PA Sub placement.

[Owen]

Some put them on either side of the stage. Some clump them all together. What is the present thinking?

[CameronJ]

Ideally together, central if possible. Thing is, that’s not always practical, hence why separating them either side of the stage space is so frequently seen.

[Owen]

Centrally together would make an interesting lectern for the minister, but I can see it not working aesthetically for the situation. Don't get me wrong, I would love it but.....y know.....

[CameronJ]

Indeed!

[paul_c2]

How tall is the stage, and is there an area in front of the stage which is fenced off?

[Owen]

There are steps up to the platform which run along the length. I could lay them in a horizontal line on the step, but there are perhaps access issues. I will look into that. It is an HK Elements system with 4 1x10 active subs. We are not going for ear bleeding volume It is not really that I am dissatisfied with what we are getting, but I had clocked Sub placement coming up now and again (from @Bill Fitzmaurice in particular) and got to thinking.

[acidbass]

Is there any logic in placing the subs on the floor (audience level) as opposed to on the stage (band level)?  I've always thought the bass response to be better on solid ground.

[paul_c2]

On 04/04/2019 at 11:17, owen said:

There are steps up to the platform which run along the length. I could lay them in a horizontal line on the step, but there are perhaps access issues. I will look into that. It is an HK Elements system with 4 1x10 active subs. We are not going for ear bleeding volume It is not really that I am dissatisfied with what we are getting, but I had clocked Sub placement coming up now and again (from @Bill Fitzmaurice in particular) and got to thinking.

Ok its hard to be sure from the description you gave, but it seems you're constrained from simply putting the sub(s) front and centre on the floor just in front of the stage? (And/or you can't dedicate/barrier off that area?) Can you, or do you want to, remove this apparently full width bunch of steps? (How wide is the stage??????)

If that's the case then, I guess, to one side or the other (but NEVER one each side - Google "Power alley" for an explanation), or as close to front centre as possible without getting in the way.  

Definitely don't want the subs actually on the stage, I can only imagine weird acoustic issues resonating whatever's underneath it.

I think manufacturer's have a lot to answer for by sticking a pole mount on a sub box, it tends to suggest that the mains can simply go on top. They could go on top of one....but the other would want to not be, since if it were then the sub would be in the wrong place.

Edited April 9, 2019 by paul_c2

[Owen]

If anyone else wants more info.

https://www.prosoundweb.com/topics/sound_reinforcement/in_search_of_the_power_alley/

Thanks Paul, the steps are an integral part of the stage so will not be going anywhere. I will have a nice 4x10 vertical stack next to me when I play then

[Dan Dare]

Some useful info here - https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/bass-place.

 

[BreadBin]

In a clump, about 20ft behind the stage 🙂

Edited April 20, 2019 by BreadBin