The BASSBOSS product lineup is expanding with the brand new Sublim8. This document explains the difference between the Sublim8 and other BASSBOSS setups.
The Sublim8 is an entire system featuring an 18" low frequency transducer, 2x 8" mid frequency drivers, and a 3" high frequency driver with a 120 x 20 line array waveguide. The Sublim8 provides similar SPL to an SSP118 and DV12 combined together. As a result, it will outperform the SPL of a system containing a DJ18S and DiaMon, or a BB15 and CCM. The main benefit of the Sublim8 is the narrow horizontal footprint, the column aesthetic, and easy setup.
The Sublim8 Subwoofer vs the SSP118 and DJ18S
The Sublim8's low frequency section is a single 18" driver, so it will naturally draw comparisons to the DJ18S and SSP118. The Sublim8's subwoofer will perform similarly to a single SSP118, meaning it will get louder than a DJ18S (the SSP118 is a more "premium" cabinet than the DJ18S, with more robust handles and four ports that cycle cold and hot air so it can be run louder for longer periods of time). The Sublim8's subwoofer also contains four ports, and the configuration is similar to an SSP118 on its side. There are minor differences in the cabinet construction of the Sublim8 and SSP118, but in practice they are likely unnoticiable.
There are some improvements found in the Sublim8 that are not present in the current generation of SSP118's, some of which translate into some SPL (sound pressure level) benefits. However, existing SSP118 owners should rest assured that their current cabinet is not obsolete, and performance will be similar, all things considered. SSP118 owners considering the Sublim8 are encouraged to add the Sublim8 (rather than replcing their SSP118 with a Sublim8), bringing along their SSP118s when they need extra low frequency performance. A single Sublim8's top section can easily keep up with at least 2 additional 18" subwoofers (or a double 18" cabinet like the SSP218 or ZV28), if not more, in addition to its own high output 18" subwoofer.
Compared to other BASSBOSS subwoofers, the Sublim8 subwoofer section will get much deeper and louder than a BB15, though it is a larger and heavier box. A VS21 will get deeper and louder than the Sublim8, however it is a larger and heavier box than the Sublim8's subwoofer section.
The Sublim8's Top Section vs the DV12:
The Sublim8 shares the same HF driver and horn found in the DV12, meaning it offers a wide 120 degree coverage angle and a narrow 20 degree pattern that prioritizes even coverage and intelligibility. The DV12 features a 4 degree downtilt due to the rhombus shape of the box, while the Sublim8 fires straight forward, with a nominal vertical coverage of 10 degrees up and 10 degrees down. This can lead to the perception of the Sublim8 throwing "further," despite the drivers and horns being the same (DV12 owners who desire more "throw" should simply get the box up higher).
The difference between the DV12 and Sublim8 comes down to the single 12" driver in the DV12 and the dual 8" drivers found in the Sublim8. While the DV12's 12" driver does have more cone surface area, the driver choice itself plus the tuning of the box are designed for low frequency reproduction. In practice this means the Sublim8's top section will provide mid and high frequency performance similar to a DV12 in a higher-numbered preset, where SPL is maximized.
The main benefit of the Sublim8 is its ease of setup with one person. A single person may struggle to lift a DV12 onto a speaker pole due to the boxes' weight, size, and handle position. The desired low frequency performance of the DV12 necessitated such a big and heavy box, however this size is unnecessary when using subwoofers, which is why the Sublim8 is able to achieve DV12-level SPL and sound quality in a much lighter and smaller package. Furthermore, the Sublim8's design means a single person can assemble the entire tower with minimal effort.
What is best for me?
Whether one should purchase a Sublim8 versus an SSP118 + DV12 comes down to one's priorities. All things considered, the Sublim8 is a more cost effective solution, especially as it includes the transport cart and covers, which need to be purchased separately for the SSP118 and DV12. However the SSP118 + DV12 is still a compelling option for many as well, and hence why both products can coexist peacefully.
If you are someone who:
- Performs at weddings or churches where sightless and aesthetics are important (in particular Wedding DJs and Bands)
- Often sets up solo
- Wants an option in white
- Desires a turnkey solution with maximal output versus footprint
- You want an easy option for mounting a lighting fixture, without needing to bring truss totems
The Sublim8 may be the right choice for you!
If you are someone who:
- Wants the flexibility to mix and match top/sub boxes
- Desires the ability to array another pair of tops when necessary
- Are part of a large production or rental team where lifting a 63lb box onto a pole is not a problem
A system consisting of an SSP118 and DV12 may be the right choice for you.
See Also:
- SSP118 vs DJ18S