How many subwoofers do I need for a gospel crusade?
Quick answer
For a gospel crusade, you typically need 4 to 8 subwoofers per side for medium-to-large crowds (5,000–20,000), depending on venue size, desired SPL, and coverage requirements.
Gospel crusades demand powerful, clear low-frequency reproduction to create an immersive worship experience. The number of subwoofers depends on the audience size, venue type (open field vs. stadium), and the desired impact. A good rule of thumb is to allocate 1–2 subwoofers per 1,000 attendees for moderate SPL, and 2–4 per 1,000 for high-impact events.
For a crowd of 5,000, start with 4–8 subwoofers (e.g., dual-18" models) per side in a cardioid or end-fire array to control rear radiation. For 10,000–20,000, consider 8–12 per side. SSOUNDS subwoofers are designed for high output and low distortion, ensuring clarity even at high levels. Always factor in headroom (3–6 dB) for peaks and account for environmental factors like wind or open-air losses.
Placement is critical: ground-stack subwoofers in clusters or arrays to maximize coupling. Use DSP to align phase and delay with your main PA. For large crusades, consider flown subwoofers or distributed ground stacks to even coverage. SSOUNDS engineers recommend modeling with EASE or similar software to predict coverage and SPL before deployment.
Key things to consider
- Estimate 1–4 subwoofers per 1,000 attendees based on desired impact.
- For 5,000–20,000 people, use 4–12 subwoofers per side in cardioid or end-fire arrays.
- Dual-18" subwoofers offer high output; SSOUNDS models provide low distortion and high SPL.
- Place subwoofers in clusters for coupling; use DSP for alignment and delay.
- Model coverage with acoustic simulation software to ensure even low-frequency distribution.
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