I am a mobile DJ who does a lot of weddings and similar events.
I had a problem putting of two pieces of 18" woofers in my car, so I needed just one powerful 18" woofer that will be as powerful as the two woofers I had.
My 2-piece Behringer B1800XP served me well, but they took up too much space in the car.
I was looking for something 2-3 times more expensive, the conditions were - SPL over 135 db, RMS power over 1000 W, weight 45-50 kg.
The choice fell on the following:
JBL SRX818, PRX818 & 918, EV-ETX18, FBT Subline 18, RCF 8003, RCF 8004, QSC118......
I had the opportunity to compare them live with the PRX818, PRX 918 and RCF 8003. The Yamaha definitely has a stronger and louder sound than these models, which are still a little quieter, but also lower priced models.
After a long time and reading all the user experiences, the shortlist fell to the RCF 8004 and the Yamaha DXS18xlf, and in the end I decided on the Yamaha DXS18XLF...
The price is 25% lower than RCF, 7 years warranty, 2 kg lighter, as well as the most positive comments and reviews from users in several places, generally about Yamaha active speakers.....
When you first see the speaker, it is clear that it is a high-quality piece of equipment from a higher class. The appearance itself, the construction and all the details are beautifully and precisely done.
The handles are well placed, I have no problem lifting the woofer into the car.
The only negative is the expensive original Yamaha wheels, but that is not something that cannot be solved. The dimensions of the base for attaching to the speaker are not standard dimensions, but 4x8cm.
I bought standard wheels at local shop and adjusted the dimensions exactly to fit the speaker.
So I spent 4 times less money for wheels and I solved it locally without ordering online, and thus got the same functionality and quality.
I recently had the opportunity to test the sound and quality of the woofer. It was a 25x10m square, 4m high, a private party with 100 people.
Used with 1 woofer and 2x12" Yamaha DBR12 speakers, 2+1 system.
The upper speakers worked all evening at 0 db, and the woofer worked in the range of -15 to -8 db. I would say at 1/3 of my strength.
The channel volume was 0 db, master volume on the the Denon controller ran from 1/2 to 2/3 to max.
The result was superb, there was a real club feeling, not only on the dance floor in front of the DJ, but in the whole room.
Bass is precise, accurate and deep, it has its sharpness and precision. There is no waste or any interference and excess sounds.
There were also tones that I could not hear before on the Behringer 1800XP woofers.
One Yamaha is certainly as powerful as 2 Behringer woofers. This is exactly what I wanted and I can say that I am very satisfied.
I will probably send an "update" in a couple of months after more use and DJ performances when the wedding season starts.
PROS
Sound
Power
manufacturing quality
Options DSP
7 year warranty
CONS
original wheels price
I would recommend this subwoofer to every DJ who wants a powerful and super quality bass, and does not want to save money and buy cheaper and less powerful models.
EDIT 04/2024
I bought another one, now I have two subs, working together with the yamaha dxr12 top speakers. It's a really strong combination that always has a lot of reserves. I never work at my maximum.
No indoor venue or wedding hall is large enough for this PA system. I worked for a maximum of 250 guests in a large wedding hall and I was not at my maximum. Maybe at 70%.
Very nice and high-quality sound, I often get compliments from guests and newlyweds. A completely different dimension of sound, atmosphere and a higher level of enjoyment in music.
I've worked with bands a couple of times, but everyone on their own sound system.
In 90% of the situations I was louder, especially in the bass part.
Bands were only louder than me if they had 4 x 18" bass speakers.
I am not thinking about upgrading to other speakers, I am very satisfied and happy with this sound and quality. I feel safe when I work, because I know that Yamaha will not let me down.
