active crossovers advice

[PDC Fireworks]

hi everyone, looking for some advice in the sound department.

iv had for the last 10 years with little use 2x ohm mr-228 (tops) and 2x ohm mr-450 (bass bins) which in the past I used to run them all off one 250w amp (under powered for the bass bins but it did the job I needed it for)

but recently iv been wanting to use them to there full potentional so I brought a second amp 400w for the bass bins which will come in a few days. but the question I have is I know the tops have an passive crossover built in but the bass as far as I know don't have anything. would it improve the sound quality in the bass if I brought a cheap active crossover unit and maybe took out the passive crossovers on the tops. or could anyone advise the best way to get some good bass out of the bass bins as iv always been told they can really give a good punchy bass but iv never been able to achieve this.

 

many thanks

[Simon Lewis]

The MR450 bins were an 8 Ohm single 18". Your amp should ideally provide 400W into 8Ohms (or slightly more - an extra 3dB would mean doubling the power). The MR228 had a number of incarnations, but latterly came with Formfocus HF units. The earlier built in crossovers had protection relays, but I think these were omitted in later versions.

 

I would suggest you keep the MR228's crossover as it is and simply cross over between the 450 and the 228 at about 90 - 100Hz with an active crossover. The system isn't a rock and roll box, but it's quite nice sounding. I still have a few 228s waiting for job that needs them!

 

 

Simon

[billy jim]

Not exactly relevant, but a note to say I really like the sound of the MR450s, tasty little box! Bombproof too.