- Subs:
- 4x XOC1 Original TH18s, each with:
- 1x B&C 18SW115 (4 ohms, 3400 W continuous)
- Low/Mid/High:
- 2x JMOD MEH V2, each with:
- 2x B&C 12NDL88 (each 8 ohms, 1400 W continuous) (together in parallel 4 ohms, 2800 W)
- 1x B&C DCX464 (8 & 8 ohms, 160 & 220 W continuous)
- Amps:
- 1x Admark AD420 (4x channels 4 ohms 3400 W, NO DSP)
- 2x Crown XTi 1002 (2x channels 8 ohms 275 W, WITH DSP)
- DSP:
- Xilica XP4080
- Power:
- Power Distro: ?
- Generator: ?
- Lights:
- Strobes
- 1x Martin Atomic 3000
- 1x American DJ Mega Flash? (TBC)
- Light Conroller:
- 1x Chauvet DJ Obey 70 DMX Controller? (TBC)
- Haze/Fog:
- 1x TBC (but want to upgrade to: TBC)
- Table: ?
- DJ Equipment: ???
Electronics:
| | 2U-4U Power Distro? could be external
| | ...
| | ...
| | ...
| | 1U ?? One more AD420 eventually
| | 1U EQ? Rane ME15 or DIGAN2.30 or other digital w/ display CHANGLKJ brand?
|------Xilican XP4080-----|
|-----Crown XTi 1002-----|
|------------------------------|
|-----Crown XTi 1002-----|
|------------------------------|
|-----Admark AD420------|
|-----Admark AD420------|
|2xNL8+2xNL4 outs, 12 ins| 1U Patching Bay?
Custom cable solutions needed:
- 2x: 1x Male NL8 (NLT8MXX?) split to 4x 2 conductor/NL2 or NL4 (outs from different amps into NL8 cable)
- 2x: 1x Male NL4 (NL4MMX?) split to 2x 2 conductor/NL2 or NL4 (outs from sub amp into NL4 cable)
- 2x: 1x Female NL8 transfer 2 pins to single 2 conductor/NL2 or NL4 (out of JMOD into kick)
- 2x: 1x Female NL4 transfer 2 pins to single 2 conductor/NL2 or NL4 (out of one sub into other sub)
Cost Estimates Breakdown
DISCLAIMER: I've mostly stopped counting the small stuff (tools, samples, etc.)
Still Absolutely Need:
- another amp Admark AD420 (EST. $1400+)
Still Need But Not Mandatory for MVP:
- EQ ($500)
- power distro (EST. $1000)
- 2 more subs or 4 kicks:
- 2 subs @ ~$1750 each: $3500 total
- 4 kicks: ~$2900-3000 total
- 4x Drivers @ $560 each: $2240
- 4x 18 mm Baltic Birch: ~$632.58
- 2 kicks: $1450-1500 total
Cubo Kick 15 Planning:
- Need the standard width of 62 cm cut down to match the TH18s - should still fit driver without issue
- Driver pick would probably be RCF MB15N405 (8 ohm, 2200 W continuous)
- That means on two AD420s I could run only run 2 channels for the Cubos (supplying 3400W instead of driver available 4400W)
- With three AD420s could run one of them bridged, so 2x 6800W, to get all the power from the driver but then redundancy for subs isn't great, and differene is maybe just 1dB or so
JULY 2026 UPDATE
- many sessions
- bought Crown XTI 1002 ??
JUNE 2026 UPDATE
- Bought rest of plywood for subs
- Cut plywood to rough size with handsaw
Links for later/important terms for later:
- "metal lath"
- https://www.mcnichols.com/perforated-metal/designer-perforated/carbon-steel-cs-16951420?rbl=3443230987&cId=101
- Tried free samples from Michols - nice but way too expensive
-
MAY 2026 UPDATE
Various construction material needed:
- Screws for assembly
- PLPremium
- Wood Filler (Timbermate)
- Sand paper
- Titebond 3 (little enough to borrow)
- Epoxy (little enough to borrow)
- Ordered gasket material
- Sanded JMODs and primed a few spots
APRIL 2026 UPDATE
- Assembled JMODs
MARCH 2026 UPDATE
- Ordered NL8 connectiors for making cables
Notes about wire/cable stuff:
- Conclusion:
- Get SOOW (600V) or SJOOW (300V), get actual OFC (oxygen free copper) verses CCA (copper clad aluminum), most likely need 12/4 and 12/8 for cabling
- Home Depot and hardware stores carry 12/4 but probably not 12/8
Quotes:
"Don't fall for the hype of "YOU HAVE TO BUY VAN DAMME" And end up spending a deposit on a mortgage for them.
Use H07RNF cable, much more durable and at the end of the day, copper is copper!
There's a big cost increase in cabling when you buy something with "audio" in front of the name. It's like the difference between "cake" and "wedding cake". Functionally the same thing but one's way more expensive.
Portable cord is what you want. There are different classifications with different ratings for heat/chemical/oil resistance, thermal insulation, voltage, etc. H07RN-F portable cord is good for 99% of what you'll be doing with a soundsystem.
Make sure you check the overall diameter of the cord too. Neutrik sells 2 types of NL4 connectors - NL4FXX-W-S for 6-12mm diameter cable and NL4FXX-W-L for 10-16mm cable.
HO7RNF 4mm² 2 core. Job done."
Make sure you’re getting actual OFC (oxygen free copper) verses CCA (copper clad aluminum)
If you’re planning on putting some real juice down them to power hungry drivers CCA will heat up like a toaster and add a ton of impedance to each circuit
Work Completed:
- filled holes
- sanded down to 60 grit
- more filling
- sanded down to 120 grit
- cut off back bottom corners around caster area
- round-over of edges
DECEMBER 2025 UPDATE
- bought 2x JMOD flat packs (TBD but ~$3011.71 CAD... yeah, ouch)
- need to decide between 8 and 16 ohm drivers for NDL88s... so either resultant load of 4 ohms or 8 ohms and need 2800 W for the resultant pair
- Thinking of this type amp setup for JMODs:
- 2 channels of 2800+ watts for 12NDL88s (possibly AD406 at 4 ohms 2x 3740W or AD410 at 8 ohms 2x 3400W)
- Thinking it might be best to get another 4 ohm 4x 3400W AD420 to be able to run 2 subs + parallel NDLs on one amp each instead of full 4 channels of subs and only 2 channels of NDLs on another amp
- The above would also allow easier upgrade to 2 more subwoofers (total 6 subs and two channels of parallel NDLs)
- The above also helps settle on impedance of 8 ohm NDL88s (also used by JW Sound)
- 4 channels of 220+ watts, with DSP, for DCX464 (possibly QSC PLD4.2?)
System Component
Quantity
Ohms
Watts Nominal
Watts Continous
Min Low Freq (Hz)
Max High Freq (Hz)
Prob Low Freq (Hz)
Prob High Freq (Hz)
B&C 18SW115-4 (XOC1s)
4
4 Ω
1700 W
3400 W
35 Hz
1500 Hz
35 Hz
80 Hz
B&C 12NDL88-4 (JMODs)
4
4 Ω
700 W
1400 W
50 Hz
3000 Hz
80 Hz
160 Hz
B&C Part 1 DCX464-8 (JMODs)
2
8 Ω
110 W
220 W
300 Hz
5500 Hz
370 Hz
3600 Hz
B&C Part 2 DCX464-8 (JMODs)
2
8 Ω
80 W
160 W
3500 Hz
18000 Hz
3600 Hz
Undefined
NOVEMBER 2025 UPDATE
- pretty much convinced myself to go with 2x JMOD MEHs, at the expense of not being able to do a full 4 point setup, and $$$
- messed around with CAD to get comparitive sizing between possible options
- build session:
- had to get a new piece of wood and recut the driver baffle because I messed up in how it gets mounted at first
- cut the new baffle piece and fit it in properly to the sub with the driver mounted (bolts were barely just long enough so need longer ones)
Height of vertical side by side sub couple vs. horizontal stacked sub couple:
Setup ideas:
Storage considerations:
OCTOBER 2025 UPDATE
- purchased orange Duratex
- purchased electronics rack (turns out depth is going to be too tight, so might have to design an extension piece...)
- thought of old Funktion One or Pioneer XY-3 and other high end tops but just too expensive
- Cheaper to build a kick DIY and only as little high end as possible
- Or else, need to just do "cheap" mid/high but apparently JBL options aren't ideal
- Also thinking of JMOD v2s with a flatpack kit, but still $2000+ in drivers each plus $1050 for flatpack (and will need to solder) each
- For JMODs probably neeed a way of bringing them over ear level so need a box to raise them (good use of kicks as well)
- Having kicks would also allow for just half of the Pioneer or a cheaper mid/high over the kicks
- Cubo Kick 15 potential planning: 4x wood sheets @ $635, 4x drivers @ $2000, ~$3000 for 4 of them
- Might try a pair of Vietnamese brand DAVS TL15N (bass 40) to start over the kicks and see if it's worth going with for a bit, and then one day think of the JMODs
Power Distribution System / Power Distro Planning:
Requirements (ideally):
- Must input from home circuits (single phase, 240 V, 50 amp or 30 amp)
- If possible, could input from multiple 20 amp or 15 amp 120 V circuits (but may not be possible in a "safe" way)
- Must input from hobby type generator (single phase, 240 V, 50 amp or 30 amp generator?)
- Must have circuit breaker on the total input to break before venue breaker
- Must have outputs to multiple 20 amp Edison plugs (min. 6) each protected by own breaker
- Read out of volts and amps being supplied
Work Completed:
Dimension planning:
TH18 - 22.5 inches wide, 28.5 inches deep, 40 inches high
Cubo Kick 15 - REDUCED TO 22.5 inches (from x) wide, y inches deep, REDUCED TO 22.5 inches (from z)
JMOD Horn - 29.5276 inches wide, 16.5354 inches deep, 18.5039 inches high
DAVS - 17.3228 x 19.2913 x 18.1102 inches
Cost planning:
Cubo Kick 15: ~$750 CAD
Drivers: ($500)
Wood: $160
Paint:
JMOD MEH: $3500 CAD each
Drivers: 2x B&C 12NDL88 ($1000 CAD), 1x B&C DCX464 ($1000 CAD)
Flat Pack: $1260 CAD
Paint:
DAVS : comes in pair but per one price is xyz
Option 1:
2x JMOD MEHs
4x Cubo Kicks (Can be just Box at First Without Driver)
Option 2:
2x JMOD MEHs
4x Cubo Kicks (2 Can be just Box at First Without Driver)
2x DAVS
Option 3:
4x Cubo Kicks
4x DAVS
Option 4:
4x Cubo Kicks (Can be just Box at First Without Driver)
4x JMOD MEHs
SEPTEMBER 2025 UPDATE
- purchased DSP
- purchased smaller casters ($30.80 CAD)
- purchased small paint brushes
- need to purchase paint for the inside (might just go with orange duratex)
Work Completed:
Mid/High JBL Comparison Table:
Model
2-way / 3-way
Driver Sizes
Max SPL (peak)
Coverage Width × Height
Wattage (Continuous / Program / Peak or AES etc.)
Crossover Point(s)
SRX725
2-way
2×15″ LF, 1×4″ HF
136 dB SPL peak
75° × 50°
1200 W continuous / 2400 W program / 4800 W peak (passive mode)
SRX835
3-way
1×15″ LF, 1× MF, 1× HF
137 dB SPL peak
60° × 40°
800 W continuous / 1600 W program / 3200 W peak
330hz & 2.4khz
STX825
2-way
2×15″ LF, 1×4″ HF
136 dB SPL peak
90° × 50°
1600 W continuous / 3200 W program / 6400 W peak
AM6215
2-way
1×15″ LF, 1×3″ HF
90° × 50°
AM7215
2-way
1×15″ LF, 1×3″ HF
130 dB SPL peak (passive) / ~134 dB peak for LF in bi-amp etc.
90° × 50°
600 W continuous (passive) / 2400 W peak
AM7315
3-way
1×15″ LF, 1×8″ MF, 1×3″ HF
60° × 40°
AM6315
3-way
1×15″ LF, 1×8″ MF, 1×3″ HF
131 dB SPL peak (LF) / ~139-138 dB in MF & HF in tri-amp or bi-amp modes
90° × 50°
600 W continuous AES LF (with higher for MF/HF), peaks higher in MF/HF
AUGUST 2025 UPDATE
- purchased amp - Admark AD420, 1U 4x3400W at 4 ohms ($1376.80 CAD all in)
- build sessions x1, then A cut handles on his own
- build session x1, A clean up a few corners on parts on his own
Work Completed:
JULY 2025 UPDATE
- build session x1
- A then cut to size on his own, prepared template from MDF on his own
Pending:
- Inside Paint (Matte/Flat Acrylic Latex Paint & Primer?): ESTIMATE $50
- Misc Hardware, MDF, or Other Extras: ESTIMATE: $40
- Caster hardware: 4x 9 mm (0.35 in) Bolts? With Nuts?
- Corner protector hardware: 3x 4mm/0.16", ? long
- Jack plate hardware: 4x 5.2mm/0.2", ? long
- Jacks hardware: 4x M3 (or #4-40 close enough worst case?), 6mm or 8 mm long?, washers? nuts?
- Hardware for speaker: 8x 6.50min mm
ESTIMATE Total: ~$1740 CAD
Rest of the 3:
Drivers: $3194.46 CAD -> $1064.82 CAD each
Total Confirmed Cost Breakdown
Homemade sub setup:
- 4x Driver (B&C 18SW115-4): ($1057.08 CAD + $3194.46 CAD) / 4 -> $1062.89 CAD each
- 4x Total: $1740 CAD each
Off the shelf rest of speakers setup:
- POSSIBLE 4x Mid/High: ($1500 CAD * 4) / 4 -> $1500 CAD each
Electronics setup:
- POSSIBLE 1x OVERALL GRAPHIC EQ
- POSSIBLE 1x DSP (Crossover/Limiter/EQ) - VENU360 DBX DriveRack (cheap & maybe has in board mic for correction, but not enough outputs and maybe inputs) or XILICA XP-4080
- 1x Admark AD420: $1327.96 CAD + DUTIES/EXTRAS TBD
- POSSIBLE 1x Admark AD420, Admark K420, or other suitable amp
- POSSIBLE 1x Power Distro
Rack-Mount Power Distro Image Search
Image search showing examples of rack-mounted electrical power distribution systems used in professional audio and entertainment environments.
Spider Box Image Search
Image search showing portable spider box power distribution units used in construction, events, film production, and temporary power installations.
50A Spider Box Image Search
Image search showing examples of 50 amp spider box power distribution systems and temporary power equipment.
50A California-to-Edison Power Distro Images
Image search showing professional 50A California-style power distribution units with Edison branch circuits used in live events, film production, and temporary power installations.
50 Amp Outlet & Connector Types
Reference images comparing common 50A electrical connectors including California Style, NEMA, Cam-Lok, twist-lock, and entertainment industry connectors.
JUNE 2025 UPDATE
Speaking with my bassist friend who also happens to be a professional carpenter convinced me that I (we?) should prototype one xoc1 TH18 subwoofer before spending on all material for 4.
I ordered one B&C 18SW115-4 driver from ebay which all in came out to $1057.08 CAD.
Now I need to plan the rest of the materials.
Hardware & Extras Brainstorming:
- Casters:
-> "4 inch or 100 mm blue caster wheels from places like Guitel, Penn Elcom, Tente, Blickle"
-> CAD$14.52+tax+shipping x2 per build (https://www.penn-elcom.com/ca/100mm-fixed-castor-with-rubber-blue-wheel-w9004-v6)
- Pole Mounts
-> Too inconvenient to work into the build for the amount I imagine I would use them. Worst case potentially could add after the fact?
- Handles
-> Holes in the cab as handles in the top back and front forward corners should be sufficient (and lighter)
- Skids
-> Can't find any suggested models... some people just make them themselves. May be good to elevate with a skid or feet to protect the cab from the ground and the ground from the cab
- Metal grill (Home Depot? Amazon?)
-> https://metalsrus.ca/collections/carbon-sheet/products/carbon-steel-sheet-3-4-9-ex-meshraise-1497-x-cut-meshriase
-> https://metalsrus.ca/collections/carbon-sheet/products/carbon-steel-sheet-1-2-13-ex-mesh-flat-0897-x-cut-mesh-flat
- Jack plate
-> Adam Hall 87160 - Dish black for 2 XLR or Speakon Sockets
-> https://www.adamhall.com/shop/en/accessories-for-diy-speakers/87160
-> https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD/Adam-Hall-87160-Dish-black-for-2-XLR-or-Speakon-Sockets/art-PAH0006282-000?srsltid=AfmBOoqYuiqlw4pe2b7yUoReD7LeHdCx1MaQkH9Lyc3co0m-ssrAWqqF
-> https://www.thomannmusic.com/adam_hall_87160_einbauschale.htm
-> https://www.huss-licht-ton.de/product_info.php/en/Adam-Hall-87160-Mounting-Tray/info/12160.html
- Jacks
- Wiring
- Paint (DuraTex?? and Spray Paint?)
- MDF for templates for some pieces?
Mods to the design being considered:
- Extra handles? confirm
- Extra bracing in top back throat for resonance? confirm
I will need an amp to test the subwoofer once it's wired up.
Some options to keep in mind:
- Behringer iNUKE NU6000DSP (cheap all and one 3100 W x2 at 4 ohms?)
- Behringer iNUKE NU12000 DSP (cheap all in one 3400 W x2 at 4 ohms?)
- Behringer NX6000D? You get the point
- Admark K420 (3400 W per channel @ 4 ohms) - Pomelo sound uses this for their subs
I have also started looking at off the shelf mid/tops that could potentially match the type of output from this subwoofer.
The most common and affordable option that is also trusted and powerful enough for the sub that I've found are the JBL SRX 725s.
They go for around $1500-$1600 each.
There are also the JBL STX825s.
Other findings:
- Power Distro What’s a Power Distribution Box (Power Distro)?
A power distro is a piece of gear that takes in high-capacity electrical power (like 240V or 208V three-phase),
and safely breaks it down into multiple circuits — usually standard 120V or 240V outputs — with
circuit breakers, monitoring, and connectors suitable for pro audio gear.
🧱 Think of it like:
A heavy-duty power splitter + breaker box + surge protection, designed for concerts, festivals, clubs,
or large A/V setups.
🛠️ Why You Need One
If your amp(s) can output 13,600W (like your 4×3400W setup), then:
You can’t run all that off one wall outlet.
A power distro allows you to:
Pull high current safely from a big power source.
Split it into multiple 15A, 20A, or 30A circuits.
Protect each circuit with breakers.
Monitor voltage and current in real time.
Use pro-grade connectors like PowerCON, L6-30, or Edison.
🔌 Types of Inputs/Outputs on a Power Distro
🔲 Inputs:
Cam-Lok (for 100A+ 3-phase hookups at venues)
L14-30 or L21-30 (twist-lock, 30A/240V or 208V)
Hardwire terminals (for permanent installs)
🔳 Outputs:
Standard Edison (NEMA 5-15) 15A/120V outlets
L5-20 or L6-30 twist-lock 120V/240V
PowerCON or True1 connectors for pro audio gear
🎛️ Example Use Case
Imagine you're running:
2x amps, each pulling ~30A at 120V
1x DSP rack or mixer, ~5A
A few lights or fans
You could connect a 50A 240V line to a power distro, then:
Break it down into multiple 20A 120V circuits
Feed each amp on its own protected circuit
Monitor load to avoid tripping breakers
🏁 Popular Power Distro Brands
Furman (makes portable rackmount models)
LEX Products
Motion Labs
PowerWerks
ProX, AC Power, Middle Atlantic (rack-mount and budget options)
⚠️ Caution
Power distros deal with dangerous levels of current — get a licensed electrician if you're working with anything over a regular outlet.
For small setups, sometimes you can get by with multiple wall circuits — but once you’re above ~3000–4000W, a distro or 240V setup is safer and cleaner.
🎚️ Furman
These are known for being portable, rack-mountable, and great for small to mid-sized sound systems.
🔹 Rackmount models (15A–20A, good for small loads):
Furman P-1800 AR – voltage regulator + power conditioner
Furman P-2400 AR – 20A version with voltage regulation
Furman ASD-120 – 6-circuit sequenced power distro (20A per circuit, total 120A split)
Furman CN-2400S – Smart Sequencing, 20A
🔸 Note: These aren't big show distro boxes — more suited for racks or medium rigs.
⚡️ Lex Products
Lex is used in touring, festivals, and industrial-grade applications. Their stuff is robust, often rubberized.
🔹 Portable Touring Distro Boxes:
Lex PowerHouse™ Portable Distribution Box (100A or 200A versions)
Lex Bento Box – compact stage distro (20A to 50A)
Lex EverGrip™ Feed Thru Boxes – modular options for stage and event use
Lex Slim Distro – narrow-profile for small setups
🧳 Motion Labs
Very common in pro touring and AV production. They often build custom distro racks, but also have standard models.
🔹 Common Motion Labs Models:
MLAB 3-Phase Rack Pack – customizable, typically 100A or 200A input
MLAB Socapex Distro Boxes – stage or truss power splits
MLAB Combo Distros – split large amperage to 20A and 30A branch circuits
Mini Distro Series – compact, 1U to 3U rackmount units
🧰 PowerWerks
Great for North American users needing rugged mobile distros — often used in DJ, club, and mobile sound reinforcement setups.
These are often more budget-conscious or rack-focused — great for smaller setups or venues.
🔹 ProX:
ProX X-PD1000 – 100A distro, rackmountable
ProX X-PD3000 – 3-phase distro for large touring systems
🔹 AC Power:
AC Power 120V Rackmount Distro
AC Power 50A 240V Spider Box
🔹 Middle Atlantic:
PD-915R – 9-outlet rackmount (not a full distro, more for rack gear)
PD-920R – similar, with surge protection
🧭 Summary Table
Brand
Model Example
Input Type
Output Circuits
Use Case
Furman
ASD-120
Hardwire/120V
6x 20A
Medium rack or small tour rig
Lex
PowerHouse 100A Distro
Cam-Lok
6–12x 20A+
Large-scale touring/festivals
Motion Labs
Rack Pack 3-Phase
Cam-Lok/Custom
12x 20A or Socapex
Full pro A/V, modular setups
PowerWerks
30A Rackmount Distro
L14-30
6x 20A Edison
Mobile DJ / mid PA rigs
ProX
X-PD1000
100A Cam-Lok
6+ breakers
Budget-friendly tour distro
- Home Use Cargo Vans:
-> Chevrolet Express
-> GMC Savana
-> Ford E Series (E-150, E-250, E-350)
-> Dodge Ram Van
-> Ford Transit (Expensive/Not Quite Right?)
-> Ram Promaster (Expensive/Not Quite Right?)
-> Nissan NV (Expensive/Not Quite Right?)
Build Videos For Building Reference:
BRAINSTORMING / PLANNING
Soundsystem Inspiration
Toronto:
Funktion One at Apollo events (notably by Athan Ioannidis)
Montreal:
Void at Expose Noir events (notably by ?)
Danley by Elastique Audio
Goal
Soundsystem that is:
Extremely Powerful
Portable
Efficient
Expandable
"Home" or "Unprepared" Grade Power Requirements
"Affordable"
While audio power can be achieved with many speakers, this may not be very portable (or easy to store).
Also, while audio power can be achieved with less speakers by supplying more power to the speakers, this may not be feasible with the available non-commercial electricity.
Therefore, need a speaker design that can provide the most power for the least amount of drivers and efficient amplifiers (minimal heat loss).
Also, it would be useful to have a system that could be expanded and added onto over time. A passive speaker solution with central amplifier allows this easily and allows for easier powering and control from a central unit.
A passive speaker setup also allows for separation of the "hardcore" electronics (amplifier) from the more resistant speaker boxes (solid cabinets with speakers and speaker wire to a jack panel).
While amplifiers are better left to the pros, rigging speakers and cables to a jack panel in a wood enclosure is a realistic DIY project.
However, I would want to avoid just making any rough or improvised cab and experimenting through trial and error - a well proven design will already have the efficiency people count on from the off the shelf product.
Off the Shelf Speakers Cost
As of January 2025,
1x Danley TH118: $4789 USD or $6875 CAD + tax
I still have lots of research to do about suitable amplifiers as well as budget friendly amplifiers.
However, cost permitting, a Linea Research amplifier seems ideal.
Assuming 1x TH118 or XOC1 TH18 is 3400 W,
