadamson** · **04-30-07, 10:17 PM**

I was recommended the Nady XA900 but from the reveiws on the website it doesnt sound too great.

**brent_s** · **05-03-07, 07:52 AM**

We need more details to really evaluate your design. What net cabinet volume are you aiming for? What is the tuning frequency? Why the isobaric (clamshell) loading? It's only advantage is a 50% reduction in net box volume. A single db500 will do well in 3 ft^3 tuned to 20hz...I don't imagine you can build anything much smaller when you add in the complexity of isobaric.

As others have stated, the BASH amps don't really like 2 ohm loads and an 8 ohm config would leave you wasting a lot of excursion capability. How big is your room? What speakers are you matching it with? A single ported db500 with 500 watts will produce enough output for most people...or at least enough to get you into the hearing damage area of OSHA's safety charts.

-Brent

**gilbypoleadamson** · **05-03-07, 07:56 AM**

Well the problem is I dont know what to use for a cabinet. I have talked to other people and decided on a ported enclosure with two dB-500's running off a buttkicker. The only thing I dont know is what kind of design for the enclosure that i want to use. Also my room is my basement so it is relativly big. Also, as much out put as possible is always good.

**brent_s** · **05-03-07, 08:02 AM**

TC Sounds has box/tuning recommendations on their db500 page. Even better, download WinISD Pro or Unibox, read the FAQs and Help files, enter the T/S parametes as instructed, and model a design yourself.

Sounds like you're approching this project without first defining your requirements and understanding what's needed to make them a reality. Not usually a good path to a satisfactory outcome.

-Brent

**gilbypoleadamson** · **05-03-07, 08:29 AM**

Yea, Ive never done this before so im still in the preliminary stages where I havent bought anything and im trying to figure out what i should do to get a good sub. Thanks for the advice.

**gilbypoleadamson** · **05-03-07, 08:38 AM**

Also the only reason i had the clamshell setup in mind is because i found a cool design using it but it looks a little to compliucated for me.

**BoomieMCT** · **05-03-07, 10:29 AM**

Quote:

gilbypoleadamson wrote:

Also the only reason i had the clamshell setup in mind is because i found a cool design using it but it looks a little to compliucated for me.

If you have no space limitations and you need to fill a large space then there is no real reason you should go with a clamshell (isobaric) arrangement. Those are usually done to decrease the size of the enclosure.

**gilbypoleadamson** · **05-03-07, 12:28 PM**

Alright, cool. Does anyone know of anywhere to find simple designs for a sub enclosure other then subwooferbuilder.com

**JorgenMan** · **05-03-07, 02:49 PM**

You'd be best off using a custom enclosure design. If you want help with the design, or if you don't want to bother with the design at all, let us know what size you want, limits on dimensions, etc, or if there is another subwoofer you like the look of. Of course, designing the enclosure is half the fun, and it's really not complicated at all.

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