BASSBOSS SSP215 MK3

All about the SSP215 MK3 5000 Watts

SSP215-MK3 Subwoofers Rock Guitar Festival

SSP215 MK3 Technical Overview

The SSP215-MK3 combines sensitivity, depth, power handling and fidelity. It offers amazing versatility and practicality for those who need a lot of low end for a wide variety of applications, particularly when space is limited. It delivers output comparable to a double-18” subwoofer from narrow spaces where double-18” subwoofers wouldn’t fit.

The SSP215-MK3 is equipped with extremely rugged, very high power handling, long excursion drivers in a carefully optimized cabinet that provides sufficient volume and port area to allow its 15” woofers to deliver as much depth as possible. It provides consistent output with minimal thermal compression thanks to the several effective but transparent protection systems that are part of the integrated signal processing. The multiple protection systems work independently to prevent over-excursion, thermal overload of the voice coils, and minimize long-term thermal compression. Since they work independently, reacting to different stimuli, their effect on the transient response and peak output of the loudspeaker is almost imperceptible.

The SSP215-MK3 achieves extremely flat frequency response, measuring ±1dB from 35Hz to 100Hz. No equalization is utilized to achieve this response. Unlike designs that require equalization to achieve their specified response, the SSP215-MK3’s response is part of the cabinet design, so that the sensitivity of the speaker remains consistent through its operating range. This allows it to achieve higher SPL at lower frequencies using less power than systems that require bass-boost EQ to achieve their stated response. This design philosophy is how BASSBOSS subs can deliver more SPL at lower frequencies without needing more power.

Versatility is one of the SSP215-MK3s greatest strengths. The performance of the SSP215 can be compared to almost any double-18” sub on the market but will fit where they don’t. Taking up 50% less space than the SSP218, and delivering almost the same sound levels over very nearly the same frequency range, the SSP215 allows big sound to be hidden in small spaces. If you need a serious sub to fit under a low stage, this is it. If you need to fly a sub under a low ceiling, this is it. If you need a sub to go under a seating or banquette platform, this is it. If you need to hide a sub between roof support beams or Z-bar, this is it. If you need a sub to stand unobtrusively in a corner, this is it.

The enclosures feature four large rubber feet and corresponding recesses in their tops to facilitate interlocking the boxes when stacked. They share the same footprint as the SSP218, so the feet also interlock with the available wheel carts, allowing multiple boxes to be stacked on a cart for rapid deployment with minimal effort. The stacked set’s footprint measures 29.5” x 48”, making it easy to fit them securely in almost any commercial truck. The carts can accommodate up to 5 subwoofers, allowing for extremely tight truck-pack density. Five, four or three-high stacks or three-high cardioid stacks can be pre-configured on carts, ready to roll in and rock!

The cabinets are made from 18mm Birch plywood, are extensively braced and feature 4 ergonomic recessed handles. They are coated in weatherproof high-pressure Poly urea and the drivers are protected by a powder-coated, perforated steel grille. The cones also feature a waterproof coating.

The SSP215-MK3 features a 5000W amplifier with an auto-sensing, globally compatible power supply that can run on input voltages anywhere between 90 and 250 Volts. Full output power is available on anything over 110V. The amplifier’s peak-output voltage provides for intense high SPL hits while its sustained output is unparalleled in its ability to deliver the liquid lows. The amplifier is passively cooled via its external heat-sink and by woofer-generated air-flow through the port. When necessary, two large axial fans will engage to provide additional forced-air cooling capacity in more extreme conditions

Electrical power is converted into the much more desirable acoustical power by two robust, neodymium motor, 15-inch woofers with 4-inch (100mm) voice coils. Neodymium magnets are lighter, and their higher intensity provides higher efficiency, so the result is a lighter and louder cabinet than those with ferrite drivers.

The MK3 features an all-new DSP. The comprehensive suite of processing includes high-pass and low-pass filters as well as multiple protection systems and limiters to prevent driver overload in as many ways as possible, including thermal, excursion and clipping. The five levels of protection actively prevent overheating of the voice coil, minimize long-term thermal compression and limit excursion. Because they operate in 5 different modes, the limiters are sophisticated enough to have a largely unnoticeable effect on the transient response and allow the subwoofer to deliver peak output safely.

The new DSP features an Ethernet interface. This can be used to control the cabinets from a computer or to load the ControlBASS software settings updates. The Ethernet connectivity in conjunction with the DSP board allows signal to be sent via Milan AVB. Future settings updates will provide access to this feature.

Within the software, multiple cabinets can be grouped together, allowing them to respond to commands simultaneously. This permits the levels of multiple loudspeakers to be adjusted together and yet independently from the levels of other groups of loudspeakers. In addition to individual and grouped level controls, presets can be loaded and signal levels and temperatures can be monitored. Each cabinet includes a two-port switch so multiple cabinets can be chained on the same data cable.

The MK3 DSP features storage capacity of up to 100 presets, eight of which can be accessed at the touch of a button with no need for a connected computer. The eight directly accessible presets are compatible with all the presets in the MK3 Top Boxes and are also compatible with previous generation tops and subs.

Specifications

Acoustical

Loudspeaker Description: Double 15” Self-Powered Vented Direct-Radiating Subwoofer
Frequency Response (±3 dB): 35-100Hz
Maximum Sustained Output: 133 dB 1m (half-space)
Max SPL (Peak): 139 dB 1m (half-space)
Nominal Dispersion (Hº x Vº): 360 x 360 – Cardioid Mode available with multiple boxes

Electrical

Amplification: 5000 Watts Class D (2 x 2500W)
Processing: Integrated comprehensive DSP. 96kHz sampling rate with 8 pushbutton presets. All presets include high pass filters, low pass filters, phase alignment, equalization and multi-stage limiting. Storage capacity for up to 100 presets
Electrical Connectors, Amp: Neutrik powerCON True 1 TOP - IP65 rated waterproof connectors
Electrical Connector, Mains: USA 3-pin grounding 120V electrical plug NEMA 5-15; Outside USA alternate connectors provided
Voltage Operating Range: 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz (Auto-sensing, auto switching universal supply)
Current Draw, Nominal: 120V 9A (nominal); 240V 4.5A (nominal)
Signal Input Connector: XLR-F
Signal Output Connector: XLR-M - full-range direct pass-through

Physical

Enclosure Type: Direct radiating, vented enclosure, optimally tuned for low frequency response with high sensitivity and high power handling
Transducers 2 x 15 in. diameter (380mm) neodymium motor woofers with 4 in. (100mm) voice coils
Cabinet Construction: CNC machined 18mm Birch plywood with extensive bracing and dado joinery. 4 integrated handles. 1 x 35mm steel pole socket. 4 rubber feet. 4 interlocking foot pockets. 16 X M10 threaded fly points
Dimensions (HxWxD): 17.25 in. x 48 in. x 29.5 in. (18.5 in. high with feet)
Suspension System: 16 X M10 Threaded Fly points
Net Weight: 180 lbs. (82kg)
Shipping Weight: 200 lbs. (91 kg)
Exterior Finish: High-pressure, bonded polyurea coating. Rugged, waterproof. Textured black
Grille: Perforated, powder-coated stee

Optional

Transport Dollies: Birch plywood flat cart with 4 heavy-duty locking casters. 4 pockets to accept the cabinet feet. 7 handles. Transports up to 5 cabinets.
Covers: Heavy-duty padded nylon transport covers for 1 cabinet
Hardware: M10 Shoulder Eye Bolts, M10 Side-Pull anchors