I finally got to hook up my T30s with the full system last night. These are T30 27 inch with the standard Delta 12 LF driver. Only a short trial for a little confidence and sound check before the big gig rolls around.
I set up in the venue (350 seats) and hooked up the mains. I use a pair of horn loaded 15s on each side of the stage and a corner loaded T30 on the floor on each side. I am driving the top speakers with a Peavey PV1500 and the Tubas with a Peavey PV2600. Output to the tubas at 10 ohms each is potentially 500 watts RMS. My limiters are set to prevent that. The tops are getting similar output because that amp is running 4 ohms a side with the pairs of speakers.
In a nutshell, the Tubas are AWESOME! Before I hooked them up I was worried that they would not keep up but after I got it all together it is my other components that fell behind. I ran a pink noise patch and my RTA told the story. The Tuba30 design delivers serious punch below 100 hz, my crossover point. I tweaked my crossover the get the output balance right, as my EQ would have to be very heavy handed to get control of them. Once set up they delivered smooth liquid bass response like I have not heard in a live PA, outside of an arena line array. I have been mixing for over 25 years and can say that none of the other sub designs I have worked with give this kind of response in a small system. Real chest thump and serious sound pressure on tap now. Previously I was running these 15 bins with no subs and getting by because that is all they had. After suggesting the Tubas and getting the go ahead to build them I feel the contribution to the sound system is enourmous. The sheer SPL is crazy for what I am feeding them for power.
For those interested, get busy and build. THEY WORK! Don't worry about all these minute details people seem to discuss endlessly here. Use the recommended drivers and JUST DO IT. At least then you have something to talk about instead of theoretical graphs and speaker properties.
Cheers all!
