Subwoofers with integrated power amplifiers are very popular with bands and for smaller to medium-sized PA jobs for various reasons: They are easy to use, easy to handle, and ideal for expanding a PA setup with, for example, two 12" full-range speakers in order to add more boost and power for bass-heavy music or larger locations. The Electro-Voice EKX-18SP falls exactly into this category, because the active 18" sub makes a convincing case with its low weight of only 32.8kg, its robust construction, and its rich, assertive sound – especially when a really full-sounding boost is needed in the bass range. At the same time, its compact dimensions and the integrated DSP facilitate its use in the rehearsal room as well as live, even by users with little experience in the field of PA systems.
The EV EKX-18SP is a great tip for musicians looking for an active 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 18" sub with its 1,300-watt digital power amplifier. The good thing about it: Thanks to the two inputs and outputs and the integrated DSP, one or more of these compact subwoofers can easily be integrated into the user’s equipment. Simply plug the signal cable into the input and then to the next subwoofer via the output – done. Then simply connect the power, and it’s “go” time. And thanks to the clear and neatly arranged DSP menu, users can adjust the sound in a flash and enjoy a full-bodied bass sound.
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-18SP (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 1,300W 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-18SP 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. However, with an addition of the Electro-Voice EKX-18SP (or several of them), users can easily fill locations with a capacity of over 500 people with bass-driven sound. 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 are prepared to sacrifice a little low end for the sake of greater ease of transportation can opt for the EKX-18SP’s smaller brother, the EKX-15SP. But if bass is life, the Electro-Voice EKX-18SP will provide plenty of fun together with easy assembly and disassembly as well as uncomplicated operation for hours on end.