DAS Vantec 18A 2000W Active Subwoofer

Hire DAS Audio VANTEC-18A Powered Subwoofer

Active 18" Subwoofer

The DAS Audio VANTEC-18A is the matched 18" powered subwoofer for the VANTEC active speaker range with a 2,000W peak Class-D cabinet with a DAS 18LX long-excursion 18" driver and 4" voice coil, extending to 30Hz and delivering 134dB peak SPL. It is the subwoofer in the VANTEC6K and VANTEC6K2 PA packages and is available for individual hire when you need to add a single professional-grade subwoofer to an existing system or complete a custom configuration. Hire code VANTEC18A.

The 18LX long-excursion driver is the same driver family used across DAS Audio's professional touring and installation subwoofer range: a large-excursion design that moves more air than a conventional driver of the same diameter, producing deeper bass extension and more physical impact at the same amplifier power level. At 30Hz the VANTEC-18A reaches below the fundamental frequency of most musical content, giving it the sub-bass foundation that makes music feel as much as it sounds. The variable crossover adjustable from 80Hz to 125Hz allows it to be matched to any full-range top such as VANTEC-12A, VANTEC-215A, or any other cabinet by setting the hand-off frequency to suit the top's low-frequency capability.

Signal flow is straightforward and consistent with all DAS systems in the Edwards fleet, mixer main outputs into the VANTEC-18A XLR inputs, HPF loop-through outputs from the sub to the full-range tops. The sub handles all crossover duties, feeding the tops a high-pass filtered signal above the crossover frequency and reproducing everything below it itself. PowerCON locking power connector handles mains in the same way as the rest of the VANTEC range.

At approximately 36kg it is manageable for two people without specialist equipment and noticeably lighter than the larger EVENT-218A subwoofer at 68.5kg, practical for events where one person is doing most of the setup with occasional assistance.

Specifications:

• DAS 18LX long-excursion 18" driver with 4" voice coil
• 2,000W peak Class-D amplifier
• 134dB peak SPL
• Frequency response: 30Hz to 125Hz
• Variable low-pass crossover: 80Hz to 125Hz
• 2x balanced XLR inputs
• 2x XLR HPF loop-through outputs to tops
• PowerCON locking power connector
• Weight: approximately 36kg

Ideal for: Adding bass to an existing VANTEC-12A or VANTEC-215A system, completing a custom PA configuration, corporate events and live music where a single professional 18" subwoofer provides the bass foundation, DJ events and parties, any application requiring the matched DAS Audio subwoofer for the VANTEC active speaker range.

Available individually. Available for self-collection or delivery and setup.

Frequently Asked Questions: DAS Audio VANTEC-18A Subwoofer Hire

What speakers does the VANTEC-18A work with?

The VANTEC-18A is the matched subwoofer for the DAS Audio VANTEC range and integrates directly with the VANTEC-12A and VANTEC-215A tops via the HPF loop-through output. It also works with any other full-range active or passive speaker that accepts a line-level XLR input the HPF loop-through feeds a high-pass filtered signal to the tops above the crossover frequency, removing bass content that the full-range drivers are not optimised to handle. In the Edwards hire fleet the VANTEC-18A is the sub in the VANTEC6K package with VANTEC-12A tops and the VANTEC6K2 package with VANTEC-215A tops.

How does it compare to the EVENT-218A subwoofer?

The VANTEC-18A is a single 18" sub at 2,000W peak, 134dB SPL, and 30Hz extension, the matched subwoofer for the VANTEC point-source speaker range. The EVENT-218A is a dual 18" sub at 3,600W peak, 140dB SPL, and 32Hz extension — used in the larger EVENT series line array packages. The VANTEC-18A is the right choice for events using VANTEC point-source tops or any general-purpose subwoofer application. The EVENT-218A is the right choice when the event is at concert or festival scale and maximum bass output is the priority. The VANTEC-18A is also significantly lighter at 36kg versus the EVENT-218A's 68.5kg, which matters for smaller events and self-collect hires.

How does it compare to the Avant118A subwoofer?

Both are 18" powered subwoofers in the DAS Audio family. The Avant118A at 1,250W peak is the older legacy unit used in the CONVERT8K and AVANT15118 packages. The VANTEC-18A at 2,000W peak is the more current unit matched to the VANTEC range. The VANTEC-18A has 60% more amplifier power and a lower frequency extension to 30Hz versus the Avant118A's 45Hz which is meaningfully deeper sub-bass. For events where the VANTEC tops are in use the VANTEC-18A is the correct subwoofer pairing.

What crossover frequency should I set?

The VANTEC-18A's variable low-pass crossover is adjustable from 80Hz to 125Hz on the rear panel. For use with the VANTEC-12A tops which have a usable low-frequency response from approximately 60Hz so a crossover setting of around 100Hz is a good starting point, blending cleanly between the sub and the tops without a gap or overlap. For the VANTEC-215A tops, which extend to 40Hz on their own, a lower crossover setting of around 80 to 90Hz keeps the bass transition smooth and avoids over-emphasising the crossover region. Adjust by ear during soundcheck and the transition should be seamless with no audible bump or dip at the crossover frequency.

Do I need one or two for a stereo system?

For a standard stereo PA system: one full-range top per side and a single centrally placed VANTEC-18A is typically sufficient. Bass frequencies at this scale are largely non-directional and a single sub feeding both tops produces even coverage across the audience area. Two subwoofers: one per side are appropriate when the event is music-primary and maximum bass output and impact are the priority, or when the system is being used at high SPL levels where a single sub is being pushed hard. The VANTEC6K2 package uses two VANTEC-18A subwoofers for this reason.

Is delivery and setup available?

Yes. The VANTEC-18A is available for self-collection or delivery and setup by an Edwards technician. Contact our hire team at (09) 571 0551 or hire@edwardsnz.co.nz to discuss your requirements.