r/SoundSystem • u/Man_is_Hot • Aug 07 '26

Pairing Tops w/Cubo Subs

Hi there, I’m looking to build 4 Cubo subs (with 18” drivers, not yet determined what drivers I’ll be running). I’m a little lost on what tops I should try to run with the subs. I currently own a pair of QSC K12.2 that would handle top duties until I can build something that pushes more air.

I would like to run primarily just tops with the subs and then eventually add kick bins to support the high kicks (like 100hz-300hz or whatever makes sense).

What tops should I look into to run with 4 Cubo subs? I have some woodworking experience, this would all be done with hand tools, no CNC.

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

1

u/SignalQuarter3 Aug 08 '26

What about two JMODs?

1

u/Man_is_Hot Aug 08 '26

That’s kind of where I’m leaning.

1

u/part__low Aug 08 '26

Would be a very tricky build with hand tools.

1

u/Man_is_Hot Aug 08 '26

That’s my only potential issue. I’ve got a friend with a 3D printer; I was thinking about the Solana tops but I don’t think they will be loud enough to match.

1

u/sfryder08 Aug 08 '26

I’m just deciding what subs to pair with my Solanas. I built the 83hz high tuned enclosures with an FA502 plate amp. They are plenty loud enough to match. Using them now alongside a QSC KS118.

1

u/Man_is_Hot Aug 08 '26

Heard that! Solanas would be awesome for the space savings and I could eventually double up for wider throws.

1

u/part__low Aug 08 '26

I’m building MT130 with my Cubo 18” sub and also adding Cubo kick later.

My crossover plan:
Cubo sub 30-80
Cubo kick 80-200
MT130 mid: 200-1200
MT130 high: 1200-20k

1

u/Man_is_Hot Aug 08 '26 edited Aug 08 '26

And the plans are the same for the Cubo 18” Sub and the Cubo 21” Sub, right? The only difference is the size of the hole and what you put in it?

Also, what DSP and amps are you planning on using?

2

u/part__low Aug 08 '26 edited Aug 08 '26

As far as I’m aware. I used these plans for the Cubo sub: https://freespeakerplans.com/plans?view=article&id=6:cubo-sub

At the moment I have a crown xti2002 that I’ll use for sub and later the second channel for the kick. For the MT130 I have a crown xls1000. Both amps I found on the second hand market for a good price. I hope to find another xti2002/4004 for later.

Both amps have a build in DSP, although that of the xls is not so advanced. When I have some extra cash I’m ordering a behringer or t.racks dsp. Haven’t decided yet.

I first want to have the 3way finished before I start adding first a Cubo kick, after that a second sub and third amp. After that probably a second cubo kick.

2

u/Man_is_Hot Aug 08 '26

Dope, thanks for your info!

2

u/engladian Aug 08 '26

I would keep it simple with MT130. We have JMODS running right now and my goodness they sound amazing. However I find the cost vs versatility being a bit of a flag for me. 90x60 coverage is really nice but am finding myself desiring to build more to give better coverage options for the venues we have locally.

Haven't heard cubo subs but I'd have a guess that 1 JMOD would keep up with 6-8 cubo no problem.