Would I get any benefit from getting a subwoofer?

[Rocco Crocco]

I play my Helix through my Kali LP-6 monitors. Been using this setup for years and it works great for learning songs and occasionally recording.

I’m wonder if I would get more “oomph” from my guitar sound if I added a sub. I don’t really need it for mixing, just trying to get my rig to sound more exciting without having to pull my tube amp out.

What do you guys think?

 

[ian_dissonance]

Just for playing maybe get a little more push. If you’re trying to get “in the mix” tones you probably don’t want the guitar in the sub much anyways. At least for most things.

 

[Shask]

I use a JBL sub with my LP-6s. I think it helps get some rumble. I don't care about mix worthy tones. I want my walls to shake like a 412 cab does.

 

[synthpenguin]

You probably don't need one / a pair with the LP6s for what you're describing, though, yeah, it can give you more of that room feel for chugs and stuff like that. Subwoofers can be a whole can of worms re: phase issues and setup though, and can end up making things worse if not done right, at least if you want accurate sound... but if accuracy isn't important that might not matter.

My advice would be to get a cheap-ish one you can return and just try it. You'll know right away, I think.

Or if you're just after feel in the room, you could also try placing your monitors on the floor first.

 

[EOengineer]

In most reinforcement scenarios a sub is more trouble than it’s worth. NGL I am curious what the playing experience might be like though.

 

[newholland]

i think at the point youre engaging a sub with a guitar, the subs waaaaay too loud- and if the monitors arent reinforcing thickness, might just be that the dial in needs tweakin'.

 

[OrganicZed]

I have a sub with my monitor setup. I realized that it was giving me a false impression about the amount of bass I needed in my tones for live use. I bypass the sub when playing guitar but still use it for listening to music.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

You shouldn’t really “notice” a properly set up sub, it should just feel like a natural extension of your speakers. They have their own limitations and compromises and integrating them well is challenging.

I love using them but for what you’re looking for, the novelty might wear off quickly.

It’s common for subs to have their crossover set at 80Hz and not much of the guitar’s low end goes far below there.

It’s worth trying to scratch the itch and just to hear for yourself. As to giving the feeling of a 4x12…. not for me

 

[sleewell]

For just practicing our set and writing riffs I don't feel like I need one

But I hate making beats or our in-between song stuff or mixing full band stuff without one.

When I bring it to rehearsal and play it through the full pa and subs and it's never quite right.

 

[BFRaid]

I used one for a very short time. I found my tone was woofy and harder to dial in. The juice was not worth the squeeze.

 

[Rocco Crocco]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to pass on getting a sub for now.

 

[HotRats]

mmm sub woofers are tricky and not worth the expense if used for guitar only, imho.
cheap ones might even make things worse.

 

[Jarick]

I've thought about it as well. My guitar sounds way better through the Fender FR12 sitting on the floor than the $1500 studio monitors I have on my desk. I've tried probably a dozen monitor sets and I don't like playing guitar through any of them.