Even though subwoofers with integrated power amplifiers are very popular with bands and for smaller PA jobs, there are still a wide variety of applications for which passive PA speakers such as the Electro-Voice EKX-18S take the lead. This 18-inch sub makes a convincing case with its low weight, its robust construction, and its rich, powerful sound – in particular when a really fat-sounding boost is needed in the bass range. It is especially perfect for heavy music or electronic sounds, and at the same time represents an extremely easy-to-use solution that can be operated blindfold and will thrill musicians and spectators alike. Users get all of that in its purest form with the Electro-Voice EKX-18S, and at a price that is more than fair.
The EV EKX-18S is a great tip for musicians looking for a passive subwoofer for their band as well as for sound engineers and DJs, and even setups that already include really fat-sounding PA speakers will benefit from the additional power provided by this passive 18" sub, especially if they are driven by a high-performance power amplifier. Passive PA speakers are also the ideal solution for users who want to keep their PA setup flexible and don’t want a tangle of cables cluttering up the stage – here, they can simply connect a speaker cable to the input, run a second cable to the next speaker via the output, and the job is done. Incidentally, another advantage of passive speakers is that they do not have cooling fans as a result of their design – an advantage that should not be underestimated, especially at events where there should not be any noise between speech and music (e.g. during theatre productions and speeches).
Bands, sound engineers, and DJs putting together their first sound system will be particularly reluctant to spend a fortune but will still want a convincing sound and enough power and presence in the bass range. An Electro Voice EKX-18S (or two) will provide an ideal upgrade for typical entry-level systems, such as two 12" or 15" speakers, when they reach the limits of their bass presence and become too small to fill the rooms in which they are used with enough sound. For an affordable price, users get a subwoofer that can deliver up to an impressive 1.600W of power and an SPL of 134dB. In addition, it delivers clear and powerful sounds down to 35Hz without any muddiness. And best of all: The EKX-18S is so flexible that it matches a wide variety of speakers, power amplifiers, and sound styles.
Electro-Voice was founded in 1927 and has been dedicated to building sound reinforcement systems and microphones since the 1930s. The firm, originally based in Indiana, USA, is considered one of the industry pioneers and has developed many new technologies still in use today. For example, their hum-cancelling coil was not only a milestone for microphone construction, but also was at the origin of the humbucker pickups still used in many guitars. In the long history of the company, Electro-Voice has constantly expanded its offer and today sells a wide range of products for sound reinforcement tasks from entry to professional levels.
Reaching the limits of what a PA system can do can certainly be an ongoing problem. Supplementing the top units by adding the Electro-Voice EKX-18S and a solid power amplifier plus active crossover (if not already present) will make it possible to easily fill locations with a capacity of over 500 people with a powerful sound, whether playback or live music. Especially those who expect an extreme amount of bass will have a lot of fun here – and impress their customers or fans. By the way: Users who require truly maximum deep bass but want to minimise the weight that has to be transported can also opt for the EKX-18S’s smaller and more affordable brother, the EKX-15S. However, even with this option users can expect massive low-end presence with extremely simple assembly and disassembly as well as uncomplicated operation for hours on end.