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Supercube III vs. II

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TomBentley

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Supercube III vs. II

PostSat May 02, 2020 7:05 am

Just soliciting an opinion on whether I would be happy with a Def Tech Supercube III instead of a Supercube II since the III's are easier to come by. Using mostly for paramount sample sets and would like to get decent 32's (a nice rumble rather than flapping trousers on a clothesline type sound) out of the pedal ranks from say around G down to lowest C of pedals. The II's go to 14hz and the III's are at 16? Anybody with experience that would share an opinion would be appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Tom
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micdev

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Re: Supercube III vs. II

PostSat May 02, 2020 9:48 am

Good morning Tom,

Supercube II-III were discontinued many years ago. They were replaced by the supercube 8000, 6000, 4000, 2000

The 6000 is the II replacement, 4000 the III... I personally use a 6000 in my studio and (14' x 22') and have plenty of power. Now, about reproducing a 32' stops... forget it. The specs (from Deftech and other manufacturers) are more or less exact... probably that the sub vibrates at 16hz... but you won't hear or feel it rear... what you will hear are harmonics.

Many reasons for that... but just the wave length of the lower C (a bit more than 70 feet/21 meters) makes its difficult (if not impossible) to reproduce in a normal room. Also, to feel it, you need to displace a lot of air, have the room for it etc.

In the church installations that I did you can feel the 32' (with some well recorded sample sets... another problem, most microphones stops at 20hz)... but the subs are large, heavy, with 60lbs magnets with very powerful amps.

That been said, I like my DefTech, and you will get of course more bass (lower frequencies) than a sub advertised at 32hz... in my room, I usually can feel the 32' effect down to A1 (so around 27hz.

Audio specialist will better explain all the physic and why it is so hard to reproduce such low frequency. What I like about the DefTech is that it is musical, not boomy... you should like and the 4000 should be enough (the 6000 is more powerful and use it when renting an Hauptwerk organ for concert in a church and is powerful enough (not perfect), but good enough for a 400 seats church).

My 2 cents
Best regards
François

Virtually sharing my enthusiasm and experience with you
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TomBentley

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Re: Supercube III vs. II

PostSat May 02, 2020 12:17 pm

Thanks micdev very much. I realize the II and III models are old but unfortunately getting my hands on the 6000 (which would be my absolute preference) is budget wise not in the cards for me (retired and fixed income). I'm currently using a 12" very old velodyne and its "okay" but was just looking for an enhanced rumble even for the 16's. Think I may just bide my time and keep looking for a used 4000 or 6000 on the odd chance somebody gets desperate for money and wants to unload on reasonably. Thanks again for your detailed response. Appreciate your time.

Tom
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micdev

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Re: Supercube III vs. II

PostSat May 02, 2020 3:48 pm

Welcome Tom.

Btw, if you can find a used Supercube II, it will do the job as well as the 6000... older model, but was still a very good sub (I had a Supercube III prior to my 6000).
Best regards
François

Virtually sharing my enthusiasm and experience with you
Worldwide technical assistance, consultation and ready to play system.

http://www.HauptwerkConsultant.com

AND Hauptwerk Support Manager
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TomBentley

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Re: Supercube III vs. II

PostSat May 02, 2020 4:04 pm

Thanks again, that's probably the way I'll head.

Tom
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magnaton

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Re: Supercube III vs. II

PostSun May 03, 2020 7:25 am

Hello Tom:

If I may suggest an alternative, check out the Paradigm Seismic-12. It too is no longer in production but they show up on eBay or CL from time to time. This design is very similar to the Supercubes having 2 passive side radiators. The Paradigm driver fires down vs the Supercube that fires forward. The specs for the Paradigm show a low of 17Hz.

I have both the Supercube II and Paradigm and prefer the sound of the Paradigm. It has a smoother curve and is more robust. Both have 12in sub drivers but the Paradigm is heavier with better build and construction quality. The Paradigm offers both a standard RCA input and an XLR. The latter is great for longer cable runs reducing and when connecting directly to a audio interface.

Danny B.
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TomBentley

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Re: Supercube III vs. II

PostSun May 03, 2020 12:30 pm

Thanks Danny ... I'll keep an eye out on the used market and look over the spec as well. Appreciate you comment!!!

Tom
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Re: Supercube III vs. II

PostSun May 03, 2020 12:49 pm

What are the cheaper and smaller DefTech subs like?
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magnaton

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Re: Supercube III vs. II

PostSun May 03, 2020 1:15 pm

I forgot to mention, for active (powered) subwoofers, 2 brands are highly recommended from reading the HW Forum, audiophile reviews, and some Youtube demos:
SVS https://www.svsound.com/collections/subwoofers
and
Rhythmic Audio http://www.rythmikaudio.com/

The latter is a boutique builder here in Austin. :wink: I've heard these on 2 different Hauptwerk systems and I'm completely sold! The Paradgm unit I spoke of is actually on extended loan. When the time comes to give it bac, I'll be purchasing a Rhythmic Audio unit. It offers the best combination of power and clarity I've heard in any subwoofer!

Danny B.
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Re: Supercube III vs. II

PostTue Jun 23, 2020 6:45 pm

For what it's worth, I own a Supercube III. My HW setup is in my basement (mabye 14' x 20').

It was happy with it when it was working. I replaced the internal amp once before when the part was available. It doesn't work anymore (again), and I've heard a lot of comments on the internet of Supercube III owners whose amps died repeatedly. I'll admit that it is difficult to notice that it wasn't working, so I don't really know when it quit again.

I'm going to try to find a local audio repair guy to repair mine this time. I don't have the budget to buy a new powered sub.

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