the box pro presents Active Subwoofers TP218/1600 A. If you are on the lookout for pa speakers or pa equipment in general, then this may be a fitting choice. Make sure to check out the reviews but first of all press the red button below to see if it fits your music taste.
Chris Roditis took the WHATISGOODFORME test and scored a 88% match with TP218/1600 A
88% match
Chris likes Indie Rock, Synthpop and New Wave
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Average Score
4.2
(4.2 out of 5)
  • MusicNGear reviewed and rated the box pro TP218/1600 A with 4.2 out 5 stars

    "Huge, commercial-grade low-end with surprisingly clean definition for the price."

    4.2

    I've spent a few months integrating the TP218/1600 A into both club nights and rehearsal rooms, and it has a very clear purpose - move serious air while staying controlled and relatively clean. I'm coming from a background of running mid-sized PA systems and a variety of subwoofers, so I judged this unit as a practical workhorse rather than a boutique studio monitor.

    First Impressions

    The first thing that hits you is the scale - this is a heavy, well-braced cabinet with a lot of presence even when powered down. It looks built to take touring abuse: thick birch multiplex panels, twelve handles laid out where you'd expect them, and the sort of industrial black finish that hides scratches well. When I powered it up for the first time the output was immediate and deep; paired with club-style tops it made a small room feel much larger very quickly.

    Design & Features

    The TP218/1600 A is an active double-18-inch bass-reflex sub with an onboard Class D amplifier and an adjustable crossover - the controls are straightforward and useful for gig work. Manufacturer specs list a peak power figure and RMS/continuous rating separately, and the cabinet sports XLR input/loop outputs which makes integrating into an FOH chain simple. There are optional wheels and M20 adapter points for mounting satellites, which shows the designers intended this for flexible, professional use rather than a one-trick DJ box.

    Build Quality & Protection

    I found the birch plywood construction to be very robust - the panels are thick and the internal bracing prevents rattles even at high SPLs. The 12 handle layout makes rotating and re-positioning the cabinet easier than it first appears; at nearly 90 kg net weight you'll still want help, but the handles are placed to minimize awkward lifts. The finish resists scuffs and the hardware is heavy-duty - this thing is built to be stacked, rolled and used hard.

    Comfort & Portability

    Portability is obviously relative - the TP218/1600 A is large and heavy, so moving it solo is impractical; the optional low-noise castors are a must-have if you plan to move it frequently. That said, the handles and well-thought-out lifting points make it much less painful for a two-person job, and the cabinet balances well when tilted onto a dolly. In short - professional movers or wheels make this realistic; otherwise plan on teamwork.

    Controls & Usability

    The front and rear panel layout is sensible: power, gain, adjustable high-cut/crossover and clear signal/limiter LEDs give you what you need on stage quickly. The crossover control offers coarse-but-useful adjustment which helped me blend it with different tops without needing outboard EQ for most gigs. The limiter is protective, though I noticed it engages noticeably if you push the amp hard - that behavior is clearly audible as a sudden reduction in level for a few seconds when driven into protection.

    Real-World Experience

    In club nights the TP218/1600 A delivers room-shaking low end that actually carries well without sounding woolly when set up correctly. I used it both vertically and laid on its side depending on stage layout; it behaved consistently in either orientation. For electronic and dance material the sub digs deep and gives kick drums the weight they need, and for live bands it fills out the bottom without smearing mids when I kept the crossover and gain conservative. For very long, sustained low content the thermal management and limiter behavior means you need to watch gain staging to avoid the limiter reducing level intermittently - in practice that meant slightly backing off the trim rather than hunting for maximum numbers.

    The Trade-Offs

    You pay for output and construction rather than featherweight convenience - expect to move it with help or wheels. The onboard limiter and cooling fan do preserve the amplifier and drivers, but I found the fan audible at close range during quiet pauses; in a loud club it disappears, but in small rehearsal rooms it can be noticeable. Also - while the low-end is very powerful, dialing in perfect phase/polarity with existing subs or tops can take a little care to avoid cancellations around the crossover region.

    Final Verdict

    For anyone needing a commercial-grade double-18 active sub that can serve clubs, mobile DJs and medium-to-large venues, the TP218/1600 A is an excellent, cost-effective tool. It's not for lightweight one-person setups, and the limiter/fan behavior means you have to respect its operating limits, but in return you get enormous output, solid construction and straightforward integration into pro PA systems. I recommend it to users who value raw low-frequency impact and durability over compactness.

    AspectScore (out of 5)
    Build Quality4.6
    Sound Quality4.4
    Low-End Extension4.7
    Value for Money4.5
    Portability3
    Controls & Usability4
    Overall Rating4.2

    Helpful Tips & Answers

    Can I use this sub on its side or does it have to stand upright?
    I've used it both vertically and laid on its side for stage-front subs - it worked fine either way and maintained consistent response when positioned carefully.
    Is it manageable to move for one person?
    No - it's very heavy; you either need the optional castors or help from another person to move it safely.
    Does the onboard amplifier run hot or trip the limiter often?
    When pushed to maximum it will trigger the limiter occasionally, so I keep gain slightly conservative to avoid sudden level drops during peaks.
    How low does it go - is it suitable for electronic music?
    Yes - it extends low and delivers sub-bass weight that works very well for electronic and dance music when crossed correctly with your tops.
    Are there balanced inputs and loop outputs for rigging multiple cabinets?
    Yes - it has XLR input and loop-thru outputs which made chaining it into an FOH signal path straightforward in my setups.
    Is the fan loud during quiet parts?
    At close distance in quiet rooms the cooling fan is noticeable; in loud club environments it was masked by the music.
    Would you use one or a pair for a 300-person club?
    For consistent coverage and headroom I'd plan on at least a pair for a 300-person club - one will provide impact but the pair gives control and evenness across the floor.

    Reviewed Jan 14, 2025
    by Musicngear Verified Community Reviews

5 reasons why people want to buy it

Actual feedback of people who want to buy the box pro TP218/1600 A
  • "Size"
    A 35-44 y.o. male fan of Damian Marley from United Kingdom
  • "Big and powerful"
    A 25-34 y.o. male fan of Dream Theater from Denmark
  • "Huge"
    A 18-24 y.o. male fan of Marshmello from Sweden
  • "Price"
    A 35-44 y.o. male fan of Peter Tosh from United Kingdom
  • "Mi piace perché è un doppio 18"
    A 45-54 y.o. male fan of The Chemical Brothers from Italy

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  • MusicNGear reviewed and rated the box pro DSP 18 Sub B-Stock with 3.8 out 5 stars

    "Punchy, no-nonsense 18-inch sub that delivers serious low-end for small-to-mid gigs."

    3.8

    Review of the box pro DSP 18 Sub B-Stock

    I spent several weeks running the the box pro DSP 18 Sub through rehearsals and small club gigs to see how an 18-inch, DSP-equipped sub performs when budget and practicality matter. I was looking for solid low-end impact, reliable connectivity and a sub that could pair cleanly with lightweight active tops without fuss.

    First Impressions

    The DSP 18 Sub feels like a serious piece of kit out of the box - heavy, firmly built and unapologetically utilitarian. My first listen confirmed a warm, rounded low-end that fills small rooms easily and mates well with compact tops; it isn’t the tightest, fastest sub I’ve used, but it produces pleasing weight and authority from around 30 Hz upward. The rear panel is straightforward - XLR ins/outs, a crossover output, phase and shape switches plus a simple high-cut option - which made setup quick and predictable for live use.

    Design & Features

    Physically the cabinet is classic pro-PA - heavy MDF with a textured coating, big handles and an M20 pole mount for spacing rods. The onboard DSP is modest but practical: a switchable low-pass (90/120 Hz), phase control and a simple shape switch let you tailor the sub to rooms and different tops without external processing. There’s no complex menu or app - that’s both a strength for quick setups and a limitation if you want surgical EQ or presets.

    Build Quality & Protection

    The cabinet is solid and feels like it will survive gigging, although the textured finish is quite coarse and I nicked a corner during handling; I also noticed reportings of dents in transit when comparing notes with other owners. The design prioritizes functionality over refinement - the woofer and ports are protected by a grille, but there’s no elaborate protection circuit visible on the outside, so I kept levels sensible to avoid clipping and the occasional red-LED warning at the limiter.

    Comfort & Portability

    At roughly 39 kg the DSP 18 Sub needs two people for safe handling, and the lack of factory-fitted wheels makes transport a harder job than lighter subs - the handles are good, but expect to plan gear movement. For installs where weight isn’t the primary concern you get a robust, stackable footprint and an M20 pole mount for flown or spaced arrays, which helps the sub fit into many workflow setups.

    Real-World Experience

    I used the DSP 18 Sub in a couple of club shows and a rehearsal room, pairing it with compact active tops. It handled dance tracks and rock reasonably well - the low-mid warmth gives kick drums and synths real presence, and the SPL headroom is enough for crowds up to small venues without obvious strain. At very high output the sub can start to sound a little woolly - it’s not a reference-level, ultra-tight pro sub - but for typical live and DJ work it’s performant and satisfying for the money.

    The Trade-Offs

    If you need clinical transient accuracy or the absolute last octave of extension you’ll find better, more expensive options - the DSP 18 trades step-in punch for a warmer, room-friendly character. Transport and protection can be an issue - consider wheels or flight cases - and the lack of an advanced DSP interface means you won’t get system presets or deep corrective EQ without external gear. Still, those trade-offs come with a sub that’s surprisingly loud, straightforward and easy to integrate.

    Final Verdict

    The the box pro DSP 18 Sub is a compelling option if your priority is big, musical low-end at a friendly price and you don’t need high-end DSP plumbing. I’d recommend it to bands, DJs and small rental houses that need an 18-inch sub with practical onboard controls, solid SPL and sensible connectivity; if you want maximum finesse, more advanced protection or the lightest transport experience, you may want to step up to a more costly model.

    AspectScore (out of 5)
    Build Quality3.5
    Sound Quality4.2
    Features & Controls3.8
    Comfort & Portability3
    Usability4
    Value for Money4
    Overall Rating3.8

    Helpful Tips & Answers

    What are the input and output connectors?
    It has XLR left/right inputs, XLR through outputs and a dedicated XLR crossover output, which made integrating with mixers and powered tops painless in my setups.
    How low does it go?
    Manufacturer spec and my listening both confirm a useful response down to about 30 Hz with solid presence in the 30-60 Hz band.
    Is the DSP controllable from an app or screen?
    No - the DSP controls are hardware switches and knobs on the rear, which keeps things simple but limits deep tuning options without an external processor.
    Can one person move this cabinet alone?
    Not comfortably - at about 39 kg I always recommended a second person or wheeled transport; the built-in handles help but they don’t solve the weight.
    Does it pair well with compact active tops?
    Yes - I paired it with compact active speakers and the onboard low-pass and phase options allowed a clean, musical blend for gigs up to small clubs.
    Is there a built-in limiter or protection?
    There’s basic protection and level indication, but users - myself included - recommend cautious gain staging as it doesn’t offer the most sophisticated clipping protection I’ve seen.

    by Musicngear Verified Community Reviews
  • MusicNGear reviewed and rated the box pro Achat 112 Sub with 4.1 out 5 stars

    "Compact, punchy low-end for small-to-medium gigs - surprisingly musical for its size."

    4.1

    Review of the box pro Achat 112 Sub

    I’ve been using the the box pro Achat 112 Sub in rehearsal rooms and small club gigs for several weeks, trying to push it as both a dedicated sub for singer-songwriter rigs and as reinforcement for compact PA tops. My goal was simple - find out whether a compact 12" sub with modest power specs can add usable, musical low end without getting flabby or boomy.

    First Impressions

    The cabinet arrived feeling lighter than I expected - it’s compact and easy to manhandle as a single person onto a stage or into a rehearsal space. Out of the box I noticed the straightforward control layout and the M20 pole mount on top - it’s clearly designed to work as part of a small PA stack or as a stand-alone single sub.

    Design & Features

    The Achat 112 Sub I tested is a 12" bass cabinet with an integrated low-pass crossover - it’s built with practical features rather than flashy bells. The spec set I worked from lists 350 W RMS (1,400 W peak) handling, a quoted frequency window that reaches down into the mid-40 Hz area and a maximum SPL in the mid-120 dB range - that gives it usable headroom for small venues while keeping the box compact. Connections are the pragmatic 2x speaker sockets (Power Twist / Speakon style on many listings), and the cabinet includes a top M20 flange so you can pole-mount a full-range speaker if you want a single-operator setup.

    Build Quality & Protection

    The cabinet shell is solidly put together - plywood construction with a textured finish and a sturdy grille - and it stood up to being loaded in and out of my van across several weeks. I didn’t have a factory cover with the sample, but compatible protective covers exist and would be my recommendation if you plan to tour the box frequently. Handles and fitting points are practical - nothing extravagant, but built for frequent use.

    Comfort & Portability

    At roughly the size of a compact 12" cabinet and a weight that makes it manageable solo, I found the Achat 112 Sub very friendly to transport. It’s one of those subwoofers you can reasonably move by yourself between gig and rehearsal without needing wheels or a trolley - something I appreciated on tight load-in routines. The M20 pole flange also makes setup quick if you’re mounting a top on the sub, reducing stands and packing complexity.

    Sound Quality

    When I put the Achat 112 Sub to work, the character I heard was controlled and relatively tight - it adds weight to kick drums and bass guitar without turning the low end into mush. The extension isn’t ultra-deep compared to bigger, dedicated concert subs - you won’t get visceral 30 Hz rumble - but for small to medium rooms it gives a satisfying low-frequency foundation. The built-in crossover is fine for quick setups, though I preferred using an external processor for steeper filtering and a bit more phase control when critical tightness was required.

    Real-World Experience

    I used the Achat 112 Sub across acoustic rehearsals, small bar gigs and a few DJ-test runs - in each context it performed as a dependable low-end assistant rather than a headline sub. In a small club it filled out kick and bass and made acoustic guitar and vocals sit better in the mix; with electronic material I kept levels moderate - past a certain point the small cabinet shows strain and distortion becomes audible. Paired with compact 12" or horn-loaded tops it blended well and did its job without demanding complicated DSP tuning.

    The Trade-Offs

    The trade-offs are obvious if you push it - the Achat 112 Sub is not meant to replace a touring-grade concert subwoofer and it lacks onboard DSP voicings and deep low extension. If you need chest-rattling sub-bass at very high SPLs, a larger or more powerful cabinet is required. Also - the passive variant requires a capable external amp and, depending on your rig, an outboard crossover for the tightest integration, so budget for amplification and possibly a processor if you want absolute control.

    Final Verdict

    Overall I found the the box pro Achat 112 Sub to be a very pragmatic tool - compact, solidly built and musically useful in small-to-medium venues where portability and clean low-end matter more than extreme extension or earth-shattering SPL. I’d recommend it to gigging musicians, small venue operators and portable PA users who want a reliable 12" sub that blends with a variety of tops - but not to engineers who require large-room LF extension or integrated DSP tuning.

    AspectScore (out of 5)
    Build Quality4
    Sound Quality4.2
    Low-End Punch4
    Connectivity & Controls3.5
    Portability4.5
    Value for Money4.2
    Overall Rating4.1

    Helpful Tips & Answers

    Is the Achat 112 Sub active or passive?
    There are both active and passive variants in the Achat range - the model I tested is the passive 112 Sub that relies on an external amplifier and crossover for power and tuning.
    What frequency extension can I expect on stage?
    Expect usable output down to roughly the mid-40 Hz region - it adds tight weight, but it won’t produce the deepest rumble of much larger subs.
    Will a single unit be enough for a small club?
    For small clubs and intimate gigs a single unit can be sufficient when paired with matching tops, though two will obviously increase headroom and evenness across the room.
    How does it integrate with full-range speakers?
    I found it blends well using a basic low-pass and careful level/phase adjustments - an external processor helps if you demand precise voicing.
    Is it easy to transport for one person?
    Yes - its compact footprint and manageable weight make it easy for one person to load and position on small gigs.
    Do I need special cables or connectors?
    The passive unit uses speaker sockets (Power Twist / Speakon style), so standard speaker cables and correct amp wiring are required - plan accordingly.

    by Musicngear Verified Community Reviews
  • MusicNGear reviewed and rated the box pro DSP 18 Sub with 4 out 5 stars

    "Deep, controlled 18-inch low end with practical DSP control for clubs and live rigs."

    4

    Review of the box pro DSP 18 Sub

    I spent several weeks running the box pro DSP 18 Sub in rehearsal rooms and small club slots to see whether an 18-inch box at this price could deliver both depth and control. I came at it as a working FOH engineer who needed a sub that could hit hard for electronic and rock gigs, but still integrate cleanly with mid/high cabinets.

    First Impressions

    The DSP 18 Sub feels like a grown-up 18-inch design from the moment you get hands on it - heavy but thoughtfully braced, with a matte black finish that hides transport scuffs well. Power and connection-wise the front-panel is straightforward and the DSP controls are compact but logically grouped - I appreciated not having to wrestle with a tiny, cryptic menu. Out of the box I noticed it moves air with authority and that the onboard tuning options let me tame boominess quickly so the rest of my system could sit cleanly on top.

    Design & Features

    The DSP 18 Sub is built around a single 18-inch driver in a ported cabinet and the amp modules are rated to deliver 800 W RMS (2,400 W peak) - numbers that translate to real headroom at club volumes. On the rear panel you get XLR inputs and XLR throughs plus dedicated XLR crossover outputs, a phase switch, a ground-lift, and a selectable low/high cut arrangement that gives you useful flexibility when pairing with different tops. There is also an M20 thread for pole-mounting tops above the sub - a practical touch for smaller gigs and quick stage setups.

    Build Quality & Protection

    The enclosure is dense and feels reliably built for road use - heavy bracing, quality screws and a robust grille protect the driver. At about 39 kg the cabinet needs two people to move comfortably, but the handle placement and footprint make it stackable and stable when loaded into a van. I didn't see foam or finish shortcuts that you sometimes get at this price point - it feels like a product designed to be used hard.

    Comfort & Portability

    This is an 18-inch sub - portability is never its primary strength - so expect to plan rigging and vehicle space around it. In practice I found dollies and two-person lifts essential, but once in place it stacked cleanly and the M20 pole option removed a lot of setup clutter for smaller shows. For install or club use the weight is fine; for frequent one-person gigging it is a compromise you'll notice every lift.

    Real-World Experience

    I used the DSP 18 Sub across rehearsals, a couple of pub gigs and a small club night, pairing it with two-way tops and with full-range active monitors. The sub reproduces kick and sub-bass content without sounding woolly - with a little EQ and the phase switch I got tight kick definition even at louder levels. Electronic material benefited from its low extension and dynamic headroom; with rock bands it added weight without smearing the bass guitar when I set the crossover and slope conservatively.

    The Trade-Offs

    The DSP section is useful but compact - if you need very deep, menu-driven parametric EQ and elaborate presets you'll find it limiting compared with higher-end DSP suites. The unit is 230 V native which is fine in much of the world but means US users must account for voltage compatibility or a transformer if they buy from European stock. Finally, while punchy, the low-end character is not exotic - it is musically accurate rather than "subwoofer flair", so if you want colored, chest-thumping character you may prefer a different voicing.

    Final Verdict

    Overall the DSP 18 Sub impressed me as a practical, capable 18-inch active sub that balances raw output with real-world control - a solid choice for clubs, rental fleets and bands who need tight, deep bass without spending top-tier money. I’d recommend it to engineers and bands who value headroom and straightforward integration over flashy DSP ecosystems - it gives you the tools to get the job done cleanly and reliably.

    AspectScore (out of 5)
    Build Quality4
    Sound Quality4.2
    DSP & Features3.8
    Power & Performance4.5
    Comfort & Portability3.2
    Value for Money4
    Usability4
    Overall Rating4

    Helpful Tips & Answers

    How much power does the DSP 18 Sub deliver?
    From my experience and checking the spec sheet it’s rated at 800 W RMS with 2,400 W peak - plenty of headroom for club-level playback.
    What frequency range can I expect?
    It reaches down well for an 18-inch sub - the published response is roughly 30 Hz to 150 Hz, and I found real usable content down in the 30-40 Hz region.
    Does it have DSP presets and useful controls?
    The DSP area is compact but practical - there are crossover outputs, phase and shape switches and selectable high/low cut options that let you quickly integrate with different tops.
    Is it roadworthy for rental and touring use?
    Yes - the build is solid and the cabinet bracing feels fit for repeated loading and stacking, though at 39 kg you’ll want to plan for safe handling.
    How easy is it to integrate with two-way tops?
    Very straightforward - using the XLR crossover outputs and the selectable cut/shape options I dialed in clean transitions between sub and tops in a few minutes.
    Any compatibility issues to watch for?
    The unit is built for 230 V operation by default - if you’re buying from Europe into the US double-check power compatibility or plan for a transformer.

    by Musicngear Verified Community Reviews