Mixer hookup for the sub?

DJ Big Jim
DJ Big Jim Posts: 6
edited July 2011 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
Can I use the record out on a mixer and into the line in on the psw 303 sub to get bass?
Post edited by DJ Big Jim on
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,157
    edited July 2011
    At very low volume, with a "Y" splitter used, you can try it. I would start with the volume all of the way down and SLOWLY turn it up. That said, yes but it's more of a mid-bass module.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • DJ Big Jim
    DJ Big Jim Posts: 6
    edited July 2011
    1. Why would I need a "Y" splitter? There is a left and right rca output on the mixer and a left and right rca input on the sub. Wouldn't it just be putting the audio signal thru to the sub and then the subs crossover would filter it?
    2. Are you refering to the subs volume?
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,157
    edited July 2011
    Sorry, allow me to clarify. Since I'm not familiar with mixers, I took it for granted that it only had one out [L&R mixed]. Since yours has separate L & R outputs, you will not need the splitter. Yes, I'm referring to the sub's volume.

    Oh, my manners. Welcome to Club Polk.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • DJ Big Jim
    DJ Big Jim Posts: 6
    edited July 2011
    Thank you for the welcome and the help. I'm still a little unclear why you said it would only be a "mid bass module". Wouldn't the sub's crossover filter put thru the proper bass tones? Why are you warning about the volume? Is the signal so strong that is would be a concern?
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  • DJ Big Jim
    DJ Big Jim Posts: 6
    edited July 2011
    Also, if I didn't want to hook it up that way, could I do this (which would be easier):
    My amp has 1/4" speaker outputs that go to the 1/4" speaker inputs.
    The speakers also have the "bare wire" connections also.
    I have one powered sub.
    Could I just come out of one of the speakers "bare wire" connections and into either the left or right "bare wire" inputs in the back of the sub? Do I need both the right and left Inputs in the sub? Why not just one side?
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,157
    edited July 2011
    The signal may be a fixed signal. If it is, then their is a cause for concern. Basically, it has the potential to blow your gear up. Think of it as a signal that has the volume knob ALL of the way up. Using the volume knob on the sub, starting at the bottom and SLOWLY working your way up should indicate to you what kind of signal it is sending. Basically, if you can turn the sub volume knob up to only where the sound starts [becomes audible] and it's too loud? It's a fixed signal. Do not use it.

    That said, if you SLOWLY turn the volume knob up on the sub and you can continue to raise the volume to the 10:00 position and keep going? You are fine. Use as intended.

    You can use the subs crossover network with the use of the speaker wires [speaker level inputs], no issues but you have to hook them up exactly how they say too in the manual. If you do not have a manual,

    http://www.polkaudio.com/downloads/manuals/home/PSW303_404_505Manual.pdf

    I say mid-bass module because that's what it's built for. It will not shake the house down and rattle the walls with so much sound pressure that it will break all of the windows sitting beside it. It will, however provide you with an augmentation of the mid-bass frequency range. Their are many subs out there on the market that should have the right to be called a "sub" but that's what they call them anyway. Your sub is rated to [+-3Db] 35 Hz, has an 8" driver and only a 100/260w plate amp. To get a true "sub" that digs down to a faithful 20 Hz at a high Db level, your cost will jump up dramatically. Regardless, enjoy what you have now and if you yearn for more? Well, we'll get to that later, if you are interested.

    Happy listening.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,157
    edited July 2011
    DJ Big Jim wrote: »
    Do I need both the right and left Inputs in the sub? Why not just one side?
    No, you don't need them. However, you want the lower signals from both the L & R channels and not just one. Why? Sometimes a drummers sound is only recorded on the L side [for example] and if you only have the R side hooked up, your mains may still get the signal but the sub will not. When you use the LFE input, you have to have an LFE output on the signal origination [AVR, pre, etc...]. This is because the L & R signals are already combined for LFE.

    You would want to have both the L & the R side hooked up to the sub, either utilizing the line level or the speaker level inputs.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • DJ Big Jim
    DJ Big Jim Posts: 6
    edited July 2011
    Thank you very much for your time
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