The Best Place To Put Subwoofers Is......?

I read the following article on where the best place to put subwoofers is: http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/the_best_place_to_put_subwoofers_is/

Where would the best place to put subwoofers be? Hmmm... This article really got me to think about this question about what really would ultimately be the best solution for this question?


Although I have never had the chance to run a system with rigged and flown subwoofers, this article definitely gives a great argument as to why I would try this technique, especially after seeing the graphical information that they had shown. From my experiences of using subs at an on the ground position and having gone to many many concerts in my short life-time, that have also used the on the ground position for the subs, I can really understand a few reasons as to why they would place them at an on the ground position in the first place rather than flying them with the rest of the PA.

One good reason would be the fact that the reflections off the ground from the subwoofer help to make you feel the power of the low end throughout your body. And typically, from what I've encountered and noticed so far for the most part is that subwoofers are usually a lot bulkier and heavier than most high/mid/low loudspeaker cabinets, so keeping the subs on the ground makes it easier for the crew setting up their gear for show by not having to rig and fly the subwoofers along with the rest of the loudspeaker cabinets. Another reason would be the cost effectiveness. You don't need as many subwoofers on the ground as you do when you fly the subs due to the reflective coupling off of the ground from the subwoofers low end.

Now that I've said what I have said above, my argument for why flying the subs would be better would be that the frequency, polarity and crossover point response problems are near zero as compared to having the subs on the ground. So better frequency, polarity and crossover response would make for a better sounding show for most everyone that is in the arena, venue, or fairgrounds for a show.

So in conclusion, although I would still like to try and compare each system setup my self, I believe that having the subs still on the ground would make for a better and more cost effective way to use your subs in your mix.