Top 5 Best Powered Subwoofer for Live Band & DJs

Welcome to the ultimate guide for finding the best powered subwoofer for live bands and DJs!

Whether you’re a veteran performer or just getting started in music production, having a powerful and reliable audio system is essential.

We know that choosing the right speaker setup can be daunting, so we’ve compiled this list of our top picks to help you find the best powered subwoofer for your needs.

We’ll cover everything from budget-friendly options to professional-grade systems, so you can rest assured that you’re making an informed decision.

Let’s get started!

Best Powered Subwoofer for Live Band – Our top Picks

Below we have given reviews of our top 5 Best Powered Subwoofers for Live Band & DJs.

1. Electro-Voice ELX200-18SP – Overall Best Powered Subwoofer for Live Band

The Electro-Voice ELX200- Powered Subwoofer is perfect for PA applications that demand high quality bass. This 18-inch subwoofer features Class-D amplification and QuickSmartDSP, providing up to 132 dB SPL and accurate sound reproduction. With three presets (Music, Live, Club), five user-programmable presets, and visual monitoring of limiter status, the ELX200 is easy to set up and use.

This lightweight and compact subwoofer is easy to transport and features an integrated pole mount, making it ideal for portable and installed applications. With its two-handle design, the ELX200 is easy to lift and features a powerful speaker system that delivers outstanding sound quality.

Weighing in at under 40 pounds, the ELX200 is the perfect solution for gigging musicians and sound professionals who need quality audio performance and easy transportability. 

This powered subwoofer features an efficient Class D amplifier and a robust 15-inch woofer, delivering a tight, low-end punch that will make your music stand out. Thanks to its precision control capabilities, you can dial in the perfect bass tone for your needs. And with its smart design, the ELX200 is easy to set up and use – perfect for any situation. 

The Electro-Voice ELX200- Powered Subwoofer is perfect for DJs, mobile entertainers, bands and musicians. It delivers the smooth clarity of the EV sound in a size that suits your needs. Choose from 10-inch, 12-inch or 15-inch models, or 12-inch and 18-inch subwoofers in both powered and passive versions. With its flexible features, the ELX200 is a great choice for any performer.

2. Electro-Voice EKX18SP – Best Powered Subwoofer for Deep Bass

The 2nd Best Powered Subwoofer for Live Band is also from Electro-Voice!

The Electro-Voice EKX-SP Powered Subwoofer is the perfect way to get the most out of your music! This powerful subwoofer features high-efficiency Class D power amplifiers and integrated QuickSmartDSP, delivering up to 134 dB peak SPL. With its precision-engineered transducers, this subwoofer will give your music the depth and bass it deserves. 

This Subwoofer packs a serious punch, delivering thunderous lows that will have you feeling the beat. With its intelligent thermal management and variable-speed fan, it’s designed to handle even the most demanding conditions, so you can rock out no matter what. Plus, it’s easy to set up and use.

This powerful subwoofer has four presets that make it easy to get great sound, no matter what you’re using it for. It also has a three-band EQ, so you can tweak the sound to perfection. Plus, the visual monitoring of limiter status and input level control make it easy to keep things running smoothly.

This subwoofer is built tough, with a lightweight and compact enclosure that’s perfect for taking on the go. Plus, it features eight M10 threaded mounting points, making it easy to set up wherever you need it. And if you’re looking for even more low-end power, the all-metal handles let you easily mount an additional speaker cabinet.

 This powerful beast is perfect for a wide range of sound reinforcement scenarios, including musicians/DJs and live/club/installed sound applications. Plus, with eight models to choose from (four powered and four passive), you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs!

This amazing speaker has been engineered with high-quality components to provide precise coverage and superior sound quality. The EVCoat finish is tough and durable, making sure your speaker looks as great as it sounds. Plus, the QuickSmartDSP ensures easy setup and operation.

3. Mackie Thump 12A – Also Great

Mackie Thump Powered Loudspeakers deliver the quality, performance and innovation that continue to make Mackie one of the most popular brands in audio. With their all-new designs and technology, they redefine chest-thumping low-end and versatility. Plus, with built-in mixers, you can easily take control of your sound.

Make your events even more epic with the all-new Thump 12 loudspeaker! This powerhouse features 1300 watts of pure power, delivering chest-thumping low end that will make your guests jump with joy. Plus, the built-in mixer makes it easy to dial in the perfect sound for any occasion.

With Vita preamps and Wide-Z technology, this speaker can handle any kind of signal with ease. And with application specific speaker modes, you can dial in the system to match your needs. Plus, the all new professional enclosure ensures that your next gig will go off without a hitch.

Mackie Thump loudspeakers give you the power to rock the room with stunning clarity and realism. With four or six speaker modes* to instantly optimize the system for your application, setup is a breeze – perfect for any occasion.

With high performance amplifiers and built-in mixers, these speakers provide great sound and reliability. Plus, with Power Factor Correction and a universal internal power supply, they can be used anywhere in the world without any modifications needed.

Featuring 1300W of ultra-efficient amplifier design, Dynamic Bass Response technology, and built-in mixers, these loudspeakers are perfect for performers and DJs alike. With chest-pounding bass response and an incredibly fast response to transients, Thump will always deliver when you need it most.

These powerful speakers are perfect for solo performers or small groups, with enough power to handle mic, line and instrument signals with ease. Plus, the intuitive tone of voice makes it easy to dial in great sound quickly.

These versatile speakers come with a built-in 3-channel mixer that features two digitally controlled Vita+ preamps, plus a third Bluetooth channel for music streaming. Whether you’re DJing at a party or listening to music in your living room, these speakers deliver high quality sound that will make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the action.

These speakers are perfect for bands, rehearsal spaces, clubs, DJ gigs, weddings and events, outdoor or backyard theater – any situation where great sound is essential. Each speaker features a built-in mixer with high performance amplifiers, so you can get started right away. And with Mackie’s legendary tone of voice, you know they’ll always sound great.

4. Yamaha DXS Series Active Subwoofer

The 4th Best Powered Subwoofer for Live Band is from YAMAHA

Mackie THUMP loudspeakers are perfect for anyone who wants great sound without spending a fortune. These speakers pack 300 watts of power each, so they can really rock your party. And the integrated mixers make it easy to get great sound no matter what you’re playing.

With Mackie’s THUMP loudspeaker, you get the power and versatility you need to rock your next party. 

This speaker features high-performance amplifiers and mixers built in, so you can start rocking right out of the box. And with its band-pass design, the DXS Series produces extremely high SPL without distortion – perfect for delivering thumping bass at your next party or event.

With its high performance amplifiers and built-in mixers, this speaker is perfect for anyone who wants to have more control over their sound. The D-XSUB processing allows you to choose from three different modes, so you can get the perfect sound for your needs.

5. Yamaha DXS12 MKII Powered Subwoofer

The 5th Best Powered Subwoofer for Live Band is also from YAMAHA

The Yamaha DXS12mkII Powered Subwoofer is perfect for adding serious depth and low-end punch to any music playback system. With its upgraded electronics section, this subwoofer delivers more power and low-frequency extension than ever before. Plus, its rugged bandpass cabinet ensures tight, accurate bass response even at high volumes. So if you’re looking to add some serious thump to your music playback system, the Yamaha DXS12mkII is the perfect choice.

Its D-XSUB DSP processing provides higher output and improved frequency response, while its compact, lightweight enclosure ensures easy transportability. Plus, with its higher maximum SPL and extended low-frequency range, the DXS12MKII delivers clear, punchy sound that will give your performance the professional edge.

With 800 watts of continuous power, the DXS12mkII has plenty of headroom to reproduce the dynamics and nuances of your music. The amplifier doesn’t require active cooling, so you can run it at high volume levels for extended periods without distortion or thermal shutdown.

This subwoofer uses innovative technology to create rich, powerful bass tones that will fill any room. Plus, the acoustically-optimized wooden enclosure ensures distortion-free performance even at high volumes.

This easy-to-integrate sub adds depth and power to any sound system, perfect for music lovers and audiophiles alike. With dual XLR inputs, it’s easy to connect to your mixer, crossover system, or main speaker throughputs. And with parallel XLR outputs, adding additional DXS subwoofers is a breeze.

This incredible subwoofer gives you amazing sound quality and performance, all while saving you space and money. Plus, it features a built-in filter that allows full-range powered speakers to use their full output power, delivering better overall projection and a more detailed soundstage. Whether you’re looking for powerful bass for your home theater or music system, or need a low-profile subwoofer for tight spaces, the DXS12 MKII is perfect for you!

FAQs

Which powered subwoofer is the best?

If you’re looking for the best powered subwoofer, I would highly recommend checking out the  Electro-Voice ELX200-18SP. It’s a great subwoofer that delivers amazing sound quality and impressive bass response.

The  Electro-Voice ELX200 is a 18″ powered studio monitor that was designed for use in recording studios and other professional settings. It has a built-in amplifier that provides up to 1200 watts of power, and it features a Class D amplifier design for maximum efficiency. It also has an integrated crossover network that ensures smooth, accurate bass response across the entire frequency range.

Is a higher watt subwoofer better?

It really depends on what you’re looking for in a subwoofer. If you want more bass, then a higher watt subwoofer will definitely give you that. However, if you’re just looking for clear, accurate sound then a lower watt subwoofer may be better suited for your needs. It really varies depending on what your preferences are. Hope that helps!

Is an active subwoofer the same as a powered subwoofer?

Though both active and powered subwoofers offer distinct advantages, the main differences between the two lie in their design and functionality. Active subwoofers are typically more compact and have built-in amplifiers that power the unit, while powered subwoofers rely on an external amplifier to function. This means that active subwoofers are generally easier to set up and require less wiring than their powered counterparts. another key difference is that active subwoofers typically offer more control over the audio signal, allowing for more precise sound tuning. 

How do you know if the subwoofer is active or passive?

This is a great question, and one that stumps a lot of people when they are trying to figure out which type of subwoofer to buy. The main difference between active and passive subwoofers is the way they are powered. Active subwoofers have their own power source, typically an amplifier, built into the unit. Passive subwoofers do not have their own power source and must be connected to an amplifier in order to function.

So, how do you know if a particular subwoofer is active or passive? The best way is to check the specifications listed by the manufacturer. 

What is better passive or active subwoofer?

There is no simple answer to this question, as it depends on a variety of factors including the size and layout of your room, the type of music you listen to, and your own personal preferences.

That said, in general, active subwoofers tend to be better than passive subwoofers, as they provide more flexibility and control over the sound. With an active subwoofer, you can adjust the frequency range, volume, and crossover points to create the perfect sound for your specific room and listening preferences. Passive subwoofers are more limited in terms of both flexibility and control.

Does a powered subwoofer need an amplifier?

Powered subwoofers are self-contained units that come with their own amplifier. You don’t need to add an external amplifier, but if you want more power or control, you can certainly use one. If you’re using a powered subwoofer in your car audio system, make sure that the subwoofer’s wattage rating is higher than your head unit’s power output. This will ensure that your subwoofer isn’t being overworked and will produce the best sound possible.