SPEAKER SHOOTOUT Mackie DRM 18 vs JBL SRX 818 & QSC KS118

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[djmixnice]

Cleveland, one thing you didn’t mention is the power draw vs. output. The JBL srx818sp clearly beats the QSC when it comes to output at lower AC power draw. As you know, power at events can be challenging and the highest output using the least wattage combined with amplifier efficiency is key. The other thing most forget to consider that we should emphasize is usable frequency range before roll off. Perceived volume with enclosures designed for punchy bass and/or those that exhibit higher distortion at or below roll off can sometimes influence listeners, giving them buyer’s remorse as they hear other (higher quality) subs after their purchase. Manufacturers like Danley, JTR, and BassBoss clearly emphasize deep, accurate, and flat bass and sub bass performance, leaving the other competitors behind. With the subs you tested, the JBL wins that battle, rolling off at 29hz with the others giving up at 35-40hz. Thanks for your informative videos. Just wanted to add my 2 cents gathered over 25 years of audio engineering. I always state that saving up for Danley, JTR, or BassBoss is worth it but not always an option considering their price point.

[charliejasemeogwel]

Love your work bro!!
Not too many people give honest and helpful tips on sound equipment like you do!!!

[philipbalistreri]

Always a pleasure CT thank you for what you do for our industry.

[hamster]

Great video, I think the SRX818 gets deeper but the KS118 gets slightly louder and is punchier. I owned the SRX and sold it for the BassBoss SSP118s and ZV28s.

[Johnnybang_]

Thank you 🙏 my QSC came in today…I can’t wait to party 🎉

[alfredwatkins]

QSC KS118 owner here since 2019... it's a BEAST and not "too" bad to move. It doesn't travel with me all of the time though. It actually went up in price by $500 since then.

[djndgindagruv]

I just loved your honest opinion about these subs and they’re all great but to be honest the JBLs are respected just like Marshall’s are in the professional music scene for a reason and to me it sounded cleaner but you’ve got me curious about both the Mackie and QSC which maybe I’ll give a try….. nonetheless GREAT REVIEW AND COMPARISON👍👍👍👍

[jakeeproductions]

I have heard all these subs as I shoot a ton of weddings in NY. Hearing hundreds of different DJ setups, only 3 subs have given me the WOW factor, well maybe 4...2 QSC KS118s, 2 yorkville ls 18s, 2 srx828s and 2 RCF TTS 18-A II's. As far as price and size goes, the KS has no bussinus being in the conversation with the others in this range, BUT IT IS. And they SLAM. Dollar for dollar and pound for pound nothing touching them, to my ears. I picked up a refurbished model for $1600 and it still impresses me when I turn it up. Im no DJ, just like quality, loud music. If price and size weren't an issue, the srx828s are probably it overall. It only makes sense...double the sub area. The yorkville are LOUD, but not the deep bass I prefer out of a sub. The RCF is obviously top of the line and sounded amazing. I dont think the DJ was turning them up nearly what they could have done and I was still impressed with those lows out of 2 single 18s. The KS118 pushes 1800rms whitch is almost double the other subs in its category. Cant go wrong unless you need deep deep lows, then id go with the SRX 828 or RCF TT.

[VictorGomez-jccb]

Thank you for the info and having 3 brands at a music store is hart to find and compare like you did... my budget allows me to get mackie at this time, but definitely you help me make my mind to spend little( 200.00) more and get DRM18...

[DJAlgorithm]

I own the previous version of the QSC, and I am So SATISFIED with its PERFORMANCE. But... I am KICKING MYSELF, for not buying the KS 118, when it first rolled out at 1500 dollars!!! Thanks for the VIDEO, always ENJOY your HONEST and PROFESSIONAL OPINION, on the GEAR you review!

[pete]

Great video and great info. TC you never disappoint in your videos.

[DJDynablend]

The QSC's thinner cabinet design makes it so much easier to transport and carry because the centre of gravity is closer to your body. That JBL would be a major pain in the ass to move even with castors. I think the Mackie sounded great especially for the price range I wonder what warranty it would come with.

[yonathancarrasco]

I bought the mackies drm because of this review. So thank you that was over a year ago. I will say this after a while for peaking the subs now when they hit the red limit they start making a clapping sound like they are going to blow. I took em to get checked and the engineer said there was nothing wrong with them. So thats annoying it does not suppress one it hits limit . So i just purchased the qsc to test it out.

[JonTisch]

Mackie DRM Series is amazing! I own the 212 & 215s. Made of wood. SPL is 134 -135 db. Play with clarity at loud levels. No vibration.

[refillingmypixiedust]

The QSC sounds the best overall. Especially on the mic you recorded with. On the video the Mackie sounded the worst. It had some nasty vibrations. The JBL sounds like an EV which isn’t surprising. If I had to buy one of these three it would be the QSC hands down

[Tdiesel]

Could be that the JBL is more centered with the microphone, but it sounds like it’s hitting harder and is like 10% louder than the others. Only 6 min in so far so not sure if you say something similar at the end.

[jmuniz]

You have to get on the Bassboss SSP118 will spank all of them right there. And I have the QSC also. One SSP118 sound like 3 or 4 of the QSC together, maybe even better.

[Mojo]

I agree with you CT my question to you is, what do you do with the casters during an event ?

[chrisallen]

What setup are you using cause the mackie doesn't have a volume knob...

[jeremyparker]

Just out of curiosity, what’s your issue with RCF? I was checking them out at Sweetwater, the sub sounded great but just looking for all the perspectives before I make my choice.