Bass Knob with as ws 420 eq

[jmvotto]

Anyone still use the bass knob from kicker or jl amps in conjunction with an eq with sub control?

[Razzman]

Anyone still use the bass knob from kicker or jl amps in conjunction with an eq with sub control?

Well i don't have a WS 420 or an EQ but i don't see how it would hurt having it there. If you optimized your bass settings to your liking on the 420 in relation to a certain position with the bass knob (say mid way) then you could add or subtract bass boost and always be able to come back to optimized. I don't know, maybe it doesn't work that way. That help? Sorry!

[cab13367]

Anyone still use the bass knob from kicker or jl amps in conjunction with an eq with sub control?

I don't know why u would as it would be redundant, wouldn't it? Having said that, I have the subwoofer level turned all the way up at the HU so that the sub amp is getting full input voltage and then I have the remote bass knob at the helm. I use the knob at the helm to attenuate the bass.

[you da man]

I have 3 JL amps and the WS420 EQ and don't mess with the knobs on the amp...why would you need to once you have them set/tuned?

[Razzman]

I have 3 JL amps and the WS420 EQ and don't mess with the knobs on the amp...why would you need to once you have them set/tuned?

He's referring to the remote bass adjustment knob that many amps have under the dash, Kicker ZX's being one.

[EarmarkMarine]

Yes, a separate LC-1, JL or Kicker amplifier gain control makes sense for those who want a dedicated subwoofer level control.

The WetSounds two bass knobs are a paragraphic EQ adjusting the center frequency and EQ boost/cut with a fixed Q. And these function on the boat side rather than the tower side. This is not a true level control and should not be used as one.

So gaining the sub amp hot and using the independent level control for attenuation will allow you to mix more bass with the tower speakers without raising the in-boat speaker level as much.

I totally agree with how WetSounds has engineered their EQ and wouldn't use an external control. But I can see how it would be useful for others.

David
Earmark Marine

[jmvotto]

Yes, a separate LC-1, JL or Kicker amplifier gain control makes sense for those who want a dedicated subwoofer level control.

The WetSounds two bass knobs are a paragraphic EQ adjusting the center frequency and EQ boost/cut with a fixed Q. And these function on the boat side rather than the tower side. This is not a true level control and should not be used as one.

So gaining the sub amp hot and using the independent level control for attenuation will allow you to mix more bass with the tower speakers without raising the in-boat speaker level as much.

I totally agree with how WetSounds has engineered their EQ and wouldn't use an external control. But I can see how it would be useful for others.

David
Earmark Marine

David, thanks for the input and my technical knowledge is limited here, but i am confused by paragragh two and four above.

The JL amp has a variable bass boost of 12 db, the ws420 has a sub bass boost of i think of 12 db and the frequency range of 30 to 300hz.

will the JL counter act the ws, make it distort, or double the db gain??

As always look for ward to your expert insite.

[EarmarkMarine]

jmvotto,

I could have interpreted this wrong but I thought the thread was about level controls.

I was only explaining that the WetSounds has a bass EQ but not a true bass level control. I would not use the amplifier's bass boost/EQ circuit since the WetSounds has a more comprehensive control (two variables versus one) and the WS420 is positioned more conveniently. Using both is trouble.

Bass EQs, particularly in an open boat, should be used in moderation. Consider this: A 12 dB boost is a 1 to 16 power ratio at a frequency where you don't have as much leverage as you do in a vehicle. While you may inject 12 dB (for examply only), its unlikely you'll get a 12dB commensurate increase in acoustic output because you're fighting some open-air inefficiences. And even though the boost is over a very narrow bandwidth, it can quickly sap the dynamics out of your overall system and certainly introduce premature distortion at higher volumes, not to mention cause early mechanical fatigue for your subwoofer.

So its an awesome fine-tuning feature as long as you don't try and use an EQ as an overall level controller. I know this is extra information but its a widely misunderstood area that I thought deserves a little extra dialogue.

David
Earmark Marine

[jmvotto]

David, I have that jl bass knob mounted in the dash already (old system pre eq), I guess i could leave it as zero and use the eq or unhook it at the amp and find another use for the hole in my dash.

Thanks,

Joe

[Brianinpdx]

WOW -this is a rather confusing thread. I had to read thru it 2x before responding. And after I did, my initial impression is you guys are way over thinking this. Since David gave the technical run down, let me explain in another way.

First the original Q: remote bass controllers are used by many in the marine world. Especially by guys that have high performance sub setups. The reason is simple. Blend the sub output to match your cabin setup levels. Or in some cases, when fun bass is needed... juice the hell outta it!. For those of us running bass amplifiers that dont have a remote bass controller, a simple PK LC1 does the trick for less than 20 bucks.

first observation: This is very different than "Bass EQ" as used by the op.

A bass EQ would in my book refer to something like the W420 which is really a multi function device.

- PA
- line driver
- EQ
- Level controller

Depending on your needs this can be a great device, or for most something to fiddle with (which I'm not a fan of). It does offer great zone control and EQ abilities. It is my understanding that it doesnt allow for remote subwoofer level control (david correct me if I'm wrong). For this reason, I'd definately run a level controller as asked by the OP.

bottom line, remote contollers are great. the WS420 is great. Just ask yourself what solution you really need, and buy accordingly.

-Brian
Exile Audio