Wiring Question (Buttkicker + 15" Sub)

[phatfos1]

I did a DIY 15" TC Sounds LMS-R and bought a Buttkicker for the couch. I have a Behringer EPX-4000. It's stable at two ohms stereo or 4ohms bridged. I had it bridged and running the LMS-R 15 in a 3cf sealed box and was VERY happy with the results. I couldn't pass up a great deal on a Buttkicker, though, so now I'm trying to figure out how I can run it w/out having to buy another amp. I tested the LMS-R running off just one side of the EPX and was getting plenty of SPL. From what I'm reading I should get a solid 1000RMS from each channel of the amp. The Buttkicer is the LFE version and requires "at least" 400 watts and a max of something north of 1500. I know that I shouldn't run the EPX bridged into 2ohms (although maybe that's a thermal concern that would mainly be an issue if continually run at max wattage?), so I'd like any suggestions on how to hook both the LMS-R and the Buttkicker to the Behringer to optimize the tactile transducer and the sub.

Last night I was just testing out the Buttkicker on one side of the EPX and found that unless I bridged the amp I had to turn the sub channel way way up to get the Buttkicker to move. When it was bridged I could get it to move the entire floor. I just think if I'm giving it something like 1000watts I should be good but perhaps I am wrong.

Anybody have a Buttkicker?

Any suggestions on possible wiring options would be appreciated. I would really prefer not buying an amp just for the Buttkicker I bought it assuming I could run it off the second channel of the EPX.

[hemster]

I have a Buttkicker but also have an huge amp to feed it as I don't want to limit my regular amp in any way. I suggest you buy an amp for yours. Everything else is a compromise and you won't get the most out of your Buttkicker. After all, presumably you do want the best out of your gear.

[deano86]

That does sound strange that you needed that much power for the Buttkicker LFE to work... I am using the Buttkicker BKA-300 (300 Watt max) amp to drive my couch with the LFE model and it pounds! Something must not be right in your amp setup when trying to drive both your Subwoofer and Buttkicker...

[oppman99]

Not familiar with the epx version but the ep4000 has a bunch of switches on the back and has a setting to cut output below 30/50 Hz. Is it possible you have this turned on when in separate channel mode? That would explain the lack of output.

Also kind of wondering why you need the buttkicker. I have a 15" audio pulse axis DIY sub which should be a little below your LMS performance wise and it shakes the couch very well.

[Deleted]

the EPX4000 puts out 667 watts RMS per channel @4 ohms tested and 900 watts @2 ohms tested. Those are actual thrid party tests.

[phatfos1]

Messed around a bit more over the weekend. Turned up the output for the sub channel (from +2 to +6) and turned down the gain on the channel driving the LMS. Very happy with the results. I mounted the Buttkicker to a 2x6 and mounted that to the frame of the sectional couch. It's quite amazing. I wish I would have bought this thing a long time ago. I had plenty of bass but now it's a much more visceral experience than before. Worth every penny.